I’ve been blogging since Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey in the fall of 2012. And despite only living a 2-hour train ride away from NYC and all of its events, I’ve never really been to a convention for book lovers and bloggers. Sure, I’ve been to book signings (my local B&N is very good at convincing authors to visit central Jersey), but never a major convention.
Since I’ve started blogging, I’ve had three chances to go to BEA and BookCon (2016 was in Chicago so I was out of luck) and four chances to go to New York Comic Con. But I’ve always had a conflict. Whether it be that fact that some conventions took place during days when I had school or the fact that my parents refused to let me go (or pay for the ticket – BEA is super expensive!), I’ve always been stuck at home (or even worse, school) while everyone is having fun waiting in lines, meeting each other, and getting books signed. But that is about to change. I hope.
If everything goes to plan, I’ll be at Blogbound on Sunday! I can’t wait! But I’m also kind of scared and nervous. How do conventions work? How do you socialize? Like what does that word mean? What are you supposed to wear? What should you bring? Can you still get swag from authors without buying their books (about to be a broke college student here)? If there are ARCs being given away, do you have time to read all the synopsises so you only end up bringing home the ones you actually might read? Also, what do you do with business cards? Help!
Have you have been to a convention?
If so, do you have any tips for a newbie?
Will I be seeing you at Blogbound?
I will be there! Maybe we could talk before Blogbound starts.
That would be cool! 🙂 I’ll probably be getting lost in The Strand before I head over to the library.