March 17, 2008 | Random Thought
I don’t understand how two authors sharing booth space can be a conflict of interest.
I can understand if the reasoning is not “going to be the best for my goals with my business.” (Limiting each other and confusion was mentioned as well).
I can even understand hinderances that might keep you from fufilling your part of the deal. I’m a writer, so I know all about–and believe in–signs. If there are little hiccups along the way, it’s time to take a step back and ask “What’s wrong here?”.
But to say that you’re having second thoughts mainly due to a “conflict of interest”? That sounds like utter bulldookie to me. Not to mention a major cop-out.
I write YA, you write for children. I don’t see how that’s a “conflict of interest”. Even if we wrote the same genre, it still wouldn’t be a “conflict of interest”. You know why? Because people are getting a chance to meet LOCAL AUTHORS. People are getting a chance to read YOUR WORK.
And hel-lo, there would be no confusion since we would have signage on the table. This is “you”, this is “me”. We may be sharing a booth, but we’re two totally different entities. Confusion solved. Easy-peasy.
It’s about combining resources and helping one another gain exposure. Multiple authors have group signings all the time.
It’s just disappointing to think that you’re on the same professional page with someone–until they back out with a crap excuse.
Okay, I get it. This is a sign.
Note to self: some creative souls may not be as eager as me to forge alliances.
Gaby says:
I think I did get most of your post, I feel like I missed something though.
Joy Smith says:
Okay, here’s my thought on this. Maybe that author has a fear that they won’t have anyone visit them because they think your work is better than theirs? It’s just a thought.
Here at our local library, they set up all of the authors at one table. No one complains either! If I ever publish my novel, I would be honored to sit beside you at a signing!