Kelly Risser, Author
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My #UtopYA2014 Experience Unofficial Blog Hop & Giveaway

8/6/2014

10 Comments

 
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First, a special thank you to Carlyle Labuschagne for coordinating this amazing event and allowing me to participate. I'm honored to be among such wonderful people. At any time, you can view all of the blog posts as they accumulate on the Facebook event page.
I went into UtopYA 2014 as a complete novice. After signing with my publisher in late January, I learned that they were going to this event. It was the perfect time to meet them, and I hoped, meet others in the industry. I had no idea what to expect. In preparation for the event, I liked the UtopYA page on Facebook, and I joined the We Are Going to UtopYA group. After learning about the lottery for the Friday night signing, I completed the form and won a spot! Then, the worry set in...would my book even be ready? Clean Teen Publishing assured me it would. Sure enough, on Friday night, I signed a special advanced copy of Never Forgotten at the event. Notice how I'm grinning ear to ear here? MY FIRST SIGNING AS AN AUTHOR!
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Let's talk about the exhibits. I have been to many conventions for many different industries. I have never walked into the exhibitor space and been completely overwhelmed. UtopYA exhibitors took my breath away! The beautiful book covers, insanely cool swag, and the fabulous authors themselves were a sight to be seen. I learned very quickly how approachable and friendly people were, and how willing this group was to share their knowledge. I met so many wonderful people, who I continue to keep in touch with virtually, and who I can't wait to see again next year. I went home with a suitcase full of books and swag - the size of the bag was the only thing that kept me from buying more, which leads me to my top three nuggets of wisdom for newbies:

1) Attend the keynotes. Sure, you can't sleep in, but you don't want to miss these epic speakers. The room was packed, and there's a reason for it. I loved both keynote addresses this year. Don't miss out!

2) Take advantage of the exhibit hall. No where else will you find so many authors who are not only accessible, but WANT to talk to you, sign your books, and maybe even share some cool swag. Don't be afraid - approach with abandon!

3) Bring a bigger suitcase. Unless you drive, and then make sure your trunk is empty. Otherwise, you'll end up like me, staring at a hotel bed covered with swag and books and wondering what clothing I'm leaving behind. (In the end, no clothes were abandoned. I fit what I could and shared the rest with my roomies who had extra space in their luggage.)

To wrap things up...if you love to read, this event is for you. If your passion is blogging, this event is for you. If you're a published author, this event is for you. If you're thinking of writing a book or you are about to be published...should I say it again? This event is for you! We all have something we can share, we all have something we can learn,  and there is no better environment that UtopYA to do that. There is no pressure and no judgment. We come together with one common love - books - and that unites us above all else. I hope to see you there next year!



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10 Comments
Tracey Parker
8/6/2014 01:58:12 am

Congrats on being a published Author. Love the picture, it really shows how happy you are! Congrats on the lottery win as well! I am glad to hear that it went great for you! It makes me want to go to next years so much! Thanks for sharing your story! ♡♡

Reply
Kelly Risser link
8/6/2014 03:40:48 pm

Thanks, Tracey! You should go next year. It's a lot of fun, and everyone is so nice. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Reply
Carlyle link
8/6/2014 01:58:24 am

This is a wonderful post Kelly! I look forward to seeing you again.

Reply
Kelly Risser link
8/6/2014 03:39:46 pm

Thanks for stopping by, Carlyle, and for pulling this event together. It's so fun! I'm already looking forward to next year. :-)

Reply
Maria @ The Paisley Reader link
8/6/2014 03:19:09 am

Great post, Kelly! That is such a cute photo of you. This is definitely the event for everyone. :-)

Reply
Kelly Risser link
8/6/2014 03:42:03 pm

Hi Maria! I love this picture, too. So glad that I have that moment captured. It was pretty surreal...especially since I was only a couple of tables away from Sylvia Day. :-)

Reply
Rachel Morgan link
8/6/2014 03:37:22 am

You look so happy there at your table! I hope I can make it to UtopYAcon one day :)

Reply
Kelly Risser link
8/6/2014 03:42:51 pm

Thanks, Rachel. I hope you make it there, too. You won't regret it! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Reply
Jo Michaels link
8/8/2014 02:28:05 am

LOVE this! Can't wait to see you again next year. We're gonna have so much fun :) I also can't wait to release the anthology we've been working on. It's all too exciting for words! WRITE ON!

Reply
Kelly Risser link
8/9/2014 02:31:29 am

I agree, Jo. I'm thrilled to be working with you and the other fabulous ladies. Next year's event is going to be a blast!

Reply



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  • Home
  • Bio
  • Books
    • Never Forgotten Series >
      • Never Forgotten
      • Current Impressions
      • Always Remembered
      • Sea of Memories
    • Ferocious Five Books >
      • Fractured Glass Anthology
      • 7: The Seven Deadly Sins
      • War & Pieces Frayed Fairy Tales
    • Anthologies >
      • Hostile Takeover (Debut Collective)
      • Revolution
      • Twists in Time
      • Fated Destinations
    • Request Signed Copies
  • My Blog and Reviews
    • Blog
    • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Appearances
    • Virtual
    • In Person