This week has been a little on the intense side, so I wasn’t able to get a regular blog post scheduled. But I didn’t want to miss out on a chance to chat with my fellow wanderers, so that’s exactly what this post is!
An invitation to come and sit by the fireside with your favorite mug of something warm and tell me all about how you have been doing and how you have fared in this week’s adventures.
And … I’m going to ask for your input on something very exciting!
We are now 3 months out from the release of Song of Leira. That may sound like a while – and it’s true a LOT can happen in 3 months – but it’s really not much time in publishing terms, so I am getting ready for the release, which means lots of brainstorming, lots of planning, lots of I-can’t-believe-it’s-almost-here moments … and of course, a few tears (of joy … sorrow … joyful-sorrow?) for this final installment of the Songkeeper Chronicles.
But as I started brainstorming, I realized that I really want you guys to weigh in on how you think we should celebrate! I want to know what sort of things get you, as a reader, excited about a book – whether that’s a brand-new-to-you book or a long awaited sequel.
So, here are a couple things that I’ve seen done and enjoyed participating in as a reader, just to get you thinking, but then I would also love to hear your thoughts on things you’ve seen or would enjoy whether or not they’re on the list!
(And of course, there’s no way we could do everything on this list! It’s just a way to get the thoughts rolling so I can find out what you guys enjoy most.)
- Facebook parties with prizes
- Facebook parties with prizes and additional authors
- Blog hop where you and your blogging friends can join in to answer a question or write a post central to the book’s theme – it’s a great way to delve deeper into a book and also meet new online friends
- Online scavenger hunts
- Blog tour including author guest posts with behind-the-scenes info, interviews, and reviews posted on different sites
- hashtag challenge focused around the book
- Instagram photo challenge focused around the book/series
- a fan art contest with awesome prizes :)
- Photo scavenger hunt where you are given a list of photos prompts/ideas to take with the book
- etc.
Also, since we’re on the subject, what types of things do you like to see offered as giveaway prizes? Obviously, we can’t do all of these things – I have not yet stumbled across a cache of dragon treasure – so weigh in on the things you like to see!
- One big awesome prize OR several smaller prizes, so more chances to win ;)
- giftcards – if so, where to?
- bookmarks/candles/bookstagramming accessories
- unique fantasy related items – necklaces, weapons, somehow related to the story
- handcrafted mugs – this one is totally my favorite … but I kind of have a thing for mugs … kind of … maybe … I mean, I collect them. All of them. ;)
The problem is that I want to do all the things, so I’d best leave it to others to decide :)
I would love to participate in a blog hop/tour, though, if the occasion arises!
Haha. But do you have a favorite, that’s the question? :)
Ooh good. I enjoy blog tours and blog hops. I think they’re fun. I’ve just always been curious if readers actually enjoy them too!
One thing that I’ve seen (and really enjoyed) on a blog tour was an interview with one (or several) of the new book’s charries! :D
What’s basically done is the blog host would ask a charrie (or charries) a series of personal questions (pertaining to that character, their role and / or the story itself) and the character would answer. But sometimes their answers would leave the question hanging if it contained spoilers. :P And it can get pretty entertaining if you have a panel of charries talking over the top of each other and seeing what kind of answers / personalities you get. XD
But anyway, that’s something that I as a reader (and blog-stalker :P) have enjoyed. :}
Ooh, good one! I’ve never actually done that for any of my books. So this is why I’m so glad you guys are letting me know what y’all enjoy! :)
A Fan art contest sounds awesome!
Oh, I think it would be a blast if we could get enough interest in it!
I love the idea of a Song of Liera blog hop or blog tour or both! And online scavenger hunts are always fun! And I like the idea of a photo scavenger hunt, but given that it’s a release party and I don’t know when people would most likely get the book, there could be issues with that.
As far as prizes go- I like several smaller prizes, and all the ideas you mentioned sound fun.
Can’t wait for Song of Liera or the release party, whatever it may hold!
Ooh, good point on the scavenger hunt. Something like that would probably need to wait until a little bit after the release date. Thanks for weighing in, Sarah! I love the input.
I love the idea of a blog hop and/or blog tour! As for prizes, I like unique fantasy-related items and gift cards for say, Barnes and Noble (aka bookworm heaven XD)
Even though it’s still 3 months away, I’m super excited for the launch!!!
Glad you’re excited, Audrey! I can’t wait for it to be here!
Ooh, Barnes and Noble giftcard is a good idea. Do you have a preference between a blog hop or a blog tour? Or do you enjoy both of them equally?
I think a fan art contest would be pretty cool.
I’m all in for blog tours, facebook parties, and fan art contests (I’d even attempt to draw something xD). I also like Alexis’ idea of character interviews.
Scavenger hunts always have seemed like a cool idea to me but I’ve never actually had enough time to follow one of them.
As for giveaway prizes, I’m pretty much cool with whatever (depending on shipping to Australia. :P ) although story-related, fantasy stuff, and also mugs–yessss.
I love facebook parties! :D Having multiple authors for those are fun too. And blog tours and scavenger hunts are great. :) A hashtag game could be fun! And my favorite things for giveaways are fantasy books and Amazon or B&N giftcards, but fantasy things are fun too! And I like when there are multiple little prizes. :)