Book Fayre

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is my debut novel and yesterday’s event was my debut book fair. A special occasion organised for independently published authors. Thanks to Chris and Harry Duffy it was well-organised in a spacious, warm venue – a convivial social club. Tea and coffee supplied, light lunches that could be ordered. Thanks to Chris and Harry also for the advertising: banners on the road that couldn’t be missed.

The booksellers were very friendly and when we were all set up the hall was colourful, festive even, and looked quite crowded.

In short supply however was the general public. We were woefully short of would-be buyers. Many books, including mine, were packed up and taken back home. (Even the bar opening at 12 didn’t increase the football around the book-laden tables. Purses were not loosened by alcohol, at least not for something good to read)

Does one try again? Or not? Or look for other outlets for a novel in an overcrowded market? Perhaps ‘real’ book fairs have fatally given way to the internet and, after all, everyone has had time to hone their internet buying skills and inclinations in these Covid days. But surely there is nothing like handing over a pristine book to an eager reader and wishing them the the joy of reading?

I’m still coming to terms with social media as a selling setting. It lurks as a monster in my imagination. Maybe I should rejoice in all the electronic opportunities; instead I procrastinate.

Meanwhile I’ll get on with writing the next novel.