4 Replies to “First Cup of Coffee – January 30, 2020”
I dislike readings as well. I prefer when the author does a Q&A or the author talks about behind-the-scenes stuff as you described, even though I have zero plans to ever write a book. As I’ve said before this often reminds me of those director commentaries on DVDs.
For multi-author events, perhaps a panel Q&A, so long as everyone gets the chance to talk. This obviously will work better if the authors all write in the same general genre so there’s more of a chance for cross appeal (so maybe not a dark horror writer who graphically describes murders with one who pens cozies with cute animals even though both might be part of the mystery genre).
Most of what I would call “author events” that I’ve been to were book launches, and they were local, of friends. We don’t get authors on tour here (or at least, none that I know/care about). The book launches were usually held more like a party than anything, a celebration that the book was out now (and this included at least one that was self-published). I’ve also been to a couple that were at conventions and they were more like parties as well. So, probably the most important thing is to have some food and drinks 😉
As far as readings go, I actually really like author readings; it’s one of my favorite things to go to at conventions. It does help if they are good at reading (a skill most authors should probably develop) and if they’ve picked a good piece to read. The event you held at I forget which con, where you read each other’s sex scenes, was especially memorable and entertaining.
I think what most *readers* want when they go to an author event is a few seconds of one-on-one time with the author. That’s what signings are for (and why, just being able to buy an already signed book is *not* equivalent). People want to connect, even if all they do is smile awkwardly while the author gets their name from a post-it their assistant wrote and signs the book without saying a word.
We do have authors hold events at the library occasionally (again, usually locals), but then there is usually already a topic planned (like “Hear what Jeffe Kennedy has to say about worldbuilding!”)
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a multi-author event, but I imagine (to the lesser known author) it’s not much better or worse than being next to one of the big-shots at a convention hall or multi-signing. It’s kind of like being the warm-up band for a concert – they’re still getting a lot more attention than if they were doing it alone.
I do love the parties, too. 😀 Oh, yes! That was with Megan Hart at Coastal Magic. Reading each other’s sex scenes was a total hoot! I should absolutely keep that in mind for adult events. 😀
You make a really point about the connection, and we don’t always make the time for that. And very true about being the warm-up band! Ed Sheeran used to open for Damien Rice and look how that turned out.
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I dislike readings as well. I prefer when the author does a Q&A or the author talks about behind-the-scenes stuff as you described, even though I have zero plans to ever write a book. As I’ve said before this often reminds me of those director commentaries on DVDs.
For multi-author events, perhaps a panel Q&A, so long as everyone gets the chance to talk. This obviously will work better if the authors all write in the same general genre so there’s more of a chance for cross appeal (so maybe not a dark horror writer who graphically describes murders with one who pens cozies with cute animals even though both might be part of the mystery genre).
Thanks! That confirms my own thoughts, anyway. 🙂
Most of what I would call “author events” that I’ve been to were book launches, and they were local, of friends. We don’t get authors on tour here (or at least, none that I know/care about). The book launches were usually held more like a party than anything, a celebration that the book was out now (and this included at least one that was self-published). I’ve also been to a couple that were at conventions and they were more like parties as well. So, probably the most important thing is to have some food and drinks 😉
As far as readings go, I actually really like author readings; it’s one of my favorite things to go to at conventions. It does help if they are good at reading (a skill most authors should probably develop) and if they’ve picked a good piece to read. The event you held at I forget which con, where you read each other’s sex scenes, was especially memorable and entertaining.
I think what most *readers* want when they go to an author event is a few seconds of one-on-one time with the author. That’s what signings are for (and why, just being able to buy an already signed book is *not* equivalent). People want to connect, even if all they do is smile awkwardly while the author gets their name from a post-it their assistant wrote and signs the book without saying a word.
We do have authors hold events at the library occasionally (again, usually locals), but then there is usually already a topic planned (like “Hear what Jeffe Kennedy has to say about worldbuilding!”)
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a multi-author event, but I imagine (to the lesser known author) it’s not much better or worse than being next to one of the big-shots at a convention hall or multi-signing. It’s kind of like being the warm-up band for a concert – they’re still getting a lot more attention than if they were doing it alone.
I do love the parties, too. 😀 Oh, yes! That was with Megan Hart at Coastal Magic. Reading each other’s sex scenes was a total hoot! I should absolutely keep that in mind for adult events. 😀
You make a really point about the connection, and we don’t always make the time for that. And very true about being the warm-up band! Ed Sheeran used to open for Damien Rice and look how that turned out.