Seems like every writer has a "this is why I write" blog. I did too for a long time. I bored myself, so I must have bored my readers. Other writers spent much of their screen space talking about their books and book sales, with a strong sub-text of "buy my book." We all want to say that, but I'd like to add more value to a blog than a sales pitch.
So, in recasting this blog, I want to focus more on other writers through interviews and reports of discussions with them. That's a crowded space. I read plenty of author interviews that sound pretty much the same thing: Here's where I got my inspiration. Here's who supports my efforts. Here's how I got to know my characters. Here's why I set my story in such and such location.
To carve a bit of different space, I want my interviews to be warped. Not embarrassingly warped, but not the same run-of-the-mill questions to encourage other writers to hype their books. Hype will happen. Can't get away from it, but getting to know the writer in a different light should encourage readers to buy and read the book.
If you'd like to be featured here, you need a website or blog I can read first. I'll craft questions around what I learn. The funnier the website or blog contents, the better the interview. I'll start with two interviews each month. If you have a book under contract but not out yet, you are prime meat, er, fodder, er, content, for my questions. Let's get the buzz going. Interested? Raise your hand.
Raising a hand. I have books coming out Sept., Dec. and next April. My website is http://www.joannsmithainsworth.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks, JoAnn. I'll check out your website and come up with some warped questions. I'll post a schedule soon.
DeleteSounds interesting, Betsy. I'm intrigued to see what you come up with. Like JoAnn, I have several books coming out this fall and winter. My home on the web is http://mackenziecrowne.com/wp/
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you would raise your hand, Mackenzie. I'll be checking out your website over the weekend.
DeleteI struggle with this on my own blog, finding a reason to blog that wasn't all about writing. It's partly why I chose to feature other writers on mine. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll raise my hand as well. I have two books I just contracted that wont' be out until somewhere around Sept and Dec of 2014. My website: http://www.authorjmstewart.com/
I'm afraid you won't find much about the contracted books, though. I've been waiting for something to post regarding them, like an official blurb and whatnot. I suppose that means I should post a "coming soon" or something. lol At any rate, I'm interested in being your victim, er, guest. ;)
Joanne, I'm more interested in introducing the person behind the keyboard than the books and authors. You'll be one of my victims, er, guests...
DeleteI can't wait to be yourshadow to see where you take this! I am so going to follow your new venture and promise to let Keith know what you're up to. He doesn't have any of these communications tools that you speak of due to his circumstance and living arrangements :-)... I guess he is what you call a facebook author, never the less I am excited for you and what you're doing. I'll make sure he raises his hand when he can hold his own.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, I loved warped and would love to play along. I'll send you a private email with a couple of blogposts I've written that might be the type of thing you whip up a few warped questions from.
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea.