Taking That Scary First Step
I am still riding the high from Charm City Romanticon. Are you tired of hearing about it? Sorry, not sorry. I’m talking about it again. But for a different reason. Today I’m reflecting on the number of people who came to CCR 2023 who had never been to a book event, con, signing, etc before. And why they chose Charm to take that leap.
I got a chance to speak with a lot of attendees. And yes, I know that’s not normal for an organizer to have time to stop and chat with people at their event, but when you have a group of volunteers as amazing as we did, you get to do the things. And I did all the things. I stopped at every author table. I sat in on panels. I ate lunch with readers and volunteers. I danced and joked through no voice at the Pajamaramapalooza. And through it all—I listened.
I listened to book signing virgins meet their author idols and talk about how much they love their books, their reader groups, their characters. I listened to and watched readers meet other readers they’ve only ever communicated with on-line because they’d never been to an event, never mind an event together. I watched friendships expand and solidify over chicken caesar wraps and Dirty Shirleys. I reveled in watching groups of readers and authors connect over other authors they love to read. The interactions were often accented with squeals of joy, some tears, hugs, lots of laughter, and smiles. Lots and lots of smiles. Even through the tears.
I love that those attendees went home with full suitcases & carry-ons, and even fuller hearts. I know this because they’ve shared their experiences and feelings in the CCR group, on their social media pages, and in messages they’ve sent directly to me and the other organizers. And hopefully they also went home with a brand new understanding of how strong they are. I know several are already planning to return in 2024 and to me that is the ultimate endorsement for the event itself. To step so far out of your comfort zone and come away wanting to do it again? That’s incredible!
But that still doesn’t explain why they did it. Why they chose to attend CCR as their first signing. I’ve heard several reasons from a number of people, but the overwhelming reason I keep hearing is because they already felt like they would have friends there, like they wouldn’t be alone, that they wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the size of the space, the number of attendees, or the logistics of getting there. And I don’t think I, or the other organizers, can even take credit for that. Instead, that credit goes to the authors and readers in the Charm City Romanticon Attendee group on Facebook. Because before they even stepped foot into the event space, event and industry pros were reaching out to newbies encouraging them to attend. Reminding them they will not be alone. That from the moment they walked into Turf Valley, and in some cases from the moment they got off the plane, they would be surrounded by friends.
I’m sure the venue had something to do with it. Staying on-site at a beautiful resort has its benefits of course. But staying on-site and knowing nearly everyone else is as well, that you’ll be surrounded by likeminded bookish besties from the get-go, that’s a different kind of comfort. And knowing there are others attending just like you, who have never done this before, gives an added layer of security and breathing room. So my gratitude in this case extends to everyone who attended. Thank you for making this an amazing event for everyone, but especially for those who took the chance, who stepped way beyond their comfort zone, who became part of the CCR family by kicking their fear or reluctance to the curb and showed up in a beautiful and big way.
So here’s my question to you… when was the last time you took a chance and tried something so new, so scary, and it turned out to be so much more and so much better than you even thought it could be? And when are you going to do it again?
Want to take that leap at CCR2024? That’s easy. Join the Charm City Romanticon Attendees group on Facebook OR, just grab your ticket now: CCR on Eventbrite
