275. What to Know About RARE with Frankie Diane Mallis

Author Frankie Diane Mallis discusses the worldwide reader event RARE, what you can expect from these events, and some unexpected discoveries you can make while attending.

▬
Visit Frankie's website:
https://www.frankiedianemallis.com/

Find Frankie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/frankiediane/?hl=en

Check out her books on Goodreads and Amazon:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21830635.Frankie_Diane_Mallis
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09KTKZSKN

Transcript

Jennia: Hello, I'm Jennia D'Lima. Welcome to Writing and Editing, the podcast that takes a whole person approach to everything related to both writing and editing. fantasy romance author Frankie Diane Mallis is here and she's going to explain what it's like being an attending author at a romance author and reader event, which are better known as RARE, and they host events all over the world. This is, "What to Know About RARE."

Jennia: Well first, it's lovely to have you here. Thank you for coming!

Frankie: Oh thank you so much for having me! (laughs)

Jennia: So how did you first hear about RARE?

Frankie: Oh I think I saw some other indie authors were attending, and so it kind of, like, put it on my radar. Like, "Ooh, like, what's this?" And I think once I kind of saw all that I could find—because they're a little hard to find. They don't have, like, a central website, I think. You know, where you can just be, like, "Let's sign up." Like, you have to join the Facebook groups. And so they were kind of on my radar, and I've joined some of the Facebook groups, and then when they started to put the calls out for more signings, and I was like, "Okay, let's go." And went to Paris! (both laugh)

Jennia: Did you have to apply for more than one before you had an application accepted, or was it just the one?

Frankie: Well, I actually applied for two at once. So Paris and then Edinburgh. Yeah, basically those were the first two that I put myself down for. And, yeah, worked out!

Jennia: Which is so good! Good for you.

Frankie: Yeah! (laughs)

Jennia: Speaking of the application, what was the application process like? So, for instance, how quickly did you get a response after you sent your application in?

Frankie: So it's basically like a Google form. It's pretty simple and straightforward. I feel like most applications to book conventions I have applied for, filled out, are pretty much, across the board, the same. So obviously, your name, what titles you have, if you have your books published indie, or traditional, or hybrid, your social media handles. Just the pretty basic stuff, I think. I feel like there was a little bit of a wait. But what is nice about RARE for anybody who's thinking about, like, joining the signings is once you do sign with them, they very much like to welcome you back for, like, you know, future signings. I have found that since I've attended Paris, when they've sort of announced a couple, like, you know, 2025, 2026—which I can't say anything about yet—the response has been like—

Jennia: Noooo! (Both laugh) Tell me after!

Frankie: It's been a lot—it's been a lot faster. So, you know, I'm trying to remember exactly how long the first response took, but since then, it's actually been, like, very quick.

Jennia: I like that because I think that also creates a sense of loyalty, but also community. I mean, even when walking around there, it felt very welcoming, and, like, people were there to support you, and it wasn't—you know, like, you go to some places, not even necessarily a book convention, but other types of places with vendors where it almost feels like one is being pitted against the other, or they're judging how much they're selling compared to the person across the way. But I didn't get that vibe at all. And would you say the same?

Frankie: I mean, and  I don't know I've ever seen that vibe anywhere, which is good. But yeah, no, not at all! Like, it definitely—I mean, it was my first RARE ever, and I, you know, was mostly, like, stuck to the table, like, just trying, you know (laughs), to get through the day. But, like, there was a few times where I, like, was able to, like, walk around a little bit. And also what was very nice was they closed the whole section—

Jennia: Yeah.

Frankie: —for lunch. And not just that, but, like, they had, like, security, like, walking around, which I think was really good because I know that that's been an issue at some of the other conventions. So I remember when I was, like, ready to come back, I literally was, like, to the security guard, I was, like, "That's my table! Like, that's me. Can I—Can I pass through? (laughs) Can I bypass security? I promise my picture's in the back of those books." (Both laugh). But, like, I used that time to, like, walk around a little bit. And, you know, it was nice because there was a couple authors that I like—nobody that I think I knew in real life, but, like, mutuals online—

Jennia: Yeah.

Frankie: —you know, where I'd be, like, "Hey, like, we both, like, you know, follow each other on TikTok or, like, we talk a little bit." And so it was kind of fun to, like, meet some people that I'd only seen, you know, like, on my social media, like, little screen.

Jennia: Right, exactly.

Frankie: But overall, like, it did feel very, like, nice and chill, and I like that there does seem to be kind of, like, a RARE community, like, you know—but, yeah, like, it definitely felt very, like, welcoming. And also—which was nice because you're in another country—

Jennia: Mhm.

Frankie: —you know, surrounded by a foreign language that I definitely do not know. And, you know, there's a big mix of readers. You know, everybody was very nice. Everybody was very welcoming, so...

Jennia: Yeah. Did you have any volunteers assisting you or anything like that? Like a translator, in case you needed one?

Frankie: No (laughs). I had brought my sister with me. So she—she helped me as far as that went. But no, I didn't have, like, a translator or anything. Most of the time, I think most people came over, had some English. Or if they didn't have it, they could follow, you know, me—

Jennia: Oh right.

Frankie: Or they had—like, I had a couple of readers come over where, like, they were, like, a duo where, like, one had English and one didn't. And so, like, the one who spoke English would, like, stand there and, like, talk to me and then translate for their friend.

Jennia: Oh that's helpful.

Frankie: Yeah. And then, like, I guess, worst case scenario, like, there was just Google Translate on my phone, so, yeah.

Jennia: So thankful that they had good WiFi in there (laughs).

Frankie: If they didn't, that would have been the end (laughs).

Jennia: I used to even waiting in line.  I don't know if the authors saw the lines of attendees waiting to get in. It was one of the lengthiest queues I've ever been a part of. But they did keep it moving quickly. But, yeah, it was like you went through this one giant long line and had your ticket scanned. And then you went into a second big, long line waiting for the doors to open. But I remember then being very happy that the WiFi connected easily because, you know, entertain yourself.

Frankie: Yeah, I missed that. I was just trying to even get in on my end. Like, because I showed up (laughs)—because, um, I was a little late (both laugh). I was there before we officially opened, but, like, definitely, like, down to the wire of, like, "Okay, let's open the boxes and put all the books out on the table!" And I remember, like, I got there and I had no idea where to go in. Yeah, like, it was really confusing because, like, I went up to the floor it was supposed to be on, but, like, the doors wouldn't open.

Jennia: (gasps) Yes!

Frankie: Yeah!

Jennia: We did that the night before trying to find it. And they only had escalators going one way, so then you had to run the opposite direction on the escalators to get out of there.

Frankie: Yeah. And I think at some point, like, we just kind of stopped on the floor, and, like, I saw someone open a door, and I just, like, weaseled my way in. I was, like, "Can I come in? I'm an author!" (both laugh). But yeah.

Jennia: Talking about your books and getting your table set up, how did you decide what to bring with you across countries and then what to leave at home?

Frankie: So I have banners, you know, like the ones that you can pull out that are, like, 6ft tall (laughs) and tablecloths, you know—those stayed home. I'm considering bringing them to Edinburgh with me, but for Paris—because Paris, I also did, like, a trip to London as well. So me and my sister did, like, a little, like, sister vacation on top of it, which was, like, a good way to, like, be like, "Also work for me for a day." (laughs).

Jennia: (laughs) Yes, that's a good payment.

Frankie: Yeah. And so because I knew we were going from London to Paris, you know, I only brought a carry-on suitcase.

Jennia: Oh.

Frankie: You know, and, like, my bag with my laptop, because I am on deadlines. So even though I was on sister vacation and in London and Paris, I was still also writing when I could fit it in as much as possible. So it really just came down to, like, this stuff isn't going to fit in the carry on. And I was shipping, you know, so many books over, and I knew there was a potential of, you know, anything left over, I'd be shipping home, and I just didn't want to be shipping any other sort of big pieces. So what I ended up doing was I brought all my swag with me. So I have a ton of character art (both laugh). I've got a lot of bookmarks and stickers, things like that. So those I packed into my carry on—

 
Jennia: Mmm.

Frankie: —I think I, like, grabbed about, like, 50 of each piece. Those I carried with me, and that was literally the only thing that I brought with me. I did a pre order, and then I just kind of, like, guessed. Like, you know, like, I have no idea because I've been to a couple conventions before. I usually, you know, sell, like, a decent amount of books, but you can never really predict, like, what's going to happen that day, so—

Jennia: Exactly.

Frankie: —And so those all, like, were shipped directly there. But yeah, so usually I bring a little bit more of me. I also, like, have, like, little book stands, you know, to, like, prop the paperbacks up on, because those don't stand up very well by themselves—

Jennia: (both laughing) No.

Frankie: —and those stayed home. So it was definitely, like, probably my most complicated and intensive packing for a book convention, but, like, also the one I brought the least stuff to, oddly. So.

Jennia: Ah, that makes sense because it's not like you can just load up your entire car, and  I don't know what the expenses would have been like to use a shipping company, or if they offered that to you. And if they did, do they give you choices in who you could use, or was it just one provider?

Frankie: Right. I feel like from what I've read, that they do have, like, shipping companies typically, like, on site, but  I don't think they did for Paris... is the feeling I had. Unless I'm completely wrong, but, like—which is totally possible! I'm j—

Jennia: Someone will let us know if you are (Frankie laughs). That's how the Internet works.

Frankie: I know. *imitating someone on the Internet* "Frankie's wrong, guys!" I might be! I'm trying to track a lot of conventions, and, you know, sometimes you miss a detail. Like, sorry. Actually, this has been actually, like, one of my, like, funniest stories from Paris. With the books that I did have left over after, I was going to take them to, like, the post office to ship them home. And I have to say that the Paris post office is, like, the nicest thing I've ever been to in my life!

Jennia: Oh really? (both laugh)

Frankie: Like 'cause—now that I'm an indie author I ship books all the time to readers who are ordering signed copies off my website. You know, and the post office that I specifically go to, I go to because they are nice to me (Jennia laughs). And they're usually not crowded. Like, I almost can count the times on one hand where I've had to wait in a line. This is, like, this dream post office. I can't tell anybody where it is because and  I don't want to ruin it. You know, typically, I feel like it's a pretty normal experience where you walk into the post office and you just kind of want to apologize for existing.

Jennia: Yes! Yes.

Frankie: And also, like, you feel like you should have your PhD in, like, how to, like, you know, send everything and, like, how things should be packaged and labeled and what it's going to cost. And I just, like, walk in, like, *strangled noises* you know, I kind of know what I'm doing now, but, like, it's confusing. Like, and so I'm, like, dreading—like, I'm walking into the post office, which, by the way, they were up until midnight. So it was, like, okay. So I was a little bit stressed out because I was, like,  "Oh, God, like, we're coming here this really late hour. We have to ship these books to the U.S. You know, and  I don't speak any French, and they're going to hate me." (Jennia laughs) And instead, like, this man in a blazer comes out. Very nice, and he's like, "What can I do for you?" And I'm like, "I need to ship these books to the U.S." And he's like, "Okay!" And, like, he vanishes and comes back with a box that he has assembled that's the right size. And, like, he's, like, standing there helping, like, weigh it, like, as I'm putting books in until it's, like, the right amount. And, like, I was just, like, *fawning over it* "The service." (both laugh)

Jennia: This is like an alternate reality!

Frankie: Oh, it was, like—yes! I was just, like, "Oh, my God, is this what it's like everywhere else? Like, is this just a Paris thing? Are we, like, this deprived?" Like (both laughing). Like, so many people are like, "Oh my god, tell me about your trip to Paris!" And I'm like, "Let me tell you about the post office." (giggles)

Jennia: Right? "Yeah, forget the catacombs. I have another story for you."

Frankie: Like, no, the impression it left on me. But anyway, that's what I ended up doing for that one. But I do believe that there's a shipping service.

Jennia: Did they have any added on expenses or anything like that, where maybe you didn't realize you were going to have to pay for x, y, or z?

Frankie: The only added on expense, I believe, was just the cost of them, like, holding and storing the boxes—

Jennia: Oh that's reasonable. Yeah.

Frankie: —yeah, that I sent over. That I'm pretty sure was the only one that I can think of.

Jennia: Okay.

Frankie: And, like, the table fee also includes, like, snacks that they give you for the day. Like, you know, I remember I got there, I had, like, a little tote bag with, like, water, which was fantastic (laughs). But you get snacks. They provide a lunch for you, lunch for your assistant—although my assistant, my sister's was missing—

Jennia: Awww.

Frankie: —which was kind of a bummer, but it's okay. Things happen. But, yeah, so I think it's like the table, lunches, snacks, water. And then you pay a little for depending on how many books you have to ship and they're storing for you, so.

Jennia: It did seem like they care about people who are there, not just—I mean, attendees too. They had all those little tables positioned throughout the rooms, and they had bottles of water on them that it seemed like they kept refreshing them when they were running low. And there were, like, big bowls of snacks, because I... took snacks (both laugh). That was my lunch when I went back to my room, but (both laugh again). But.

Frankie: That's good. Yeah, actually, the snacks that were in the bag were, like, nice, healthy. There's a good mix because I'm a gluten free, dairy free girl. So usually and  I don't even, like, put a lot of stock in any food that people are providing for me because it's so rare that it works. But they actually had some really good stuff in there that was, like,  "Oh, cool."

Jennia: Yeah, that's good!

Frankie: Yeah, that was, like, a pleasant surprise. And, like, they also, like, made an effort to make, like, the meals. Like, there was a lot of variations. Like, they had a gluten free meal, a vegan meal, vegetarian. So that was a very appreciated effort because there's definitely been conventions I've gone to where there's, like, a lunch provided, and I just opt out because, you know, it's just not going to work for me. And, like, whatever, you know, space they're using, you know, not their fault, but they frequently can't accommodate, you know. I mean, I get, like, that I'm hard to feed, so like (laughs)...

Jennia: Yeah, no, I get that. I'm vegetarian, and then one of my children has an allergy, and then the other one has a select item that they'll eat most of the time. So, yeah, trying to accommodate all three things is usually just, like, throw your hands in the air and (Frankie laughs). So you mentioned having a pre order, and I know from the Facebook group, for instance, that a lot of people were posting pretty frequently on there and engaging with people even before they attended. So is that something that you utilized also?

Frankie: I did a pre order. I did post about it in the Facebook group.  I don't think I really engaged past that, though...

Jennia: Oh okay.

Frankie: Just because I just didn't know to do that (laughs). Like, now that I'm in other Facebook groups for events, I was like,  "Oh, I could be engaging in these and talking to attendees more." Literally just didn't know because I'm still so new to all of this. I mean, I will post a lot about what's going on at my table, like, on my social media account. Like, you know, if I need—

Jennia: Oh okay!

Frankie: —You know. 'Cause, like, if I'm like, "Oh, I'm, like, about to sell out of something," I'll post it there. I probably could be posting this in the Facebook group, now that I think about it. Yep. Just didn't occur to me, but now it has (laughs). So moving forward, I'll probably be doing a little bit more of that, but, yeah.

Jennia: Yeah. Because I remember by the end of the day, especially, they had so many authors saying, everything here is this much off, or, all of this is now free, or the french version of this is sold out. And it just—(Frankie laughs) I think it added to the excitement, though, too, because you'd keep refreshing, like, "Okay, what's happening now?"

Frankie: Right. I think I remember seeing that a lot of authors, like, typically will do, like, these crazy sales at the very end of the day to avoid bringing stuff home. Which I totally get because I spent a chunk at the post office (both laugh). Like, I definitely sold most of the books that I sent, but, like, you know—

Jennia: Woohoo, yay!!

Frankie: —Yeah! But, like, there was some leftover. So we were actually at the table next—I forget, I forget the name. She had her assistants, like, screaming, like, "Free books!" (Jennia laughs). They were just giving everything away for her.

Jennia: Oh wow!

Frankie: I was more like, "I will discount these, like, insanely. But also, you can, like, totally peer pressure me into, like, a lower price." (both laugh).

Jennia: As the table next to you nudges you, like, "Hey."

Frankie: Yeah. Like, easily, like, at one point, one of her assistants, like, came over and they're like, "Hey, do you want any books?" I was like, "Thank you so much, but I'm also trying to get rid of books (laughs). Like, I can't take anything home with me." Like, yeah, so we were kind of, like—because a lot of people came over to her table because they were literally like, "Free books!" and then we were like, "Really discounted books!" (both laugh)

Jennia: Still a bargain!

Frankie: Like, I mean, like, seriously, I was like, "Super sale! Go over here!" So yeah, I was just trying to, like, be fair, you know? Like,  I don't want anyone to be like, "Well, if I just walked over a minute later," you know, and (Jennia laughs) you're not really necessarily expecting to, like, make a profit on these events. You're really there for, like, the fun and also, like, to meet readers. But, you know, you are paying if you're indie, like, for each book that, you know, is in there. So it's like you want to try to, like, at least not be super in the negative (both laugh).

Jennia: Right? Have enough for a croissant.

Frankie: Yeah, we definitely did, like, a crazy discount, like, at the very end, just to, you know, not have so much to ship home.

Jennia: Well, exactly, yeah. And again, it's different if you're doing something like the one coming up where you can just put it back in your car, it's not such a big deal. And there's not really that same incentive to discount anything because you don't need to. You're not worried about shipping costs, or your luggage being overweight, or anything like that.

Frankie: Exactly. And also, if you do a signing in Paris, the post office is so nice.

Jennia: (Jennia laughs) That is really the takeaway from this interview. We might need to retitle it to "Why the Paris Post Office is Superior to All Other Post Offices." (both laugh).

Frankie: Honestly, that is the truth!

Jennia: Well, I'm glad that we now have this information. So if anyone does happen to find themselves in Paris and in need of mailing something.

Frankie: Yes! Go to the post office. Also, side note, if you are a skincare girly, go to the French pharmacies, because, they're on every corner. That's basically like their CVS. But again, like, you walk in and instead of this cashier who's just like, "Whatever," there's, like, this man in a lab coat who knows everything about all the skincare lines and basically comes out like you're at Sephora and, like, starts showing you things and explaining things to you. And this [is] the CVS (laughs).

Jennia: Oh my gosh. I totally missed that!

Frankie: Those were actually—Yeah, like, don't ask me about the catacombs, or the Louvre, or Versailles. I'm here to tell you about French pharmacy and the post office (both laugh).

Jennia: I'm sad I didn't go in now.

Frankie: It doesn't take a lot to impress me.

Jennia: Well, for my last question, I was going to say that there were a lot of different types of romance. There was a huge variety. And how did you feel that yours fit in with all of those other ones?

Frankie: All right, so I write romantic fantasy. It's definitely high fantasy You know, fantasy is probably the top part, but, like, with—It's very romance heavy. Like, the romance is, I think, equal to the fantasy storyline in my books. So there was definitely, like, a very good mix of, like, you know, different kinds of romance genres represented. Like, I'm trying to remember exactly who was around me... But I definitely, like, remember walking around and, like, seeing, like, a lot of other, like, fantasy romance or romantic fantasy authors or, like, covers, you know, out and then a lot of contemporary dark romance as well. So it definitely felt like—I feel like all the romance genre is represented, but, yeah—

Jennia: Oh me too, yeah. I mean, and it seemed too, in the group, as soon as someone said, "I'm looking for recommendations for this kind of fantasy [meant to say "romance"]," and someone would instantly come up with, like, five or six authors who are going to be present. Or sometimes the authors would recommend themselves, which was nice too.

Frankie: Yeah, I've never done that (laughs).

Jennia: Well, now you can (laughs).

Frankie: Yeah, I guess I should do that more often. But, yeah, no, it definitely felt like I fit in.

Jennia: I agree. And your table setup was so nice too, because even though you didn't have the big, huge banner and everything, I think especially with your covers—the covers alone draw people in. And they catch your eye. And because you had the books stacked so they went up vertically, so they were at eye level. It wasn't laying flat on a table where you would walk by them a little bit easier.

Frankie: Yeah, that's always been the thing. Stack the books (laughs) and, like, let the cover do its work. But thank you, because I was literally, like, in a sweat setting everything up, like, five minutes before the doors opened, and, like, yelling at my sister, like, (Jennia laughs). Because she had no idea—and not her fault. Like, why would you know how to do this, you know, when it's not your world? Like, how to set anything up? And I was, like, "No, this needs to go with this! And it has to be in this order. Like, AH-"

Jennia: (Jennia laughs) Right. Putting book three next to book five. Come on! (Frankie laughs).

Frankie: And I'm like, "These stickers match these stickers!" (continues laughing).

Jennia: Well, if she's going with you to the next one, I say that she forgives you. And that it's fine.

Frankie: No, she's fine. We're all good (both laugh).

Jennia: Oh good.

Frankie: She did a great job. Like, it's just hard, you know, you're under pressure. You're like, "Oh, my god, I have to have this thing done in a second."

Jennia: Yeah, exactly. That limited timeframe. And then also, I think there's that worry too, about how does your setup compare to the setups around you? Not even necessarily all the setups, but just those in close proximity, because—

Frankie: Really?

Jennia: —Yeah, readers are naturally going to be making that comparison, even if it's just on that subconscious level.

Frankie: Yeah, I mean, it's easy to compare your setup to other setups, but as long as you've got your presentation, you know, out and not, like, hidden away under the table, like, you're good. You've done it, so.

Jennia: Well, do you have any other exciting upcoming events that you can share with us?

Frankie: Sooo let's see. I'll be back in Edinburgh for RARE in September. So very excited about that. And I'm also going to Romantasy Con in Orlando in October—

Jennia: Oh, neat!

Frankie: —Yeah. And that's one where I will be driving (both laugh). Probably should be flying, but, you know, with the amount of time you're going to spend at the airport and getting to the airport and—

Jennia: Yes!

Frankie: —I could literally just load my car up and just drive there. And—

Jennia: Yeah. If you look and you see, like, like, a two hour flight from where we live, and it looks like that's not so bad, but, yeah, you have to drive two hours to the airport, and then be there two hours ahead of time, and then finding transportation out of the airport after you finally have luggage. Like, you're at 10 hours now.

Frankie: Oh my god. It's forever. And, like, the last time I went to Orlando, you know, I ended up renting a car at the airport, and that (laughs)—That was like a whole other flight too. So yeah, like, so I'm gonna be driving to that one. I'm also gonna be at Books, Gowns, and Crowns... Seattle in October. I feel like there's something else, but that might be—We'll go with that for now (both laugh).

Jennia: I can always link your website too, if it has an update.

Frankie: Yeah, the website usually knows what's going on better than I do (laughs).

Jennia: (laughs) Perfect!

Jennia: Thank you for listening. And make sure to check out the show notes for more information. And then please join me next week as author Jennifer Jane Young reveals how your book can transform from just a book into a wide-reaching movement. And if you enjoyed today's show, please subscribe and share the link with a friend. Thanks again!