I was thrilled to present recently at the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Summer Camp in support of WILD ABOUT CAMPING, my new picture book with Nimbus Publishing.
It was a real delight to virtually meet so many incredibly talented fellow kidlit creators and learn about their exciting new books, and it felt great to be able to get out there and connect with book loving people, at least from the comfort of my own dining room table. Presenters came from across the US and from as far afield as London, England, and I was tickled to be representing Canada from coast to coast (I’m based in B.C., and my illustrator and publisher are in Atlantic Canada). As I mentioned briefly in a previous post, I’m still recovering from a serious injury, which has impacted my ability to promote my new books, and it was such a thrill to be able to gently dip my toe back into the waters and spread the word about WILD ABOUT CAMPING. And really, could there have been a more appropriately themed event?
A massive thanks to the team at Nimbus for putting me forward for this event, and for believing in me and in WILD ABOUT CAMPING, and another massive thanks to the team at the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association for their warm welcome, and consummate professionalism. I am a passionate supporter of independent booksellers (I might just be hosting an in-person signing at a local independent bookstore here in B.C. in the coming months, stay tuned for more details), and I am incredibly thrilled whenever I can connect with the talented people who keep these pillars of our community thriving.
If you’ve had a chance to read WILD ABOUT CAMPING, please consider leaving a review on your site of choice, even a simple star rating can make a huge difference in helping spread the word about a book. Just as independent booksellers have to compete with large bookstore chains and online retailers, so too do independent publishers like Nimbus have to compete with massive American publishing houses. Sharing reviews, borrowing books from the library, requesting that local libraries or bookstores carry a book, or sharing your thoughts on social media are wonderful ways to help keep independent publishers, and local authors, chugging along in this highly competitive world. As always,
