What’s waiting on the sunny side of years spent writing, editing, publishing, and promoting a novel? The reward of attending book signings—perhaps the best-kept secret of bringing a novel to life. Recently, I took part in the Louisiana Book Festival, held on the Capitol grounds in Baton Rouge, and fell back in love with sharing my novel—to new readers. Coincidentally, A Southern Enchantress celebrated its 2nd birthday on that same day: 11.01.25.
I’ve been attending book festivals for as long as I can remember. Back in the day, art and/or music fests often featured a collection of literary tables or a grouping of bookshelves under a tent to honor local authors. Since I started writing my first novel, getting involved in regional book fests from an author’s perspective has been a thrill. The size of the event doesn’t matter to me. I’ve appeared at the debut of Books by the Bay in Pensacola, Florida, as well as larger counterparts set on Capitol grounds throughout the South.
With 25,000 or more attendees, a good-sized book festival offers authors a first-hand chance to appreciate readers’ likes and dislikes. What an awesome opportunity! It surely beats guessing reader trends based on Amazon algorithms or conducting an Instagram survey. I talked with readers of all ages (yes, even kiddos) and asked lots of questions: do they prefer high fantasy (a separate world apart from reality) over low fantasy (magic set in a realistic setting)? Or vice versa. Is one voice desirable or multiple voices more engaging? What about dual timelines with a historical sidebar? Prefer long narratives over dialogue-driven stories?
If it looks like I’m casting a net, anticipating certain responses, I’m guilty as charged. Since I’m a mother, nana, English educator, and former news reporter, I do possess the gift of inquiry. My day-long dance of gaining valuable information alongside making sales netted very few surprises.
Because I am presently writing the prequel to A Southern Enchantress, learning that readers still appreciate my favorite literary devices offers invaluable information. Though no matter how much I plot and plan, the endgame remains the same: Even the most discerning readers aren’t concerned with the number of tropes employed or the depth of symbolism if the story falls short of tapping into their emotions.
My goal remains the same—to create a story so captivating that it resonates with readers long after they’ve read the last page and closed the book.
Without a doubt, participating in a day-long book signing event is not for the timid. These affairs require energy, preparation, and a lot of enthusiasm. Not only do authors spend the day promoting themselves as writers, they’re also actively courting new readers and selling products. The silver lining is hanging out with folks who share a passion for storytelling.
Some tasks can be prepared and rehearsed in advance, like perfecting an elevator pitch that piques a reader’s interest. Though it’s important to keep in mind that each reading audience is unique. What applies during a romance book signing in Deadwood, South Dakota, may not be appropriate at a multi-genre festival in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
It’s a lot.
Connecting with readers is perhaps my single most desired way of being present. What better place to gather with others who love books and the worlds within them as much as I do? There’s such joy in locating my tribe, perhaps even more rewarding than checking the balance on my iPhone’s Square app at day’s end.
Yes, representing my Enchantress at a book festival is truly that spectacular. From the moment my imagination created Suzanne Lafountain, my fondest desire has been to watch her soar.
