Gallatin Comic Con was truly a special event this past weekend! Since it was my first time participating in a comic con, I was a little nervous about how a science fiction novelist would be received. The people I met, however, were welcoming and supportive. I signed PLANET OF EDEN, talked to fans, and even did a few photo ops!

Besides all of that, a few highlights included having my picture taken with cosplayer Rey (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and being able to chat briefly with Samantha Newark and Louise Dorsey, who voiced Jem and Jetta in the popular 1980s cartoon series Jem and the Holograms.

Erik Estrada walked by my display several times when he wasn’t signing autographs, but he didn’t stop to chat (Erik my brother, you can always get a copy of PLANET OF EDEN online, and I’ll be happy to sign it!).

Kudos to Chris Dyer at Town Square Records and Comics for putting on another great comic con! I know from experience that running a big special event is a lot of work. Most folks have no idea what goes on behind the scenes or what kind of pressure an event manager/promotor goes through. Despite being a cold, cloudy weekend, Gallatin Comic Con drew a respectable crowd, and attendees and vendors had a fun time. So, thanks again, Chris!

TAKEAWAYS

So, what did I learn from my first big special event? Well, I put all my years of marketing to work for myself and certainly made a good showing. My display caught a lot of attention. The accompanying photo on this page does not do it justice. On the floor along the front of the backdrop, I placed many imitation plants and vines that I painted or otherwise modified to make them look alien. I even coated some of them with glow-in-the-dark paint. Then, I lit up the scene with black light, making the whole thing glow. Combined with some moody epic music and an essential oil diffuser to replicate a misty and fragrant atmosphere, it created an Eden-planet vibe, drawing people over so I could promote the book.

One of the hardest things about being at this special event was keeping myself from buying stuff! I was literally surrounded by comics, graphic novels, collectibles, toys, and tons of nostalgia. I did end up purchasing a cool X Files art piece from a talented photographer to hang on my wall at home (Thanks, T.C.!). Otherwise, I really had to control myself.

MAKE YOUR OWN SPECIAL EVENT

I consider this comic con to be a great success not because I sold books, but because I showed up and did my best. I met great people, learned a lot, and proved to myself that I could promote Dan Whicker just as well as I promoted so many businesses, organizations, and other people throughout my career in marketing. At times, it was awkward; I really had to push down my introverted side. In the end, though, it turned out to be a wonderful growth experience, and I managed to put some books in people’s hands.

Small victories, my friends, are still victories. And every victory is a special event that is worth celebrating. I want to encourage you to look at your own life in the same way. If it feels ordinary, change your perspective. Know that God does not make anything ordinary. You have been pre-loaded with specialness and awesomeness! It is inside of you, but it needs to be recognized so it can come out. Dig deep. Understand your worth. Let your awesomeness flow. If you start now, you can make the rest of your life a special event!

Do what you do with excellence, my awesome friends. Everything you need is already inside you.