Embracing the Journey of My First Book Festival

Participating in my first book festival was an unforgettable experience, and I am thrilled to share how the Women’s Write Book Festival in Maryland became a pivotal moment for me as a new author. This gathering showcased a vibrant community of writers, and it filled me with gratitude and encouragement.

The organization of the event was excellent; everything was laid out in a way that made it easy for authors and attendees to navigate the venue. When I arrived, I was immediately impressed by the devoted efforts of the event organizers, Heather and Cardyn. They were approachable and ensured that every detail ran smoothly throughout the day.

As I arrived at the festival to set up, I was greeted by cheerful volunteers. They were not only friendly but also incredibly helpful. Their positive energy set a great tone for the entire event.

Walking into the festival, I felt both nervous and excited. My opportunities to discuss my book had been limited since I published it in 2023 during my pregnancy. The challenges of pregnancy brain and postpartum anxiety made it tough to focus on anything outside of being a mom. Still, I knew I wanted to give my writing career the attention it deserves.

Initially, I felt intimidated, especially seeing so many talented women authors exhibiting their work. However, I reminded myself that I have been preparing for this moment my whole life. I have had numerous opportunities to speak before audiences, and my natural sociability helped ease my nerves.

Engaging with fellow authors was inspiring. It was empowering to witness so many women passionately pursuing their dreams and creativity. For instance, I met an author who has self-published two books and working on her third. There were others who shared their tips on marketing and connecting with readers. Their advice motivated me to think strategically about my own writing journey.

One of the highlights was connecting with both authors and readers. I was mentally prepared for the possibility of not selling any books, so when I made some sales, it felt like a great accomplishment! A huge thank you to everyone who saw the value in my work and made a purchase. You significantly boosted my confidence as an author.

This experience confirmed that I am on the right path in pursuing my author career. It motivated me to commit to attending more events, networking, and sharing my writing experiences with others who share similar passions. I aim to participate in more festivals in the next year to expand my reach and connect with more readers.

Reflecting on the festival, I'm filled with gratitude and eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to participate in a book festival. If there's something you've been thinking about doing but feel hesitant, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the plunge! It could be the exact motivation you need.

Embracing my unique journey as a woman author has been incredibly rewarding. The supportive community I encountered at the festival showed me that collaboration is stronger than competition. We are all navigating the literary world together.

I am excited to share my progress as I continue to dive deeper into my writing (and hopefully speaking) endeavors. I look forward to exploring more opportunities to speak, connect, and grow.

My first book festival left me with cherished experiences. I discovered the beauty of connecting with others, building friendships, and celebrating the power of women authors in our literary journeys.

I am forever thankful for the encouragement and inspiration I received at the Women’s Write Book Festival. I look forward to where this journey will lead me next. If you are a budding author or a passionate reader, I encourage you to dive in, explore, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. You might find the motivation you need to embark on your creative adventure!

Sitting at my table before the attendees arrived.