I went along with the full expectation of feeling the outcast. And it didn't disappoint
I visited twice - Wednesday & Thursday. I only went on Wednesday to get a feel for it - discovered the seminars and the Writer's Block' area and pretty much stayed there where the seminars were held. Grabbed a Writers Digest and amused myself with all the interviews and the feel-good ..erm.. feels. It's all I had to keep me pumped. I even got to write in that special area...was really pleased with myself. Thought, why not.
I had a meeting with BookCareers on Thursday, so by then, I had already familiarised myself with the halls...I also planned to attend two seminars on that day too (aimed at writers) preplanned this time. Managed to fit in what I planned despite feeling ill AND I got to hear Jacqueline Wilson give her 10 nuggets of wisdom. My highlight. But yeah, otherwise I felt a right old outcast. Despite using twitter to connect with the chit-chat around it. It was exhausting in many ways but one thing that really struck me really early on was how different it all was from Toy Fair. I compared it Toy Fair because it is held at the same venue.
I've exhibited in Toy Fair and visited many many times, it is a very different atmosphere. It's where all the characters from the children's books come to life and you get goody bags just for entering no such thing with the Book Fair...even the free books available looked guarded by scentinels who only offered it to those who had appointments...boo hoo me. I might be a bit spoiled as a children's writer so the anti-climax I had was er..just that underwhelming. But I did expect this as I had been before.
I wouldn't have gone if I didn't have a free ticket and also if I wasn't a nosy little wotsit.