Today I attended the local authors book fair at Poisoned Pen bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was a good day but I am going to crash now because the fluorescents were intense. I wore my hat and half the time I also wore my migraine glasses which look like dark sunglasses and probably put some people off. But this was hard for me with the vestibular migraines (think of them as a type of migraine with aura or a neurological attack that comes on without warning and is triggered by, among other things, those darn lights).
Anyway, I sold some books, and I have three much larger book fairs coming up so it was a good trial run. I realized I need to get Square (rather than relying on Venmo and Zelle and hah cash) because everyone first pulled out their credit card.
It’s 3:25 here, and I’m going to go sleep now! Have a good weekend!
Brave author!
Hah so brave. As soon as I saw those lights I almost ran away!
I’m wondering why you are subjecting yourself to the lights.
I was an idiot and forgot to check ahead of time. I am going to call Monday about next Saturday’s event.
I’m glad your first book fair of the season went well, Luanne! My first of the season is next Saturday.
Break a leg, merde!, and good luck! I hope it goes well and that you have fun. My stands I got from your place worked out great. There were only 9 authors at this book fair, but 90 at Saturdays. I have one in November that I expect to be 80 or more and in January over 150.
Thanks, Luanne! I’m glad your author stands are working out well.
A couple of years ago, my husband and I realized Zelle and PayPal, check or cash weren’t going to sell books. Square is easy. Cheering for you!
Yes, I can see it’s necessary. I was really hoping enough people use Zelle and Venmo, but the book purchasers are skewed older and they like to pull out their trusty credit card :). Thanks so much, Carole!
I have light sensitivity issues too. My condolences.
It’s awful. I wonder if Derrick is right. He suggested displaying a card explaining my light sensitivity. I could say that I wear a hat and special glasses for it. It might help the ones who come close enough. Not the ones who see me from a distance and scurry away haha. Do you think I should use a card with explanation?
Yes I do. If nothing else, you will find kindred spirits and it will explain your eccentric outfits! I have issues with strobe lights too (which I think you do too). I don’t look cool at concerts. Actually I haven’t been to one in years. Too much work. Now I notice there are warnings on movies when there are strobes.
Thanks, Kate. The last concert (and Johnny Rivers, so not big) I had to put my hoodie on backwards! I NEVER go to concerts or sports stadiums.
Well done. Would it be useful to display a card explaining your light sensitivity?
I was just thinking this and then read your comment. You don’t think it would be strange?
Not at all. It would aid communication by explaining the dark glasses and hat which could be more off-putting
OK, I will do that. Thanks, Derrick!
Congratulations, Luanne. Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks, gatorade has been helping me a lot. I also got very overheated. The lights in a small space and number of people made it unbearable for awhile. My face turned almost beet red (literally) and I had to go outside for a few minutes. In the future I need to try to stick to outdoor venues, but it’s too late for this year to change anything.
Wow, what a great photo and display! I bet you did sell some books! Sleep well!
Thank you! I did sleep a lot. Still need more. I’m going to write you.