I was so excited when I got the opportunity to be a guest-blogger here on Twisted Kingdom! This is such a cool site, and I know a lot of the regular visitors here from other blogs (hi Zeek!) that I frequent.
Or, rather, try to frequent, but have done a horrendous job of it in the last few months. (Sorry, Zeek. DC. Mailyn.)
Anyway, Kelly said that I could write about anything I wanted to (little did she know I’m going to make you all think….mwahahahahaaaa!), and since I’m going to be interviewed here on TK next Wednesday, I figured I’d turn the table and ask ya’ll some questions this week.
Next week, you can badger me with anything you want. (Well, actually, you can badger me this week too and I’ll answer questions as well. So knock yourself out.)
…And you’re going to want to, because this week the gals at TK are giving away a freshly autographed copy of The Rest Falls Away (the first in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, if you didn’t already know) and next week….well, they’re giving away an Advance Review Copy of Rises the Night (which won’t be released until June). Publishers Weekly says, “A fast-paced carnival ride of a book!” about Rises.
(I’m very excited. I’m hoping to get to meet the cover model some day. *sigh*)
All you have to do is make a comment, or two, or three, to this post and you’re entered in the drawing. (Right, Kelly?)
So, since I have your full attention now…I’d like to pick your brain from an author’s perspective.
First, how do you feel about cross-genre books? What I mean are, books like mine, that really creep over the genre boundaries of horror, romance, paranormal, etc. Do you like the mix up, or would you rather read a romance when you want a romance, and a fantasy when you want 
a fantasy?
In general, what makes you buy a book by an author who’s new to you? Friend recommendation? Blog review? Amazon browsing? Bookstore browsing? Ads in a magazine? What?
And when you’re in a bookstore, and browsing, what makes you pick up a book? Where do you browse? Where do you never look? Do you only buy books you have on your list, or do you do impulse buying too?
Is there anything you’re tired of seeing, as far as premise of books? Do you ever go into a bookstore and feel like you can’t find something that you want to read? Why? What do you want? What’s missing?
How about interaction with authors? Do you feel that authors should be accessible to their readers—by blog, website, message board, private loop, etc.? Or do you just want to know when the next book is coming out, maybe an excerpt or two?
Have you ever seen a book trailer? (If you haven’t pop over to my website and you can see mine on the homepage.) What do you think of them as a promo tool?
What do you think about MySpace for an author as a promo tool? Personally, I haven’t found it that helpful, but I’m all ears. Any suggestions? How about Facebook? (Yeah, I’m there too….)
What kind of freebies do you like from authors? (Be honest now!) Bookmarks, cover flats, excerpts, podcasts, t-shirts, vampire-hunting stakes? ;-)
What do you think is the best way for a new author like moi to reach non-Internet readers?
Is there anyone who wants to join my SWAT team for the Gardella books and have extra chances to win ARCs, t-shirts, autographed copies, etc.?
Okay, that’s it. I’ll check back for questions, answers, and comments!
Thanks again to the TK ladies for having me here! I look forward to a fun discussion.
(This is Kelly, just wanted to say that if you want a copy of The Rest Falls Away, comment in this post. If you want a copy of Rises the Night, save mentioning it until next Wednesday when she comes back for her interview. We will draw for The Rest Falls Away next Wednesday, so that gives you a week, and Rises the Night, the Wednesday after that. But, while all you have to do is comment to be entered, you cannot just say "pick me", you have to at least attempt to join in the conversation. That sounds fair, right?)
20 comments:
Okay, I thought I would answer some of the questions.
I like cross-genre books. It gives some variety, shakes things up a bit.
I bought "The Rest Falls Away" because of blog stuff. But, otherwise, I hardly ever pay attention to amazon reviews. I read blogs, look at pretty covers to see what the back says, and recommendations from other people.
I would never have bought your book if I was just browsing because it is in the romance section, not somewhere I look. Plus, your book did not really get a lot of shelf space, so it was not all that noticable unless someone was looking for it, I am afraid. I both impulse buy and buy off a list. Less impulse buy nowadays, though.
I have felt this year so far that there is not really anything in the store that interests me. I am tired of the sappy happily ever after stuff, hardly ever read coming of age stores anymore. I mostly browse the fantasy section.
I like your method of getting out there, it makes things more approachable. Authors are just regular people, but a lot of them are closed off to their fans. I think "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke says it best when she talks about how authors are often thought of as dead because the books often arise separate from the person. I wish I had the book nearby so I could give the exact quote.
I have started seeing book trailers on tv, I think they are pretty cool, actually. I wish they were for authors I would actually read, though.
I'll answer the rest later, have to run out.
Yes. Of course! You could always win another copy and give it to a friend or the library!
Colleen, who's feeling a little lonely here.
Okay, it's 4am and I should be still asleep but I'll answer!
I love cross genre books - books that make me want to pick up and try something new. I read a lot of genres normally, but I didn't start reading any paranormal until last year so anything new and fresh is still exciting to me.
As to what makes me buy a book - usually reviews and recommendations. I don't impulse buy at all anymore. If I go to a bookstore it is usually because I want to buy a specific book. Every now and again I will be tempted by the 3 for 2 table, or something on special but generally I don't even look around.
I feel an internet presence is very important for an author, and I think that you did a fantastic job of raising the awareness of The Rest Falls Away before it came out - even tempting in some of those non romance readers out there! (Hi Kelly!!)
What I am not sure of is how long that level of intense self promotion can last for before it takes up too much of your time, especially when you have two books coming out in close succession. I love message boards, but dont really want to join anymore because I already am in so many groups, and I love author blogs...as long as they are updated regularly. I can't stand it when an author has a blog on their site that they update once every 2 or 3 months, and always start with a sorry I haven't updated recently message. If you don't have time to do it..don't! In other words, whatever you are going to do you need to do properly.
I have seen book trailers, and enjoy watching them once...but they don't necessarily make me want to buy the book unless I have recommendations as well. I don't get myspace at all.
Freebies - a book would be my favourite, but I am hapy with bookmarks and things like that as well. I have to say though...I don't understand the point of cover flats AT all! Recently I won some stuff off of an author and she included soem littel personalised sticky notes that was kind of cool.
I'd join a swat team, as long as my email inbox isn't going to get swamped with messages all the time!
Well, hopefully that is coherent enough given the time!
Woo! Thanks Marg. Your feedback is very helpful, and not surprising to me. You're sort of validating some of the things I'd suspected. :-)
I know exactly what you mean about the intensity of self-promotion. It can get overwhelming, but so far, I"ve been able to juggle it. It can be intimidating--but again, that's why I try to pick and choose what I do.
This is all very interesting.
Hope you get some sleep. 4am! Yikes.
I'm never going to remember all the questions long enough to answer!
I love cross-genre books. The first I ever read was one by Dean Koontz, and since then I've fallen in love with books that cover different areas. It helps to keep me interested.
As for why I pick up a new author, it could be anything. I take friend and review recommendations, I pick up random books at the bookstore and buy just because I like the cover or what's written on the back...It rarely comes back to haunt me. Although having other people recommend someone is usually the best way for me to know I want to read it. When in the bookstore I browse through evertyhing. Sometimes I just walk down an aisle without really looking and reach out an pick up a random book. That's one great way to expand your reading horizons because you might end up with something great you never would have picked up. (That's happened to be a lot.)
I do occassionally find myself not able to find something I want to read, even when book shopping. But that's usually because I have my heart set on a particular book and just can't find it.
I think that having an author avaiable for interaction through a website and blog is a great idea. It really keeps the author in the front of a reader's mind even when there isn't a new book about to come out. And who wouldn't want to say that they were blogging buddies with one of their favorite authors!! I'm not real savvy on myspace or facebook, so I'm not really sure how great a tool they might be.
I've never had a book trailer make me want a book all on it's own, but it's a way to make me want to look into it more.
And the subject of freebies...everone loves them. Books are always awesome because we love to read. However, bookmarks, podcasts, and just about anything else is cool too.
I would definitely join a swat team as well. That might be interesting!
Let me say that MySpace pages are horrifying and not something I'd consider professional at all.
As far as non-net people I'd say book signing is the way to go. I'm most of the time curious if I see a book signing and stop to see what kind of book it is.
Freebies I'd have to say books. Nothing else they use for promos really interests me except books. :-P
Book trailers I find are rather crappy as well. Not all but most are just cringe worthy. Amateurish looking. ^__^
Authors being accessible, well I'd say I'm happy with someone with a website they keep up to date as far as books, book signing and news like that. I don't expect authors to be around all the time but it's also nice when they take the time to comment. Forums and stuff like that are just bad, bad ideas. I don't think any self respecting author should have one. It attracts mostly rabid fan people! LOL.
I am a fantasy fan and therefore that's what I mostly read but I am open to cross genre books provided the author is good enough to pull it. I am very picky when it comes to that and I expect cross-genre. I've read many books that try to pass as cross-genre when they are clearly romance and that' a no-no. Having paranormal creatures, fantasy or sci-fi elements doesn't automatically make a book a Fantasy or Sci-fi book. The fantasy [or sci-fi] better be more than just window dressing. Sadly this is how most of the so-called cross genre books are where the fantasy or sci-fi element have little to do with anything story. I wouldn't even consider those books as cross over.
This is all very interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing.
As for a SWAT team--those are the people I'd ask to help spread the word when, say, a new book is out, or a signing is going on. Talk it up to your friends, etc. Hold my hand if I come to do a signing in your town. LOL.
Sort of like an organized, low-key fanbase--and the tradeoff or perks would be more opps to get ARCs and free books, maybe a tee (even though some of you aren't into that), invites to special events, etc.
Kind of like a street team for a band. Musicians use them all the time.
Nothing too scary. LOL.
I'm heading off for a meeting with some friends; will be back in a few hours to check up on you gals.
I'm all for Cross - Genre but then I don't really think about Genre I just buy what I think looks good.
I'm attracted by pretty covers and catchy titles that is how I browse shallow hey, and I look everywhere in the bookstore expect the kids section. I try not to impulse buy and if something grabs my attention and I'm not 100% sure I will like it I get it from the library but then if I think it was good I will buy other books by that author and if I think it was really good I will buy that book and re read it, cause it is always better to read books you own.
I don't think myspace is a good author promo tool because it is for teenagers or people posting strange pictures.
I'm all for freebies if I'm at the bookstore and there is a book with buy this and get something for free I will pick it up and find out about the book and T- Shirts I love that idea I'm geeky enough to wear my fave book on my t- shirt.
Wow, that's a lot of interesting questions :P Jeez, now I'm really going to think to come up with good questions for interview next week ^^;
1. Cross genre: I think that nowadays, it's harder to define in which genre a book belongs, esp. after the paranormal boom. Personally, I don't mind the genre, as long as there's some romance in my books :P
2. New author: it's really going to be luck... with the net, of course, if there's a lot of discussion about the book, it's going to make me curious. Otherwise, it's going to depend on my mood when I walk in the bookstore. Ads doesn't do much for me, as I don't read magazines.
3. Book browsing: I browse in romance, sci-fi, fantasy sections... and sometimes mystery... I don't browse in non-fiction sections and not in strictly "fiction." and I do a lot of impulse buying :P LOL
4. Premises: there's no premises I'm really tired to see. It's just going to depend on my mood... I mean, sure sometimes, I do an overdose of premises, but it'll go away... esp. if I find a very good book.
5. Interaction with authors: I have to admit that it's really cool to be able to interact with authors :) which wouldn't be possible without web... but I don't consider an obligation... esp. if they're not going to be able to maintain the interaction. Websites and blogs are cool, but message board and private loop... need constant updating and I really mean constant, so it'll be disappointing if it dies down.
6. Trailers: they're cool, but agree with Marg... after seeing once I don't feel like seeing them again. they're nice, but I guess it'd be better to have more than one.
7. Myspace: I think myspace are bad... blogs are nicer LOL I mean, they're not very nice and attractive, or at least, I haven't seen many that are... blogs allow you to play around more, i guess.
8. Freebies: hmmm, I don't really care I guess, seeing has I've never gotten freebies yet ^^; I guess bookmarks or anything that has the author's autograph.
9. Non-internet: I think Mailyn is right, book signings are the best way. (try to come to Montreal)
phewww... all right, that's it for now :D
So if I come to Montreal...or someone else's town, you'll bring all your friends to the signing, right, ladies???
:-)
I'm only going to comment on the cross genre question.
Because I dislike the idea of genre. A good story is a good story. Why saddle it with the baggage of romance or horror or sci-fi?
One of my works wobbles back and forth. The central character is a vampire, but in one story the protagonists are genetically engineered supermen. In another a rather common pimp.
I'm pretty pleased with it. And so are my readers because they never know what to expect.
So why worry about genre? It just limits you.
Ok-my answers, because these are really good questions (plus I just got home and can blog hop. LOL)
I love cross-genre books. It's the best of two or three worlds.
I buy new-to-me authors based on fellow bloggers recommendations. I go to the bookstore armed with a list, because I'd never leave, or go broke. And I don't even look at amazon reviews.
I like author interaction with readers, because I rarely read excerpts (they make me too impatient for the book).
Freebies from authors, any kind are good. But books rank the highest in freebie terms. LOL
I think word of mouth is great for reaching more non-internet addicted readers. :P
And I love SWAT teams. Count me in! Hey, is Colin Farrell on your SWAT team too?
Sorry, but Colin isn't on my SWAT Team. But now that you mention it...that might be an incentive.
Personally, I'd like to get the guy on the front cover of Rises on my personal SWAT Team, if you know what I mean.
And I think you do. :-)
OKay, which of you posters has read The Rest Falls Away? Come on, 'fess up, even if it wasn't your cuppa (just don't tell me if it wasn't!)...
I enjoy cross genere books as well. It's nice to mix up different ideas and not be too confined within one set of rules. It helps keep things original.
Usually I go by friend recommendations or browsing in book shops. I like to flick through a book I am thinking of buying first and I have to say a good cover will catch my attention and make me look further. I am getting more into blogging now so will also use blog reviews for recommendations.
As I said a good cover will get my attention (I bought The Redemption of Althalus by David and Leigh Eddings because of the cat on the front!). I tend to browse in fiction, classics, sci-fi and fantasy, MBS, science, history, horror and the children's section. I miss out crime and non-fiction mostly. I do both impulse and more organised buying depending on what catches my eye.
Yes, I am tired of fantasy books that take the general ideas from LOTR and rewrite it with different character names. Reading the back they are all the same. They have cities with foreign names, elves wizards and dwarfs, magic and some kind of magical artefact they have to journey to find and defeat the bad guys. It's gotten old now... Fantasy is such an exciting genre, you can do anything with it so why keep repeating an old idea?
I like to be able to email an author or meet them at a signing if their book has particularly touched me for some reason. I have only done this about 3 times though. I do check out websites for when books are coming out and what is in the works next and if it is someone who has written a series of books I love, it's good to read a blog and get to know more about them like I know lots about their characters. I always read the short author biographies at the front or back of books.
Nope never seen a book trailer. Why not though, anything to get your book noticed has to be a great idea.
Myspace is a good tool as well. Basically the more promotion the better and it's another way to interact with the author if you have any questions or comments. It's a great way to network. Just keep adding people to your friends list and make the effort to leave random comments to get people checking back to your profile. People like to feel special and singled out and will often reciprocate.
Stakes are always useful, you never know when those pesky vampires will jump out at you...
I guess keep doing signings and talks/readings. Try and get someone at the bookshop to read your books and write a review to put on the shelf in front of it to attract attention. Also the staff can give verbal recommendations to customers.
Sure, sign me up for the SWAT team. I haven't read any of your books, but the reviews all seem positive so when I get paid I will see what I can find.
I've read The Rest Falls Away. I am very much looking forward to Rises the Night
I'll join your SWAT :) But, since I live in a very un-author visited province, I doubt you will ever make your way here. I get a few local authors sometimes and cookbooks. Travel books are popular too... for places around here.
Ok. So I decided I couldn't wait any longer and went to Books-A-Million last night and spent nearly an hour trying to find The Rest Falls Away. They had hidden it!!! And I didn't go to bed until I finished it. I read it rather quickly though so I've got to go back and spend some real time on it. It's a terrific book though! I'll be passing it along to friends I think would like it.
..."how do you feel about cross-genre books?
I don't think about a book being cross-genre when I decide to purchase it. If it's an interesting premise, especially if my curiousity is aroused I will buy and read outside my "normal" choices.
In general, what makes you buy a book by an author who’s new to you? Friend recommendation? Blog review? Amazon browsing? Bookstore browsing? Ads in a magazine? What?
Until the last year all my purchases were based on my own personal reading of reviews from RT, which I still check out each month, and online. Now I will buy a book solely on a reader rec online when it's someone I know whose tastes are similar to mine. In the case of your book it was curiousity and your presence online at reader blogs. A presence that was actively interested in the places you posted and not relentlessly reminding us that you had a book coming out.
And when you’re in a bookstore, and browsing, what makes you pick up a book? Where do you browse? Where do you never look? Do you only buy books you have on your list, or do you do impulse buying too?
Like someone else mentioned I go to the bookstore armed with a list. That list might take me to many sections of the store. I've recently tried YA and Manga from reviews I've seen online. So I don't feel limited to one section if something interests me. I use a list because I'm a born browser. I've had to learn to discipline myself not to impulse buy just so I can budget and buy the books I KNOW I'll want when they are released.
Is there anything you’re tired of seeing, as far as premise of books? Do you ever go into a bookstore and feel like you can’t find something that you want to read? Why? What do you want? What’s missing?
There isn't a premise I feel I never want to see again or am soooo sick of reading. I do get tired of all publishers jumping on a band wagon which seems to be erotic romance right now. Not every author writes the same sort of novel and does it well. I think writers should have some latitude and be able to write what speaks to them. Having said that I'm no Pollyanna that doesn't realize that publishing is a business for profit and has to recognize trends and capitalize on them. I just wonder why we (readers) have to be bludgeoned with the narrow way of thinking.
How about interaction with authors? Do you feel that authors should be accessible to their readers—by blog, website, message board, private loop, etc.? Or do you just want to know when the next book is coming out, maybe an excerpt or two?
I don't envy a writer trying to promote their book and maintain a balance between promotion and honest interaction of opinions as a reader as well. I think it's a fine line to walk. I do enjoy author input. I love things like the author days Sybil does where the conversation is specific to the author's recent releases and is accessible for questions and comments about the books.
Have you ever seen a book trailer? (If you haven’t pop over to my website and you can see mine on the homepage.) What do you think of them as a promo tool?
Yes, I've seen many trailers. They don't influence me much and the production quality on many of them is poor. I really don't think they are a very effective tool (right now) for authors.
What do you think about MySpace for an author as a promo tool?
I'm always surprised when I see a MySpace link on an author website. I associate with teenagers because both my boys went through a MySpace phase. So for me not an effective tool.
What kind of freebies do you like from authors? (Be honest now!) Bookmarks, cover flats, excerpts, podcasts, t-shirts, vampire-hunting stakes?
The books are the only thing that really floats my boat.
What do you think is the best way for a new author like moi to reach non-Internet readers?
Frankly Colleen I think you've done a great job of creating a presence online. Maybe that's just because you frequent the same corner of the blogosphere that I do, but the reason I'm commenting here now is that you seem to be one of the authors that have struck a good balance and voice in the reader community.
The essentials I think are a blog with information about your writing and progress, a current web page.
BTW, Kelly since I have THE REST FALLS AWAY please don't enter me in the drawing.
Cory! So geeked that you not only dug up my book and read it in one night. Thanks so much!!
And for all of you who have commented on my presence in the blogosphere--thanks. I've gotten "out" to the blogs a little less frequently than I've wanted to recently, but I'm hoping to change that now that things are settling down a bit. I'm still on deadlines, but I'm becoming more used to managing them.
Thanks to all of you for coming by! I'll still be checking back for more comments, and look forward to next week when you get to pummel me with questions. I'm really looking forward to that!
As for the SWAT team: I'm just starting it up, so if you're interested in joining (which I would love), send an email to:
GardellaSWATteam-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com
Thanks and look forward to seeing you all next week....or sooner.
Colleen
First, how do you feel about cross-genre books? What I mean are, books like mine, that really creep over the genre boundaries of horror, romance, paranormal, etc. Do you like the mix up, or would you rather read a romance when you want a romance, and a fantasy when you want a fantasy?
I don't mind cross genre books. I think they're great...as long as the reader knows going into it, exactly what they're getting. I think cross genre books are prone to mislabeling because deciding where those books should go--what section they should be placed in--can be confusing for booksellers, and that can lead to reader disappoinment, which ultimately hurts the author.
In general, what makes you buy a book by an author who’s new to you? Friend recommendation? Blog review? Amazon browsing? Bookstore browsing? Ads in a magazine? What?
Nowadays, most new books and authors come to my attention through blog reviews, recommendations and interviews. For example, I first saw your book, Colleen, on Nicole's blog (Blog Happy) and decided to check your website out after reading the blurb.) I also browse Amazon to see what they're recommending and if something looks particularly good, I might go ahead and take a chance on it. But most of my book purchases come from recommendations online (through blogs mostly. I rarely browse the bookstore anymore (though I use to). Now, I usually order online, based on recommendations I've received online.
And when you’re in a bookstore, and browsing, what makes you pick up a book? Where do you browse? Where do you never look? Do you only buy books you have on your list, or do you do impulse buying too?
When I'm in the bookstore, I'm usually in there for something specific. But something might catch my eye if I've seen it online before or if it has a cool cover. lol. That's usually what attracts my attention. Then I'll pick it up, read the blurb. Maybe skim through the first chapter.
I always browse the science fiction/fantasy section and the manga section. Usually the young adult section too. Occasionally, I'll browse romance, horror and the general fiction section. Most other sections are left untouched.
As I said before, when I'm in the bookstore, I'm in there for something specific so most of the time, I'll come away with only the things I have in mind. I rarely impulse buy now 'cause it seems when I do, I'm always coming back to the store to return it!
Is there anything you’re tired of seeing, as far as premise of books? Do you ever go into a bookstore and feel like you can’t find something that you want to read? Why? What do you want? What’s missing?
I'm getting tired of paranormal romances because I feel like they're no longer delivering quality stories. I guess they're just too many of them now. Everyone is trying to write a paranormal and not everyone can do it. The same with urban fantasy. I love urban fantasy but so many people are writing the same things. Lately, when I read a parnormal or urban fantasy, I feel like I've read everything--the world, the rules, the stories--all before.
When I go into the bookstore, though, there's always something I can find since I read in a lot of different genres. So when one genre starts to feel unsatisfying, I move on to another for a time. It's refreshing to read that way, I think.
How about interaction with authors? Do you feel that authors should be accessible to their readers—by blog, website, message board, private loop, etc.? Or do you just want to know when the next book is coming out, maybe an excerpt or two?
I like accessible authors, though all I really need is a well-maintained website. I want to be able to easily obtain news regarding upcoming books and backlists; events--that kind of thing. I also like when authors include some extras on their site such as music that inspired them, or the story behind the story. That kind of stuff. An email address in case I want to email them with a question or just say to say, "Hey, I loved your book!" is nice too. Beyond that, I don't need much more. Blogs are cool if they're interesting and not just about promoting. And message boards, I've limited my posting on message boards because message boards are well, message boards. lol.
Have you ever seen a book trailer? (If you haven’t pop over to my website and you can see mine on the homepage.) What do you think of them as a promo tool?
I've seen them but really, they don't do anything for me. Most of them are pretty boring and/or poorly crafted.
What do you think about MySpace for an author as a promo tool?
I hate MySpace. lol. Most of the pages on there are an eyesore. I rarely visit the site.
What kind of freebies do you like from authors? (Be honest now!) Bookmarks, cover flats, excerpts, podcasts, t-shirts, vampire-hunting stakes? ;-)
Mostly, I just like free books, but I am kind of a t-shirt whore. I like a nice t-shirt too! LOL. :-P
What do you think is the best way for a new author like moi to reach non-Internet readers?
I guess by writing books that get people talking and spreading recommendations through word of mouth.
Is there anyone who wants to join my SWAT team for the Gardella books and have extra chances to win ARCs, t-shirts, autographed copies, etc.?
If you came to my area for a signing, I would definitely come out to support and hold your hand. No worries there. :-P
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