Ignite Your Soul Author Event was this weekend, and can I just say...it was incredible! The switch to Toronto, Ontario was exactly what this event needed! I loved the venue, it was just off the highway and right near the airport.
The venue itself, Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport and Conference Centre, was gorgeous, and the staff were all great! My husband and I didn't stay overnight at the hotel this time, since we live only an hour and forty-five minutes away, but we did check out Lot41 and had some nachos after the signing. The wait staff were attentive and the nachos were delicious!
IYSAE2024 Attending Authors
The signing itself was amazing, I felt like it was the busiest year we've had yet! I had sold a lot of pre-orders prior to the event, and I sold even more books the day of! There was a constant, steady flow of readers coming in, and I met so many incredible people. The aisles were a little snug, but despite that, the welcoming environment and consideration of readers and authors alike made it feel cozy and intimate instead of claustrophobic. Everyone's set up was so beautiful, I can't wait to see pictures of everyone's table to relive how magical the whole thing was!
I had a few readers bring me special, personalized gifts, which basically made me tear up like the emotional sap I am because it was so thoughtful and sweet of them! I loved the engraved keychain Karen brought me, and the signed canvas Christine gifted me with of her legendary review of COALESCENCE (along with that delicious smelling writers block candle from Joyful Home Inc.). There was also a reader who wishes to remain anonymous who gifted me with a BEAUTIFUL mug with every single book I've published to date on it. The 3D printed frog and dragon gifts were really cool, too! I got to sign a lot of copies of Ignite Your Soul: A Romance Anthology (which is still currently available on Amazon, with all proceeds going to SickKids Foundation).
Dinner was delicious, with yummy gluten free options. We played carnival games, musical chairs, and then danced the Hand Jive. I loved how many attendees dressed up in 1950s dresses, and wish I'd taken more pictures and videos of everything happening (but truth be told; I was too busy enjoying the food and conversation LOL).
A huge shout out goes to the volunteers and sponsors of this event! It wouldn't have been possible without them, and to Crystal St. Clair and Erin Cristofoli, who always put on an amazing event. This year was no exception! Having helped out on a bigger basis myself this year, I was privy to all the hard work and dedication that happens behind the scenes, and these ladies are truly remarkable.
Conversations are already in the works for next year, on how best we can improve and grow. I think one of my favourite things about this event and Crystal and Erin in general is that they take feedback and constructive criticism and build off it to improve the next event. This year's event was amazing, and I can't wait for next year's!
If you're interested in signing up for the 2025 Ignite Your Soul Author Event, here is the form!
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