Hi, my name is Samantha Kane and I’ll be going to my first AAD this fall. Stella asked if we’d share why we chose AAD. I’ve attended a few of the larger cons in the last four years: RT four times, and RWA once. I’ve also been to BEA (Book Expo America) twice. But this year I wanted to try an intimate convention that would give me more opportunities to meet and mingle with readers.
I have a limited budget for promotion and marketing. I don’t feel that I’m getting the bang for my buck at the big cons. For best-selling authors, the big cons are a great promotional opportunity. But for the rest of us? Not so much.
It’s so easy to get lost in the crowd of authors at the larger conventions. I don’t feel that there are as many readers at those cons as there used to be, either. If I want to effectively spend my promotional dollars then I need to be at the conventions where the readers are. Yes, authors are readers. But for the most part, when they attend conventions they are there to promote their own work first.
I chose to attend AAD this year because it is smaller—deliberately so. The organizers keep the numbers down so that authors and readers can interact. This was a big plus for me when making my choice. I also heard both authors and readers talk about how much fun they had at last year’s AAD.
Another reason I chose AAD is because of the m/m and steampunk workshop tracks this year. I have a m/m romance coming out this month and a m/m/f romance coming out this summer that I’ll be promoting at AAD. I’m on at least three m/m workshop panels, and two science fiction and/or steampunk panels. My writing partner, Mari Freeman, and I just finished a western steampunk romance that we are pitching right now. So the workshop choices and focus of the conference fit my marketing needs.
I know this all seems very business-oriented, and it is. For me, the time and resources I devote to conventions are an integral part of the business of being a writer, my business. Yes, it’s great to get together with other authors and readers and connect over our love of books and the craft of writing books. The truth is that when I’m at conventions I tend to forget the business and I just have lots and lots of fun with my friends. So it’s important that I think about my business goals ahead of time. Choosing the right conference is a major step in achieving those goals. If I choose the right one, the business aspect usually takes care of itself and then I can have my fun and promote, too.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Why I chose AAD by Samantha Kane
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Advice for Writers You'll Hear at AAD
by C. Margery Kempe
If you've looked around at all, there's all kinds of writing advice out there: magazines, websites, books, groups. They tell you how to manage your time, how to develop your characters, how to plot your novel -- and that's not to mention the newest trend, telling you how to market your writing once it's out there and coordinate all your social media outlets.
All of these are great ways to avoid what you should be doing:
I remember a friend (a reader, not a writer) saying once, "Writer really whinge a lot." Yes; yes, we do. To each other via email, on Facebook and Twitter now and even occasionally, in person. To be fair, there's a lot to whinge about. The long hours, the low pay, the constant criticism (especially if it comes from your own head). But it's also a way of avoiding the real work.
So just write.
Jane Friedman pointed to a terrific article by Anne Allen about Three Questions to Ask Before Jumping on the Indie Publishing Bandwagon. While a lot of people see the leap as by-passing the slow dinosaur of traditional publishing, Allen warns that skipping that process has a price: all those rejections are often deserved. It takes time to build skills and often that story is not as good as you think it is. You're misled by seeing it all in your head quite clearly; your words may not have captured enough of that mental movie to translate it into someone else's head. If you don't get an editor telling you, "no, it's not there yet" and jump to self publishing, then you will get readers or worse reviewers who tell you the same thing -- not in a private email, but out there on the web for all to see. Or not: because it's not criticism that grinds down most writers, but facing daily the supreme indifference of the universe. What if you publish a book and no one cares?
What Allen also makes clear is how much extra work is involved in self-publishing. I faint dead away at the mere thought of coding a manuscript for umpteen different kinds of ebook formats. Not just because it sounds tedious and fiddly, but once again I'm aware that it's time not spent writing. Never forget the very best thing to sell your writing is your writing. While people dream of having that huge bestseller the first time out of the gate, most "overnight sensations" in any field have laid the groundwork already with a lot of hard work. Because if you do have a book that makes a big splash, you want there to be other things for readers to buy.
So I'm going to take my own advice now, and shut up and write. You do it, too.
 |
| From Rome |
If you've looked around at all, there's all kinds of writing advice out there: magazines, websites, books, groups. They tell you how to manage your time, how to develop your characters, how to plot your novel -- and that's not to mention the newest trend, telling you how to market your writing once it's out there and coordinate all your social media outlets.
All of these are great ways to avoid what you should be doing:
WRITING
I remember a friend (a reader, not a writer) saying once, "Writer really whinge a lot." Yes; yes, we do. To each other via email, on Facebook and Twitter now and even occasionally, in person. To be fair, there's a lot to whinge about. The long hours, the low pay, the constant criticism (especially if it comes from your own head). But it's also a way of avoiding the real work.
So just write.
Jane Friedman pointed to a terrific article by Anne Allen about Three Questions to Ask Before Jumping on the Indie Publishing Bandwagon. While a lot of people see the leap as by-passing the slow dinosaur of traditional publishing, Allen warns that skipping that process has a price: all those rejections are often deserved. It takes time to build skills and often that story is not as good as you think it is. You're misled by seeing it all in your head quite clearly; your words may not have captured enough of that mental movie to translate it into someone else's head. If you don't get an editor telling you, "no, it's not there yet" and jump to self publishing, then you will get readers or worse reviewers who tell you the same thing -- not in a private email, but out there on the web for all to see. Or not: because it's not criticism that grinds down most writers, but facing daily the supreme indifference of the universe. What if you publish a book and no one cares?
What Allen also makes clear is how much extra work is involved in self-publishing. I faint dead away at the mere thought of coding a manuscript for umpteen different kinds of ebook formats. Not just because it sounds tedious and fiddly, but once again I'm aware that it's time not spent writing. Never forget the very best thing to sell your writing is your writing. While people dream of having that huge bestseller the first time out of the gate, most "overnight sensations" in any field have laid the groundwork already with a lot of hard work. Because if you do have a book that makes a big splash, you want there to be other things for readers to buy.
So I'm going to take my own advice now, and shut up and write. You do it, too.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
We interupt the scheduled blog posts...
to inform everyone that the AAD 2011 attendance is now CLOSED! We have hit our 300 attendee cap, and we thank EVERYONE that had decided to attend the event this year!
Please note that the book signing is open to the public on Saturday August 13th from 2-4ish and the Saturday evening party, the Steampunk Victorian Ball, is open to the public too. the signing is free to the public, the ball is 20$ at the door.
See you all in August!
Stella
Please note that the book signing is open to the public on Saturday August 13th from 2-4ish and the Saturday evening party, the Steampunk Victorian Ball, is open to the public too. the signing is free to the public, the ball is 20$ at the door.
See you all in August!
Stella
For me, AAD is passion!
So here I am, not an author, but so very honored to be sandwiched between them. Let me repeat that! Author, then me, then author. *dies happy* Who am I? Really. I am a blogger (Intense Whisper), reader, wife, mother, designer, business owner and yes, the AAD webby. What's an AAD webby you ask. No, it is not an uncomfortable under-thing. It is what Stella affectionately calls her design slave *giggles*. I am assisting in design and promotion for AAD 2011, 2012 and hopefully many more.
I also attended AAD in 2010 as a blogger. So this is my perspective and why I cannot wait for the next conventions. Passion. I have this little problem with obsession. Finding little hobbies that encompass my whole being. I like to call this passion, you can call it insanity if you wish. After attending in 2010, I found a new little hobby. A little passion. Everything AAD. What can I say, Authors After Dark fulfills me *big grin*.
Authors After Dark gives book lovers the opportunity to meet authors, readers, bloggers and industry professionals who all share the same admiration for romance. No matter the genre, everyone had something in common. A true sense of belonging. I have said before that it feels like friends getting together, long lost friends and family. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, authors are accessible. Not just from behind a table either, I am talking about standing in line, sitting at a table, the bar, dancing, laughing, taking a break... they are everywhere. Could a reader define a better paradise? I think not.
That is why readers of romance will love AAD, but what do I love about AAD? I love that I met Jodie (JoJo's Book Corner) after talking online for months. I love that I get to see her again in 2011 along with many other bloggers I network with. I love that I may have the opportunity to ride in an elevator with Jennifer Armintrout again. I loved being star struck by Stella, she LOOKS just like her pictures! I loved sharing ideas with authors in panels and laughing. The food was spectacular and the dessert even better. Each meal had a new surprise. The event was spectacular from start to end.
Books. I loved the books. I met so many new-to-me authors as well as some whom I had already read. Each panel starts with an introduction to the authors and their current releases, but many also gave sneak peak into future books. Inside information on how characters came about and why. I soaked it all up! But like every book lover, there can never be enough. This year I am preparing before hand by reading books by as many attending authors as I can. Passion.
I am just a normal woman, who loves romance and is not ashamed of it. I am fortunate to have attended in 2010. An enthusiastic designer with a new muse. A passionate reader who could not have found a better little hobby.
I also attended AAD in 2010 as a blogger. So this is my perspective and why I cannot wait for the next conventions. Passion. I have this little problem with obsession. Finding little hobbies that encompass my whole being. I like to call this passion, you can call it insanity if you wish. After attending in 2010, I found a new little hobby. A little passion. Everything AAD. What can I say, Authors After Dark fulfills me *big grin*.
Authors After Dark gives book lovers the opportunity to meet authors, readers, bloggers and industry professionals who all share the same admiration for romance. No matter the genre, everyone had something in common. A true sense of belonging. I have said before that it feels like friends getting together, long lost friends and family. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, authors are accessible. Not just from behind a table either, I am talking about standing in line, sitting at a table, the bar, dancing, laughing, taking a break... they are everywhere. Could a reader define a better paradise? I think not.
That is why readers of romance will love AAD, but what do I love about AAD? I love that I met Jodie (JoJo's Book Corner) after talking online for months. I love that I get to see her again in 2011 along with many other bloggers I network with. I love that I may have the opportunity to ride in an elevator with Jennifer Armintrout again. I loved being star struck by Stella, she LOOKS just like her pictures! I loved sharing ideas with authors in panels and laughing. The food was spectacular and the dessert even better. Each meal had a new surprise. The event was spectacular from start to end.
Books. I loved the books. I met so many new-to-me authors as well as some whom I had already read. Each panel starts with an introduction to the authors and their current releases, but many also gave sneak peak into future books. Inside information on how characters came about and why. I soaked it all up! But like every book lover, there can never be enough. This year I am preparing before hand by reading books by as many attending authors as I can. Passion.
I am just a normal woman, who loves romance and is not ashamed of it. I am fortunate to have attended in 2010. An enthusiastic designer with a new muse. A passionate reader who could not have found a better little hobby.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Pros of the Con AAD by Rita Sawyer
For anyone who’s wondering what to expect at AAD I’d have to say FUN. Seriously. I decided to attend AAD last year because I had been hearing it was a more personal conference where the readers got to interact with the authors. Okay yeah I’m an author, but I’m a reader too so that was a big reason for me to go. I met great people and had a fabulous time. Let me break down a couple reasons why AAD is such a good conference.
I attended RT in 2009, RomCon 2010, AAD in 2010 what I found comparing the three events was AAD gives you more bang for your buck.
1st: The low registration fee included meals unlike RomCon where you had to purchase meal tickets separately from you registration. Meals were included in RT, but their reg. fee was more than double AAD’s.
2nd: AAD seemed more relaxed (maybe not for Stella since she’s the one making sure everyone is having a good time and things go as planned). RT was a blur of rushing around and trying to figure out the layout of the hotel. RomCon was a little chaotic (in their defense it was their first year so they needed to work out some bugs).
3rd: The authors at AAD do their best to be approachable. Maybe it has to do with the relaxed feel of the event, but I felt more comfortable chatting with people at AAD than either of the other two conferences I’ve been to.
Now there are a few things you don’t want to forget. A camera (because who knows what you might see), visit the gift basket raffle room (there were some AMAZING gift baskets last year, and the proceeds go to charity), don’t be shy (I’m kind of a wall flower myself so I’m going to let this be a note to myself), watch for those romance trading cards (I’ll have mine, but I’m hoping to get some other authors), have fun.
Now I’m not saying I won’t do any other conferences, because I’m starting to like traveling a little. I just know AAD is going to be first on my list of choices.
Hope to see everyone there! And remember I’m shy so come up and say hi!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Authors After Dark
Last year I attended one of the most interactive cons I had been to in a long time. It was Authors After Dark in Secaucus, New Jersey. At first I wasn't even sure what Authors After Dark was all about, only that some really great authors were attending. I had missed it the year before but I decided I wasn't going to miss it again. And boy was a glad I didn't. We had a blast. From the reader/author sessions to the parties there wasn't one thing that wasn't fantastic. The author line up to the readers that attended. I love it all. I love it when I go to a new place and meet new people. What more can we ask for. And have you seen the line up for this year's conferance. If you have a favorite genre I bet you will find it at AAD. Authors After Dark is definitely the place to be August 11-14. Now think about this, have you ever had a genre that you were wondering about but weren't sure if you wanted to read it. I have. Come to AAD. Not only will you get to read anything you want, I bet you will be able to met your next favorite author.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Why Ask Why
I've heard that readers are wondering why authors have chosen AAD in addition to, or even over other conferences. Now, I can't speak for everyone, but I can tell you my reasons for deciding to come to AAD this year.
Last year, one of my dearest friends, Jennifer Armintrout, said "Dude, you HAVE to go to the Authors After Dark conference with me. It's like the best thing ever. You're gonna love it."
Now, when Jen says I'm going to love something, it's either because she's lying and she wants to get me to do something terrible so she can point and laugh, or it's because she really thinks I'm going to love it. I'm happy to report, that it was the latter. She wanted me to go to AAD 2010 because it was really that awesome of a conference.
I've been to the RWA National Conference and I've also been to the to Romantic Times conference. Both of those conferences had their pros and cons. They were experiences I'm glad I had, but neither hold a candle to AAD. RWA and RT are giant conferences that can be downright overwhelming at times. It's difficult to get more than a couple minutes at most to chat with your favorite authors, the food is iffy and often the parties end up being on the generic side. Not so at Authors After Dark.
At AAD, you'll have tons of time to hang with your favorite authors as well as meet some new faves. The thing I like best about this conference format is that it's geared toward readers first and authors second. The parties are all different and the vendors are like nothing you'll find at any other romance conference - seriously - there was a tattoo artist there last year and he did amazing work! There was jewelry, bath and body products, books, graphic novels, art, and I've heard that there will be even more variety this year.
I'll be participating in the ARC party with the amazing Brynn Paulin, another one of my bestest friends - seriously, I don't know what I'd do without this woman. We'll be giving away shiny new promo to the attendees, but the biggest and best comes at the Resplendence Publishing Party. Now, in theory, it's going to be a karaoke party (the fantabulous Stella is trying to help us find the right equipment) and the really awesome part is that Brynn, Jen and I along with Mia Watts, Jessica Jarman and Gwendolyn Cease are giving away...wait for it...An iPAD 2 with WIFI!!!! And we're also giving away a ton of e-books to go with it!!!!
So I hope you'll all come and say hi at the party and at the panels or meals or really whenever. We'd love to meet you. And I promise, none of us bite. Actually, I can't be responsible for Jen or Mia, but you're safe with the rest of us.
Last year, one of my dearest friends, Jennifer Armintrout, said "Dude, you HAVE to go to the Authors After Dark conference with me. It's like the best thing ever. You're gonna love it."
Now, when Jen says I'm going to love something, it's either because she's lying and she wants to get me to do something terrible so she can point and laugh, or it's because she really thinks I'm going to love it. I'm happy to report, that it was the latter. She wanted me to go to AAD 2010 because it was really that awesome of a conference.
I've been to the RWA National Conference and I've also been to the to Romantic Times conference. Both of those conferences had their pros and cons. They were experiences I'm glad I had, but neither hold a candle to AAD. RWA and RT are giant conferences that can be downright overwhelming at times. It's difficult to get more than a couple minutes at most to chat with your favorite authors, the food is iffy and often the parties end up being on the generic side. Not so at Authors After Dark.
At AAD, you'll have tons of time to hang with your favorite authors as well as meet some new faves. The thing I like best about this conference format is that it's geared toward readers first and authors second. The parties are all different and the vendors are like nothing you'll find at any other romance conference - seriously - there was a tattoo artist there last year and he did amazing work! There was jewelry, bath and body products, books, graphic novels, art, and I've heard that there will be even more variety this year.
I'll be participating in the ARC party with the amazing Brynn Paulin, another one of my bestest friends - seriously, I don't know what I'd do without this woman. We'll be giving away shiny new promo to the attendees, but the biggest and best comes at the Resplendence Publishing Party. Now, in theory, it's going to be a karaoke party (the fantabulous Stella is trying to help us find the right equipment) and the really awesome part is that Brynn, Jen and I along with Mia Watts, Jessica Jarman and Gwendolyn Cease are giving away...wait for it...An iPAD 2 with WIFI!!!! And we're also giving away a ton of e-books to go with it!!!!
So I hope you'll all come and say hi at the party and at the panels or meals or really whenever. We'd love to meet you. And I promise, none of us bite. Actually, I can't be responsible for Jen or Mia, but you're safe with the rest of us.
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