The last two Saturdays with book appearances have been disappointing. One was a book fair with more than 100 authors. It was well organized but the promoters only posted on Facebook and very few people attended. Then I had a bookstore appearance. Rather than placing my table upfront as originally promised, the “corporate policy” now said authors (indie authors?) had to be at the back in the cafe. Rather than selling the usual 17-23 books in two hours I sold three. Barely.

The staff were terrific in both appearances and the few people who stopped by to consider my book were supportive.

It did feel like a Soul Crush however.

I miss just being in my “lala land” of writing. I still write for at least two hours more mornings, but I then know I need to market myself so people will find my book and my poems and stories.

My Monday afternoon writing accountability partner told me that I’ve been hugely lucky with all the other appearances I’ve had this year. She’s right. I have worked hard at the marketing. It didn’t just happen.

I’ve joked with another author friend how little I make in royalities.

She reminded me that we write because we have to.

Our Souls die if we don’t write.

copywright 2026 bethenylynnreid