There’s been a few roller-coaster emotions going through me for the past several weeks. Imaginarium is just around the corner and I have been looking forward to it all year. After being appointed a senior staff member by the heads of the con, I was excited to see what the new year would hold for my new job status. I was to be the one to run the panels area of the con. Last year I ran around like a chicken with it’s head cut off trying to give the 5 minute warnings to all the panels so the new panels could start on time without a hitch. I went extremely well, and although exhausted I had the best time. The past two years have been hard on this author, not just financially, but emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Things were starting to look up as the time for Imaginarium got closer. Everything was set, I had the time off, the room ready, my partners set to come with me, the only thing that lacked was the money to get down there and back on, and I thought that was going to work out eventually too. Sadly, however, it does not seem to be in the stars for me this year. Such a piteous thing, to have to miss out on such a wonderful experience, as many of the best times I’ve ever had were had at this con. The money is not there, my companions are unable to attend, and it could be the first and last time I would get to see some of my author friends. But don’t pity me just yet though. Everything works out in the way it’s supposed to. There were a few issues that arose with my traveling there, a few things that I didn’t need to be around right now. There is always a reason for everything and this just wasn’t written in the stars for me this year, but I believe next year will be wrought with all sorts of wondrous things for me in my authoring business. (I am aware that is not really a word, but I like it! haha)
Thinking about this has me thinking about the issues that plague the authors, artists, actors, musicians, and troubadours. All of those who live to entertain the world have problems just like the rest of the world. Money problems and the like. Some of the more well-known entertainers may not have as much issue with it as us lesser known individuals but they did at one point in their lives before they made it big. Starting out is hard for anyone in any business, you have to have money to make money, so to speak. Most authors I have spoken too only travel a few hours from where they live, but a very few like me are willing to make the long treks. The issue with any trek long or short is that you have to have the money to be able to get the supplies you need, pay for gas, a room (in most cases), food and drink, and if there are extra things that may be needed or wanted. For me, a traveling companion is a must. I’m a female of small stature, I get lost easily as I have no sense of direction (although I’m getting better), and there are so many horrible things that go on in the world today that traveling alone is not advised. I know I would be protected there, but on the trek is another matter entirely, not to mention the fact that I would probably get turned around and end up in Timbuktu. When traveling companions and funds are in short supply it does not bode well for the business of an unknown and fairly new author. I usually have the money saved up for such endeavors and the companions are usually right there ready to go, but this year there were medical issues that caused a month of non-pay from my day job, and the companions are having somewhat the same issue fund and time-wise. So it’s just not feasible for this time, but with a little work and some divine intervention maybe next year will work out better.
My advice for new authors who are unable to do the marketing needed, or can’t afford to head out on an adventure to con’s in a nether-realm, is to be patient, be diligent, and save, save, save. Sometimes it will work out and sometimes it won’t, but don’t fret, just renew that sense of determination and prepare for the next time. Get a little at a time of the supplies you’ll need box them up and set them aside as you get them and when the time comes you’ll have all of that ready. Also, even if it’s just $25 a payday, get a prepaid card (I use bluebird), or a savings account, put that in every payday and don’t touch it. It may not seem like much but it’ll add up fairly fast. If you get paid weekly that’s $100 to $125 a month depending on the 4 or 5 weeks in a month, so $1200 to $1300 or so a year, if you get paid biweekly it’s $600 to $700 which could still work, maybe up the amount if you want to have more. Monthly paid people may want to try $50 a month just to be safe. I put the card in my drawer and don’t touch it unless I absolutely have no other choice, which was the case this year. Things will happen and you probably won’t be able to go to some things, but that’s okay. Just don’t let it stifle your creativity. Keep writing, or singing, or acting, or whatever it is that you do to entertain. Be the best you, you can be, and soldier on! You determine your fate. I know without a shadow of a doubt that with discipline and a positive attitude you can achieve the deepest desires of your heart. I will make it next year! NEVER GIVE UP!
I hope this blog post encourages you. Feel free to comment or ask questions below.
God Bless You My Jumpin Jillhosephat Journeyers!
Jill Campbell