Just because you’re a book lover doesn’t mean you have ever attended or see the benefit of attending an author event. Some might even say, “What’s the big deal? Why should I go to an author event- especially if I don’t know who the author is?”
There are plenty of reasons to attend an author event at your local bookstore, school or library, but here are five:
1–It’s free.
The price of everything has gone up, especially eggs (or at least that’s what the memes have been saying), but the cost of most author events is FREE. If funds are tight, you can attend an author event and give yourself something to do as well as meet new people.
2–It’s educational.
You can learn a lot at an author event. Books are like exposing us to different worlds. Your whole mind can be lit up by new facts and information you will learn. You never know– you may even be inspired to write a book of your own!
3–It’s a way to support local libraries.
Attending author events hosted by your local library shows the library that you value what they do. (Libraries do all kinds of record-keeping to prove just how much value they provide to the community, including how many people attend their community events. This plays a role in their funding, including if they decide to write additional grants.)
4–It’s a way to support local book stores.
Even if you don’t buy a book at an author event, you may buy a coffee at the book store. Or you may remember the book store the next time you WANT to buy a book, even if it isn’t the book by that author whose event you attended. You are also contributing to their foot traffic which is always a plus. Your energy in the building is requested and appreciated!
5–It’s fun.
Author events are fun! The authors often share their writing misadventures (how the last chapter kept them up for three days in a row), or they tell anecdotes about their lives that we would never get from just reading their book. Sometimes an author event includes free food or a game. Chances are you will definitely find something that makes this worth your while.
There are so many more reasons to get up and get out and try something different. Give author visits a try!