connecting with readers

[Dennis]

Carole P. Roman posted - I wrote to another children's author about something and he responded "Oh, you're THAT Carole P. Roman." - Thanks so much for sharing this with us.

Connecting with readers is such a valuable use of a writers' time. We recently had a fan connect with us through my husband's, author Dennis Meredith, website. She expressed how happy she was that she could read a book and because she loved the book, she had access to the author and could thank the author personally. And, like Carole, Dennis always writes back a thank you.

Stay connected. And share your stories here with all of us. We all work so hard at the writing and doing the marketing of our books and love to hear about author feedback.

[Carole]

Thanks for posting this- it's so important to be reasonably accessible. However, never give out your personal information or home address. I treat fans the way I treated my clients, with gratitude and respect.

[Chrys]

Carole, perhaps you can offer me some advice? One of my readers might be coming to England next year, and he wants to meet up. I don't want to! Is there any nice way to say no, or do I just say no?

[Josie]

That's a tough one, Chrys. Have you got any signing events coming up, or can you arrange one in a local bookshop for that fan to attend with others?

[Chrys]

I haven't really explored signings etc.

[Josie]

In my (limited) experience, bookshops are happy to host readings and signings as long as you can bring your own audience (I.e. You publicise the event). That might provide an environment for this fan to meet you, but briefly, and in a public place with your other fans and friends there too.

That way, you could say 'I'm sorry, X, but my schedule is too full at the moment, but I'm doing a reading you could come along to if you like'.

Might be worth a try. Plus, I've found local booksellers are ridiculously supportive, and they have a really good feel for the industry. It's nice to make those connections.

[Chrys]

Hmm, I'll take that advice on board, many thanks.

I have no reason to suspect anything else than that he's a nice man, but I don't want to blur boundaries.

[Josie]

No problem! Let me know if you have any success with it.
It's just common sense to take care. Fans are lovely, but they're still strangers.

[Chrys]

It's the same blurring that I find with my 'real' job--I'm a full time Christian minister. People think the kindness you show is friendship, but it actually isn't.

[Carole]

No!! You have no idea who anyone is. Nope. Just say you have no time Your schedule is packed.

[Carole]

The only way u can meet a fan is like what Josie said at a public reading. Even then. I always go with one of my kids. Both are big strapping fellas. You have to be so careful today

[Amy]

Nope. I don't trust anyone.