We’ve hauled my books to local Christmas arts and crafts festivals every year since 2019 and had fun all along the way!
A photo from a festival in 2019 popped up in a feed on social media, and the contrast between then and now made me smile.
Then: 2019
My main books were the two Donut Lady books. My T-shirt says Sprinkles are for Winners.
When life was simple: one table and one bin for books.
I love how tidy my tables were in 2019.
Elevate Artisans Market was my first arts and crafts event, and I instantly fell in love with being outside and talking to readers. We brought a second table from home after we set up the evening before the event because I was on a corner. That was my first of many learnings in the arts and crafts events world.
I didn’t use my tent a month later at the Mistletoe Market because my assigned spot was on the sidewalk, and we couldn’t anchor the tent. I added a Christmasy tablecloth and went for efficiency with one table. It was a little nippy, but my hands were cold. My pink gloves add a festive touch, don’t you think?
Now: 2024
I love Elevate Artisans. Our weather was perfect, and I chatted with oodles of readers. The younger crowd is discovering my books!
Our tent is on the street, not the sidewalk, but if the wind blows, we have weights for the tent to keep it from becoming airborne. We did put our back table on the sidewalk, though, because it was too low on the street for people to browse.
By 2024, I increased to 4 tables with books semi-neatly arranged everywhere on tables and my bookrack. I added a sidewalk sandwich board – Meet the Author, a Barrett Book Shop garden flag, and a second banner for my tent to accommodate any spots that had two paths of traffic for shoppers.
I’ve discovered there is no better research than meeting with readers in person. I can spot a reader because they slow down and search for a book that interests them. Their gaze becomes more intense when they spot a book they like, which is great cover feedback. I listen as they tell me who their favorite authors are, which helps me understand what they like to read. All great research!
It’s a thrill when a reader tells me they bought a book or an entire series from me last year and asks me what they should read next. That’s easy because I know exactly what they like!
Mistletoe Market 2024 took the award for being the absolutely coldest event we’ve ever attended. It was 21 °F when we set up that morning, and I wore long johns and an extra three layers for warmth. After Senior Staff Man took this photo, I immediately put on my heavy winter coat.
Maybe I should have put more thought into the color of my sweatshirt because with all the layers, I look kind of marshmallowy. But who cares? Layers are for Winners!
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
Judith A. Barrett - Author 