If you’ve been around here for a while, you might recall last year I attended the amazing conference, 20BooksLondon. If you want to refresh your memory, or see for the first time what it’s all about, including an understanding of the title, take a look at the first post I did from London last year.
And subsequent posts are under their own category, right at the top of my archive list on the right.
When they announced another 20Books conference, but this time in Edinburgh, I couldn’t resist, so here I am, back on the Edinburgh Uni campus, where we holidayed last year.
Oh, how I hate trying to pose for photographs, but you get the idea…
The first day’s schedule went like this:
8AM-9AM Check-in and find seats
9:00 AM Kick off by Craig Martelle & Michael Anderle – The Power of Self-Publishing
9:30 AM High-Powered Author Panel – Dakota Krout, Amy DuBoff, Brandon Ellis, Martha Carr
11:00 AM Collaborations – Craig & Michael
Noon Intro to AMS Ads by Felicia Beasley
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Self-Publishing Success by Gerald M. Kilby
3:00 PM Crafting Narrative by Marc Stiegler
4:00 PM Michael Anderle – Keynote
5:00 PM Wrap up
7:00 PM Ceilidh Dance – Main Hall JMCC
One of the best things about 20Books, is the continuous affirmation that we (writers) should all be supporting each other, and when we have something to give back, to share generously – there is room for all, and we can all help each other to succeed.
Success
Michael Anderle’s keynote speech at the end of the day emphasised that other unique aspect of the world of authors: that we all have our own definition of success, and there is no right or wrong, each is valid for the individual and should never be criticised, ridiculed, or attacked by anyone.
There are writers here who seek critical success, those who just want people to read their stories, some who seek a traditional publishing deal, and others who aim for varied levels of income – enough to pay for a few small items, through to those wanting to leave their jobs, write full time, and make 6+ figures a year. And there are people here doing all of those!
One of the Sunday speakers, Dakota Krout (SF author) launched a new book the day before the conference began, and in that one day, it reached #14 best selling book in the entire Amazon catalogue! It can be done!!!
I’ll be sharing my notes from a few of the sessions over the next few posts. I’m actually writing this after day 1, and its about time I got ready for the Ceilidh – traditional Scottish dancing, akin to square dancing, but with men in kilts – I will try to get some good photos…
In the meantime I’ll share the inspiring view from my room in the Uni halls of residence, Pollock Halls
Breath taking, huh? Arthur’s Seat, the remains of the extinct volcano upon which Edinburgh is built.
Wish you were all here too.
deborahjay 
Fabulous post, Debby, and gorgeous pictures! So nice to see you out and about, and taking part in what sounds like a wonderful event! Oh, how I’d love to visit those places, and I’m trying not to be overcome with jealousy at you attending a Ceilidh. I do know what those are about, and it’s enough to make even a granny swoon. Over the MUSIC, of course. Nothing to do with the men in kilts. Nope. Not at all. Okay, maybe a wee bit. 😀 😀 😀
Hope you enjoy/enjoyed every single minute! ❤
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Thanks Marcia, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the bit of video I have coming for a future post of a snippet of the Ceilidh. Not as many gents as we’d hoped donned traditional dress, but there were a few…
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Well that just makes those few extra special, then, doesn’t it? I’m looking forward to the rest of the pics and the video, for sure. 🙂
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😀
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This looks like a wonderful conference. I love the topics. So much richer than “Dialogue that pops” or “Plotting tricks”.
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It’s designed to be maximally helpful in real, practical terms for indies who really, really want to succeed, by indies who ARE really succeeding and want to give something back to the community. It’s totally different to any other writers conference in content, attitude, and drive, not to mention non-profit making (even the speakers pay for their own tickets) – last year they made a profit due to over-estimating the cost, and refunded the excess to all attendees!
If you can ever get to one I highly recommend it – they do an annual one in Vegas, which I’d love to get to one year.
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Sounds and looks fab Deb. Again, I wish I could have made it. It’s on my bucket list. ❤
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Another time….
Perhaps we’ll both make to 20BooksVegas one year.
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I would love that one day when the US changes. I have zero desire to cross the border at this time of the world. 😦
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I know what you mean. And to compound things over here, with our ludicrous Brexit situation the exchange rate is a disaster for us just now.
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I know! I watch the economy closely. They anticipate if Brexit happens without a deal the Pound will drop to par with US dollar – disaster! 😦
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😦
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