Just an indie author at the 2017 Puerto Rico Comic Con

It’s official, that makes it four years in a row where we go to the Puerto Rico Comic Con and it was as fun and as unpredictable as it could have gotten. Here’s the thing, if you think you’re ready for an event, if you’re sure you know how it’s going to flow, THAT’S when surprises come.

Being in the Artist Alley, you get to see some amazingly talented people during the convention, artists, writers, cosplayers, and beyond. It is a huge melting pot of geekiness and everyone is there to have a good time, and a good time we had.

I was able to take my two new poetry collections Black Tie Affair and Roulette ofRhymes and reaction even during the PRCC was extremely positive. While some people wonder why I take poetry to a Comic Con, plenty of other people were more than happy to snatch up a copy of something very different that they can’t find anywhere else. That’s what some people said about my booth and I take that as a huge compliment.

It was curious because actually quite a few people wrote me to apologize because they couldn’t make it to the Con. That these people felt inclined to write and say that is beyond sweet and I just want people to be Ok and to have a good time wherever they are. One reader even asked me what was new to purchase via Amazon. I can’t even begin to thank this person and everyone who swung by my booth and there were plenty of visitors. People of all ages, all genders, and all walks of life. People who wanted to get a book and many who just wanted to chat and ask how they could publish.

From the Con there are some wonderful stories which I’d like to share:

“The future writer” – One young future writer came by on Saturday, we talked for about 35 minutes and I told her how I got into writing, what it takes, and to go for it. I showed her a copy of the Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore and then one of the hand stitched daydreams from my first Comic Con. I told her that it took a lot of effort and money and sacrifice, but that I took a story on a piece of paper, and helped make it into my first collection of middle grade short stories. She asked if she could have the printed daydream and I said yes, if she insists on writing and sharing her work with us.

“One of each” – Carlos had come before to my booth in other cons. He came specifically to buy books and the only two books he didn’t buy were Only Human and Shadow of a Human… because he already owned them. To quote him, he said: “Give me one of each of everything.” I ended up gifting him 3 of the 7 Blanc Comics as a small thank you but to hear someone tell me that my work is different and is worth sharing means a lot.

"My dog ate my homework.... and your book" - a lovely fellow artist in the Artist Alley brought me the copy of Only Human his dog chewed on. After laughing subsided, I dedicated what was left of the cover and also signed him a copy of Shadow of a Human. Always happy to hear when someone devours my book, I must admit. :D:D:D 

“The Box” – One reader came by, pointed at Dark Strands and said “this is one of my favorite poetry collections and this poem means a lot.” She signaled the poem The Box and said it reminded her of her dad. I told her I wrote it thinking of when dad passed away and his funeral. She said it was the first time she read something that showed someone understood. Misty eyes ensued, she bought a book, and I gave her a big hug and huge thanks for sharing that.

“Frands and family” – To know that I’m a must see stop for certain people touches the heart and soul more than I can effectively communicate. It’s a beautiful thing to get to see people and know that a random indie writer from the Island is a must stop. My framily also came to visit, a select crew of Geek Ricans who have been coming to see my booth since the first time I decided to go for it. Their year round support is a beautiful thing to witness and they along with all the people who support me mean the world to me. I also got to touch base with people I hadn’t seen since like last year and at times, the Con definitely had that summer camp feel to it. My middle brother also went with my nephews and it was awesome to see them have such an epic time. I also got to meet several other Puerto Rican authors and buy some must get books from the Con.

All in all, it was a beautiful time shared amongst friends and geeks and it just makes me even prouder to say I’m a Geek Rican. So til next we catch up…

Peace, love, and maki rolls 

PS.: Here are some more pics from the epic experience.