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Talking With Your Readers!!

10/11/2016

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How To Communicate With Your Readers

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'I recently had a wonderful opportunity to talk, actually text, with an enthusiastic reader while she read my Look For Me series.  This was a special insight to what a reader feels, thinks and has questions about while they are reading. I was able to answer questions, explain my thought process on certain characters and enjoy the feelings and response to certain scenes in each book.  

We talked about each book as she read them. I enjoyed discussing the research I did for the books. In Look for me, I had walked the battlegrounds of Gettysburg and knew the town and area I included in my story. I felt the ghosts that walked the fields, heard the cannons and smelled the smoke. You cannot go there and not be touched by those who died.  For book two I interviewed veterans of WWII. I have to admit I shed some tears and had to compose myself a few times when hearing what these brave men and women went through during that time. There is a history in Wait for me, about the women that went to war. Nurses healing under enemy fire, marching across Europe, prisoners in the Pacific, some wounded,some died, many forgotten. Book three Find me again touches a personal note as I was working in the D.C. area on 911. As a nurse, we waited for wounded that never came. A personal friend was in New York during the attack. 

   I  was able to enjoy the viewpoint of a fresh pair of eyes. Her comments and suggestions only helped to sharpen my writing as I love giving the best story I can to my readers. My series was not one that she usually reads and once finished her review of my books was positive and heartfelt.  Please remember your opinion counts to an author. Reviews mean everything to us. It only takes a few moments to leave a review. If you don't have a lot of time for a wordy review then a star rating is available. 

​If you have never had the opportunity to talk with an author about a book you loved then I suggest a book club or discussion group.  Take the time to approach authors at book signings. We love to talk and usually have goodies at our table to giveaway. Remember there can be numerous opinions to the meaning of the book and how it is perceived by other readers. Sometimes other readers see something you didn't or it touched them in a way you hadn't thought about in that chapter.

The indie authors I have met are very approachable. You might be surprised if you ask an author to come to your book club or group. She or he might just say yes.

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Preparing for Awards Banquets and Conferences

10/9/2016

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How To Prepare For Book Award Banquets.

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Your book has been honored with an award. You make the decision to go and be part of that conference or book award banquet. Take a deep breath and be prepared for a wonderful experience.
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First, make hotel and airline reservations as soon as possible. If you can stay at the hotel where festivities are taking place do so, if not be as close as possible. Going to a big city or unfamiliar place can be concerning these days so be safe. Take a friend or family member with you so they can support you and take pictures.

Second, all book awards banquets and conferences have a guide as to their programs. It is usually full of good information as to dress and activities for the time you will be there.
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Third, take your book, business cards and if there is a book fair or table set with a display of award-winning books have something to place there if allowed. I usually take pens, book markers, and small sachets.

Finally, If you can wear a costume and feel comfortable do so, you will have people ask you about your dress and book. You will meet and make new friends and connections where ever you go. Remember to smile and be excited about your accomplishment no matter where you placed in the contest.

Be sure to post on all social media the event and your award. Include where your book can be purchased and on which sites.
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Once again relax, smile and just have a great time. Book award banquets are wonderful places to make great memories.


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    Janet Shawgo

     I love an adventure, to travel and discovering new places. 

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