I spent the weekend (yes the three before this post) at an Anime Con with Shira Anthony. (Kim Fielding sent us books so she was with us in spirit.) I’ve never been to a full on Anime Con, so it was a bit different for me. I also learned a few things about myself and con attendance.
Cosplay is not my thing. It’s fun to look at all the people who do it, and to see their take on their favorite things, but it is not something I expect I’ll ever be into. (Which, at the age of 54 isn’t a big shock I suppose.) Shira said I needed to relax a bit when it irked me too much that some of the attendees would half-ass their dress up. I’m sorry but when you wear cargo shorts and a polo shirt, and carry around a Captain America shield, you’re really not cosplaying. I’ll stand by my belief that you either go hard or go home. Now, there were some not so great costumes, but that was fine. Better than fine because the people tried. Maybe I’m too judgmental.
Unfortunately, Anime isn’t my target audience. Anime is fantasy, but the fantasy I write isn’t really Anime. I sold very few books. I’m wondering if there is any con where my ideal readers like to go. I’m sure there is, but so far I’ve not found it. Either that or I’m just a lousy salesperson. That is entirely likely to be sure, but I didn’t get the sense I could have improved sales thatmuch if I was a better seller. Then again, if Donald Trump can convince people he was smarter, more moral and a better leader than everyone else running for president, it is possible to sell ice in the winter if you have the right pitch.
I think if I’m going to improve my pitch, I need to up my game – just like the dude carrying just a shield. I had a banner, but little else. No catchy tee shirt or hat, no eye popping table decorations ala Shira’s Merimen figurines, and nothing catchy to draw folks in. If I think the shiel dude was half-assing his con going, then I need to be even more irked by my lack of pre-game preparations. Something to think about going forward.
Despite the lack of sales, I enjoyed the con. I got to spend the weekend with Shira and she is a wonderful con partner and host. But if I’m being honest, the best part of the con was when ‘lil q joined us. Yes, she was hyper as all get out, tested my nerves more than a bit and was tough to control. But it is amazing how seeing a child walk around and enjoy something new brightens your day. Next year she wants to come and wear her Ninja Turtle costume.
I hadn’t planned to come back next year, but now maybe I will. I do, however, have some prep work to do if I go. I’ll also be bringing a new Anime fan along for the trip.
In ‘honor’ of my attending Animazement ’18 – DSP Publications has put all my e-books on sale for 50% off, now through June 10. If you order my books from the DSP Publications site, use AQG2018 to get half off all my books.
Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write.
Since devouring The Lord of the Rings as a preteen, he has been a fan of all things fantastical. His imagination has helped him create works of high fantasy, paranormal thrills and touch of the futuristic. He also writes the occasional contemporary story.
He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband of twenty-three years. Together they are raising their daughter and three dogs. Andrew tries to squeeze writing time in around his most important jobs, being husband and ‘Papa.’ Along with teaching how to kick a soccer ball or ride a scooter, he has become fluent in cartoon characters and children’s books. To find out more about Andrew, his writing and his family, follow him on his website or on Facebook.
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The Last Grand Master: (Champion of the Gods–Book 1)
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I’ve never attended an event where costumes were required…except for Halloween parties, several ‘Book Parade’ days and ‘Dr. Seuss Day’ at the elementary school where I was a teacher/assistant principal. Pulling that off did indeed take planning!
Costumes were optional – obviously since the only costume I had on was Grumpy Old Guy – but it is kinda cool to see the costumes some people dream up and the effort they put into being ‘in character’ the moment someone says “can I get a picture.’ It’s a whole thing I never saw before. Not saying I’m getting a costume, but it is fun to be there.
I’ve never been to an anime con but my friends enjoy going and I do enjoy anime but I also think it’ll be a different from what I expect. I think it’ll be interesting to see people cosplay but like you I don’t think I can ever get to that point of wanting to do it myself.
If you’re an Anime fan, H.B., I’d recommend going if you get the chance. The crowd had a good time and there was stuff to check out. I don’t think I’d go two or three days, like many of the attendees do, but it is wroth a one day trip for sure.
I’m so jealous though I’m very behind in my anime watching…. years ago I was watching stuff as soon as it went up on crunchyroll.
We have people cosplaying at Armageddon and some of those costumes are amazing. It’s not for me though – the furthest I’ll go is wearing my DC themed t-shirts.
I probably shouldn’t be closed minded about ever wearing a costume, but I think your suggestion of tee shirt might be helpful to my saleman persona 😛
Humorous and honest post. My niece is into cosplay, and she goes hard. She has some animazing outfits (to point of pics w/ Stan Lee, Mark Hamill, Nathan Fillon [Firefly]}. As far as a sales pitch, I think you’ve just found one in ‘lil q – she’ll draw them in.
Hey Steve,
I’m not so sure ‘lil q is a great draw, she was a bit wild at times, Plus right now, she is in the give me ALL your attention mode. Even if she managed to get me more potential buyers, if I talk to them too long, she’ll be demanding something, just so I pay attention to her or say things too embarassing to mention 😛
I agree with your niece, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.