Encounters!

ENCOUNTERS CON 2012!

I had so much fun! I got an autographed Yoda pic, several anime posters signed by Caitlyn Glass, and picked up some really great merchandise...

The lady next to me was selling costumes, the guy behind me was an artist, another two ladies behind me were selling steampunk jewelry; there were two knife guys and a guy selling leather goods...it was a nice, cozy affair. I ended up with a short sword, two foamy ponies, an Osuka(evangelion) sticker, an actual corset, and some things to give as gifts to my family.

Day one was Princess Luna day. The wig and horn and wings attracted a lot of attention, and a few people wandered by to talk. I sold a couple books and gave away some coupons and business cards. Caitlyn Glass made her rounds of the vendors and picked out a couple bracelets. It was interesting to talk to her, since I hear her voice in so many anime series. My rolly cart broke ten feet from my car, and a really nice couple helped me carry my things inside. I gave them a pick of the stuff off the table. They picked a copy of my book.

Day two was Inara day. Hoping the old "sex sells" motif would work, I donned the burgundy and gold companion dress and forged on through the day, even when my friend (dressed as Jayne) had to leave and I was left to hock my wares alone. There was a joke or two in the middle of the day regarding the giant pencil leaning against the Emerald City table...a companion's duties and all. I did really well considering I was a new retailer at a new convention. The nice thing about Encounters, besides my awesome booth neighbors and the extra cash, was the number of friendly sci fi enthusiasts willing to listen to me talk about my book and its related projects.  I met some people struggling with the publishing process, some who can't get past the first paragraph of their own writing, and one guy who had been published multiple times. Like all Conventions/Flea Markets/Ren faires, it had its share of weirdos as well as enthusiasts...one guy would just stop at my booth and stare at me. It was creepy. Caitlyn Glass made up for it with her sparkling personality--her experiment with the costume booth next to me was amusing and had a few of us giggling. The couple from the first day, who helped me drag my junk inside, came by to tell me how much they were enjoying my book.

Day three was "random costume" from my Closet O' Wonders day.  I was alone again and didn't really go for a particular theme; I wore the neko ears and a tail and called it good.  I sold the last copy I had of Empty Space, and ran out of coupons, and still had people interested!  I even sold the two 2nd edition versions that don't have the 3rd edition edits, and made some good contacts with other writers and vendors. Even though it was a smaller venue than AFW, I feel like it was successful. I made booth rent the first night, made the rest of my expenses the next day, and had enough to have some fun. I even got to meet a famous anime voice actress. I can't wait for Emerald City Steampunk Expo in two weeks!