Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of attending a book convention or author signing? Do you want to meet your favorite authors but feel anxious about how to prepare or what to do? On We Read Smut, we're tackling the anxiety of attending bookish events with our special guest, Ricki of Ricki Reads. Ricki and I share our personal strategies for everything from finding the right events to attend, to what to pack, and how to interact with authors without spiraling afterwards.

Ricki is a 24-year-old fat queer biracial romance reader. She focuses on reading and uplifting romances that feature BIPOC, queer, fat, and disabled leads.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Importance of Intentionality: Choose events that reflect your values by looking for diverse author lists and attendees.
• Prep and Pack Strategically: Use a book cart to make transporting your books easier, and don't forget to pack comfortable shoes, snacks, and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to manage overstimulation.
• Respect Boundaries: Always get consent before touching authors or cosplayers, and refrain from sharing intimate details about your personal life with authors. They are not props.
• Manage Your Social Battery: Recognize that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Plan for a mix of big and smaller events, and allow yourself to take breaks and recharge when you need to.

Whether you're a seasoned event-goer or a first-timer, preparing for bookish events is key to having a positive and fun experience.

CONNECT WITH RICKI:

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Scribbles Bookshop

SteamyLit

Temptation in the Triangle

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.
Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.