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The Ecofest in Arlington, Texas was a stretch for me. What, I wondered, would this festival have in common with people who write books? Before the day was finished, I would find out they have much in common. As they hurried to retrieve the free plants and visit the booths showing them how to 'go green', they also stopped by our corner stand, interested in us and our books. It amazed me that people stood in the blazing sun and listened to the snippets of each of our stories. Not only did they listen, but they bought, and more often than not, gave us hugs. The other vendors were just as polite, listening and passing out their business cards, as we listened to them.
Festivals are hard sometimes. You contend with the weather, with other businesses, and all the free stuff given away. But this crowd seemed genuinely interested. We were flying under the banner 'Live, Learn, Literacy'. I think that was what drew them in. People are genuinely concerned about literacy. This day, the weather was hot. Yes, we were under tents, but the sun seemed to find us anyway. The only time I really felt the sun was when I didn't have a client to talk to. As soon as someone stepped up, I was chattering away about my books, An Unlikely Arrangement, and An Unlikely Beginning. As I told the story of the inspiration for these books, they would reach for the book and start flipping the pages and reading the back. Only one person didn't buy the set, only the first book. The rest bought the set and asked for my card so they could order the third in my historical romantic fiction series when it comes out. Somehow the heat seemed of very little consequence.
The Ecofest in Arlington, Texas was a stretch for me. What, I wondered, would this festival have in common with people who write books? Before the day was finished, I would find out they have much in common. As they hurried to retrieve the free plants and visit the booths showing them how to 'go green', they also stopped by our corner stand, interested in us and our books. It amazed me that people stood in the blazing sun and listened to the snippets of each of our stories. Not only did they listen, but they bought, and more often than not, gave us hugs. The other vendors were just as polite, listening and passing out their business cards, as we listened to them. 
2 comments:
It WAS hot, but it was a great day.... I was amazed at the people who heard me tell my tale of September 11th brought to a small(ish) East Texas town and scooped it up like I was Dean Koontz or something. (side note: I had an amazing conversation with a gentleman who was just as big of a Koontz fan as I! One of the great high points of my day.) Yes, it was hot..... and I really felt it once I got in the car on the way home. But, I know you'll agree with me when I say that I'd do it again just to have that personal interaction with the fans.
I think you're also right about their specific reactions. They came to hear about Ecologically-friendly things, so having our books there was a surprise to most of them. their excitement to help us spread literacy and clean entertainment was downright contagious....
Made so many new contacts at the festival! What a fun day!
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