I’ve realised recently that I enjoy creating and managing
events. I find this a very creative act. Recently I’ve been involved in organising:
·
A conference about the young adult novel
·
A celebration for all of our authors
·
A re-launch of one of my books
All of these activities are quite creative and up there with
writing and editing books and creating lesson plans.
I see these events as going through various stages:
- Deciding what is to be achieved.
- Finding the right venue.
- Thinking about the needs of the guests – charge a ticket price, make it free, supply food and drink, have books on sale?
- Getting out invites and general publicity. You’re usually okay, I find, slightly overbooking. There’s always someone who has to cancel at the last moment.
- Checking over the logistics – again and again and again
- On the day just enjoying it. Be prepared for the worst case scenario and know how to deal with it, keep a vision of the best outcome and know that your event will be somewhere in between.
It is just such fun seeing the acceptances coming in. I usually
use Ticket Source or Eventbrite. Both are really useful.
It’s also really important to send a follow up and get
feedback.
And the next one will be: 3 December 2016, London, for
Bridge House, CafeLit, Red Telephone and Shelagh Delaney writers.
