After a year away, I am back at a local farmers' market promoting my books. It feels great to be back, and some aspects of it are like riding a bike. At the same time, there are many differences as well.
This is my first market in which I am managing with a disability. Boy does that look and sound strange. While the nerves in my neck continue their repair work, life goes on. Ironically, the booth next to mine belongs to our local hospital. So if I ever need help, it's nearby. My husband helps with the booth, which he did before. But I appreciate him more now. Our daughter helps with the business now, too. In planning what to sell this year, she pointed out that we sell books but no bookmarks. She then taught herself how to work with resin and crafts beautiful pieces with it. She does bookmarks and keyrings for my booth, using graphics that I design on my computer. Our son cheers me on, but he has his own job to do.
Another new development is seeing my business grow and become more profitable. On the one hand, I am thrilled about that one. But at the same time, it is still a little surreal. This may be my third market season, because of last year's complications. Last year's pause gave me the chance to develop aspects that I never would have thought of, like this blog. Now I have more going on but in a good way. Our sales are way up compared to previous seasons. We also have a fuller table because of adding two titles during the lockdown. I changed publishing companies during the lockdown, which is leading to more bookstores taking a look at my work. We updated the company banner, which ironically has led to another new development.
Probably my favorite new development so far is the beginning of a new book. A few weeks ago, a young reader came up to my booth with her sister. I've known this young lady for several years, as her school is one of my regular assignment locations. She admired the new banner with the image of BP the bookworm proudly smiling from the back of my booth. Then she asked me why BP doesn't have a book yet. At the time, I told her with a smile that it was on my idea list. Little did I know that inspiration would strike. It only took a day for a first draft to be written. Illustrating it is going slower, as I have to listen to my body and not overdo things. But it looks like 2021 will see my 8th title joining BP's Bookshelf.
Yes, I can honestly say a lot is changing. But I'm glad to be healing as a person, growing as a brand and a business, and learning every day. I am also glad to be surrounded by such great friends and family to share this journey with.
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