Sex & Fantasy Fest
Fantasy Fest was AWESOME. Firstly, I want to thank the locals of Key West. You made my day and it’s an honor to come back soon to do an author talk at the Friends of Key West Library. Hayley you’re a real girl boss and it will be a pleasure to come back for the event. Thank you for inviting me.
I want to write about this first, because the only thing more important to me than my book series is my involvement in community service with humanitarian organizations. When I served the area through Red Cross in Hurricane Irma, I saw the island in its worst condition. In the sequel, Disorderly Conduct: Deployment Edition, I was nervous about how locals would interpret my depiction of what the islands looked like. I had several people approach me at the signing and tell me they appreciated that I wrote about it at all. It was raw and heart breaking to see so many good people lose everything.
Seeing the island how it’s supposed to look was a humanitarian’s dream come true. Additionally, I was so humbled to be thanked by the residents of the island. Know that I don’t feel I even deserve a thank you. When I deployed at 26, I did it because I was tired of just talking about helping, was ready to do something about it, and felt it was the right thing to do. I was raised to help others in need when I’m privileged enough to have the time to do it. It was emotional revisiting that period and talking to you all about your guys’ experiences during the tragedy. The strong sense of community and the unique local love for the arts is why I will be back again. Yes, the scenery is stunning, but let’s be real, the people are what make Key West a paradise.
Alright, alright, enough of my golden retriever energy bullshit haha. I try not to be soft but volunteering and discussing the topic always brings that side out of me. Let’s get to the good/less emotional part! I started off the day WAY too early and got to the Keys around 8:30 to setup. As a first timer, I was greeted by my vendor neighbor with a mimosa XD! Thank you Whimsy Key West for being an awesome mentor my first year. I’m keeping my promise to you! I will be signing up next year to sell more books and kick off our new tradition of being “the dirty minded corner” of The Fantasy Market. Fellow deviants, please go follow her Insta, @whimsykeywest. she is a bad ass art gallery owner and artist.
The day started off slow because it rained for the first 20 minutes, but we were lucky enough to get a rainbow next to the market. The rest of the day was stunning and we had sunny weather until I left. We had a few roosters wandering around which resulted in me making ample jokes about cock. I met so many kind readers and even had a gentleman and his wife recognize me which felt cool. I didn’t realize I was one of the many talks of the town, but it really is an artist haven. Thank you to my new and old fans who are making my dreams possible. I love you, deviants.
During the event I sold 46 books and almost ran out of the first book in the series. Seriously, again, thank you. I got to see the funniest and sexiest costumes - kudos, I’m a cosplayer and you guys came dressed to impress. I loved all the unicorns and it was a pleasure to briefly meet the Fantasy Fest King and Queen. A Carnival cruise VP and his wife noticed me. After a wonderful conversation with them, they invited me aboard their newest and biggest ship, the Carnival Pride. I’ll get a free cruise from 2/25-3/3 to Mexico in exchange for my modeling services plus a ticket for security or an SO.
After the event I got invited to sell at the festival’s Blossom EDM festival but had to decline due to low stock and finding out only a couple of days before. I’ve made the decision that I will do both events next year. I just came into this as a baby author not knowing what to expect, but now I know for Fantasy Fest 2024! After tear down I made a quick hour long appearance at the Playboy Party, then had some delicious fresh seafood at Mangoes with a few new friends and lastly ended the night with The People’s Parade. . . Lmao I didn’t document any of the afterparty because I was completely topless for 95% of it. For those unfamiliar with FF, nudity is totally allowed in “the zone” where most of the events were held, so photos/videos are discouraged.
I eventually got home at 5ish the next morning but found glitter stuck to me, all over my bed and all over my car LOL. The essence lingers but I woke up feeling like a star the next day. I loved how welcoming both the locals and tourists were. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one waking up with a huge smile on Saturday ;) am I right or am I right? Next year I’ll be back for at least the entire weekend because holy shit, that was the most fun I’ve had in years.
