Three takeaways from a big win

I’m ecstatic to report that my diabolical plan to make my book dreams come true is working. I have been chosen as a FEATURED AUTHOR for the Coastal Magic Book Convention!

I’d love to tell you all the reasons why this is fantastic news, but instead I’m going to share some takeaways you can apply to your dream chasing. 

Takeaway #1- Do your research. There are a ton of book conventions. I listened to the ones my author friends talked about. I read about ones with thousands of attendees, and ones on cruise ships. And then I discovered Coastal Magic.  They do things differently. Registration is capped at 250 attendees, so it feels like a book party. For months leading up to the convention there are book clubs, reading challenges, Zoom panels, and spotlights. I love this opportunity for authors and readers to build relationships. 

Takeaway #2 Put in the legwork. I was nervous to go to the convention last year. (I had to call my best friend for a pep talk before I went into the Thursday night mingle.) I spent the next four days introducing myself, getting to know authors and readers, learning how things were run, and competing in an inflatables race on the beach. 

Takeaway #3 Focus on the things you can control. While most book conventions have an application for authors, Coastal Magic is invite only. The director handpicks the authors she wants to attend. I’d heard that people don’t start taking you seriously until you’ve published at least three books. I worked on revising the sequel to my debut novel and prepared a proposal for a third book. There was no deadline for these things, but I hustled because I felt that more books would open up more doors for me. And wouldn’t you know it, the day after I announced my contract for books 2 &3 in the Ciao Bella, I received the invitation I’d been hoping for. 

The opportunities that will help you reach your dreams are waiting for you. Do your part to be ready for them.