This has been one hell of a year for me professionally. Unleashed, the first book in my Amoveo Legend series, was released in October and as if that wasn't enough, my agent sold my Dead in the City series to Sourcebooks in another five book deal. It's been an absolute dream come true but truth be told...I didn't dare to dream that big.
This year far surpassed the goals I set out for myself as a writer and I'm extremely grateful for everything that has come to pass.
One of the coolest things I've gotten to do this year, is get to know some of my readers. It is an enormous thrill to meet/tweet with/chat with/FB with someone who read and enjoyed my work. It's a humbling, flattering and thrilling experience all rolled into one.
After connecting with readers via FB, Twitter, blogs and even face-to-face at book signings, I decided I wanted to personally connect with as many folks as possible.
You may be asking yourself...why?
It's not a purely ego driven thing. Really it's not.
Sure, it's nice to hear that someone enjoyed what I wrote but it's more than that. I find it fascinating to hear what various individuals take away from a book. Did they connect with the heroine and the hero? Was the villain really evil or did he/she come off as a wiener? Was the sex sizzling, salacious or sappy? Was the twist a surprise or was it a "Duh" moment?
I know...you can't please everyone...and that's okay because I don't expect to. However, I am interested in what readers are drawn to, sucked into or repelled by.
Let's be honest, I would love to hear that they thought it was the most spectacular book they'd ever read. Hey, what author wouldn't? However, more than that, I'm interested in connecting with the individual who loved it, liked it or....*gasp* not-so-much.
So, what do I want for Christmas? I want to get to know my readers.
So I've put together a contest!
Want a chance to win a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card? Have you read Unleashed?
If you answered yes to these questions then here's what you need to do to enter.
1. Upload a picture of you with your copy of Unleashed onto the Amoveo FB page. It could be your paperback or the book cover on your Nook or Kindle.
2. Make sure you do it by 11:59pm on 12/31/11
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Dream on....
This year far surpassed the goals I set out for myself as a writer and I'm extremely grateful for everything that has come to pass.
One of the coolest things I've gotten to do this year, is get to know some of my readers. It is an enormous thrill to meet/tweet with/chat with/FB with someone who read and enjoyed my work. It's a humbling, flattering and thrilling experience all rolled into one.
After connecting with readers via FB, Twitter, blogs and even face-to-face at book signings, I decided I wanted to personally connect with as many folks as possible.
You may be asking yourself...why?
It's not a purely ego driven thing. Really it's not.
Sure, it's nice to hear that someone enjoyed what I wrote but it's more than that. I find it fascinating to hear what various individuals take away from a book. Did they connect with the heroine and the hero? Was the villain really evil or did he/she come off as a wiener? Was the sex sizzling, salacious or sappy? Was the twist a surprise or was it a "Duh" moment?
I know...you can't please everyone...and that's okay because I don't expect to. However, I am interested in what readers are drawn to, sucked into or repelled by.
Let's be honest, I would love to hear that they thought it was the most spectacular book they'd ever read. Hey, what author wouldn't? However, more than that, I'm interested in connecting with the individual who loved it, liked it or....*gasp* not-so-much.
So, what do I want for Christmas? I want to get to know my readers.
So I've put together a contest!
Want a chance to win a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card? Have you read Unleashed?
If you answered yes to these questions then here's what you need to do to enter.
1. Upload a picture of you with your copy of Unleashed onto the Amoveo FB page. It could be your paperback or the book cover on your Nook or Kindle.
2. Make sure you do it by 11:59pm on 12/31/11
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Congratulations, Sara, on all the sales! Great job! And good luck!
ReplyDeleteHaven't read Unleashed yet (my bad!) but I completely understand how it feels to connect with readers. Fabulous! Congrats and best wishes for your continued success!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a big year, and many happy returns, Sara. I know what you mean about the readers--they're the best. And when one of my tried and true readers offers some insights, I am respectful enough of their honesty to listen with both ears.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Sara! Without readers, we'd soon be on the endangered species list. One of my best Christmas presents this year was a reader sent me the back of her Nook to sign.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sara you deserve all great things. I'm not entering the contest just wanted to tell you what a wonderful attitude about connecting and you really live it
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays
@Terry--Thanks so much. I'm just trying to keep up with all the fabulous Casababes like you :)
ReplyDelete@Cheryl--Thanks for all the well wishes! No worries on the reading front. I've had far less time to read with various deadlines looming.Have an awesome holiday!
ReplyDelete@Grace-Readers are where it's at! Have a fantastic holiday!
ReplyDelete@Carolyn-That is SO cool that she sent you her Nook to sign! What an honor. I did have a reader bring their Nook to a B&N signing for me to sign. Gotta love a reader who doesn't let technology stand in their way!
ReplyDelete@Caroline-Thank you so much for coming by and connecting with me. :) Happy Holidays to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a wonderful year, Sara. It was nice meeting you this year. Can't wait for your 2nd release and your visit to CTRWA!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun contest, Sara! Sounds like you had a great debut year!
ReplyDelete@Jennifer-It was fantastic meeting you as well and I'm really looking forward to my CTRWA visit in Feb!
ReplyDelete@Shana-Thanks! It's been a whirlwind and I'm loving every minute of it :) I'm so lucky to be a part of this group of authors.
ReplyDeleteAren't readers - really engaged readers - just fabulous? Congratulations on a wonderful year!
ReplyDeleteA year well worth celebrating! Enjoy and may you have even more success in 2012!
ReplyDeleteAmelia
@Tamara-You said it! There's nothing quite like it.
ReplyDelete@Amelia-Many thanks and right back at you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome contest! I hope you get a lot of interesting responses.
ReplyDelete@Amelia-Thank you so much! Much love to you and yours xo
ReplyDelete