Book Con Luggage List: Monsterotica Edition
Lip Gloss, Orc Shirts, and Rolling Carts
I’m seeing book convention conversations everywhere. Apollycon just happened. Steamy Lit is coming this fall. But right now, I’m in a season of life where I’m fully responsible for two very tiny humans, so I don’t get to attend these events nearly as often as I’d like.
That’s why I’m so excited to head to Baltimore in less than a month for Monsterotica Book Con.
This isn’t my first convention. And book cons have been around for years. So while this will be my first Romance Book Convention, I’ve got a pretty solid idea of what I need to bring. Feel free to drop your own tips in the comments for other readers. I’m sure I’ll forget something.
What I’m Bringing to the Convention Floor
*** = Essential. For the love of yourself, bring it.
Wardrobe
*** Comfy Shoes
Two words define comfort: arch support. I’m showing up with a pedicure and some sturdy sports sandals. You don’t need top-shelf Hokas—just something that supports your feet and keeps you moving.
Book Merch
I’ve got a book bestie bringing me a Ka-Esh T-shirt from Finley Fenn’s Orc Sworn series. Finley doesn’t do conventions, to the best of my knowledge, so I feel called to show some love in the places she can’t go.
And of course, the Monsterotica convention t-shirts? Too pretty to resist.
Tote Bag
Tote bag time. These are my go-to “purses” at events like this. They hold the random treasures I collect all day long. I’m grabbing one from Happy Endings Only to get signed by authors at Monsterotica.
Wellness
Even indoors, this cave goblin wears SPF.
Burt’s Bees is classic, but warmer weather feels like gloss season to me. Historically, a red lip is one of the most anti-fascist things a femme American can wear. So I’ve been rocking red lip gloss almost daily in 2025.
Extra Meds
Folks with chronic illness are already packed. For everyone else—your go-to headache remedy or allergy med might save you in the middle of the sensory overload.
I’m excited to meet people, not their germs. They don’t want mine either. Bonus points for fragrance-free in a crowded space.
*** Water Bottle
Bring it. Use it. Bonus if it’s covered in cute bookish stickers.
Electrolyte tablets help too—especially if, like me, you’re a fellow ADHD girl prone to dehydration.
I need protein, but I try to avoid excess sodium. Plant-based protein snacks hit the sweet spot.
Socializing and Shopping
QR Codes
I made phone wallpapers with QR codes to my website. No need to hand out cards. No one’s losing anything. Just scan and go.
Create your own with Canva and Hovercode.
As tech-savvy as I am, I don’t go anywhere without my emotional support notebook. I keep it small so it fits in a tote or oversized coat pocket.
I’m usually a fountain pen person, but I don’t trust them on planes. This trip, I’m bringing my favorite faux fountain pen.
Sharpies for signing fabric, labels, and whatever else needs marking. The duct tape of writing utensils.
Zines
I’m planning to print a couple hundred to trade and share. Hello, fellow zine fiends!
Foldable rolling carts can completely change one’s convention experience. You can haul books without destroying your shoulder, and they make great sticker canvases too.
Shipping Addresses
If you go over your luggage limit, ship your books home with Media Mail. Much cheaper than airline fees.
UPS: https://locations.theupsstore.com/md/baltimore/211-east-lombard-st
FedEx: https://local.fedex.com/en-us/md/baltimore/office-1812
Tech
Bookmarked Convention Website
I always follow the con’s official site and social media before attending. Read those FAQs. Bag policies and security can trip you up if you’re not prepared.
VPN
I use ProtonVPN, but shop around on sites like TechRadar or PCMag for reviews. Avoid free VPNs unless you’re fine with your data being the product.
Don’t rely on public outlets, and definitely don’t trust public charging stations. I’m bringing my own juice.
Let me know what you’re packing. I’m always looking to improve my own packing list.
Housekeeping
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