Barbara J. Hamby

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Authors Faire

Even though I printed a special price reduction sign for the Authors Faire, I only sold one book this year. A young woman bought a copy of Find Romance in Later Life. I autographed it for her mother.

Because of my directional challenge problem, I arrived with some of the first visitors to the Faire. Most of the authors were already set up. I thought I had allowed enough time to get lost, but I was lost longer than usual and in heavy traffic.

Many people who stopped at my table complained of being out of work and flat broke. One said she can’t buy the books her reading groups choose, but must go to the library and get them. It seemed to me that those who have time to read have no money to buy books and those who have money have no time to read, a sad commentary on our times.

The two organizations that sponsor the shindig, Willamette Writers and Oregon Writers Colony, did a great job of setting the tables up with colorful plastic tablecloths, making a sign as well as a name tag, for each writer, publisher or other vendor. Snacks were provided for those of us who had skipped dinner to get there early. All of these amenities helped make the faire a very pleasant experience.

As usual, the best part was the networking with other writers. A few I see about once a year, many I’ve never met before and one or two attended who are moderately famous. None who were there last night seemed to be famous enough to have a long line of buyers waiting for autographs.

Several local publishing representatives were there, one a print-on-demand publisher located in Tigard, near where I live. I had not known of their existence before last night.

Some of the contacts I made I intend to follow up on. So I look forward to new and possibly exciting experiences.