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Hi, Debra. I'm excited to finally get you in the chair. Tell us, when did you start writing, and what did you write about?
Most authors have forgotten what it was to just be a reader or a fan. They have deadlines, edits, and new releases. Most also have a job and a family too. So they look to me to be their extra set of hands and eyes and their swag creator. During the “Damn Demic;” I started getting years worth of notes and ideas more organized. Many of the authors I work with kept telling me to write a book about what I do for them. I had about 3 months of downtime, so I started writing.
Wow, the concept of being my own fan, would never have occurred to me. I did purchased your book to help me with marketing my own books. I learned a lot from it and the handbook that goes with it.
I absolutely love it and posted my review, here. Can you explain your techniques and do you feel they are working?
Giving readers an experience, the feels, and a souvenir has always been, to me is the best way for readers to experience, remember, and create a “know, trust, and like” relationship with their readers. Also, seeing you from 7 to 11 times before they actually “see you” is a real thing, especially if you are a new author.
What is the difference in your perception between now and the time you started writing?
Writing is Hard! Trying to get the words out of my head and onto paper, in a logical way, is difficult. What I was trying to explain made sense to me, but not to the editors! There were several rewrites, and please explain, and whatttt?? and edits! I almost gave up, but my author supporters would not let me. Show and tell is a lot easier than trying to explain.
Using different ways of readers seeing you also creates interest and intrigue. These are hints and teasers, and clues to pique their curiosity, which also adds another dimension that builds anticipation for the book. This leads into talk, preorders, and a buzz! They will hold on to that item for that memory and hold on to the author's name when that next book is out. These are trails. Creating something interesting that they can use over and over again will be a constant reminder of you, no matter what they are reading. Having your contact information on these items makes it easy for them to look you up or contact you. These simple yet highly effective things keep you in their mind's eye. The pieces I like to create are like mini billboards and infomercials. They can hold a lot of information, as well as send them to your website to get more. Social media is a great thing, but you, the author, want the reader on your ground, your website, and on your email list. These marketing tools are just a glimpse of what's on your site and emails. Entice them, and they will come!Is it working? Yes! I’m about to hit my 20th anniversary in December, so it’s working!
Please tell us about the game you created and what influenced that creation.
The Game! Litversations was born out of boring book discussions! I got tired of the same questions being asked, so I wrote out several questions that brought the discussion into a Lit-Versation! A more in-depth conversation, more thoughts, and perspectives.
I also added some questions for visiting authors. Initially, I did this for book clubs, but several authors have used these as book discussion questions in the back of their books, and several teachers have used these questions in their reading comprehension classes, as discussion questions, and homework assignments! I even have a couple of authors who teach writing use the game in their writing classes. This all blew me away! I never expected this, but I am very grateful! I am currently working on a couple of expansion packs with more great questions.
If you had to pick 2 products of yours above all others to represent you for all time, which would you select?
The book! It’s such a great resource guide. The book was designed to get you brainstorming and using your artistic, creative muscles, and to think outside the box. There isn’t a book like this, so as Toni Morrison said, “Write the book you want to read” so I did.
The number one arsenal in my bag of tricks is a damn good bookmark! I create tons of SWAG, but the ones that get the most attention and are most sought after are the bookmarks. I have had many people reach out to me to get an author's bookmark. But I say you have to get it from them or with proof of purchase.
I see a lot of authors spending too much money and doing things that they don’t have to. If you're ok with it, fine. But catering to influencers, and not to your meat and potato readers is not a good thing. In my book, I explain many ways to reach your core readers without going broke, spending your advance (If you're lucky to get one), and how to treat your bread and butter readers like stars. It’s really quite simple, you just have to think how YOU would want to be treated. Even if you do something special for 5 readers a month who share, chat, purchase, review, or get that Facebook Top Fan badge. Happy readers are better than influencers. Yes some can get you a few new readers, but your core readers can be your greatest influencers.. Do something that lets your readers know that you See Them. I give over 1000 ways to do something small, which gives a huge impact, without killing your pockets. Some of these things don’t cost anything.
Tell me, how do you go about creating your bookmarks? Do the ideas just pop in your head or do you have to plot and plan?
I like to either read the book, get a synopsis, and the author's vision. I take it from there. What the author sees and what the readers see may not be the same, so I like as much detail as possible to bring the pieces to life.
Where can the audience purchase your book? Give links
Amazon.com
Or directly from me!
http://www.Facebook.com/
http://www.Instagram.com/
http://www.Litversations@
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy other than writing?
I am an avid reader, so I read several books a month. I love going to book events and conferences to display my work and to meet other readers. I also love dancing and really spicy foods!
*chuckling* I like the sounds of the spicy foods.
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Thank you so much for having me, my hope is to help authors enjoy marketing to their readers without the stress and a ton of wasted money. I hope those who read this will learn how to Think Like an Author. But always remember what it is to be a fan!