Tuesday, May 27, 2014

*Gizmos Reviews* Armchair BEA - Author Interaction

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014: AUTHOR INTERACTION & MORE THAN JUST WORDS

Author Interaction
 
Let’s talk interacting with authors IRL (in real life) or online. This is your opportunity to talk about your favorite author readings that you have attended. Or, you can feature your favorite author fan moment (i.e., an author sent you a tweet or commented on your blog). Maybe you even want to share how your interactions have changed since becoming a blogger or share your own tips that you have learned along the way when interacting with authors as a blogger. 

I have to say that I've been a slacker when it comes to author readings, and/or conventions. I've only really attended one convention in the 3 years I've been blogging and that's was Coastal Magic Convention http://coastalmagicconvention.com in Daytona Beach, Florida. Lots of authors, lots of fun, lots of really cool bloggers, the authors are approachable, and there is even a book signing event open to the general public!

The last signing I went to was Jennifer L Armentrout who appeared at our Barnes & Nobles and did a signing for I believe it was Opal. She hasn't been back since, and it's really hard to find any information on authors coming to the black hole of book conventions and author signings, Jacksonville, Fl.

I do plan on attending Book Bash 2014 http://bookbash.net June 28, 2014. Lots of authors for only the price of a happy meal! I tried to go last year, but alas, I have a severe case of agoraphobia, and got sick. Might need someone to push me out the door this year since there will be over 50 authors attending!

If I am still blogging next year, and my family is still in one piece, I am going to try to go to the real BEA in New York since my family lives Upstate. I don't care if I have eggs tossed at me, or I trip over myself, or make a fool of myself with authors. I need to go!


16 comments:

  1. Hey, I get the agoraphobia thing. I have never been to a book event at all. Ever. I live in another black hole, Melbourne, FL. I would totally offer to be that push to get you to go and make it through the door, but alas, I cannot attend due to lack of a way to get to Orlando. I am currently transportationless and there are no other book bloggers close enough by to carpool with. I am out of the way for everyone. I hope you get to go and it is totally amazing!

    Lisa @Just Another Rabid Reader

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    1. Thanks Lisa! A friend of mine has threatened to come to my house, and toss me in a wheel borrow if I don't say I'm going. Guess I'll be going!

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    2. Haha! You can tell your friend, if she wants to come to Melbourne, I can handle being thrown in a wheelbarrow! I mean, if she is all depressed that she doesn't get to toss you in one and all. Hey, it's only an hour to Orlando from here... I could handle being stuffed in a trunk for that long, or something.

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  2. I would love to go to book events a lot more often, but two little kids keep me tied to home a lot. But, one day!

    --Brenda @DailyMayo

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    1. That's why I was talking about researching a so called Book Blogger Grant where we had the chance to go to at least one event a year. I think it would totally help us all out!

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  3. Hi Shelley.

    I have to admit. I've been an author for a little over six years and haven't had the chance to attend a conference. I'm planning to start next year with the BEA in New York. I've never heard of Book Bash. What is that?

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    1. Book Bash is similar to any other event. You have 50 authors who sign their books, and there are a few events to attend as well.

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  4. Interacting with authors IRL is great, but i also love twitter as a way of reaching out. For some reason it's not as intimidating. And i can do it from the comfort of my own home!

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  5. Shelley, I hope that you'll be able to get out and attend BEA next year. You really do need to pry yourself out of your house and go. Good luck!
    AH@Badassbookreviews

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  6. Good luck with Book Bash, hope you go and have a great time.

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  7. I would love to attend a lot more events myself. BEA would be a real treat! I hope you are able to make a few more! If not, Armchair BEA is a nice alternative!

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  8. I hope you make it to Book Bash this year! I found the idea of that many people terrifying but strangely enough #ArmchairBEA has made me realize that everyone at book conventions loves books and would never hate on anyone who loves books as well. I have been to a Q&A, but never a signing. That'll be the next thing for me!
    Great answer, hopefully I'll see you at the Twitter party later!
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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  9. I honestly could go to a book event every week. I guess I'm just lucky that my local indie has not only great author signings but two great conferences - YA and Childrens every year. I've scaled back because I tend to buy ALL THE BOOKS and I am not a millionaire, or I would just singlehandedly fund kickstarter projects that are book related.

    I hope you keep blogging and find yourself reaching out more at events, they are a lot of fun!

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  10. Hallo, Hallo! :)

    I am dropping by via the #cheerREADER Team 4 w/ #ArmChairBEA! :) I wanted to visit more blogs than were originally assigned me and I had placed you on my route ahead of understanding the route I was meant to take! Laughs. I wanted to tell you not to feel bad about not attending a lot of author events and/or book conventions/festivals as a book blogger! I knew when I first started blogging that my 'long-term goals' were going to include being at more live events rather than virtual ones, but I had a balance of short-term / long-term goals you see, and if I can get to a book convention this year I'll consider myself blessed as there is one I'd like to go too. Its out of state as well, but ooh! I think all of us want to be wrapped up in the joy of the bookish culture, but sometimes we can only do what we can do!

    I hope you get to realise your goal and be at the BEA in NYC in 2015! I'd love to be there myself! And, I have only known about the main event & this wicked sweet one for bloggers for a year! Many blessings to you as you travel & have the happenstance interactions I know you will enjoy!

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  11. Those little moments go a long way. After reading some posts, I'm saddened by just how many of us do not have the opportunity or means to attend events or signings. For the one event I did attend, I feel blessed.

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