Last weekend I was Author Guest of Honor at RadCon science fiction convention. So how was it?

Incredible! And exhausting. And educational.

Incredible, because being Guest of Honor was a rare honor for me. I’m pretty much an unknown author, even in my region. It was more recognition of my career and skills than I’ve ever had — and probably ever will have again. (Just keeping my expectations realistic, here.) I really had the chance to talk about my series, Minstrels of Skaythe, and why I chose a message of nonviolence.

I also know that a lot of aspiring authors, artists and other creative people flock to these conventions, and I tried to put out an encouraging message for them. “People will tell you, don’t give up your day job. I say, don’t give up your art.”

Exhausting, because I was on so many panels. Each panel is about an hour, and they take concentration to stay on topic with relevant things to say. They had me scheduled for three in a row, twice during the weekend. I moderated some of them, too. It was just a lot of being on camera and focused.

Educational, because it was my first time doing a dealer’s table to sell my books. My husband sat in during the times I was on panels. He was willing to help, and in fact he was a great salesman, but it took a lot of his time, too. The table itself went really well. I sold lots of books, partly because I was Guest of Honor and that always creates interest and partly because people heard me speak on panels. My main takeaway was that I can’t volunteer for so many panels, and if they try to put me on more, I have to say no.

Will I do a book table again? Absolutely. I wouldn’t want to do the full con circuit, with a convention every month, but two or three a year would definitely be possible. It also coincides neatly with my resolution to make 3 personal appearances each year.

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