When the confirmation email for Apollycon landed in my inbox, I freaked out. I applied on a whim but was sure I wasn’t going to get a table. Imposter syndrome hit pretty hard, and it took a few people to convince me to go for it – and I’m so glad I did!
This was my first signing overseas and it was an experience. From booking flights and sorting out hotels to shipping books and figuring out what else would be needed at my table, I can’t tell you how many times I almost backed out. I severely underestimated how much planning would be needed on my part. As someone who deals with a lot of anxiety, sending out emails to get everything organised left me feeling nauseous but day by day things started to fall into place. Before I knew it, Apollycon was on my doorstep.
Every time I go to a signing, I am fully prepared for no one to turn up to my table. I like to have low expectations and just take it as time for me to have a chat with Ellie. So, I was pleasantly surprised by how many readers stopped by to get their books signed or to compliment my covers! There were so many creative canvas’ and mock books made by readers to collect signatures – I was impressed by the ideas that people had and appreciated being asked to add my scrawl to them.
I had the pleasure of meeting MacKenzie, one of my street team members. She was so unbelievably sweet and asked me to sign the back of her kindle as well as handing me some friendship bracelets that were Of Gods and Monsters themed. She even made one for one of my WIPs.
In between the signing, I managed to meet Nisha Sharma and get my copy of Dating Dr Dil signed by her, I fangirled slightly over Katee Robert and met my editor, Angie, in person. For a professional introvert, it was a weekend of peopling that left my social battery drained but my heart full.
I cannot even begin to give a thanks big enough for the love that was given to the Elysian Gods series. I walked away from Apollycon having sold out of the books and someone told me the on-site bookseller also didn’t have any left. I hope that everyone who is new to the series loves Quen and Gray as much as I do.
Now that I’m back home, I have a new sense of motivation and am going to be running with it into the cave. Apollycon has also broken my fear of heading out to signings that are out of the UK and I hope to do more in the future.
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