I’m fairly new to the book blogging world and I love it. I have recently attended a few author signing events. As an avid book reader, I have been so excited to get my inner fangirl out and meet some of my favorite authors, as well as finding new ones. There is one event, Love N. Vegas on Oct. 27th-29th in the one and only Las Vegas, NV that I am dying to attend. In preparation for this spectacular event I thought I would plan things out and share some of my tips and trick on How To Survive A Book Convention.

I’m going to start with the most important one, especially for Love N. Vegas because Vegas is a place to show up and show out.

• What should I wear? Dress comfy yet sexy. It’s easier than you think ladies. 
  • For those who like dresses a maxi dress is perfect. It’s loose and flows and works for all body types. It also looks great with a pair of flat sandals.

    

    

    

  • More of a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl? Wear a pair of skinny jeans and an off the shoulder loose top with a cute pair of flats. Not tennis shoes. Remember, this is Las Vegas not Kansas City. (I’ve lived in both.)

    

    

    

  • If you’re not into skinny jeans or dresses, that’s okay, I have another idea. Throw on your favorite pair of yoga pants with a cute t-shirt and add a bottom down shirt but leave it open.

    

    

    

  • No tennis shoes – because it’s Las Vegas and you need to keep it sexy. Flat shoes only – because it’s Las Vegas and you’re going to be walking. . . a lot. Dress for your body type – if you are a size 16 please don’t try to rock something that is made for a size 4 chick. Every shape and size is sexy if it’s done right.

    

    

    

• What should I carry for my books? This is where it get tricky.
  • Books are heavy and those totes they give out at the door are not that handy when you are carrying 10+ books around with you. A heavy duty tote bag works soooooo much better. You can find them anywhere and everywhere from Target to Louis Vuitton. On a budget or no spending limit. If you are going to be far from your hotel or plan or staying for a while I would highly recommend a backpack more than a tote. It’s up to you.

    

    

    

• Should I bring money and if so how much? Yes, bring money and how much is up to you. 
  • I would go for cash rather than card and I will tell you why. My first event I took my card and lost track of how many books I bought and ended up getting a call from my husband asking how the hell did I spend $200 on books. I was trying to figure that out for myself. Oops! I got carried away. The next time I went to an event I only carried how much cash I was willing to spend, to keep track of my money.
• How will I know where to go? Plan out you locations ahead of time.
  • Every convention provides a map of where the authors, models, and/or celebrities will be. Use that map to get find where your favorite authors will be. It’s best to see your favs early on so you don’t spend all your money before making your way to their table.
• How will I remember when I’m supposed to be where? Set alarms on your phones so you don’t forget who will be where and at what time.
  • If you want to meet an author at a certain time but you’re passed out drunk in your room because you meet some sexy ass man the night before and can’t find your panties you – No. . . wait! That’s not terrible! That’s Vegas. But seriously, set alarms so you won’t forget.
• Will there be a long wait? Most likely there will be a bit of a wait but they usually aren’t that long.
  • I’m going to stereotype real quick so don’t get mad at me. I’m black and black folks are known for being late and with that being said because I never arrive on time there normally isn’t a long line or line at all by the time I get there so I’m not the best person to ask on that topic. That being said Love N. Vegas is massive and I suspect no matter what time you get there, there will be a line. Be patient, sneak in your favorite alcoholic beverage and have a few snacks on hand to keep that hangery bitch trapped inside.

Here’s a few keynotes that might put your mind at ease.

• The authors are most likely just as nervous as you are no matter how many of these events they’ve been to.
• The authors want to meet you just as much as you want to meet them.
• Readers love meeting others readers that they can talk all things books to. So chat it up to the folks around and go for drinks or walk the streets of Vegas together later.
• Make sure you have plenty of free space on your phone for all the pictures you want to take with the authors.
• Be prepared for some of the authors to be assholes – I found this out the hard way. Some of their heads are so big they could fill up the entire space with their ego alone. Just keep it moving and forget all about them.

Have fun at Love N. Vegas! Find every detail you’ll need for your travel here.

TTYL, lovers. . .

Don’t be this girl. . .

Stalk me on. . .

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