Passion is an interesting thing. Everyone has the potential to be passionate, but until they find that special "something", they will never truly come alive. When you do find that thing that makes you passionate, it's something that will attract people to you like nothing else! (Let me be clear: I'm not tooting my own horn here. My own life experiences are all I have to draw on…) I was fortunate enough to attend Anaheim Wondercon (a comic convention) in 2014 for the first time. I was invited by some friends who run a booth there every year. I was there to enjoy myself, take in the sights, and have the experience. But when I found myself talking to people about comic books and stories I loved, the passion just burst out of me. I made friends, attracted attention to the booth (even though I wasn't there to work), and sold hundreds of comic books. Thanks to that, my friends invite me back (to more than just Wondercon!) every year so I can use my passion for comic books to help them sell their stuff. Another example: Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend a local author event at the amazing Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore (the best indie sci-fi/fantasy bookstore in San Diego). Every one of us authors had a chance to present our works, and when it came my turn, I found the words just flowed out of me. I loved my work, my story, and my character so much that it shone through my speaking. Because of that passion, the book completely sold out at the bookstore that day! I've been on a few radio interviews, and have been told that I have the "perfect" voice and personality for radio. I don't feel like I'm the best host, but I have no problem talking about all sorts of things, and my passion for my writing--and both writing and reading--shines through. Why am I telling you all of this? Simple: I want you to understand that your passion is one of your best tools when it comes to marketing yourself, your books, and your product/s! I have little doubt you are passionate about your work, which is why you have spent hours laboring over it and trying to make it as good as possible. But it's tough to tap into that passion at first. You feel, "Well, no one wants to hear me ramble about myself endlessly." So don't ramble, but don't be afraid to let people see what makes you passionate. Talk about your characters, your plot twists, your clever ideas, and whatever else makes you love your work. Let others see the reason that THEY should love your book as much as you do, and it will be much easier for them to "hop on the bandwagon" of loving you, as an author. Robin S. Sharma said, "Be spectacularly great at what you do. Wear your passion on your sleeve and hold your heart in the palm of your hand." Follow those words, and your passion will be spread to others!