It’s been a week since attending my first convention, Emerald City Comicon in Seattle, to promote Piggy and Pug. I had no idea what to expect (other than knowing the people there are awesome because I’ve been in that convention before, just not as an author who’s selling her first book) so naturally, I was a nervous wreck. I had a supply of books sent up ahead of time to sell at the convention, and had a supply in my luggage of adorable enamel pins of Piggy and Pug, and 4 illustrations from the book turned into some beautiful prints, to sell at my table. I’d also had a banner made which was scary and exciting to put up on the wall for the very first time!
My nervousness turned to excitement as I set up my table the day before the convention doors opened to the public. My husband was attending the convention as well, but I found out Wednesday night that we were going to be in separate buildings the entire weekend, so I was flying solo on this new adventure. As we walked to the convention area and parted ways on Thursday morning, I made my way into the building, up multiple escalators, and over to my table where I was greeted by a line of people waiting to get my book.
I have worked so hard on this book and now the best part is about to begin; I get to meet people who are excited to experience a thing I made, and will take it home to enjoy for years to come. I wanted a way to treasure this experience not only by personal interaction and an occasional photo, but with a connection to the little ones who are there to meet me and get my book. I decided the way I would do that is by bringing a notebook that kids could draw or write in while I signed their copy of Piggy and Pug. The results did not disappoint. The first entry was by an adorable 9 year girl named Emily, who was dressed like Princess Leia. I was so moved by what she wrote that I didn’t even think to get a photo of her, but here’s what she wrote:
The rest of the weekend, I met a bunch of kids who all drew great stuff in my notebook. Too many photos to post, so I’ll just show you a few:
I loved meeting these kids (and their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends) but I think this video taken of Mac by his dad, Andrew, may have just about broken me. Mac’s mom told me on Twitter a few days before the convention that he was very excited to meet me, and to bring his money to buy a book from me. He was there first thing on Thursday, and apparently read the book everyday that weekend. His dad sent me this video on Sunday:
@AnneWheaton, you have a fan. pic.twitter.com/DVctEGVRcn
— Andrew / Nevyn522 (@OfficeMonkey) March 4, 2018
It makes me so happy to know Piggy and Pug is making its way into homes, classrooms, and libraries. I knew self-publishing would mean that process would be slower than if I went through a traditional publisher, but I am enjoying the pace and cherishing these moments that are happening along the way.