with Eleni Konstantine
A couple of weeks back, I was one of the authors at the ARRC2013 - that is the Australian Romance Readers Association's Convention - held in Brisbane.
It was a new experience for me as an author as I'd never been to the convention before (this was the 3rd one), and so it was great to go to something that was focused on readers and not writers.
As an author, I had a Meet the Authors session, which we had five minutes to talk about ourselves and our stories. Boy, that went quicker than I thought. I had some lovely authors also presenting, including DarkSiders Annie Seaton and Nicola E. Sheridan. And boy, I grabbed some tips watching them present. I'm not a natural speaker, so all the tips are handy.
Later that day, I was at the book signing. I've gone to one before but as a participant, never as an author. I sat next to lovely ladies, Sami Lee and Rachael Johns.
Because my work is ebooks, it was a struggle to think of what I should do for the booksigning. Bookmarks, tick. But then chatting to some author friends, I decided to do a 'lucky dip', which seemed to work well. As did the chocolates. :)
What was also a new to me was promoting my latest release - Sealed With a Kiss - my paranormal romance short story that I have Indie Published. I decided that I would have a special code to have the story for free on smashwords. Readers seemed interested and I thought it was a good way to get readers to try a new to them author.
What I was also stunned about - and again a new experience for me - was having some fans seek me out. It was absolute surprising and lovely. I really did a 'who me?' moment. I can't even recall if I said thank you, I was so stunned. So thank you!
It was a great weekend despite the Brisbane weather (humidity, yuck!)
Now to the giveaway, while all can get a FREE story, I hope you would comment and let me know...
What kinds of things do you like seeing at book-signings?
To celebrate my new experiences, I've extended my FREE download of Sealed With a Kiss until the 21st March on Smashwords. Code: CK98U
Can a gift from her grandmother protect Lise?
Lise doesn’t believe in vampires. Or so she tells herself. Though, she constantly wears the garnet necklace her grandmother gave her, which wards off the creatures. Andreas, the man she’s attracted to, seems more than a little interested in it. Could there be an ulterior motive?
A couple of weeks back, I was one of the authors at the ARRC2013 - that is the Australian Romance Readers Association's Convention - held in Brisbane.
It was a new experience for me as an author as I'd never been to the convention before (this was the 3rd one), and so it was great to go to something that was focused on readers and not writers.
As an author, I had a Meet the Authors session, which we had five minutes to talk about ourselves and our stories. Boy, that went quicker than I thought. I had some lovely authors also presenting, including DarkSiders Annie Seaton and Nicola E. Sheridan. And boy, I grabbed some tips watching them present. I'm not a natural speaker, so all the tips are handy.
Later that day, I was at the book signing. I've gone to one before but as a participant, never as an author. I sat next to lovely ladies, Sami Lee and Rachael Johns.
Because my work is ebooks, it was a struggle to think of what I should do for the booksigning. Bookmarks, tick. But then chatting to some author friends, I decided to do a 'lucky dip', which seemed to work well. As did the chocolates. :)
What was also a new to me was promoting my latest release - Sealed With a Kiss - my paranormal romance short story that I have Indie Published. I decided that I would have a special code to have the story for free on smashwords. Readers seemed interested and I thought it was a good way to get readers to try a new to them author.
What I was also stunned about - and again a new experience for me - was having some fans seek me out. It was absolute surprising and lovely. I really did a 'who me?' moment. I can't even recall if I said thank you, I was so stunned. So thank you!
It was a great weekend despite the Brisbane weather (humidity, yuck!)
Now to the giveaway, while all can get a FREE story, I hope you would comment and let me know...
What kinds of things do you like seeing at book-signings?
To celebrate my new experiences, I've extended my FREE download of Sealed With a Kiss until the 21st March on Smashwords. Code: CK98U
Can a gift from her grandmother protect Lise?
Lise doesn’t believe in vampires. Or so she tells herself. Though, she constantly wears the garnet necklace her grandmother gave her, which wards off the creatures. Andreas, the man she’s attracted to, seems more than a little interested in it. Could there be an ulterior motive?
Thanks for the free story, Eleni. The only book signings I have been to, I've had a dead tree copy to be signed, so I don't know exactly what I would want if all I had was an e-book. I have heard of people getting bookmarks signed, and I've heard of some authors who have basically small prints of the cover they sign for people with an e-book.
ReplyDeletePersonally, it isn't just about getting the signature for me (though that is a definite plus). It's all about having the chance to meet the author, say hi, and maybe have a brief conversation. That makes my fan-girl self extremely happy.
Yes, I agree, Danielle. It's about meeting the authors and saying hi. Back in 2010 when the ARRA signing was at Coogee, I did manage to get nearly all the authors to sign the program and in doing so had some lovely chats.
DeleteI think for me since there wasn't a physical book so people could browse through, I tried different things for the readers interest.
I've got mine! Thanks Eleni! x
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, Em. x
DeleteNice work Eleni - I just downloaded and read it. Sounds like a good intro to their world - hope there are more books to follow!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tyla. I may just write a series yet!
DeleteAwww. Just read this Eleni, thank you. It was as always a pleasure to see you again! You were great.
ReplyDeleteLove conferences for the fact of catching up with writing buddies. Looking forward to seeing you in Freo!
DeleteAnd thanks for the vote of confidence re my talk but I have much to live up to...
Your confidence in me is heartwarming, D.D. Thanks!
ReplyDelete