For the Love of Books is pleased to have
Camryn Rhys guest blogging today..
We are also going to be giving away an e-copy of her book.
The Barn Dance:
When Mindy needs a baker’s expertise, Leo offers a trade: one day in the kitchen for one night at the Barn Dance. Either way, the heat is rising…
It looks like she is trying to take over the world starting with my blog..
Take it away Camryn…..
The Ethics of Twitter and My Master Plan for World Domination
When I went to a romance convention not long ago, I had someone pull me aside because she recognized me from Twitter. “You crack me up,” she said, “and I LOVE your book.” To which I’m sure I blushed. Or had a witty retort. Actually, I think I stood there staring at her like she was crazy.
Me? You follow ME? I mean, sure I know there are people who can see what I say on Twitter, but to be followed. That’s a different deal altogether. It’s tempting to say that everyone who’s “following” me on Twitter is Following me, but the truth is, most of them aren’t. I’m sure you’re like this as well, but I “follow” some people because they’re colleagues or friends. I am not their Follower.
(On a side note, I hate the word “follower” on Twitter. When Twitter says I have 500 followers, I feel like I should be mixing evil Kool-Aid or coming up with a Master Plan of some kind. I prefer to think of them as friends, because that’s what they are.)
One of the things this woman said to me was that even though I was a published author (I admit, I laughed to hear that out loud—this being my first sale), I still talked to her like she was a real person. “And you are hilarious.” You are too kind, really. Or delusional. While I do generally try to be dry and sarcastic on Twitter, I rarely think anyone is paying attention.
But what this woman taught me is that people are paying attention. Not just to what I say, but to how I interact with other people, how I handle ranting, how I interact with my publisher and my fellow authors. People are watching me. People are watching you. What we do and say matters.
I say this because someone told me once, “Just write a good book and the rest will take care of itself.” Well, I don’t think that’s true anymore. You write a good book, you interact with people on social media, you guest blog (which, by the way, is an absolute blast!), and people care what you say EVERYWHERE. Every. Where.
I am generally a nice person, and I genuinely want to meet people and hear about them. I spend most of my time interacting with people. If you want to buy my book, great. If not, great. I just think you’re worth talking to. So stop by and see me on Twitter or on my blog. Especially in the Spring when I get to do the CSAR tournament (I love brackets, enough said, lol). But really, I want to know who you are. I write books about people who fall in love because I love stories. Yours, mine, Nora’s.
Have you ever had an interaction on Twitter/Facebook/Blog with an author that was really memorable for you? What do you remember about it? Did it make you more or less likely to Follow that person?
Giveaway time…….
Please answer Camryn’s question above. Leave me your email address.
One lucky winner will receive an e-copy of Camryn’s book The Barn Dance
Giveaway will stay open until July 31st.
Winner will be announced August 1st
Extra entries:
Be a follower of my blog
Follow my Facebook Page
Follow Camryn on Facebook
Follow Camryn on Twitter
Follow Camryn’s blog
Extra entries:
Be a follower of my blog
Follow my Facebook Page
Follow Camryn on Facebook
Follow Camryn on Twitter
Follow Camryn’s blog
Oh, and if you’re interested, I also have a book out. It’s a foodie erotic romance. I like it. Check it out. “When Mindy needs a baker’s expertise, Leo offers a trade: one day in the kitchen for one night at the Barn Dance. Either way, the heat is rising.”
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Barn-Dance-ebook/dp/B0054EADBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311348668&sr=8-1
Facebook: Camryn Rhys
Twitter: @camrynrhys
Camryn Rhys grew up on the border of Canada and the US, and still hasn’t decided which country to call home. She splits her time between the Alberta and Montana Rocky Mountains, with friends and family in both beautiful locations. After running her own restaurant for several years and acquiring advanced degrees in writing, foodie romance seemed the only logical option. When she’s not watching the Food Network, she’s reading a romance novel, or if absolutely necessary, working as a communications consultant. Someone has to put really excellent food on the table.
Hi Camryn, great post. I love the set up for Barn Dance. That is such a hard question to answer, because I follow a lot of authors and they are all friendly, supportive and give great advice. It's so hard to pick just one. But one definite turnoff is an overuse of profanity.
Oh this was such an awesome post today! I love interacting with authors!! Facebook has allowed me to do that, and that makes me so much more likely to support their work! I love people who really appreciate the support they have, and I am more than happy to support them! It makes me so happy!! This was so awesome!! Thank you!!
Wlynnchantale, you are a wise, wise woman. A lot of people don't like profanity overuse, so I don't think you're alone. It's good for an author to know his/her audience, and know what will get you fans, and what will drive them off. 🙂
Natasha, thanks so much for your comment. I can't help but say now: so if I promise to appreciate you like there's no tomorrow, you will be my fan? 😉 Just kidding. YOU ARE AWESOME. And that was completely without intent. 🙂
Hi Camryn!
I had the pleasure of meeting you at that conference, though I have to admit, I wasn't the woman you mentioned in the blog! LOL
I've had a twitter account for a while now (Iwriteromance), and it still boggles my mind that anyone wants to know what I'm up to at any given time. Since mostly, I'm at my computer, I lead a life that bores even me to tears sometimes. Thus – I try to post only when something unusual happens, like woodpeckers fighting in the tree next to my deck. LOL Yeah, that was yesterday! I almost feel like I need to apologize to anyone who 'follow's' me when I get one of those email notices. I wonder what they would say if I sent them a DM that said something like, Sorry you followed me, I'm sure you'll be sorry soon too!
Best of luck with THE BARN DANCE! I can't wait to read it!
Roz, that totally made me laugh. "I'm sure you'll be sorry soon, too." LOL. 🙂 Good to meet you at RWA! And I hope you enjoy the Barn Dance. ::closingeyes:: I'm always worried, but hopeful. 🙂
Interactions with authors, be it Facebook, Twitter, Blogs or online writer's communities, are amazing places to interact. I've made a lifelong friend with another author and we have yet to meet face to face.
I like how you said that people are WATCHING us. How we "act" online is important. Oh, and yeah, the first time someone mentioned how I'm a published author, it felt weird to me too. LOL
Good luck with Barn Dance!
Thanks so much, JM. I appreciate the support. 🙂 It's still weird to hear that I'm a published author, and I have multiple contracts. I just want to say, "huh?" 🙂
I have not had such an experience – yet. 🙁 The Barn Dance looks great!
I am a follower as Robin D under robindpdx (at) gmail (dot) com.
Robin D
robindpdx (at) yahoo (dot) com