How to grow a brand

While I am waiting for my designer to do the cover and interior for my latest children's autism book, I have been busy growing my autism brand in other ways. I have made a video what I am doing but here is what I am doing and have done so far.

I have had articles published in autism magazines. They are Exceptional Needs Today and Uncovered. I will be having another out in SEN magazine next month. You can read my article in Exceptional Needs Today here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19k9V3sul-KcgHHGXrMMmtKIt60i4agyK/view

I have done more videos about autism for my YouTube channel. I have decided to be an exhibitor at a neurodiversity conference in April and will be selling my books there (I hope). I am going to be super busy in March and April because I have been booked to do talks and workshops to SEN groups at a SEN school and libraries. I have also become part of an adult autistic focus group. For the first time I have something booked each week during March and April, and I'm nervous and excited. This is all new for me. Part of my autism brand.

If I get time I will post about my next book, which I plan to publish in March. So until the next letter, check out the article above to learn about me and my Asperger's, and let me know what you think.

Happy reading.

Preparation for a conference

This time next week I will be in Queen Mary's University, Mile End Road at the RNA conference. Hopefully learning something. I've been to a few conferences and retreats now, so know what I need to pack. So, if you are a newbie to a conference or retreat, here is what I have either already packed or will be packing:

I will be taking casual clothes to wear, with a spare top, trousers, underwear and socks. As well as spare shoes/sandals, and comfy ones. I do like to wear different shoes alternately, as they say it is best for your feet not to wear shoes more than one day at a time.

I have already packed emergency supplies eg paracetamol, plasters etc. This includes my medications.

I have already packed most of my toiletries, some of which were from when I went to the retreat in May. I am taking with me tubes and bottles of things that don't have much in, so if they empty there, I can just throw them away instead of carrying them home again, esp if they're not recycleable.

As a writer I will be taking with me: notepad and pens (be sure to take a few just in case), biz cards, postcards promoting my 1-2-1 author service, my programme and instructions, a small notepad to take notes of anyone interested in my service. A magazine to read in the evening. Oh yes, and a camera, to take photos of the place, people and the food, esp the food. This will be for my blog about eating out with food intolerances.

I will start packing next week with the last minute stuff on Friday morning. I can't wait. I have already worked out how I am going to get there, and it doesn't include having to walk up 46 steps at Mile End station.

I know I will have more with me coming home than going there, as I am aware there will be a goody bag with lots of promo stuff in inc books, and I will be buying a few books, too.