An Introvert's Guide to the LA Book Fest

So it's no surprise I'm sure if I tell you I'm an introvert. Love me some good long down time. Lots of quiet space. Tons of no-large-groups-of-people. All Introverts, can I hear a huzzah?

Which means attending events like the LA Book Fest could be a bit overwhelming. 

My way to get through it? A game plan. If I were to go, I needed a support system. Husband was free. Check. If I were to go, I needed a project. Photos for Instagram. Check. If I were to go, I needed a goal. Connect with SOMEONE. 

So Husband and I arrive to throngs of people. I'm quick to wonder why we're here, but then I remember my check list, grip Husband's arm, and head off to the children's booths. Along the way, I stop at spots where we take quirky and bookish Instagram photos (many of which you'll be seeing this week!). At this point, I'm mastering my list like a pro. We saunter past booth after booth. I lust after authors behind tables with sharpies in hands (and made mental notes for next year. MY booth. With MY sharpie in hand. Boom. More on that later.) Finally, we near the end of the kid's section. When I spot an author I follow on Instagram. Husband suggests I connect. 

BLANK STARE.

We take a loop; me gathering my courage. Until we come across the booth again. And my list blares in front of me. CONNECT. So I did. And it was GREAT. The author was adorable and sweet. She signed my book. We bonded over our Instagram pages. I walked away with a new book and a new author to admire. 

I had done it. Accomplished my check list. All without fainting in a bustling campus of book lovers. And guess what? I LOVED it. I raved about it the whole way home. So much so that I can't wait for next year. .
I'm glad I pushed myself. That Husband pushed me, really. My advice? Introverts, you can do this. Come with a game plan, and you'll rock it. If I can, you can. Maybe I'll see you there next year.