Joe Ard and Charles McFall take Wise_N_Nerdy live to Conjuration, teaming up with authors Ben Meeks and Bob McGough for a chaotic, dice-driven hangout where fatherhood, fandom, and the hustle of creative life collide. One roll of the dice and they’re deep into “How do I start selling at conventions?” with Ben and Bob breaking down what really goes into turning your books and crafts into table-ready money-makers—black tablecloths, book stands, Square readers, newsletter clipboards, and the all-important reality check on why you’re doing events in the first place.
From there, the conversation swings through awkward booth encounters (including over-sharing would-be authors and roaming conspiracy conversationalists), the power of having the right table partner, and the difference between Artist Alley and the vendor hall when it comes to actual sales. They wrap things up debating the best movies to introduce kids to fantasy—think The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, NeverEnding Story, Willow, and more—before landing in a storm of skunk apes, dad jokes, and pure nerd-dad energy. If you’re a creative, a parent, or just love convention culture, this one hits all the sweet spots.
Actionable Takeaways
Start small: hit local art markets, craft fairs, and library events before dropping big money on multi-day conventions and hotel rooms.
Build a basic booth kit: black tablecloth, simple book or product stands, and at least one easy way to take electronic payments (plus some cash change).
Protect your algorithm: let friends and family buy in person, but focus your online sales and reviews on strangers who actually read your genre.
Scout your cons: visit first, see where Authors Alley and vendor spaces actually sit, and choose the spot with real foot traffic—not just a hallway of passers-through.
Partner with people who match your energy: share tables with folks who hustle like you do, so someone is always “on” while the other is on panels or taking a breather.
Quote
“As long as you’re covering your costs, every con is worth it—if you’re losing money, you’ve got to dig down and ask why.”— Bob McGough
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These notes are empowered by AI. ~Chad
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