You might have seen the pictures online. I made it to Monsterotica Book Con in Baltimore, MD, and I had a blast.
Leading up to the con was...interesting as my son's therapist had prepped him for what to expect months in advance--especially about airplane toilets. She did an amazing job and my boy was cool, calm and collected.
My baby girl? not so much. She had put on a brave face. She helped her brother calm down with her jokes and her tendency to comfort others. But she timidly expressed how much she was nervous, herself, about the whole thing. After all, it was her first experience too--with an airport, with a plane, with landings and takeoffs, with shifting proprioception of the inner balance, with ears popping, with riding on a bus, with staying at a hotel.
It was a lot for both babies. If you follow me on Instagram, I've been posting a little about the behind the scenes and all that led up to the con.
My husband, the supportive man he is, tried his best to take care of the babies while trying not to worry about me being away from him during the convention. He's a provider and a protector through and through... it's in his DNA to want to be there for me.
But Monsterotica was... not what I expected in all the best of ways. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone! from vendors, to other authors, to influencers and of course my beloved readers both old and new!
I am downright humbled by everyone who showed up for me. Me. Little 'ol me. Who am I but a spec in this author community?
But many of you all came with crates of books you've collected to have me sign and I would do it again and again even if you came with ten crates.
Thank you all so much for showing this nerd that her work touched someone. You all inspire me to keep on going--especially during those quiet moments where I wonder to myself if anyone is even reading what I put out there.
This trip has definitely taught me that not all is what it seems online. Just because it "feels" like I'm not gaining traction... doesn't mean it's true.
You all came through for me and I want to cry every time I think about it.
By the time I was on the flight home back to the west coast, it was mother's day... which led me into more emotions.
My mother has been gone for a few years now...but the wound sometimes still feels raw (in a bittersweet sort of way).
Baby girl decided to use my late mother's fairy messenger bag for the trip... and it felt like she brought her with us to my first con.
One thing is for certain, there was a high request for the continuation of the Darkverse and Gero and Bernhard's story. I will definitely be pushing that series up on my roster of things to do! I already have the third cover made since last year or so, I just need to slow down with side projects and concentrate on this one.
To the person who brought the Tempest PR book, I am in awe. As well as to the person who brought the now unpublished Marked for Execution (that has been since expanded into "The Executed"). I never thought I would ever see those out in public, but you all proved me wrong yet again.
I want to personally thank author Sienna Rae for being my PA during Monsterotica. I couldn't have sold out without them.
[can you believe I sold out?!]
It was such a great experience that my husband agreed to go to more future events.
We'll see how frequently he'll be willing to fly lol. After all, we have to bring the whole tribe with us.
Thank you all again for showing this introverted book nerd how much her stories impacted you... and for inspiring me to keep on going. I wont let you down <3
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