tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post4641273294264373485..comments2024-03-28T06:59:34.982-06:00Comments on Blood-Red Pencil: Readers, Writers, and Pressing the FleshDanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-63123837163148882592013-03-29T06:37:27.549-06:002013-03-29T06:37:27.549-06:00Kathryn - I agree. The mental stimulation at confe...Kathryn - I agree. The mental stimulation at conferences leads to 'conference brain' and it's exhausting, especially for people who are used to being/working alone.<br /><br />Anyone who's had twins knows how much they need support! I can't imagine triplets or more.<br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.com/terrysplace" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a><br />Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-69640208245409485562013-03-29T06:22:57.984-06:002013-03-29T06:22:57.984-06:00Patricia, I loved your comment. I think writers tr...Patricia, I loved your comment. I think writers truly able to access their inner core on the page are often quite sensitive to stimuli, and a conference with all its hubbub can be truly overwhelming. Rest well!<br /><br />Terry, your "Mother of Twins" anecdote reminds me of my brother's comment when he visited with my writer's group one time. He said, "This is like AA only you didn't have to be an alcoholic first." He said he'd never experienced such a supportive group of people.<br />Kathryn Crafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08371458857187160425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-33442864166328576232013-03-28T18:28:54.698-06:002013-03-28T18:28:54.698-06:00Patricia - great seeing you, too.
Heidi - that...Patricia - great seeing you, too.<br /><br />Heidi - that's one major difference between reader and writer conferences. There's not as much craft at a reader's conference.<br /><br />Karen - that's why I like to post about conferences; gives people a 'virtual' trip.<br /><br />Linda - you should give it a try. Reader or writer conferences, so much happens outside the panels and workshops. (Not saying I spent a lot of time at the bar ... )<br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.com/terrysplace" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-65583506446368910832013-03-28T17:40:20.435-06:002013-03-28T17:40:20.435-06:00I think I'd like a readers' conference. Un...I think I'd like a readers' conference. Understanding the mentality of the reader would help me write to that person. Perhaps next year I'll try to attend one.<br /><br />Excellent post, Terry.Linda Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06686488133905538811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-78126928340167351632013-03-28T17:21:51.529-06:002013-03-28T17:21:51.529-06:00Sounds like it was a good time, Terry. Perhaps th...Sounds like it was a good time, Terry. Perhaps there will be a readers conference close enough for me to be able to afford to attend one day. I enjoy reading about where you've gone and what you've learned though.Karen Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01879661976460705463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-41191147346959820402013-03-28T15:32:58.570-06:002013-03-28T15:32:58.570-06:00It was great to finally meet you in person, Terry....It was great to finally meet you in person, Terry. I had a such a great time, I'm still taking daily naps to help me recover faster. :DPatricia Stolteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17192369425956406122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-9988825332429598262013-03-28T14:42:50.278-06:002013-03-28T14:42:50.278-06:00Btw, Crime Fiction Collective has a post about LCC...Btw, Crime Fiction Collective has a post about LCC today also. http://crimefictioncollective.blogspot.comDanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-35924442818968170712013-03-28T14:14:22.091-06:002013-03-28T14:14:22.091-06:00I really like going to my Women Writing the West c...I really like going to my Women Writing the West conference, mainly for the people, but also for what I learn from the workshops.Heidiwriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02593338979995203659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-63845574377683777942013-03-28T13:45:48.851-06:002013-03-28T13:45:48.851-06:00Helen, it IS different. In romance circles, the bi...Helen, it IS different. In romance circles, the biggie is Romantic Times, and there's a smaller one in Colorado, RomCon. <br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.com/terrysplace" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a><br /><br />Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-24644476972171377342013-03-28T13:10:32.022-06:002013-03-28T13:10:32.022-06:00I've been to quite a few conferences (Boucherc...I've been to quite a few conferences (Bouchercon, Agents! Agents (Writers League of Texas), Story Circle Network, etc. Never been to LCC. I think it would be interesting to go to a conference that focuses on the readers more than the writers.Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-37566239766504213132013-03-28T11:55:55.637-06:002013-03-28T11:55:55.637-06:00Dani, I can't tell you the breakdown of reader...Dani, I can't tell you the breakdown of readers vs authors vs unpublished authors, but once you registered for the conference (no different pricing structure) you could go anywhere you wanted. As for selling lots of books? That varies by author popularity. I'm an unknown, so I never expect to sell many. If you look at these conferences as a way to make money on book sales, you'll be disappointed. It's about discoverability and reach. It's planting the bug in readers' ears that you have something they might be interested in. And don't forget, we 'authors' are readers, too. <br /><br />I went because it was an hour away from my house, although I still paid for a hotel room and registration fees & meals, so even local conferences can get pricey.<br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.com/terrysplace" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a><br /><br /><br />Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-56555839541353782242013-03-28T11:01:50.015-06:002013-03-28T11:01:50.015-06:00I've been following the LCC updates for the pa...I've been following the LCC updates for the past six months, because I had planned to go (as much as I loathe conferences). But my hearing didn't return enough to make it worthwhile, even after Ann Parker offered me Camille Minichino's spot when she had to cancel. So all the panels had reader audience, not just other authors? And did those readers have to pay to get in? I trolled all the local online news regularly and even passionate mystery readers who are friends in the area didn't know about this conference. It was very curious. Did you have a sense of how many readers actually turned out, compared to paying author members? Did you sell lots of books? I'd like to know these things before I think about going to Monterey next year. I say this from the standpoint of someone who suffers through these events, though I know many, many authors who can't wait to go. So bear that in mind. ;)Danihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-40426263346157980452013-03-28T09:49:02.717-06:002013-03-28T09:49:02.717-06:00Maryann - yep, I've got twin daughters. I don&...Maryann - yep, I've got twin daughters. I don't remember much from their first 3 years, but now that they're grown, it's a little easier. OK, a lot easier! <br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.com/terrysplace" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a><br /><br />Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-66636823990900621072013-03-28T09:47:25.178-06:002013-03-28T09:47:25.178-06:00Christopher - At the moment my author page is only...Christopher - At the moment my author page is only 1143 "likes". But I'll be giving away a box of books when it hits 1500, and I'm giving away a $10 Amazon gift card at <a href="http://bookloversbench.com" rel="nofollow">Booklover's Bench </a> this week, so maybe I'll get closer. <br /><br />I think as writers, we're all 'loners' at heart (unless you count schmoozing with our characters), but sometimes we have to remember that we want readers to enjoy our books, too, and to find them, we have to get out in the world.<br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.com/terrysplace" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a>Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-74311292923205316722013-03-28T09:42:38.223-06:002013-03-28T09:42:38.223-06:00I've not been to any of the big cons in quite ...I've not been to any of the big cons in quite a while. Early in my career I attended a lot of writer's conferences where I learned so much about writing and the business of writing. Then for a few years I attended Mayhem in the Midlands, a mid-sized con that was aimed at readers. That was so much fun.<br /><br />Terry, I did not know you are also a mother of twins. I am, too. They were a challenge as babies and toddlers. Maryannwriteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09479027709233807149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-11933625537787569622013-03-28T09:29:13.668-06:002013-03-28T09:29:13.668-06:00Okay, Terry, now I know why you have 1200 follower...Okay, Terry, now I know why you have 1200 followers on Fazebook and I have ... well, I'm not sure ... that's one more thing I don't understand about FB ... but I know it's not 1200. Annnnyway, you're suggesting that I should get out there 'amongst the English' as the Amish say ... not that I'm Amish ... far from it ... I'm just saying that for effect ... what was I talking about? Oh, yeah, pressing the flesh ... well, my reaction to mingling with readers is ... well ... it reminds me of what a friend who had a failing retail store once said, "This would be a great business ... if wasn't for the customers."Christopher Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03667548312923348614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-36540791417774103242013-03-28T08:57:17.916-06:002013-03-28T08:57:17.916-06:00Dani, the whole conference was targeted to readers...Dani, the whole conference was targeted to readers. They were there all the time--it was <i>their</i> conference. If you didn't see publicity, that's the fault of the organization. <br /><br />Panels went on throughout the day, every day, with brief signing periods immediately following (don't get me started on what I think of that format.) Reader/author interaction happened at the panels, in the hallways, in the bar--anywhere at all. <br /><br />If you want to see more, you can check out the LCC program <a href="http://www.leftcoastcrime.org/2013/program.htm" rel="nofollow"> here</a>Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-67010959816421923812013-03-28T08:42:43.461-06:002013-03-28T08:42:43.461-06:00Terry, when were the readers allowed to visit LCC ...Terry, when were the readers allowed to visit LCC this past week? One day or throughout? I looked for local news about it and wondered how/when this actually occurred. Were there special signing times, panels for readers or Q&A sessions? How did the reader/author interaction actually happen? I agree that a writer wears different hats when dealing with their own community, and hobnobbing with the public. Danihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-62149851228930076892013-03-28T08:16:45.215-06:002013-03-28T08:16:45.215-06:00Morgan, you bring up that excellent point--money. ...Morgan, you bring up that excellent point--money. Some of these conferences can get very pricey. I'm going to my first (and probably last) ThrillerFest this summer. It has a Craft Fest attached, so it's a double-duty conference, but NYC is EXPENSIVE! I'm also going to Bouchercon, which just about eats up my conference budget. <br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.com/terrysplace" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a><br /><br />Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-50240603749500883762013-03-28T08:15:39.196-06:002013-03-28T08:15:39.196-06:00Thanks for this post Terry. I've never conside...Thanks for this post Terry. I've never considered readers conferences before. You've made me interested!Diana Hurwitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18216220574149672733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-29985262215805646392013-03-28T08:06:57.401-06:002013-03-28T08:06:57.401-06:00I plan to attend Spring Fling conference next year...I plan to attend Spring Fling conference next year, a conference my chapter, Chicago-North RWA, puts on every other year. It's reasonably priced, nearby, and usually has some great headliners, along with agents and publishers. Also, I can help out while there. I went to Bouchercon once and the National RWA Conference once when they were nearby, and used to go to all the Love is Murder conferences. I probably will only stick to Spring Fling conference from now on, since I'm now retired and don't have extra money to play with. <br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://www.morganmandel.com Morgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-64566493215560434432013-03-28T07:41:40.860-06:002013-03-28T07:41:40.860-06:00Thanks, James. These sorts of conferences are defi...Thanks, James. These sorts of conferences are definitely two different animals. I've been to some that balance aspects of both (SleuthFest comes to mind), but otherwise, I think they tend to keep the programming focused on one or the other.<br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.com/terrysplace" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a><br /><br />Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-75955483733690176702013-03-28T07:12:45.194-06:002013-03-28T07:12:45.194-06:00Great post! I'm looking forward to working wit...Great post! I'm looking forward to working with the distinctions you've drawn here. Even though I learn so much from other writers, I write, always, from the standpoint of a reader, and that's the voice I have to listen to.<br />It's a little like the bit in Stephen King's <i>Misery</i> where a writer's biggest fan explains "the rules" of reviving a character. Sometimes the reader within each of us knows best.<br />Looking forward to getting that kind of input from OTHER readers! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17236473658796318350noreply@blogger.com