As 2024 draws to a close, the book odyssey for this year also concludes. There has been travels and also book releases.

There were three books released this year. In a second, I might pick up a pen to start a project that is bustling to get done.

I have been to quite a few book signings this year, and each one has come with lessons learned and experiences gained. As an Indie, self-published author these are really instrumental and invaluable for a whole host of reasons. There is networking, finding new readers, gaining insight and of course, having an adventure of a sorts. Ultimately, I go to these events to reach new readers and share my work.

As a British Author of South Asian origin, going to these events has a broader purpose too. To share stories that otherwise might not be told. This helps improves representation of different communities and identities to form a richer tapestry of literature that readers can find. I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of going to events that really take this seriously.

Tales on Trent, Leek Book Fest, Dudly Book Con and Big Sky in Montana are probably, in my humble opinion, events that have been inclusive, diverse and organised for accessibility, for the love of books and helped build community.

There are still events that I miss out on, don’t qualify for and events that are so big, you have to be very well established to even get on the waiting list. I live in hope of having a readership and a fan club, where I do get a look in with these events. It may well be that as 2025 strikes ten years of being an Indie Author, I shall review the process of going to book signings. I still plan to write, don’t worry.

So far this year, I have been to the following events. I’ve learned loads, met lovely people and the experiences have been a really good adventure. Where I can, and where she is available, I try to bring Mama F along. She’s read the books, so that does help!

Dudley Book Con at the heritage archives was fabulous in meeting lots of horror authors. I know, how does a contemporary romance, mixed bag author like me, fit? Well, I did. Crystal organised a cracking good event and I was made to feel very welcome, very much part of the event and made loads of connections. This was such a lovely, successful experience that I’ve been invited back for next year. I was even inspired to write a horror. I have a plan, a cover that could possibly work. I am also standing by my atmospheric zombies in The Battle of Gravelly Hill Interchange.

Leek Book Festival was a first time event, carried out by Sam et al who are form an epic book club. There was a whole week of literary, art events and Mama F and I were invited along. A well organised event, that reached out to the community and had a diversity of authors. This was a cracking good event, and the book canon did well. I’m back next year, and I really hope this grows and grows. I may also get to meet the Mayor again. He came to my table and we had a lovely chat.

Liverpool saw a trip to rebels and outlaws, having been a late addition to proceedings. Not sure which character qualified me for that, but this was an another adventure for Mama F and I. Travelling was fun; possibly the longest distance yet in the United Kingdom for books.

Belfast is probably going to beat that to be honest, and Scotland features as well. I’ve yet to go to Cardiff for a book adventure. Can you imagine? I can then safely say, that I’ve tried to spread my work across the United Kingdom.

Montana saw a return visit to Billings for the Big Sky Book Event. Whilst this has fewer authors, this is by far my most successful book event by several country miles. My link to Montana is of course through the Peace series. Big Sky book event is very close to my heart. A well planned event, with diverse authors and great links to the community. I’m not returning to Montana for some time, but a fictional piece of me lives there. The Two Chandni’s had their international release there.

I endeavour to return at some point. Montana remains my portal to the US, and perhaps I need to consider how to capitalise on that better.

In the matter of the last week or so, I attended Authors behind bars Shrewsbury. A novel event, I had my own cell!

So what happens next. Well.

Next years events-at the moment! These could change depending on availability, and whether I end up waiting lists. Still a cracking good, rather extensive list and who knows what could happen in the next 12 months.

Book Bonanza Leeds 2nd February 2025

Book lovers Birmingham 26th April 2025

Leek Book Festival 7th June 2025

Belfast Books and ballgowns 28th June 2025

Wonderland in Nottingham 26th July 2025

-August watch this space, Scotland is on the list-

Himley Hall Dudley 11th October 2025