Jill K. Sayre's Blog
April 12, 2015
North Texas Book Festival
Book Festivals are truly the celebration of books and the authors who create them. The energy emitted from all of those enthusiastic and clever souls is easily felt and it's exhilarating.
I recently signed books at the North Texas Book Festival and it was no different. To my right was a gentleman whose book had just been published and it was his first book festival. To my left, a woman working on her fifth book. Between the smiles and laughter we shared, I left learning a lot from both. Listening to them talk about their work re-inspired me about mine. They gave me tips and ideas of how to get more attention for my book. I shared what I had learned these past two years, hoping to save them any minor errors I had made. It was an enriching, worthwhile experience.
Meanwhile, we got to meet our readers. People of all ages, dying for a new read to gobble up, roamed the aisles. And when one stopped to talk to me, it was great! I told them about my story, how I became inspired to write it, and often they would walk away with a copy in their hands.
I want to encourage every book lover to attend their local book festivals. Meeting the author will give you so much more insight into what you are about to read. Often, they will share their website and email with you where you can find even more information-- many have wonderful book trailers on their sites to watch-- and you can email the author directly with questions and comments. What's more fun than that? Be sure to attend the next book festival in your town!Andrew Fairchild
I recently signed books at the North Texas Book Festival and it was no different. To my right was a gentleman whose book had just been published and it was his first book festival. To my left, a woman working on her fifth book. Between the smiles and laughter we shared, I left learning a lot from both. Listening to them talk about their work re-inspired me about mine. They gave me tips and ideas of how to get more attention for my book. I shared what I had learned these past two years, hoping to save them any minor errors I had made. It was an enriching, worthwhile experience.
Meanwhile, we got to meet our readers. People of all ages, dying for a new read to gobble up, roamed the aisles. And when one stopped to talk to me, it was great! I told them about my story, how I became inspired to write it, and often they would walk away with a copy in their hands.
I want to encourage every book lover to attend their local book festivals. Meeting the author will give you so much more insight into what you are about to read. Often, they will share their website and email with you where you can find even more information-- many have wonderful book trailers on their sites to watch-- and you can email the author directly with questions and comments. What's more fun than that? Be sure to attend the next book festival in your town!Andrew Fairchild
November 30, 2013
Book Club: Author Visits
I have been in a book club for the past 17 years~ when I did the math on this, I couldn't believe it! I have always participated in groups of serious readers who love meaty discussions, not just an eat and mingle type, although we do plenty of munching and chatting as well.
As a new author, there is nothing I enjoy more than attending the meetings of book clubs who have read my book. People think it is asking a lot to ask an author to visit, but I want to encourage you to do so. We love people who want to discuss our work! But always be kind~ we don't mind questions who delve into our choices as writers, however, a mutual respect is crucial.
Now, I realize that local authors are more likely to attend, but if you give out-of-town authors enough notice, you may be able to schedule a visit. For me, as long as I can schedule a book signing or two in the vicinity, there's a decent chance that I would be willing to come speak at a book club at the same time.
I am currently reading Julie Kibler's "Calling Me Home" and she is a local writer so she will be attending our December book club. There is nothing more exciting than to hear the author explain his/her thought process behind the story, and nothing more wonderful than to hear an excerpt of the tale read in the author's own voice.
So, with social media making it easier than ever, go out there and find those authors who are willing to visit your next book club meeting. It will be an enriching experience!
As a new author, there is nothing I enjoy more than attending the meetings of book clubs who have read my book. People think it is asking a lot to ask an author to visit, but I want to encourage you to do so. We love people who want to discuss our work! But always be kind~ we don't mind questions who delve into our choices as writers, however, a mutual respect is crucial.
Now, I realize that local authors are more likely to attend, but if you give out-of-town authors enough notice, you may be able to schedule a visit. For me, as long as I can schedule a book signing or two in the vicinity, there's a decent chance that I would be willing to come speak at a book club at the same time.
I am currently reading Julie Kibler's "Calling Me Home" and she is a local writer so she will be attending our December book club. There is nothing more exciting than to hear the author explain his/her thought process behind the story, and nothing more wonderful than to hear an excerpt of the tale read in the author's own voice.
So, with social media making it easier than ever, go out there and find those authors who are willing to visit your next book club meeting. It will be an enriching experience!
