My Self-Publishing Show Experience

You know that feeling when something unexpectedly wonderful happens? Well, that's exactly how I felt when I won two tickets to the Self-Publishing Show! Me – who never wins anything, not even a raffle at the village fête – suddenly had golden tickets to one of the biggest events in the indie publishing world.

So on 25th June, the hubby and I set off for London, armed with notebooks, enthusiasm, and a healthy appetite for both knowledge and a good meal. And speaking of meals – can we talk about that incredible lunch we had right next to the Thames? There's something magical about dining with a view of the river, especially when you add a sneaky glass of wine (or two) to the mix. The perfect way to fuel up before diving back into more literary inspiration!

A Treasure Trove of Insights

The show itself was absolutely buzzing, the energy was infectious. From seasoned authors sharing their hard-won wisdom to industry experts breaking down the latest trends, it felt like a masterclass in the craft and business of writing.

What struck me most was how generous everyone was with their knowledge. No gatekeeping, no secrets held back – just genuine enthusiasm for helping fellow writers succeed. There's something beautifully collaborative about the indie publishing community that you don't always find in other industries.

The Plot Twist I Didn't See Coming 

But here's the thing that's got me most excited – and this is where it gets really interesting. Somewhere between the keynote speeches and the networking sessions, a completely new book idea started forming in my mind.

Now, I can't spill all the details yet (you know how superstitious we writers can be about works in progress!), but I will say this: it's going to be something cool!

There's something about being surrounded by other storytellers that just sparks creativity in the most unexpected ways. One casual conversation about  genres and my brain was spinning with possibilities.

The Ripple Effect

The funny thing about inspiration is how it creates ripples. That one day in London has left me looking at my current work with fresh eyes, thinking about my readers in new ways, and feeling genuinely excited about the stories I want to tell.

It's reminded me why I fell in love with writing in the first place – not just the solitary craft of putting words on paper, but the community aspect of it. The shared understanding that we're all just trying to tell good stories that matter to someone, somewhere.

What's Next?

So now I'm back home, surrounded by my usual writing chaos, but with a head full of new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. The new book concept is still percolating, but I can feel it gaining strength and I already love the characters.

I'll keep you posted as things develop, but for now, I'm just grateful for unexpected wins, Thames-side lunches, and the reminder that the best inspiration often comes when you least expect it.

Have you ever had an experience that completely shifted your perspective on your work? I'd love to hear about it!

P.S. – If you're ever wondering whether to enter those random competitions, this is your sign to do it. You never know where those tickets might take you!