Out and About by Allison Symes

Image Credit:  Images from the ACW Autumn Gathering Day were taken by me, Allison Symes. Many thanks to Janet Williams, my lovely editor at Chandler’s Ford Today, for taking the shot of me signing books at the book fair.

I’m glad to say October was busy. I went to an Association of Christian Writers (ACW) in person event in Rugby, where it was lovely to catch up with friends. A week later I was taking part in a book fair which was in a hall a short walk from my home.

Good to be back in business on the book stand at the ACW Autumn Gathering

The writing day had Paul Kerensa (co-writer on Miranda, Not Going Out, broadcaster and podcaster on the history of radio) as the guest speaker (he was hilarious) plus there was a choice of workshops after lunch. There is a buzz when getting together with other writers which I find inspiring. I had a lovely time  coming home enthused. (That’s always a sign of a good writing event I find). 

Paul Kerensa gave a wonderful and funny two part talk at the ACW Autumn Gathering

The book fair I was especially pleased about as it was only the second time it has been held. What I love about book fairs is meeting readers and authors. This fair is useful because our nearest bookshops are several miles away so this event brings the books to me (and my neighbours).  

I’m also pleased to hear a branch of Waterstones has opened up recently in one of the towns nearest to me.  I hope it is a sign of positive things for the book industry though I concede this may just be wishful thinking. It is a good wish though!

The ACW tables all had writing quotes on them - this one about adverbs made me grin.

One of my earliest experiences of a book fair showed me books were not valued by everyone. I couldn’t believe my ears when two people walked past my table and one said “I’m not into books”. I bit my tongue to stop myself asking “what are you doing here then?” only because I doubt it would’ve helped anyone’s sales though it would’ve been honest.

These events were something I’m sure we all missed during the pandemic. I don’t know if they’re now fully back to the numbers and strength they were. I hope they are getting there. 

I can vouch for this one!

There is also something personal about these events. Authors are reaching out to potential readers. We’re also supporting one another. I’ve always loved the writing community for this. That support doesn’t happen everywhere. I’ve been grateful for useful information I’ve found out from other authors and I’ve tried to share useful tips myself over the years. 

The range of books at the fairs I’ve attended have been wonderful. Plenty of choice for the reading public, which I’ve found encouraging. I also found a good representation of non-fiction books at the fairs encouraging too. 

Often I’ll read something of interest on the factual side of the reading life and it will spark ideas for stories. I love the idea of the two major book branches feeding into each other like that. 

 

I can vouch for this one too. This is so true. Reading does feed into writing.

If you’re taking part in book fairs or going to any writing event this autumn, I hope they go well and you enjoy them. I think that’s vital. It can do no harm for readers to see authors enjoying the events. I hope that encourages sales too!

Good to be back at my local Book Fair.