What was it like running a booth at CWT for the first time? At the end of last year, Utsudo was invited by fellow creator Caocaoni to run her first-ever booth at CWT, Taiwan’s doujinshi convention. The booth was indeed tiny, and while waiting for visitors she studied how nearby booths were set up. Many friends, viewers and readers she was meeting for the first time felt like old friends because they’d chatted online so often. After food, lodging and travel costs, sales roughly broke even, but meeting her supporters face to face was the best part.

Translated from Utsudo’s original Chinese column.

My first-ever CWT booth

At the end of last year, I took part in my first-ever CWT convention booth!

I got to experience it thanks to an invitation from Caocaoni-sensei. Huge thanks XD

After a long wait in line, we finally got in. I’d heard from others that the booths are small, and when I saw our spot, it was just as they’d described. But looking around, I noticed that even with limited space, exhibitors had arranged their booths with such care. The booth next to us even had a handmade prize wheel. So talented.

Studying how nearby booths were set up

After setting up, it was time to wait for customers or friends to drop by.

With time on my hands while waiting, I couldn’t help observing how nearby booths were arranged, hoping to gain some experience points and ideas for next time. Still, I think hauling all that stuff into the venue is no easy feat.

Meeting readers I’d met online

Some friends, viewers and readers came by. Although I was meeting most of them for the first time, we’d chatted online so many times that once I connected their faces to their names, we warmed up quickly, like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while. I was so happy.

I also received lots of desserts and candy, and even lunch and drinks. Thank you so much XD

Though it did feel a bit like being fed (?

The venue music was a bit noisy. At one point I even heard what sounded like death metal coming from the left speaker. It seems the music selection was pretty random.

By the way, I heard that the day before our booth—Saturday the 17th—the crowds were so dense the aisles were completely packed, and someone apparently fainted from lack of air. Just imagining it scares me. Honestly, on our day (the 18th), there were plenty of people too, and the line to get in was long. I can’t imagine what the 17th was like.

Sales and what I gained

Sales were a bit higher than I expected, but after food, lodging and travel costs, it about broke even. And the books aren’t sold out yet—they’re still in boxes, so I may sell them slowly or at future conventions XD

In terms of sales it may not be impressive, but interacting with everyone from behind the screen was what made me happiest. Meeting the people who’ve always supported me face to face gives a warm feeling of “I’m right here, come find me!” You only know that feeling by actually doing it. When people come by to support you, it’s really wonderful!

Next time I’d like to share a booth with friends and maybe put more thought into different designs and decorations, to wow the readers, friends and family who come to find me XD

See you next time, friends ><

FAQ

Further reading

• Previous: Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #172: Occupational Hazards
• Start from the beginning: Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #01: Utsudo’s Debut — A Road to the Dream Covered in Frost
• Utsudo’s books

About the author

Utsudo is a Taiwanese light novelist and novelist VTuber with more than ten years in the industry and 40 commercially published print books. Her novel 《遺失的情書》 received a 2022 Ministry of Culture youth creative award. The 《嘿！聽說妳在鬼島當作家》 series records her experiences as a novelist in Taiwan.