Look out for Julie Flanders! She may seem like a humble librarian, but underneath her modest cover, she's a book-toting, pen-waving, crowd-pleasing hero! She's so BOSS, I decided to interview her on her own blog about overcoming her leap into the public eye.1) What events have you attended? and how big were they?
I’ve attended a small group book signing at a coffee shop near where I live, the Ohioana Book Festival in Columbus, Ohio, and a book signing at a bookstore on Martha’s Vineyard. I also did a presentation at my local library that included a book signing. The Ohioana festival was the only event that could be called “big.” I don’t know how many authors were involved, but I know there were lots of us there and it was a day long event. About 30 people attended the library presentation so that was a great medium sized event. The two book signings were both small but I sold a few books at both so I was happy.
Sounds like they were successful!
2) What did you like most? least?
I think I liked the Ohioana Festival the best because it was so big and I was super nervous about it before I went, but once I was there I had a wonderful time. It was also my first time participating in a panel discussion and I really enjoyed that. As far as which one I liked least, I honestly liked all of them and felt like I learned so much as I went to each one that I can’t pick a least favorite.
Just getting out there and meeting readers is a great feeling!
3) What advice would you give book event virgins?
Just to try not to be nervous about the event! I was so nervous for months ahead of time and I worried for nothing. So I would advise newbies to just relax and enjoy the experience.
I agree. Plan as much as you can, then relax and have fun! Everyone is so nice! Speaking of planning...
4) What should one bring/not bring to an event?
Definitely bring lots of swag related to your book or books. My table mate at Ohioana had bags made up with her book cover on them. She asked each person who walked past if they would like a bag to hold their books and most people took one. So I saw her book cover everywhere that day as I walked around the venue! That was a good lesson for me and I’m going to have bags made myself whenever I go to another event. As far as what not to bring, I would caution people not to “over buy” copies of their books if they will be selling the books themselves at the event. The events are really fun but with so many authors there, it’s probably wise to keep your sales expectations kind of low. I think most of these festivals are probably more about exposure then they are about sales.
I have bags too - love swag! And yes, unfortunately, sales are not the big reason to go. But if you know that in advance, you won't be disappointed.
5) What have you learned about going to these events?
I’ve learned that it is really fun to network with other authors and talk with readers about my books. This was truly a shock for me as I have always hated public speaking and was really nervous about that aspect of each event. But when it came to talking about my writing I found I didn’t hate public speaking after all and I actually enjoyed myself. That was a very pleasant surprise to say the least.
Isn't it awesome, surprising yourself that you can actually do it! And everyone wants to hear you!
6) When are your next appearances?
I’m not sure! I hope to have a few more appearances this year but I am still waiting to hear if I will be accepted for the events.
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| Julie & Tara |
Well, I was so happy to meet Julie at the Ohioana Festival! And I spoke on my first author panel, too. It's really not as scary as you think - and we learned so much from the experience and from other authors. Even though you may not sell many books, it's worth it to get your name out there! I hope Julie and I have encouraged you all to go for it!!
Please share your experiences or fears! We can help each other!
Thanks again, Julie-bo-boolie!
I can't wait to do another event with my Cincy friend!
(And don't forget to enter the giveaway below!)
by Tara TylerRelease Date: June 24, 2014 (NOW!)
Publisher: Curiosity Quills
Gabe is an average fifteen-year-old goblin. He’s in the marching band, breezes through calculus, and gets picked on daily by the other kids at school, especially the ogres. But Gabe wants to break out of his nerdy stereotype and try other things. He has his eye on the new ogress at school. Though it’s against all beastly rules, there’s just something about her.
Gabe starts a fad of mingling with other species, forcing the High Council to step in and ruin things by threatening to destroy the school and split up Broken Branch Falls. With help from other outcast friends, Gabe sets out on a quest to save his town. They'll show 'em what different friends can do together!
Tara Tyler has had a hand at everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After living up and down the Eastern US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently, she has two series, The Cooper Chronicles (techno-thriller detective capers) and Beast World (MG fantasy) She's an adventure writer who believes every good story should have action, a moral, and a few laughs!
Also by Tara Tyler, techno-thriller detective series,
The Cooper Chronicles, Book One: POP TRAVEL
on sale this month for 99 cents!!
on sale this month for 99 cents!!
