Attending my first book festival.

Let me begin by stating that I suffer from social anxiety. Sometimes, that means I worry too much about what others think of me. At worst, it can bring on a panic attack, and that’s not my idea of a fun time. Usually, I steer clear of big events like book festivals, but not this time.

I will navigate my way through stress and fear, and show up. The Montreal/Mystery book festival is a two-hour drive from home, but it’s exactly the sort of event I need to attend as a thriller writer. The experience will help me grow as a writer. I want to meet other writers, get to say hello to published authors in my genre. There will be panels and talks about character development, plots, and about the power of storytelling and more. The idea of sitting in as an author discussing their craft fills me with curiosity and expectations.

I have the names of authors who will be speaking and signing their books. I think I’m going to go over what each author has written, research those books and then plan which panels to attend. Though business cards aren’t essential, I will make a few in case I run into an agent (dreaming big here).

I don’t know that I will make any connections, but simply being in the same space as all those authors will be like going to Disneyland. I have already made a checklist of things to bring: a reusable water bottle, snacks, cell phone charger, a notebook and pens. And comfortable shoes. The one thing I’d love, is to connect with other writers who will be at the Montreal/Mystery book festival and arrange to meet up.

The festival is nearly three months away, and although I’m stressed, I can’t wait to attend.