tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post6841391866398252180..comments2024-03-25T09:56:16.164+00:00Comments on An Awfully Big Blog Adventure: TIME TO MAN-UP! – Anna WilsonUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-12362732852674000422014-03-31T11:33:31.417+01:002014-03-31T11:33:31.417+01:00Thanks, Nicola! That will be very helpful indeed. ...Thanks, Nicola! That will be very helpful indeed. I am about to chase a school who has still not paid me a month after my event - and with the school holidays having already started for that school, I am doubtful I will see payment until after Easter now. I feel my loins and well and truly girded after everyone's very helpful comments.A Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00988158597150297353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-14397982537975766362014-03-31T09:21:21.256+01:002014-03-31T09:21:21.256+01:00It's worth noting that some of the divide Anna...It's worth noting that some of the divide Anna's talking about comes from experience rather than gender. I've been learning to promote myself as an author for ten years now, and I'm still trying to work out how to do it! <br /><br />Regarding the 'comedy' aspect: while I think my events have always had quite a bit of fun, they've got funnier over the last decade - if I say something off-the-cuff and it gets a laugh, I'm likely to remember it and use it again. Whether your approach is humour, gore, facts, or anything else, it's important to be aware of your audience's responses and go with what works - for you as well as for them. <br /><br />Regarding the self-promotion conversation: it's people like Nicola who've given me the confidence to say "this is what I charge" without apologising for it; and it's taken a while for me to get to that point.<br /><br />Incidentally, when this post appeared on Saturday, I told my wife I'd been held up as a model of organisation and confident self-promotion. She laughed...John Doughertyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11937505376169411724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-30838988071676670842014-03-30T23:01:47.404+01:002014-03-30T23:01:47.404+01:00Re confidence about charging a fee - I'm curre...Re confidence about charging a fee - I'm currently working on the new SoA document about that. I hope it will help. It's a subject that makes me quite cross!<br /><br />Nicola Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07847390687632715336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-89076115681008406952014-03-30T18:17:13.250+01:002014-03-30T18:17:13.250+01:00Julia, we did not realise we were going to be sell...Julia, we did not realise we were going to be selling ourselves on the day, a C J has said. I do make sure I am fully prepared for school events. This was quite a different thing and maybe I am not experienced enough to have realised how organised I needed to be even for an informal event. But the great thing is, I learnt a lot from meeting and talking to other authors and as Sarah says, if we get ideas from others, we won't put them into practice in the same way, but we *will* benefit from others' experience. Of course, my post was supposed to be a tad provocative.... We are all different and present ourselves in different ways. I just feel that, personally, I need to get better at saying "I am good at this, this is what I do and this is how much I charge" without getting drawn into apologising for charging a fee - something I have had too much of this academic year. And instead of moaning about it, as I am wont to do, I need to get off my backside and do something positive towards being taken more seriously. So in many ways the blog was a "note to self" on how I think I can improve.A Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00988158597150297353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-45626550029711234492014-03-30T14:29:42.670+01:002014-03-30T14:29:42.670+01:00Oh, I should say, Philip Reeve wrote the words to ...Oh, I should say, Philip Reeve wrote the words to the Shark song, before John Dougherty helped me with the tune! And I wrote the tune for the Sea Monkey song after Philip wrote the words. It's all been very collaborative. I was glad my Leicester Author Week stint overlapped with John's, so I could watch his event. (I was very impressed with his Wee Song!) And he was able to help me with my song in the hotel lobby, much to the annoyance of the other person trying to relax in there, heh heh.Sarah McIntyrehttp://www.jabberworks.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-84908922944448150982014-03-30T14:03:37.326+01:002014-03-30T14:03:37.326+01:00I know what you mean, I felt very intimidated at f...I know what you mean, I felt very intimidated at first! I went from realising 'go out there and talk about your book' wasn't what I was really supposed to do, to despairing that I couldn't do stand-up comedy. There must be a niche for coaches in acting, comedy, public speaking and simple music skills at art colleges. We didn't get taught any of that stuff, but it would have been very helpful. It also makes things much easier for people who come straight from performing on telly. <br /><br />Part of me thinks we shouldn't have to be able to do more than make good books. Performing and events take SO much time! But another part of me realises I don't have much of a choice, and I might as well throw myself in there and enjoy it. And if there's stuff I don't know, I can still learn things. I'm a bad singer and I gave up piano at least 20 years ago. But I've been singing and playing ukulele on stage (I know two songs now), and I realised that kids don't care if I'm not terrific at it, as long as I'm confident and let them join in. It's all part of my theory that kids aren't really there to see me but to be seen: they need a few seconds to know that I'm 'someone famous' (the costume helps with that), then they immediately want attention from me. They want me to call on them for answers, look at their drawings, hear how loudly they can sing, stuff like that.<br /><br />Also, I don't really want to get well known for my amazing voice (which I don't have anyway). It reminds me of how Viviane Schwarz built such an amazing website that everyone was coming to her asking her to build them a website. She got so tired of it - she didn't want to be a web designer - that she pared down her website to draw less attention to the site itself and more to her books. In the same way, don't want to get known only for my events, I still want my books to be the focus, and be getting kids to read and write and draw. I guess that's part of our challenge.<br /><br />I have so, so much still to learn. It's great when authors combine skills, because we're all so different on stage. If I learn something from, say, John Dougherty, it will look so different when I do it, not like I'm ripping him off. He helped me come up with a tune for my Shark in the Bath song when I was in Leicester, and I can't play it with any of his musical panache; the chords sound totally different when I copied his guitar chords onto my ukulele. Philip Reeve has some theatre background, so he's showing me some things about timing and stagecraft and it's really helpful. Gary Northfield did one of my first-ever library events with me and gave me a basic format for a successful hour-long event that I've been doing variations on ever since. <br /><br />We're all in this together; if a school, festival, library are blown away by one author's performance, they're much more likely to book another. So thank you to all the authors who have been blazing a trail for me and other people! Sarah McIntyrehttp://www.jabberworks.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-43430065944103342912014-03-30T10:13:18.908+01:002014-03-30T10:13:18.908+01:00Sorry - typo! Just going to say, that to be fair, ...Sorry - typo! Just going to say, that to be fair, there didn't appear to be any real expectation that we would bring promo material. It was billed as a 'meet and greet'. I felt a bit over-prepared in some ways! C.J.Busbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12288574235370421625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-77508747102137896732014-03-30T10:11:00.992+01:002014-03-30T10:11:00.992+01:00This comment has been removed by the author.C.J.Busbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12288574235370421625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-16070050949148284452014-03-29T23:54:55.027+00:002014-03-29T23:54:55.027+00:00Felt so relieved by C J Busby's comment. Being...Felt so relieved by C J Busby's comment. Being well organised and prepared for an event is simply courteous to the people who have invited you. It's really not to do with gender -- if it was I would expect women to be better at it! julia joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09773900100240758504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-89899705695604405892014-03-29T18:57:55.995+00:002014-03-29T18:57:55.995+00:00Yes, very useful, Nicola, thank you. I also find k...Yes, very useful, Nicola, thank you. I also find kids are interested in the Georgian era, food, customs and the costumes I bring with me - if only I can get to them in the first place. And thank you for the post, Anna. A good discussion to have. Marie-Louise Jensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18006940874591015786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-26629851192631896822014-03-29T18:20:06.956+00:002014-03-29T18:20:06.956+00:00Thank you for all your comments. Nicola, I think y...Thank you for all your comments. Nicola, I think you are absolutely right and much of what you say chimes with some of the debate on yesterday's post about there being a need for material for quiet and reflective personalities, too. I suppose I homed in on the comedy aspect because my books are meant to be funny, so I feel a pressure to perform in that way and make a fool of myself. I have a new book coming out in the summer which is the complete opposite and am already stressing about the sort of event I need to do for that… I shall take much of the advice many of you have given today and remember to be myself. Thanks again.A Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00988158597150297353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-17346100422712475252014-03-29T18:11:44.720+00:002014-03-29T18:11:44.720+00:00There does seem to be a difference in style, often...There does seem to be a difference in style, often, between men and women - I've seen Francesca Simon and Liz Pichon at Book Festival events, two of the most popular funny writers out there, but they didn't take a "stand-up" approach. Male writers...Tommy Donbavand, Eoin Colfer, Philip Aardagh immediately spring to mind, are more obviously funny "performers" in their approach. <br /><br />I don't aim to be a stand-up, but esp when reading aloud, I aim to make it as full on, funny and theatrical a performance as I can! I'm very aware of the need to grab everyone's attention, including those without an existing enthusiasm for books. And I find the boys do respond, as much as the girls, even though most of my books have girl leads.<br /><br />What would be wonderful is if there could be more author events aimed at different audiences: so that instead of always having to entertain the whole spectrum of readers - sometimes a session might be focused more at the keener readers and writers, or the quieter, more introverted pupils. But time and budgets seldom allows for that.Emma Barneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02718171070716804800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-4528958992564222012014-03-29T17:48:11.359+00:002014-03-29T17:48:11.359+00:00There are two discussions here, I think. One is th...There are two discussions here, I think. One is the promoting-oneself thing and one is the comedy thing. Let's not fall into the trap of thinking that making people laugh has to be the be-all and end-all. I talk about surgery without anaesthetic - it's very unfunny but I promise you the kids are listening intently. My favourite response is stunned silence, not laughter. I work that silence, believe me.<br /><br />And it's not just boring adults like me who don't always want to be made to laugh - I meet loads of teenagers who want me to talk to them about teenage stress, another rather unfunny topic. They want me to take it seriously and take them seriously. They want to be moved and helped and inspired. They don't want a comedy routine. <br /><br />All I'm saying is that no one should feel that they have to make an audience laugh for it to be a great event. Just do what you do damn well and be fascinating. <br /><br />But, back to the main point (I think?) of the post - oh yes, I do think in *general* women are less good at selling themselves. I certainly hate doing it, really hate it, and therefore am probably not good at it. And I think John's organised method and professional approach is the best one - I've had librarians tell me how they are put off by anything very in-your-face. And I've had librarians tell me they are put off by too much comedy in an author event - they, too, are often looking for something serious.<br /><br />I am really saying all this to reassure anyone who feels overshadowed by comedy acts - don't be. Just think about what you do best and do what you do and do it well.Nicola Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07847390687632715336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-90122463772962821282014-03-29T15:03:31.215+00:002014-03-29T15:03:31.215+00:00I think I might be a man. I arrived at the same ev...I think I might be a man. I arrived at the same event with: a handout with the first two chapters of my latest book; a bookmark; a postcard; a single page print-out with details of my books and school visits (including a selection of teacher reviews/recommendations) all in a plastic wallet, ready to give out to anyone who came to talk to me.... (Or does that just make me sad?!) <br /><br />I did have a look at Cav's school visits page, though, and it made me want to give up right now ;-) Who can compete with the DOCTOR WHO man himself?<br /><br />However, you know what? Kids benefit from all sorts of different approaches, and while some will respond really well to one kind of personality and author, others will get a lot out of maybe quieter sessions with a different kind of writer/person. The important thing is being exposed to all sorts of authors, and realising that you, too, could do this!C.J.Busbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12288574235370421625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-2190078100145941302014-03-29T15:02:25.199+00:002014-03-29T15:02:25.199+00:00This comment has been removed by the author.C.J.Busbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12288574235370421625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-8557067445887605122014-03-29T12:54:56.808+00:002014-03-29T12:54:56.808+00:00I gave what I thought was a reasonably together, c...I gave what I thought was a reasonably together, confident short speech at a librarian roadshow a couple of years ago. Especially as I followed two nervous debut authors who read from their prepared speech very quietly. I was pleased with myself until a male comedy double act got up and blew everyone away and I realised I couldn't even begin to compete with that. The librarians were (understandably) queueing up to book them. No idea what their book was like. I don't think that mattered.<br />Perhaps we need to get together and train, folks? It might not help, but it might benefit our confidence anyway.Marie-Louise Jensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18006940874591015786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-31574149805243940562014-03-29T11:44:25.042+00:002014-03-29T11:44:25.042+00:00The "performing/entertaining" is an inte...The "performing/entertaining" is an interesting visitor requirement too, as it seems to trump the author role more than somewhat for librarians and schools etc. <br /><br />The duo that were probably mentioned are definitely a great double act. John is a skilled and exuberant guitarist, musician and singer - don't think that was mentioned - and that adds a lot to his visitor charm and attraction, if you don't mind me saying so John. Several newer children's writers come from a comedy background too. <br /><br />All great, but I'm not sure I've yet heard of a female author who plays an instrument during her talks??? Or a comedy double act? Come on, own up, own up if you are out there! <br /><br />And i rather agree with Marie-Louise's point about who makes these choices, too.Penny Dolanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16386668303428008498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-87684301635576661402014-03-29T10:55:08.404+00:002014-03-29T10:55:08.404+00:00I've got a little brochure I use for school vi...I've got a little brochure I use for school visits - although it needs to be updated. It can be found here - http://cavanscott.com/author-visits/<br /><br />Interested to hear how others promote themselves so thanks for the post. The event sounded wonderful too!Cavan Scotthttp://www.cavanscott.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-89031630167870440202014-03-29T10:07:07.484+00:002014-03-29T10:07:07.484+00:00Marie-Louise, you are right about us being up agai...Marie-Louise, you are right about us being up against preconceived ideas and plans from above which are out of our control. That is why I said "it would be nice if there was a level playing field to start with", so I do agree that you certainly do all and more that can be done on a personal level! I think I need to take a leaf out of your book too ;)A Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00988158597150297353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-78180125302428425882014-03-29T10:02:06.066+00:002014-03-29T10:02:06.066+00:00Sounds like it was a great event! Wish I'd bee...Sounds like it was a great event! Wish I'd been there?<br /><br />And it doesn't surprise me to hear about women not wanting to say something without being sure; if Rosalind Franklin hadn't wanted to be absolutely sure she was right, it might be her name, not those three men, on the history of the discovery of DNA.Sue Bursztynskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09362273418897882971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-27088565362977817312014-03-29T09:48:10.502+00:002014-03-29T09:48:10.502+00:00Apologies for the typos - doing this on my phone!Apologies for the typos - doing this on my phone!Marie-Louise Jensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18006940874591015786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-50518266017916648612014-03-29T09:46:57.870+00:002014-03-29T09:46:57.870+00:00I'm always very organised and go to these even...I'm always very organised and go to these events with leaflets and books to sell. I'm also reasonably confident. In the past, I've had my books taken and not paid for (I think as honest mistakes, but people should ask) amd no paid visits have ever come out of the events. I isn't just about promoting yourself confidently (although that certainly helps) you are also up against librarians being told by the powers that be to get male role models into schools, and (without wishing to offend any librarians) possibly their conditoned inciination to think the boys won't be interested in books by women, especially if they are for girls. I'm not sure we ourselves can do much to change such socially entrenched attitudes. Marie-Louise Jensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18006940874591015786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-44921407656789217542014-03-29T09:20:00.133+00:002014-03-29T09:20:00.133+00:00I too have seen very funny female authors, and hav...I too have seen very funny female authors, and have read many too - Jo Nadin's books have been known to reduce me to a snorting, hiccupping wreck! I know there are organised *and* hilarious women out there, but I am not sure they are getting the attention a lot of men get. I sometimes rant about this - OK, frequently - but after Wednesday I thought "I have just got to get better at talking myself up!" And you were an inspiration, John. Thanks for your comment. I shall stop ranting and "just do it"!A Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00988158597150297353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-28766970071548876622014-03-29T09:19:49.833+00:002014-03-29T09:19:49.833+00:00I too have seen very funny female authors, and hav...I too have seen very funny female authors, and have read many too - Jo Nadin's books have been known to reduce me to a snorting, hiccupping wreck! I know there are organised *and* hilarious women out there, but I am not sure they are getting the attention a lot of men get. I sometimes rant about this - OK, frequently - but after Wednesday I thought "I have just got to get better at talking myself up!" And you were an inspiration, John. Thanks for your comment. I shall stop ranting and "just do it"!A Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00988158597150297353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780182174577095197.post-32185018276676662502014-03-29T08:59:29.623+00:002014-03-29T08:59:29.623+00:00Extremely good points here, Anna, especially about...Extremely good points here, Anna, especially about festivals and those headlines for the Best Book Awards.Penny Dolanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16386668303428008498noreply@blogger.com