Back from LA Comic Con - Recap and Writing Updates

Greetings everyone and happy October! Well, I'm finally rested and refreshed from the long and busy weekend from being at LA Comic Con. I had the most fun I ever had at a convention, and will plan on going back next year. I had attended many years ago back in 2019, and remembered it was one of my personal favorites. But oh man, the convention has GROWN so much since I've been away. The convention added a brand new hall. I know it sounds weird if I told you that they converted an underground parking garage to a hall, but you would never really notice it, as it appeared to be a lower level of the main stage hall. The new hall was HUGE - which made it feel like the convention was double the size from the last time I attended. I can't speak for numbers, but all the other people said the same thing.

When I had attended years ago, I remembered how much I loved the con goers. I had met some really cool people, and several of them had become some of my top fans from that convention. Fast forward to this year, the con still had that same feel with the amazing attendees. And what do you know? One of my dear fans came to the convention to see me! I was floored to say the least! It made my day, seeing a really good fan (and friend) that came to chat with me and pick up a copy of Fragments of the Heart. I'll never forgot this person when I first met them at this convention back in 2019 - it was so cool to see them again! This particular event was the highlight of the convention. I am humbled that I made such an impact with my writing that this person came back to see me.

Another thing that made this convention completely awesome was that I had my bestie with me. She helped me run my booth. It was a good thing too, as the convention was far more packed than last time, and I definitely needed the help. On Saturday especially, we were both tag-teaming the booth, constantly busy chatting with people and ringing sales. We had fun enjoying drinks together on the 34th floor of the Moxy hotel patio, watching the city at night from our hotel room on the 33rd floor (the highest floor for the rooms), and chatting it up at the con. It was her first time too, so it was a brand new experience for her. She's already planning our next con!

I know that I haven't posted any updates for 'Fragments of Time,' so I thought I would get everyone up to date to where I am at. Currently I am sitting at 120k words for the book. To give you perspective, my 1st book was at 213k, 2nd book at 230k, and my 3rd book was at 250k words. I'm estimating that the 4th book will be between 230k-250k. I know that I have told a few people that this is my favorite book that I have written so far. That's a big statement, as I have a deep love for each one of my books. Years ago when I had planned out this series, I always knew the 'end game' of the story, and where it would lead the characters. I had been super excited to write this particular book, and am loving every moment doing so. For those of you who are wondering when will this book be out - I am giving it about a year and a half goal. It might be a little bit more, depending how much I need to clean up my manuscript before sending it off to an editor. But one of the things I did tell myself is that I am going to be more consistent about writing updates - and I am scheduling it on my calendar to follow through on that personal goal.

Last thought of the day. At the con, I ran into several friends and fans, all mentioning how I'm not online anymore. Part of me feels bad about it, as I do care to see how my friends are doing in life. I know they understand the stress about being online - the constant posting and a busy life of a mom. I do wish I had a ton more time to post. But as for the typical social media - I have a hard time posting on anything except Reddit. Over the years, I have become anxious about making any sort of post on Instagram, Facebook, or any other form of social media. Reddit is a bit unique where it feels more like a forum, so I don't get that vibe. But one of the main reasons why I created my site was that I wanted a place where everyone could see all my creativeness in one place, and read my thoughts about life and my creative endeavors. I love reading personal emails that I get from friends, and when I get a chance, I love to sit down and write a heartfelt response. It feels more personal and connective, rather than a surface post. I know it sounds all weird, but that's where I'm at with it. Doesn't mean I won't ever journey back to social media (I do make 3 posts a year on Facebook), but I am much happier not spending time on those platforms.

I hope everyone has a great October! I plan on posting two times a month at least (according to my new post schedule.) Hope to see you all next post! -Beth