Member Feedback Needed - A Question from Your Moderators

[[deleted user]]

OK, ladies ... once again Chelsea and I need your feedback, this time about increasing group activity, which is defined as "views" and "comments" on the various topics up for discussion. We have a core group of members that is very active - and it encourages us to see so much enthusiasm and participation. We'd just like to know if we are "missing" anything, so please give us your candid feedback and suggestions:

1. What might encourage currently inactive members to engage?
2. What, in general, do you think about games and contests? Do we need more of them, and if so, what type do you like most?
3. If you could do one thing better as a group moderator, what would it be?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and give us your thoughtful replies.
Paula & Chelsea

[Brenda]

1. I know Emily is busy, but if she could share a few behind the scenes details about each of the books along the way...As readers, maybe they would like to see a list of characters and how they are connected, a map of the town that shows where everything is located,or a recipe-simple craft-or other printable treat that goes with each book.
2. Games and contest are great. It's fun to name a pet, minor character or business that needs to be added to the city. Any kind of game or contest that relates to the books would be fun. I think we would all like to try and win a set of "angel wings" (LOL) or key chain, or mug, or pen, or other small item that has to do with the books. Maybe just having a place to share one "happy thought" or "thanksgiving" post where people could daily write something they are happy or thankful about and choosing a winner at random.
3. Your all doing a great job of moderating...hands down. You pay close attention and always get back to everyone quickly and kindly.
Let's face it...we are readers and the books Emily writes are the big draw for us to read. Everything else is just fluff and provide a little fun along the way.

[Chelsea]

Brenda wrote: "1. I know Emily is busy, but if she could share a few behind the scenes details about each of the books along the way...As readers, maybe they would like to see a list of characters and how they ar..."

Great feedback Brenda. Just FYI, Emily does have a map of Eternity Springs, along with character and pet profiles on all its citizens on her website (http://www.emilymarch.com/eternity-sp...) but not everyone knows this so it's a good reminder to us to post that information so more people find it.

[Kay]

Hi Paula and Chelsea! I have been absent for for over a week and have missed the group. It has been a crazy one but hopefully will be able to participate in discussions again. I did try to keep up with comments written and y'all are doing Great! This is a fun and interesting group. One thing I would like to see is Emily's comments about each book and where the idea for the story came from. I have always found the inspiration for books very interesting. Was it from a dream, an event in life, a news article, etc? Any thoughts on how characters came to her or other information would be great too.

[[deleted user]]

Brenda wrote: "1. I know Emily is busy, but if she could share a few behind the scenes details about each of the books along the way...As readers, maybe they would like to see a list of characters and how they ar..."
Thanks so much, Brenda! I love these ideas and have shared them with Emily so we can do some planning. I've already got a few inspirations thanks to you! ;-)

[[deleted user]]

KK wrote: "Hi Paula and Chelsea! I have been absent for for over a week and have missed the group. It has been a crazy one but hopefully will be able to participate in discussions again. I did try to keep u..."

Hi, KK - welcome back! I know this is such a busy time of year for everyone. I fell asleep with Lover's Leap in the bed last night and Chelsea was writing email at 2:00 a.m.! We are #booknerds!

I'm getting ready to pull the data I need to draw the Heartache Falls giveaway winner, so stay tuned, everyone!

[Chelsea]

KK wrote: "Hi Paula and Chelsea! I have been absent for for over a week and have missed the group. It has been a crazy one but hopefully will be able to participate in discussions again. I did try to keep u..."

Welcome back KK! I've missed your comments. Thanks for the ideas, I've always loved hear authors talk about their book inspirations as well.