Last week I attended the United Federation of Doll Clubs' annual convention, held this year in Detroit. I’ve been a member-at-large for years, but that’s not the same as being an active member in a local club. Unfortunately, there isn’t one in my area, so I approached this with some sense of apprehension, since I didn’t know anyone attending.
All I knew for sure was that it was a glitzy affair, top-dollar antique and modern dolls on the sales floor, competitive exhibits, gala dinners every night, workshops, and doll club representatives from across the country – 1,200 of them.
I’d been invited to sign my first doll collecting mystery, DOLLED UP FOR MURDER, at the Publishers Preview on Thursday night, when attendees would have the opportunity to visit with publishers and authors of books and magazines revolving around the world of dolls.
I shouldn’t have worried about going alone, because everyone was wonderfully friendly, which is why I got into writing this series in the first place. After my first doll show to research the topic, I was hooked on the subject and on the people. Especially the people. It’s like one big happy extended family, like a massive family reunion with fourth and fifth cousins you’ve never met before, but it doesn’t matter because you’re all related.
Forty-five minutes before my event opened, readers were attacking my table. The organizers had to find volunteers to help manage the crowd. I sold more books that I ever had before. Fans stopped by to meet me and tell me how much they liked my book, wanting to know when the next one would be available (September 4th for those interested). For a few hours, I felt like the queen of the ball. I can’t wait for next year when the convention moves to Vegas. I’ll have all three books out in the series by then. Vegas here I come.
Visit me at http://www.debbakerbooks.com/
All I knew for sure was that it was a glitzy affair, top-dollar antique and modern dolls on the sales floor, competitive exhibits, gala dinners every night, workshops, and doll club representatives from across the country – 1,200 of them.
I’d been invited to sign my first doll collecting mystery, DOLLED UP FOR MURDER, at the Publishers Preview on Thursday night, when attendees would have the opportunity to visit with publishers and authors of books and magazines revolving around the world of dolls.
I shouldn’t have worried about going alone, because everyone was wonderfully friendly, which is why I got into writing this series in the first place. After my first doll show to research the topic, I was hooked on the subject and on the people. Especially the people. It’s like one big happy extended family, like a massive family reunion with fourth and fifth cousins you’ve never met before, but it doesn’t matter because you’re all related.
Forty-five minutes before my event opened, readers were attacking my table. The organizers had to find volunteers to help manage the crowd. I sold more books that I ever had before. Fans stopped by to meet me and tell me how much they liked my book, wanting to know when the next one would be available (September 4th for those interested). For a few hours, I felt like the queen of the ball. I can’t wait for next year when the convention moves to Vegas. I’ll have all three books out in the series by then. Vegas here I come.
Visit me at http://www.debbakerbooks.com/
5 comments:
You're my role model, Deb! I'm glad it went so well for you. I can hardly wait to try the same at all the miniatures shows I've been going to for years. It's great when everything clicks like that. Good for you!
Looking forward to your next one.
Camille/Margaret Grace
Thanks, Camille. I can't wait until yours comes out!
Did I mention I lOVE that doll you posted ...
CM
Also meant to ask if you own that doll?
CM
Isn't she gorgeous! Wish I did own her.
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