Brian Freeman's Blog, page 49
November 16, 2010
Wildwood Library Book Club
November 12, 2010
Sticking Together
You'll see a box here on the home page of my web site that says, "Join Brian's Community." There are lots of ways for readers who enjoy my books to connect with me. You can send an e-mail to brian@bfreemanbooks.com (yes, I always write back); you can join my mailing list with your e-mail address and receive a notification when new books are available; you can become a friend at my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bfreemanbooks); or you can "like" my Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/bfreemanfans).
Why the focus on building a community?
I've emphasized connections with readers since I started in this business back in 2004. For me, there are few things more satisfying than hearing from people around the world who enjoy my books. When I was growing up, I had many authors who played a special role in my life through their novels - people like James Michener, Leon Uris, Irving Wallace, Robert Ludlum, etc. I didn't know them, but I felt as if they were "friends." So it's a great honor to play a similar role for readers today through my own writing, and the Internet gives me a way to connect directly with fans in a way that didn't exist back then.
I learn a lot from readers, too. Their feedback teaches me about their reading experience - what works, what doesn't, what they like, what they don't like. It helps me craft characters and plots that resonate with my audience.
More and more, there is a very practical reason for me to build a community, too. Bookstores are suffering - and with fewer bookstores, there is no easy way to market to readers. Yes, many people love perusing Amazon - but most readers still find authors and books the old-fashioned way, by browsing bookstore and library shelves and talking to booksellers. As those opportunities diminish, even my most passionate fans may miss out on new books, simply because they never see them in a store.
That's why I encourage readers to be a part of my community, on e-mail, the Web, or on Facebook. If I know you love my books, I can keep you informed as new books are released. Going forward, that's how authors are likely to stay in business, by building and growing online networks of readers.
If you're reading this note, chances are, you're already a part of my community - and that's great! You can still help, though, by encouraging your reader friends to visit me online. If you're not already a fan over at www.facebook.com/bfreemanfans, go over there and "like" my page, too.
I always say publishing is the last great word-of-mouth business. So thanks for reading and spreading the word. It really does make a difference.
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October 28, 2010
Barnes & Noble
October 12, 2010
Maple Grove Library
Now in Paperback: THE AGENCY
It's finally here!
THE AGENCY, by my alter-ego, "Ally O'Brien," is now available in paperback. Visit the special page here on my web site for more information about the book, including an excerpt and review quotes.
If you're expecting dark, emotionally intense drama, think again. THE AGENCY is nothing like my psychological suspense novels. Instead, it's Sex and the City meets The Devil Wears Prada...a sexy, sassy tale that takes you from London to New York with publishing heroine Tess Drake. There's a hint of mystery, a touch of glamour, and a lot of jokes.
It was a hoot to write something so different than my usual novels. I worked on this project with my London agent, Ali -- hence the pseudonym we chose to have fun with our first names. We talked about using our real names, but we concluded that anyone who is familiar with a Brian Freeman book would have a hard time believing THE AGENCY came from my pen.
So while you're waiting for my next suspense novel, try something from the "other side" of my brain. It's laugh-out-loud funny, and it might make you wonder why anyone would work in the publishing industry!
September 2, 2010
THE BONE HOUSE: Now Available in the UK
It's here! My newest psychological suspense novel, THE BONE HOUSE, is now available in hardback in the UK.
A special note: Hardback editions of my books are often difficult to find in local UK bookstores, but your bookseller generally can order them for you. The book is also readily available online from retailers such as Amazon, Waterstones, WHS, Tesco, Asda, and others. This edition is typically a more limited release, and it usually sells out quickly. Once it's gone, it's gone. To...
August 24, 2010
Waconia Library
July 20, 2010
E-Books On The Rise
Many of you may have noticed the news that Amazon marked a milestone in the last three months: For the first time, sales of e-books for its Kindle device outpaced sales of hardcovers. Choices in e-reading devices are expanding, too: Kindle, Nook, iPad, Sony E-Reader, Kobo, and many more to come.
Lots of readers are asking me at book events: What does the e-book trend mean for authors? Good question. The answer is: No one really knows yet. Even so, the trend is unstoppable, and e-books ...
July 15, 2010
Minnesota State Fair
July 11, 2010
North to Grand Rapids
I have several events scheduled in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in July. If you're in the area, I hope you and your reader friends will join me in lake country to say hello and chat about my books.
On Tuesday, July 27, at 5:30 pm, I'll be joining the KAXE book club for a casual wine-and-cheese gathering to discuss my newest book, THE BURYING PLACE. Heidi Holtan of KAXE is the host, and you can get details about joining the event by calling Heidi at KAXE at 218-326-1234.
On Wednesday, July 28, I h...
