#B2BCyCon Think Tank discussion

We all know what these are. If you are going to be using the Convention to launch a blog tour, sign up here.

I will not be helping you with organizing your blog tour :( Alas, my book release is approaching, I have editing to do, and a convention to organize. If you have a company who is offering you a blog tour, let them know about the convention and make this your first stop!

UPDATE: 5 February 2015
IF YOU WISH TO RESERVE A SLOT FOR BLOG TOUR, PLEASE PM ME AND I WILL DISCUSS ARRANGEMENTS WITH YOU. THE THREADS FOR BLOG TOURS WILL BE POSTED HERE UNDER THIS LINK.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Anyone needing to organize a blog tour can add me to their list, but I only promote authors for free, therefore I won't post a blog tour on my page that's from an organizer the author has had to pay.

I'm in

I'm happy to host. Anyone interested, feel free to get in touch.

I have been working on an idea for a blog hop with Chess Desalls that would tie in well with the convention, especially with the last question in the flash interview. We want to call it The Story Hop, launching from the convention.

On this thread we would like each author who wants to participate to sign up here. From here, or rather the convention blog site, we can list all convention authors who want to be involved, then each author can tag or link to other blogger/writers they know thereby expanding the blog exponentially.
This is our logo:


This is the premise:

We are all storytellers. Stories are a part of us, in our blood, our hearts, our DNA. We have been telling and listening stories from the beginning. They teach, entertain, enthralled, but most of all they stick with us. Remember, You are the storyteller. In your blog, tell us the most extraordinary story you've ever heard, one that you love to tell, a magic moment. The story can be real or fiction, a memory or a family tale. It doesn't matter as long as you write like you talk. Keep it short, anywhere from 250 words to 1000 words, nothing fancy. Sometimes the most powerful stories are the simplest.


Imagine sitting around a campfire with a group of friends. The flames have died to embers, crickets chirp, The moon casts mottled shadows. Everyone waits breathlessly for the storyteller.

Then in the blog the author will post something like this...

"Gather round and I will tell you the most extraordinary story you've ever heard..."

Tell your story.

At the end of the story/blog, link back to the story hop here at the conference so the attendees can peruse from all the selections.

Every writer who wants in the blog tour message me here or on my goodreads site, or tdhemlin.com and I will add you. But remember, the blog story must be under 1000 words, we all link from the conference then back to it afterwards to keep the story circle going with less confusion.

What do you think? I will be handling the coordinating, etc. If you have any questions please DM me.

I've already spoken to several other writers both in and out of the convention who would like to take part. I hope everyone is as excited about this as I am.

Darrell, Jennifer, EL, let me know what you think.

Thanks.

Hey, Chess you're the brains behind the brawn... Thank you for all the ideas, brainstorming and general cleverness.

I'm in! Sounds like a great idea. I'll no doubt have some questions in the coming days, so I'll be in touch. Thanks for coming up with it. :)

Sure, I'm in!

Darryl wrote: "I'm in! Sounds like a great idea. I'll no doubt have some questions in the coming days, so I'll be in touch. Thanks for coming up with it. :)"

Great! Great to have you on board. And ask away. In fact any suggestions would be very welcome.

Angel wrote: "Sure, I'm in!"

Great, Angel. Any questions, just message me. Great to have you along.

I... Might be in. To be honest, in trying to think of something to write, I went a little too far and now have another novel idea on the back burner, so thank you for being a muse, Tim.
I will let you know soon if I can think of something else.

Christina wrote: "I... Might be in. To be honest, in trying to think of something to write, I went a little too far and now have another novel idea on the back burner, so thank you for being a muse, Tim.
I will let..."

Great Christina. You know it need only be a story you remember from your childhood... simple, simple, simple. Well, shorts can be difficult, but for the purposes of this hop is to be less formal...to show how ALL stories shape and form us.

Anyway, that's my humble opinion. I bet you can think of something that made an impression on you.

Thanks for the kind words.

What a great idea! If I wasn't knee deep in Book II, I'd certainly participate in this part of the convention. Looking forward to reading what you guys come up with!

Sorry to hear you won't be participating, but we'd sure appreciate any publicity you could lend to the endeavor.

Best wishes with Book II.

Just to clarify, I'm still in for the rest of the convention activities I've signed up for. My Girl Friday has informed me that I have too much on my plate right now to commit to writing anything else for the time being (she's a bit of a slave driver, lol), hence the inability to write something new for the Story Hop.

Yeah, yeah...no, I completely understood the first time. Sorry if I was unclear. I meant publicity about the Story Hop.

I'm finding 250 words a little restrictive, can I open it up a little bit? Maybe 750-1000?

Thanks

Of course... my suggestion of 250 was perhaps a bit low, but I think if we keep it between to 500-1000 we'll be okay.

Thanks Tim. Running a kindle promo at the moment so spending most of my time pressing refresh. Once it's done, I'll get straight onto my story hop tale. I used to regularly write short stories, but since writing novels it's fallen by the wayside a little. This is a good way to get back into it!

No problem, Darryl. Thank you. Glad you're excited about it. I think it'll be fun.

Okay folks, as part of the event, I'd like to open up spaces on my blog for anyone wanting get some book advertising out there. I'm particularly looking for Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy and Fantasy, since those are the fields I write in.
Each day I'll post either one post with a book images, and blurbs, with one or two reviews from readers (if available). I'll also link to the sites the books can be purchased from.
Anyone interested in getting onboard, I'm looking for 3-15 books for the weekend, but probably need to schedule the posts a few days ahead of time. So please get me the details before April 7th.

Timothy wrote: "Okay folks, as part of the event, I'd like to open up spaces on my blog for anyone wanting get some book advertising out there. I'm particularly looking for Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy and Fantasy, since..."

Count me in, Tim. My book is Contemporary, but it does have some Sci-Fi elements in it.

Cool, Ani... I found your website, and the purchase links. I'll need a copy of the blurb and cover image shortly timothy.bateson.author@gmail.com

Hi Timothy, I write scifi and urban fantasy and would love some exposure (who wouldn't?) if you're offerring.

Definitely Christina... Like I told Ani, I'll need links to the book(s), and blurbs, plus the cover art.

Email sent! Thank you!

Okay folks.... I got two slots filled. Right now that means each gets thirty-six hours of exposure on my blog. Anyone else wanting to fill a slot should get with me before thursday night, so I can schedule the posts.

Okay folks.... I got two slots filled. Right now that means each gets thirty-six hours of exposure on my blog. Anyone else wanting to fill a slot should get with me before thursday night, so I can schedule the posts.

I'd be interested, Timothy, if you still have room. I write epic fantasy and dystopian/dark fantasy. Let me know what you need.

Autumn, I'll need links to the book(s), and blurbs, plus the cover art. Either that, or a link to the information, so I can make copies for the blog post... email me @ timothy.bateson.author@gmail.com

I'll get you everythong today, Timothy. Thanks!

We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim.

Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I'm kind of a blogging newbie, but this sounds like a great way to get connected with other authors.

Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I think I've got something. Count me in. :)

Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I'm kind of a blogging newbie, but this sounds li..."

Christina wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I think I've got something. Count me in. :)"

Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I'm kind of a blogging newbie, but this sounds li..."

It really is, Les. And fun, too. After my first blog hop my following increased by 50% and it's been growing with each hop I do...I'm rather new at this myself, but these hops expose you to other blogger's followers and many stay after they viisit. It also has helped my other social media following as well.

But most importantly, it is a fun and easy way to interact with readers.

Please join us. Read my post on this thread in message 5 for more info. Tomorrow we will post in the blog tour thread. Just message me here or DM. Hope to hear back from you.

Have a wonderful day.

Tim

Tim wrote: "Christina wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I think I've got something. Cou..."

Super, Christina.

I will! Thanks for joining in the fun!

Tim

E.L. wrote: "Anyone needing to organize a blog tour can add me to their list, but I only promote authors for free, therefore I won't post a blog tour on my page that's from an organizer the author has had to pay."

E.L. wrote: "Anyone needing to organize a blog tour can add me to their list, but I only promote authors for free, therefore I won't post a blog tour on my page that's from an organizer the author has had to pay."

Hi E.L.

I noticed that you said you'd be interested in hosting . . . Just wondering if you want to be included in our Story Hop blog? The particulars are on message 5 on this thread.

Let me know if you decide you want to because I'll be posting the thread tomorrow. . .

Thanks,

Tim

Tim wrote: "Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I'm kind of a blogging newbie, but th..."

I'm game. Not sure if I understand how everyone 'hops' from blog to blog. So... do I have to have something written by tomorrow?

Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I'm kind of a blogging ne..."

Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I'm kind of a blogging ne..."


I'm sorry, Les, I wasn't very clear on that. First of all, no you don't have to have anything written until we go live on Friday. I am just going to post the thread describibg the Story Hop, tomorrow. And the way it will work is... On the thread from the conference I will list the authors involved and their blog links. The author will post their story on their blog, on Friday, then link back to the conference site. That way we don't have to worry about listing everyone separately. If you want to involve someone not in the conference, that's okay, too. Just list their link in your blog, under the conference link. However, it would be up to you to send them the blog description yourself...you can always just cut and paste the one from the conference when you contact them. But, that might be a bit too much information right now. Sorry, forgot you said you were new to this...

Does that help? If not, please ask away. No worries. This will be fun and I want to keep it as easy as possible.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim wrote: "Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I'm kind of a..."

OK. I think I've got it. "Test, test. Is this thing on? (whuff) Testing. Can you hear me? OK, good. On with the show!"

Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "Les wrote: "Tim wrote: "We have a great Story Hop blog going, but we need more authors. DM me here or on my goodreads site if you're interested.
Thanks.
Tim."

I..."
Yup... You got it. This thingis ON!

Timothy wrote: "Okay folks.... I got two slots filled. Right now that means each gets thirty-six hours of exposure on my blog. Anyone else wanting to fill a slot should get with me before thursday night, so I can ..."

Hi, Timothy!

Do you still have room for your blog tour? I am (hoping) to release my book Fantasy this weekend for pre-orders and am doing the book cover reveal. Let me know. Thanks!

- Angela

Angela B. wrote: "Timothy wrote: "Okay folks.... I got two slots filled. Right now that means each gets thirty-six hours of exposure on my blog. Anyone else wanting to fill a slot should get with me before thursday ..."

Angela, are you talking to me, or Timothy Bateson? I have plenty of room in the Story Hop blog tour. I'm starting the thread today. I'm listing the participating authors, but I'm not adding the links til Thirsday evening right before the Conference goes live.

Angela, I definitely have slots available at this point. I have 3 filled. So yeah, I'd love to fill one with your cover release and pre-order details.
Drop me the book blurb, cover and a personal bio to timothy.bateson.author@gmail.com

Angela B. wrote: "We all know what these are. If you are going to be using the Convention to launch a blog tour, sign up here.

I will not be helping you with organizing your blog tour :( Alas, my book release is ap..."

Er, actually *student in the back timidly raises her hand*

Now, granted I only have a GR "blog" that I've recently started, but this will explain why I have no idea how this works. (That, and I've only published my first book this year).

There are no stupid questions, only stupid people ;)

Hi, Quoleena,

I am posting the Blog Tour thread as we speak. maybe I can help with this question.

The readers will go to the Blog tour site, read the thread and I will post ALL convention (and some non-convention) authors taking part in the Story Hop. I am not going to say what their genre is or tell anyone what to write. We want the readers to be surprised and entertained--which is why we need to keep these stories short (under 1000 words.) After reading the story the reader will return and select a new author.

That is why every author will link BACK to the convention blog tour site. To keep the circle unbroken.

Now Quoleena, all you do is give me the link or URL to your Goodreads blog (on Thursday before the convention goes live,) then at the end of your story, anecdote, poem or personal experience story give the link back to the convention blog tour thread.

Easy Peasy? I hope so. Either that or I'm not being very clear. Bear with me. I've done blog hops/tours...just never organized one. This seemed to be the easiest way to keep it from drifting away from the convention.

If you have any further questions. PLEASE ASK!

Thanks,

Okay, so the Blog Tour and the Blog Hop are not two separate things? For some reason I thought the 250+ word short story hop was something different than the tour that Angela mentioned in her original post. My bad! You've explained it very clearly then. I guess I just missed that this is all talking about the same thing. Thanks!

Quoleena wrote: "Okay, so the Blog Tour and the Blog Hop are not two separate things? For some reason I thought the 250+ word short story hop was something different than the tour that Angela mentioned in her origi..."

Well, this is what Chess and I came up with in answer to Angela's call for a tour. There are more than one. I believe Timothy Bateson is doing another kind of promotion on his site, but as far as I know The Story Hop is the only blog tour per se... at least from this site...