You can use IWSG to give or receive support. Today, I'm going both ways. I'm using the whole post to offer ways to find encouragement. But, I could also use some advice...
I feel I need to reach out to find some fans, since the genres I write are, well, out there. So, I'm going to my first Sci-Fi Con and I'm a little apprehensive. I think this calls for a round of good v. bad:
- It's going to be huge! that's good
- It's going to be full of hardcore sci-fi fans! that's scary
- There are lots of celebrities going - that's good
- There are lots of gory/horror-type sponsors - that's scary
- It's close, and inexpensive, and my friend is coming with me - that's great!
- I don't know if I'll sell anything - that's normal
So, if any of you all have been to a Comic-Con or Sci-Fi Con as a guest or as a seller, please give me some advice on what to expect and what to do or not do...
And I'm especially excited to have the support of ALEX, the founder of IWSG! Today, I'm at his most prestigious blog! I'm so lucky!! I'll be addressing the age old question: Sci Fi/Fantasy - Why are they smushed into one genre?
#2 - Give and you shall receive
This advice works in so many ways!
- when you comment at someone else's blog, you usually get comments back
- when you host others at your blog, they are apt to offer you a spot at theirs
- review and be reviewed, interview and be interviewed, tweet and be tweeted, etc
Friday, S.K. Anthony has graciously offered to let me come over. And I'll be talking about MORE Ways to Encourage each other - with links to regular goal-setting and updating and feedback opportunities! I hope you'll stop by.
In the meantime, while on vacation I finished KINETIC by S.K. Anthony! Happy coincidence, right?
Here, I give my review:
Annie is a deceptive, petite flower with a powerful punch! She and the rest of the Luminaries work together, using their powers to protect the weak, all except Annie's ex-husband who's gone rogue. Annie is also the subject of her hot boss's affections, though she's not ready to return the feeling. Things get intense when her ex comes back with unbelievable explanations and accusations. Annie doesn't know who to trust. I thoroughly enjoyed the complicated relationships, the twisty, suspenseful plot, and the dynamic characters. Ms. Anthony does an excellent job with this playful, romantic, urban fantasy thriller - it reminded me of Evanovich. Looking forward to the next one!
AND I received three outstanding reviews from:
A giveaway brings support from all over - friends you know, new friends to meet, and promotions, to boot!
Now that it's August - I need to congratulate the winners of my Broken Branch Falls July Giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Rachel Schieffelbein - signed copy of Broken Branch Falls
Marcy S Hatch - Beastly Bracelet
C. Lee McKenzie - B&N giftcard
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AND entering contests pays off! See? I won this cute phone cozy in a contest by the Queen of Yarn, Elizabeth Arundel!
What do you do for encouragement? Got any advice for this Sci-Fi shy gal?
Have a great week, you guys!
43 comments:
For encouragement, I like to surround myself with people who are kind and supportive. It makes a HUGE difference. Our happiness is always correlated to the people we surround ourselves with...
I was invited to a science fiction con but the the timing wasn't right so I didn't get to attend. I'm sure you'll be fine.
Happy to host you today!
And giving to others is what it's all about.
Good for you for trying to find/expand your fan base! You'll be fine, don't worry - your enthusiasm for your work will shine through. :)
Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
Have fun at the convention! I've been to events before but only for fun, because I don't have a publisher based here in the UK. *sadface* I'm sure you'll have a blast!
Have fun at the convention! I've been to events before but only for fun, because I don't have a publisher based here in the UK. *sadface* I'm sure you'll have a blast!
Have fun! I haven't gone to one but I would love to do some sort of cosplay. Dress up. Oh, and have candy. That may draw folks to your table. =)
I haven't been to a con so I can't tell you - but the people I kow who've gone have all enjoyed themselves. Take pics of the costumes and share when you get back! I'm putting your giveaway on my Friday Freebie feature this Friday. :)
I haven't been to a con so I can't tell you - but the people I kow who've gone have all enjoyed themselves. Take pics of the costumes and share when you get back! I'm putting your giveaway on my Friday Freebie feature this Friday. :)
Have fun at the convention! I've never been to one, but it sounds like you'll have a fun time! Enjoy it!
Don't try to sell. Just talk to people and have fun. You have sci-fi in common. You want to connect.
I so want to go to a 'con.' My daughter and I talked about going together when she graduates from college. We're going to fangirl all over.
Love the cozy.
The Sci-Fi Con? That's huge! You'll do just fine. I'm sure of it. Can't wait to read about your experience there! Good luck and have fun. :)
Thank you so much for the awesome review. You ROCK! And congrats on your own reviews! Now let me go clicky all over this post, there are great links everywhere! :D
If I tried to host a giveaway or blogfest, I'm sure I'd hear crickets over the sound of a handful of people signing up. Maybe someday I can expect more active followers.
I don't understand why some bloggers only seem to interact with their established blogging friends. I can think of about five writing bloggers whom I've regularly visited and commented by, yet the favor hasn't been reciprocated (not even once every few months), unless we're in the same blogfest.
Yay for your winnings! Here's to the give and take. I haven't attended any cons, but I want to one day...when I'm not at home with a bunch of littles. There are seasons for these things, eh?
The IWSG really is a great place to give and receive! I'm sure you'll have a blast at the sci-fi con. Just keep your camera handy and take notes, because you never know how it will inspire your future writing!
Oh hey, I got a shout out! Glad to have helped--I really enjoyed BBF. Hope you have fun at the convention!
Very excited for your Sci-Fi Con. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'd also love to interview you. I wanted to ask earlier but was daunted. I see your Blog Tour sked is already full. Anyway, let me know if you'd be interested.
Oh, I bet you'll have a blast at the Sci-Fi con! Can't wait to read all about it. :)
Sci Fi advice.
Wear comfortable shoes. I know it sounds silly, but you're going to walk a lot, and stand a lot. Wear a geeky t-shirt, or a costume if you dare (I recomend something really low key like spock ears with your normal clothes)-as it can be a really great icebreaker.
Talk about the things that you love, but try not to let people get into the "My fandom is better than your fandom" argument. Those people are trolls, and not the good kind.
Other than that, have fun.
I've never been to any kind of con, but I hope it all goes well.
"When you comment at someone else's blog, you usually get comments back." That could be part of my problem. :)
I've never been to a Con so I have no advice to offer, but I hope you have a blast!
A lot of great tips on giving and getting.
Loni
Aloha Tara,
Sounds like you are already some positive things, so keep going and "break a leg" as they say at the conference - you *will* have sooo much fun :)
I like to encourage people as much as I can. Pay it forward, kind of. And I'd say just have fun at the convention. If you're having fun, it shows through.
Glad you like the pillow. It looks like it has arrived home.
This awesome writing community offers tons of encouragement. I don't know what I'd do without them! I can't wait to hear your con experience. I'm going to learn from you. :)
I've never been to any kind of con (yet!), so I have no advice to share, unfortunately. I can offer some good luck, though, so...good luck! ;)
Also, loving the advice. I found myself nodding a lot while reading it!
I have never been to a Sci-Fi conference, but I did just go to a Steampunk one. Large for Steampunk in New Zealand I am pretty sure it wouldn't compare to huge in the states. My advice, have fun. The worst that can happen is nothing, the best is new fans, lots of sales and it could be he start of a huge following.
I've never been to a sci-fi con since they don't hold them where I live and I couldn't afford it anyway.
I agree that participating in IWSG can be encouraging. I have a hard time commenting on new blogs because I have Asperger Syndrome,a form of autism. But yesterday when I commented on 17 instead of the normal 2, it got easier and I got a couple of return-comments. Which is encouraging.
Once you're there, you'll have a great time. Remember everyone else has some feelings of insecurity.
Thanks so much for your lovely gift! I'll put that to good use and stock up on more books. I know one is going to be about goblins because I have some kids who will love it.
Have a great time, Tara!
Good luck at the Sci Fi Con. Have lots and lots of fun. If all you think about are sales, you'll miss all the exciting and fun things that attract fans.
But, I hope you dress up as one of your characters and something else interesting and gimmicky to attract fans. Sometimes, sales is more about presentation than good writing. Sad, but true in such an event!
Again, have lots and lots of fun.
Ooh, those Cons always sound like so much fun. I'm not one for advice though. I chickened out of visiting the Montreal one even though I wanted to meet Wil Wheaton because I couldn't find any friends who wanted to come with me.
So I guess my advice would be, bring a buddy!
I've never been to a con, but I want to go to one someday. It would be so cool. You're going to do great.
IWSG is great for encouragement, and so are all my blogger buddies. I couldn't carry on without them.
Good luck at Sci-Fi Con!
Take a reciept book in case you sell anything. The books are tax deductible for writers.
If someone gives you good advice or is just encouraging, offer to buy them a drink in the bar (unless the person is of the opposite sex). The talk in a bar can be more important than listening to some workshops.
Hey, Tara,
Sounds like you'll have a BLAST at the conference. Just BREATHE and go with the flow and ENJOY YOURSELF!!!!!
I've never been but someday I hope to go to one....
Have so much fun at the con!! I've never gone to one, but I hope to make it to one at least once in my life.
I'm very excited to hear your plans to do a Chicago signing! Please do keep me posted---I'm a bit rusty on live events.
Happy weekend and thanks for these encouraging tips.
I love the phone cozy.
I've been to many book festivals as either a speaker or vender, but not specifically one of those types. I think you'll be fine regardless.
Congrats to the winners and I love that phone cozy.
Enjoy the conference and this sure is a giving community.
Hope you have LOADS OF FUN at the Sci-Fi Con!
One of the coolest aspects of sci-fi fantasy going "mainstream" is that you can find an audience for every little subgenre and nuance out there. I'm sure you'll do great and, no doubt, you'll garner a ton of interest in your work.
Best of luck!
I stopped by to say hi & read your blog post, but now all I can think about is how much I love your new blog design :D Great work!
HI TARA!
I wish I could give you advice about the Con. I wish I was going! You will do fine. You're so outgoing and friendly. That smile will just bring people to your table!
Great job on this post! So many great things to talk about.
Heather
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