For a vast number of years, the
Guild has paid the hefty fee for and manned a booth throughout the eleven
days of the Nebraska State Fair in Lincoln. It is seen as the singular most
concentrated advertising effort of the Guild. The purposes for having the
booth are:
1) to introduce thousands of fair-goers to members of this organization
2) to give those members the opportunity to market their published works
3) to teach the public about the Nebraska Writers Guild
4) to recruit writers into our
ranks
Check out the photos of the NWG
presence at the State Fair in the “History” Photo Album page.
The banner and NWG display is
located in the Devany Sports Center right next to the quilt exhibit, a
fitting neighbor. Why? Because just as quilt makers lovingly piece
together gorgeous fabric designs that provide warmth and memories, so do the
writers of the state of Nebraska passionately piece together words that
touch the imaginations and thoughts of others.
Following in the long-time
footsteps of the beloved Jane Graff, NWG State Fair Chair Charlene Neely and
her daughter Jeanette
Bjerrum will set up the tables and a
couple of chairs (by 4:30pm on Friday August 22), then hand out bookmarks to
the children (with a stamp on the back guiding all to this website) and our
NWG brochure to interested adults. Their biggest job will be to provide
answers to the multitude of questions fair-goers ask, such as “Where does a
writer get ideas?” or “How long does it take to write a book?” or “Who can
belong to your group?” Some people merely glance around, others collect any
freebies, and still others want to spend time. These two people NEED at
least two more NWG members to help in this advertising effort.
A member who signs up with Charlene
(
poetrygrandma@yahoo.com
) to serve a four-hour stint will be mailed a discounted fair pass and,
whenever available, a coveted parking pass. Each writer is responsible for
his or her own promotional materials and books for sale. Comfortable shoes
and a rolling conveyance are recommended to transport those books, fliers,
etc., a couple of bottles of water, and an extra folding chair from parking
lot to booth. Authors must be present to handle their own monies, sales and
tax reporting records. Other volunteers and members will NOT be allowed to
do this for them.
The writers should not expect fair goers to rush up and bombard them with questions or requests for books. Members will have to project their joy and enthusiasm and ENGAGE the passers-by of all ages in dialogues about writing and the Nebraska Writers Guild. Promotion is a big part of the business of writing and the State Fair is your opportunity to reach those thousands who stroll through the various exhibits . . . and then you can go enjoy the rest of the fair yourself!
.