Organising an Event
The third book is now available, it’s out there for the world to see and you know what, after all the hard work, I felt it was time to celebrate!
Since the first book was released in October 2023, I’ve panicked, stressed, been over excited, laughed, cried and worked hard! What haven’t I done? I haven’t taken the time to really look at what I’ve achieved. I haven’t really taken my books and told many people that I don’t know about them. I also haven’t held any kind of launch or celebration. So now I am!
Once the decision to be brave [Padawan] was made, I needed to find a venue. I wanted somewhere central and accessible but also somewhere that parents/carers and children could enjoy. As a parent, I know first hand that there is nothing worse than taking the kids somewhere for a free event only to find there are no facilities. Or even worse, you can’t even get a coffee whilst your kids doing their thing.
I knew the owners of a café in Wakefield, and they’d moved to a new central premises. Never having done this kind of event before, I felt a bit like I was a kid swimming for the first time without arm bands! I contacted Sarah, the owner, explained what I was planning and asked if it was something that they would consider hosting in their café. Like Mr Delmonte….. she said yes! So, the venue of Café 19 was booked.
I thought about timing. It’s Easter break here which usually means that parents are looking for free events to occupy their little ones. Date sorted. What was I going to offer and what timings? I went for 2 hours, during which I will do two book readings at set times.
What else could I offer? The café is opening especially for the event [thank you guys!] so I knew refreshments etc would be taken care of. I needed to make sure that on the day there will be other things to occupy the little ones in addition to the books and readings.
I’ve created a ‘Bear’s Big Word Search’ using words from the books, easily put together and printable. I’ve also put together a ‘Bear’s Big Quiz’ sheet, asking questions from the book. Reinforcing children’s learning through repetition of what you’ve told/taught them is a key element in their learning, and it gives them additional activities to do on the day. I had to make sure that I hadn’t accidently put a rude word or two in the word search – I’m sure kids would find it hilarious to discover the word ‘bum’ or ‘poo’ in there but I’d feel a bit of a plonker!
Café 19 are making cupcakes for the event [again, thank you!] I’ve ordered some cupcake toppers with the image of Bear from the latest book. I was a bit nervous on how the toppers would turn out, but they’ve arrived, and I have to say, they are awesome! I was worried that Bear would be all squished or blurred but they are as clear as the book cover.
It would be amazing if children already have the book and bring it with them so that I can sign it for them on the day [need to practice my handwriting, it’s more doctor’s scrawl than legible English graduate] Although there will of course be a limited number of books available to buy on the day.
Marketing…. Blimey, I’ve realised that I’m not actually very good at marketing what I do. I mean this is the THIRD book and if I’m honest, I’ve hidden a bit behind it all. I now need to stand up and shout about my achievements! Doing that doesn’t come easy to me, it makes me feel a bit awkward, hence the title of this! But if I don’t shout about it, who will?!
I’ve created a few fliers but in the main, it’s all online and word of mouth. I’ve contacted the schools that I’ve already done author readings for and asked if they were able to share the event with parents. Kindly they did [thank you!]
Café 19 have also shared the event, have a poster and the postcards onsite and are telling their customers about it.
Key areas … I’ve made list after list! Venue & timings, books for the day, marketing, countdowns and prompts, additional resources [word search and quiz, oh and pencils to complete them] Free bookmarks for the children who come along, coffee…. coffee… and more coffee
There will be things that I’ve forgotten, no doubt. I’m just hoping and praying that I will be reading to more people on the day than my mum and grandma! I’ll let you know! Wish me luck!