tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post6905483982935613488..comments2024-03-25T09:56:16.164+00:00Comments on An Awfully Big Blog Adventure: Training the 21st Century Authors - Ruth HatfieldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-61590940680652624832016-02-16T21:10:24.446+00:002016-02-16T21:10:24.446+00:00Thanks very much for your comments on this one - I...Thanks very much for your comments on this one - I would have taken Stroppy Author's view, too, a couple of years ago, but I've changed my mind, partly because for someone in my position, it's necessary to go out and meet readers (unless I devote my life to having a huge social media presence...), so I might as well view it as a positive. Not only that, though - I think I have a lot to learn from meeting readers, particularly young readers. I'm glad that it's pretty much a requirement now, otherwise I think I'd be too scared to do it! But I'm always interested in others' opinions on the subject - what a shame we aren't all sitting in a pub with a few pints... Thanks all!Ruth Hatfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964539193760803885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-16459999619655989402016-02-15T15:56:59.984+00:002016-02-15T15:56:59.984+00:00I think there is a difference between 'perform...I think there is a difference between 'performing' and being able to talk happily and confidently about your books and writing. I enjoy events, and have never felt under pressure to 'perform' -- though it may help that I am a natural show-off who always liked debating/acting/singing, etc. Yes, it's a bit of an act, but I have to say -- as a not very well-known, or big-selling author, it's an act I am happy to put on from time to time. And I think it's great that there is training such as the one you describe, Ruth. Good luck with your events.Sheena Wilkinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13847659993713606837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-17641578842482854442016-02-13T13:40:55.512+00:002016-02-13T13:40:55.512+00:00PS. Ruth, I must say that the Stadium Day session ...PS. Ruth, I must say that the Stadium Day session sounds impressive, so big congratulations on doing what must have been a slightly scary gig!<br /><br />This stuff does get easier, or at least you learn how to manage the different audiences & situations with better confidence. Thanks for sharing all the aspects of your day.Penny Dolanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16386668303428008498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-7327211051478549442016-02-12T12:32:10.451+00:002016-02-12T12:32:10.451+00:00Good that there are "training days" such...Good that there are "training days" such as you describe, Ruth, especially for people not used to schools or people who want events. I could probably do with an update myself so may look out for such an event, if one is held in the north at anytime. <br /><br />However, I half agree with Stroppy Author. I can (I think?) do "entertaining performances" during school visits so the children and staff have fun but that act often feels very far removed from the writing work "me". <br /><br />Besides, playing a penny-whistle/having an amusing dog-puppet/juggling inflatable penguins or any similar entertainment skill does not necessarily mean that there is good writing or reading on the pages of the book, despite the buzz of the event.<br /><br />Sorry, I must be feeling grouchy today, Ruth, possibly caused by World Book Day school requests for six sessions in a day: the answer was no. Wishing you lots of really happy times during your school visits. Such days are magical when they go well!Penny Dolanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16386668303428008498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-63266287462275530032016-02-12T07:31:00.437+00:002016-02-12T07:31:00.437+00:00This sounds a great course, Ruth, but I can't ...This sounds a great course, Ruth, but I can't agree that 'it’s ... a wonderful thing that authors are being pushed out of their turrets and into the hands of their readership.' I think it's a terrible thing that you can do a career you love and are good at, developing your skills over years or decades, and then be 'pushed' into doing the opposite of what you've chosen because the publishing industry is making money for shareholders rather than employees and authors. It's brilliant if people want to do events. But it should be a choice. Stroppy Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16560035800075465845noreply@blogger.com