Networking – Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author

Please know there is no bragging in this post. I’m simply sharing my first-time experience and excitement participating in a book fair...

It turned out that I had a fabulous time at the Ukiah Children’s Book Fair on Saturday held at The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas! Cora’s Quest was in the spotlight! I did my first children’s book reading which went smoothly. I’m also thrilled that I sold 12 books! So exciting, I have to admit! 🎉

The event was well organized, so I offer a huge Thank You to all involved in making this fair a success. If I had to choose a word for this day, it would be ‘Kindness.’ Everyone was so nice! The authors received a goodie bag upon arrival and were asked to sign a poster board. Such a kind and welcoming gesture!

This book fair was a great opportunity to meet new authors and exchange business cards. It was also fun to carpool with Teri Drobnick and catch up. She and I met at the SF Writers Conference. Her charming book is Moving Day which I highly recommend. Inspired by the real-life story of moving a 139-year-old, 133-ton Victorian house six blocks, this picture book from a house’s perspective is a charming twist on a common childhood experience.

Click on the image to purchase from
Amazon.

Some photos are courtesy of The Ukiah Book Fair and some are mine.

From Ukiah’s Facebook post:

The Earth Store Hall came to life as the community came out to meet authors, celebrate books, reading, community and culture! Not only did the event feature dragon & lion dances but also taiko drumming, fan dances and a performance from Ballet Folklorico! There were exclusive food and drink options from Jyun Kang Restaurant and so much more.

For my first book fair, this was an awesome experience! Calm nerves, a relaxing and fun environment, and an opportunity to network, along with promoting Cora’s Quest. I’ve been nudged by Teri and a few other authors to join SCBWI, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, and I finally took that leap yesterday. Ironically, I have about 4 children’s book ideas brewing! Not sure if they’re good, but I can’t wait to move forward once my Copper book has been released. And I can’t wait for the next book fair!

On a sidenote, I made a To-do list (all about writing projects) and it’s about 20 items long. So, at 2:30 am I woke up thinking about everything on that list! But I dozed off and on until the alarm went off, and during that dozing, a poem swirled around and around like clothes in a washer! Can you relate?

Dear Brain,

I know you want to think
Because much needs to be done
But now isn’t the time
For you, me, or anyone.

The sky is sleepy dark
Not a sound stirs outside
Humans are slumbering
And so must I!

I beg you to flip your switch
To the preferred off from on
I promise you’ll get your chance
At the break of dawn

When the sun rises over hills
Wearing tangerine and pink
Then you can flip the switch again
And think, think, think!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you enjoyed this update, and as always, I appreciate you stopping by!
Have a wonderful day! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
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***Thanks so much!*** 💜

Dear Friends,

I had a blast at the San Francisco Writers Conference! For my first time attending and on a scale from 1-10, my experience was a 15! I came home with an abundance of information to digest, organize, and implement, and I made some great friends! The conference was held at The Hyatt Regency, which is a beautiful hotel with incredible architecture, right across from the Ferry Building.

What’s funny is I thought I’d have time to read in my room and write in my journal. But the book and journal remained in my suitcase fully ignored, yet unintentionally. Along with attending self-publishing, poetry, and business tracks, I was in the company of amazing women authors either lunching, wine-ing, or enjoying good conversation and laughter over a delicious dinner. I made 3 consultation appointments for pitching another children’s book to meet with an agent, editor, and publisher, and received valuable feedback. Once I do final editing, I was asked to send my manuscript in, which was a boost of encouragement!

By the time I returned to my room each evening, I was exhausted, falling into my comfy king bed and sliding immediately into a much-needed slumber.

I was also thrilled to have my books, Ever So Gently and Cora’s Quest, on display in the onsite bookstore, and to sell a copy of each! By the way, how could I pass up more books to buy? I came home with six! Obviously, I’ll have to interrupt life to read, read, read! 😁

Below are more photos that I hope you enjoy…