It’s that time of year when the holiday bazaars begin to pop up in churches, high school gymnasiums, granges halls, and any number of other places. I love them, and have gone to quite a few. I love the Christmas bazaars and have gone to a few fall themed and Halloween themed events. But this year I’ve noticed something new whether the bazaars were held in a gym, a church, a grange or the fairgrounds. What you ask?
Authors! Yes, book signing authors!
I came across authors with devotionals, mystery/thriller authors, women’s fiction authors, regency romance, fantasy, paranormal, children’s books and even some cook books! Imagine my surprise when I kept spotting people in my “tribe” so to speak signing books amidst Christmas decorations or fall themed goodies!
The authors I spoke with said signing at these types of events is great fun and they get to meet a lot of people. Some events 
have the author manning their signing table the entire time. Other venue’s I attended, the author didn’t have to be there the entire time, but I noticed most did show up on the weekends to man there tables.
I got to speak with a fantasy writer, William Burt, who’s been writing as a hobby for years, and has about a dozen books. Another gentleman, Ken Baysinger, who writes thrillers was working on his next book when I spoke to him.
There was also a mystery writer I spoke to, Kimila Kay. By golly, they need some western romance writers at these things!
I’m sure there have been author sightings at other holiday and fall craft bazaars. Writing is a craft, after all, but a wee different from knitting or sewing. Though we are piecing together a story, polishing it, putting on any last minute touches and then getting it out into the world for all to see.
Writing is a solitary job, and so one thing the authors I ran into all said was, it’s nice to get out and about and meet new people. And people weren’t just browsing, they were buying books. Myself included. I bought a fantasy book. Book signings are fun, I’ve done a lot of them in my author career and plan on doing a lot more, but I’ve craft fairs and bazaars are one place I never thought to sign at. I remember running into author Brenda Novak at the California State Fair years ago. She said it was fun, but I’m not sure is that’s something she’s still doing. Still, I might have a go at these smaller events. The only problem I can see is wanting to shop! Holiday craft fairs and bazaars are loads of fun and you can find so many cool things and now books too!
So have you been to any craft fairs or holiday bazaars yet this year? Do you plan on going? I’m giving away one free ebook of mine of choice to one lucky winner!
USA Today bestselling author Kit Morgan is the author of over 140 books of historical and contemporary western romance! Her stories are fun, sweet stories full of love, laughter, and just a little bit of mayhem! Kit creates her stories in her little log cabin in the woods in the Pacific Northwest. An avid reader and knitter, when not writing, she can be found with either a book or a pair of knitting needles in her hands! Oh, and the occasional smidge of chocolate!
I haven’t been to any lately, but I have been to a few this year.
I hardly ever went to them, then in the last couple of years started going and love them!
So far I’ve only been to our church/school bazaar and no authors were to be seen. It’s something to suggest for next year’s bazaar…
There’ll be a larger one at the local fair grounds 12/7-8/24; I’m not sure if I’ll go to it.
My friend and I went to one at the country fairgrounds last week. I had no idea they were held there! It was all Christmas stuff. They have a winter craft fair next month.
I haven’t been to any. Yet.
Yet! Yes, the lure is great.
I used to be an avid crafter, and I sold my handmade crafts at these events. I’ve done a few of them with my books since I started writing full-time, but not as many as I’d like. Most of them I used to participate in have become too expensive, well over a hundred dollars for a small space. I’m working on sharing spaces with a fellow author.
Yes, that’s the thing. Some are expensive! One of them took 20% of whatever you sold instead of asking for a fee for a space, which I thought was a good deal.
I used to go all the time but I never returned after covid. I should look for one.
They’re fun! And I found all sorts of goodies for Christmas presents!
I haven’t gone to a craft bazaar for a few years. We have a few festivals in our area that have had authors over the years do book signing. It’s always neat to meet the authors and listen to the inspiration of their books.
Yes, they’re so fun! I’m glad to see authors showing up at these types of events.
Hey Kit! That is pretty neat having authors at these bazaars! Pretty darn cool! You and the P&P team should do one! Especially now that you have your Christmas series!
Many blessings to you Kit!
Oh! And make some Christmas stockings to sell there too! LOL
LOL! Ah, if only I could sew….
The fillies have done a book signing together, a couple of summers ago. Sadly I was not able to attend, but I hear it was great fun.
Unfortunately, I have not been to any craft shows at any time of t he year. WE do not like to be out in crowds anymore, because of mobility issues. I have read a few of your books and enjoyed them. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the holidays this year.
Mobility issues are tough, Judy. I totally understand why you wouldn’t want to have to fight the crowds.
I went to a holiday boutique last week.
I’d like to find some more to attend!
I love holiday bazaars, but haven’t been to one in years. Hopefully I can go to one this year though, especially since I haven’t started my Christmas shopping yet!
I was also surprised by the coffee roasters in attendance. Maybe one or two at most of the events I went to. And the coffee is great!
I went to one a few weeks ago where I bought gifts for great grandchildren.
They’re great for fun little gifts!
I have never been due to medical conditions but they look like so much fun! Most I’ve seen or heard about always benefit some great charity as well.
Very true! The Boy Scouts were selling Christmas wreaths at one we attended last weekend.
I haven’t been able to attend one yet this year, due to some health issues my husband is having, but I am definitely going to try to catch one or two so I can be on the lookout for authors! I hope that is a trend here in Arizona this year! Plus, books are the perfect gift in my humble opinion.
They do make a good gift, and that’s exactly why people were buying them according to the authors I spoke to.
I haven’t been to a craft fair in a long time. I’d like to go, and will, if I find one near me and can talk a friend into going with me!
Yes, they are always so much more fun when you attend with a friend, Trudy!
yes our local one will be on 12/7 this year – my daughter helps get the vendors set up every year the past 2 years has had a awesome turn out!
That’s great Teresa! And your daughter helps set things up! Have fun on 12/7!
I haven’t been to one yet but I think there is one coming up next week.
They are loads of fun, Linda. And a lot of them serve lunch as well.
I havent been to any so far this year. The high school closest to us will be having one in two weeks. Will try to go to that one. I love to see what others have made.
I love seeing what others have made too, Lori. Some of which I try to make myself. It’s a great place to get craft ideas!
not yet
I love craft shows and fairs and all the such. I go to as many as I can every year. I also love flea markets and antique stores. Browsing all these places is just a great way to get exercise without it seeming like exercise. lol
There are no Christmas Bazaars or Craft shops near where I live so no not going to any sadly but still celebrating Christmas
I used to love Christmas bazaars but don’t want to attend by myself so don’t go these days. Sounds interesting to meet authors and get their books signed. I cherish the few autographed books I have.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.
I never go to these things like that. It just has never been my thing.
Happy Thanksgiving hope you have a great one.
You too! Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh, yes! It’s an annual highlight of the holiday season for me. There’s one I attend every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. When it was closed during the pandemic, it was so disappointing.