What's in a book festival: One of the best places to lift your fears on your writing journey

By Iniubong Bassey

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I had a conversation with a poet two months ago, and he asked me how I consistently write for years without taking a long terminal break. I responded by speaking about how rigorously enthused I was to the things I write, and how I focused more on my passion than on the feedback and the motivation people gave to me.

 

Interestingly, after I ended this discussion with him, I reflected on my past to recall the discouragement I had during my early days, only to realize I was in the same situation with him. Simply telling him about my passion alone, and excluding the giving-up syndrome was my own dishonesty, which made me recast my previous answer by conversing again with him.

 

As a budding Writer, Author, and Publisher—the fear of criticism, writing blocks, uncertainty in book publishing, negative book reviews, fear of low monetization of books, and how one can rank among best selling authors among other unclear futuristic journeys is why young people are desperately seeking answers to whether they'll continue their writing journey or not.

 

I've heard writers ask questions like: "Do you make money from writing?" "Do you have a connection or mentor to assist you in publishing?" "How can I become like Achebe, Okigbo, and Soyinka in my time?"

 

Most times, meeting the right people who give honest answers, and connecting with like-minded people who share the same ambition is what makes writers join any social media group or club that includes: book, writing, writers, authors in its title. Nonetheless, all these doubts can easily be removed when you meet recognized organizations, authors, and writers in a book festival.

 

A book festival or book fair is an event that brings together popular authors, literary enthusiasts, writers, authors, publishers, book clubs, networks, and professionals with the aim of:

1. Enhancing the reading culture

2. Supporting literacy

3. Offering educational opportunities

4. Promoting creativity and

5. Giving opportunities to young talents in the field of literacy.

 

It is fascinating to note that this event is not just a convention of young and prospective writers, but an assembly of well-known literary giants and successful writers who share their stories for others to hear. The inspiration behind their story refreshes the budding writers who envision a great writing future for themselves. Also, it is easier for a newbie to ask skeptical questions in such gatherings with the hope of receiving valid answers from prominent writers who are present to counsel and guide. Interestingly, a young mind can get to learn more about the industry, discover new authors and books, while also staying updated with writing trends.

 

A typical book festival will have book discussion sessions, spoken word sessions, book reviews, book displays, lunch, and free time for taking pictures and meeting new people. Of course, one of the main purposes of a book festival is to promote reading and literacy, but this does not downplay the dynamic tool of networking opportunities with writers and authors who are readers themselves.

 

The Benefits of Networking With Writers

 

Networking is a powerful trait every successful person possesses. Think of a motherboard. The motherboard carries a series of transportation links from one component to another. It has a CPU, a memory for data storage and access for the CPU, expansion cards, power supply, sound cards etc. All these work together by exchanging data to enable communication between all the hardware components.

 

Writers associations like a mother board are a framework of writers who have common skills with a unique voice, who engage in constructive criticism and provide feedback while supporting others in the writing journey. Joining a team increases your visibility and keeps you awake in periods where you experience writing setbacks, writer's block, and other contingencies. This is why you ought to fully participate and make the best of your attendance at a book festival hosted in your local community.

 

What You Should Do When You Attend a Book Festival:

1. Do a quick research about the Authors who will be speaking at the festival.

2. Prepare important questions that will address your wonders.

3. Take notes during the event.

4. Buy books.

5. Participate in the reading session.

6. Have a conversation, especially with a new friend.

7. Play games and have fun.

8. Eat and take good pictures