Thanks
once again to the gals at Righteous Perverts for inviting me to guest on their
blog. When it comes to perverts, nobody beats this bunch, right? Even though
I’m a member of the Facebook group, the pervettes’ generosity in sharing in my
special moments, such as the release of my first novel or celebrating 5-star
reviews, etc., always brings a huge smile to my face.
And
that leads me to the theme of my blog post: That special bond that forms
between authors and their readers.
I’ll
admit I’ve been lucky in the year since I was first published. The 29th
November represented twelve months since the publication of Chloe’s Double Draw. Since that time, my
readers have taken me on a magic carpet ride as they’ve embraced not just my
story, but me too. Let’s face it. Australia is far away from, well, just about
everywhere! I can’t easily rock up to small conventions across the US and get
to know readers. So each interaction a reader has with me via Facebook, Twitter,
or e-mail is valued like a personal chat over coffee. It’s something to be
savored.
And
when you guys “like,” joke around, or giggle over something on my FB page or a
comment I’ve made somewhere else, I get one of those big goofy smiles on my
face. Priceless!
Some
of us are shy creatures and others more outgoing. The great thing about being a
reader is you get to choose the level of your “reader crush.” You can go all
fan-girl and wear your love on a T-shirt, or you can be like me and silently
squeal to yourself when your favorite author “likes” your comment on their
post. Yes…I admit, I have my fan-girl crushes where I want to tell them how
much I love their books, them, their pets, and whatever the hell else I can
think of all in one breath. But, with a herculean effort, I keep that part of
myself hidden. Well, most of the time.
My
most recent author crushes (say in the last ten years) have all been writers
who share some of my interests and/or beliefs and show that in their writing. For
example, their characters have a love of animals and their welfare. Their heroines
can recognize beauty in the world and deep down possess a gentleness of spirit
that doesn’t affect how kickass they can be even if they are burdened with
mental or physical scars. Or they write alpha heroes who know that it’s sexy
when you can laugh at yourself!
I’d
love to know what it is about certain authors that YOU love? What makes an
author your “book buddy” apart from just being a writer whose work you enjoy
reading?
Toward
the end of January, High-Stakes Loving,
book 2 in my King’s Bluff, Wyoming series, will be released by Siren. It’s been
a long time coming. I know I pushed the patience levels of some readers to the breaking
point with the time it took to get this baby written, but I’m hoping all that
goodwill shall be rewarded with this story.
As
a fun way to say “thanks” to you all for having me here, I’m giving away a Chloe’s Double Draw key ring. It’s
gorgeous with three charms and colored-glass beads. Here’s a pic for you to
see!
For
a chance to win, comment below on what it is that makes an author your “book
buddy.” The winner will be chosen using Random.org.
I find that what makes an author a book buddy is their back story. I love when I hear that they have overcome something and gone after their dreams. You rock Fiona and it has been a pleasure getting to know more about you and your characters.
ReplyDeleteI find that what makes an author a book buddy is their back story. I love when I hear that they have overcome something and gone after their dreams. You rock Fiona and it has been a pleasure getting to know more about you and your characters.
ReplyDeleteHaving an author just respond to a post that you have written is amazing. It's wonderful when you find they are interested in what you have to say as a reader. Authors also give great recommendations to readers... This makes an author my "book buddy"
ReplyDeleteI love it when an author recognises that being stick thin isn't the norm,I love when the leading ladies have curves to hold on to,bits that aren't as perky and natural,everyday body flaws (cellulite,stretch marks and scars etc).
ReplyDeleteIt makes me feel better :)
Vicky Strevens
What makes an author my 'book buddy' - well...that honestly would have to be the fact that the author's that I'm friends with, they actually "talk" to me! :) I like the fact that they are personable and I can relate to them in some kind of fashion. It's the fact that the majority of my favs actually respond in person, they don't have someone that is hired to do this for them. It makes you feel closer to them, makes them more of a person and not just a name on a book. I have several favorites, and yes, Fiona is counted among those! I've been waiting anxiously for High-Stakes Loving to come out....going to have to go back and re-read CDD before it does though! :)
ReplyDeleteWow I think you pretty much mentioned it all. I have to say I just love how the authors that I read and have become friends with on Facebook take the time to interact with their readers. That to me says a lot. Yes I also get all fan girl when the like or reply to something I've posted, it makes me feel special. The best way I can think of it is I think of all of you as celebrities, stars, and you are my friends!! How great is that!!! :-) Love ya Fiona
ReplyDeleteRobin
jtscheermom@verizon.net
I can't believe I'm the first to comment! Woot! Loved reading your blog Fiona. I have to say that menage BDSM is my favorite. I was hooked from the first of Chloe's Double Draw and I've read it more than once. Like you, I'm an animal lover and have a love for humor. I like my books to have some of those in them. I also like Doms who live in the real world and know to treat their sub with respect, even as they show who's boss, lol. I'll be looking for High Stakes Loving to come out on my birthday at the end of January! Hugs from WA state!
ReplyDeleteWow I think you pretty much said it all. What I love about the authors that I read and are friends with on Facebook is just that, they interact with their readers. You can relate with them. I go all fan girl as well when they like or comment on my post. Makes me feel special. I look at it this way, all the wonderful authors that I have the honor of knowing, I think of as celebrities and think just how cool it is that they are my friends and I can actually chat with them. It's GREAT!! Love you Fioana!! :-) Can't wait for the next book
ReplyDeleteRobin Womack
jtscheermom@verizon.net
Hi, Fiona. I am especially fond of authors who write characters with strong emotional ties to one another. Especially when one of the characters starts out eschewing emotion, determined to remain distant and emotionless. You know they're going to fall like a ton of bricks, watching it happen is delicious.
ReplyDeleteI like when an author is able to takes me through a rainbow of emotions while reading their book. That is what makes them my book-buddy!! When I feel the emotion that the characters are feeling really does it for me.
ReplyDeletediamer13@yahoo.com
I love when an author gets into the heads of their charcters and make me feel like there simeone i would know and enjoy spending tme with thats great.
ReplyDeleteMy "book buddies" are authors who love their fans and aren't afraid to show it. I have to say that I do get a big ol' kick out of having FB conversations (or Twitter or whatever) with my favorites. I'll go to the ends of the earth to pimp them out when they release new books because I know that they genuinely care what readers think.
ReplyDeleteYou're one of those awesome authors!!
An author becomes a book buddy to me when they comment on a thread I've started or they write about something I honestly know about like how vpn's work. LOL
ReplyDeleteAn author becomes a book buddy to me when they comment on a thread I've started or they write about something I honestly know about like how vpn's work. LOL
ReplyDeleteWell I have to admit that you are one of my book buddies. You have ALWAYS interacted with me on RP chat nights. Its kinda scary talking to an author but you have always responded like a friend chatting over the kitchen table. I get so excited when Cherise Sinclair mentions you in her books. "I know her!!!" well...its a major fan girl squeal. My other book buddy crushes extend to of course Cherise Sinclair, Heather Rainier, Melissa Schroedier, Sophie Oak, and Lori King.
ReplyDeleteYou mean besides you, Fe? I enjoy Sharon Sala and Eileen Dreyer for their FB posts alone. Those two aren't ones to mince words and you always know where they stand on most issues--and yet they do it in a blunt, yet charming way (or I think so). I also like keeping up with authors Cherise Sinclair, Mina Khan, Laurann Dohner, Dana Marie Bell, Carla Swafford..oh heck I could go on and on here!
ReplyDeleteI have to say the above authors know how to use social media. Even those that are more outspoken than others never turn things into 'flame wars' and what is good about my author 'buddies' is they try their best to keep up with comments and posts as much as their busy schedule allows. Heck, I have no idea how you authors do that and still find the time to write!
Jacs :)
First off, thanks for giving us a chance to win that fabulous keychain! LOVE it! To me, authors that interact with their readers on FB, email, etc, are the poster children for "book buddies". I'm friends with a LOT of authors on FB, but the ones that I absolutely adore are the ones that interact, whether on their timeline or private messages. THESE wonderful individuals are definitely "book buddies" and FRIENDS to me!
ReplyDeleteI'd say when an author actually reaches out to their readers or responds to questions that definitely makes them my book buddy. :)
ReplyDeleteI have many authors I have fan girl moments for......I love an author that can take me into their world, the fantasy they created where love overcomes all obstacles .....in everyday life things always happen so fast there is not enough time in the day to relax we all have so much to do....so I appreciate the authors that can give me what I need if only for a little while to jump into the lives of others and pretend it is mine....I know sappy right.....I'm really not crazy lol.....Thank you Fiona for all you do....have loved your writing and can't wait for this next book
ReplyDeleteI guess I am one of those shy ones. I rarely send comments to authors or post about books they have written but I do have a couple "crushes". I think mostly it is because I just love their books, not just the stories but the way they are written, how characters evolve and plots develop. For me to crush on an author I have to love and care about the people that populate their books.
ReplyDeleteI love an author that interacts with her readers. I enjoy an author who can make me feel there pain and love. I enjoy reading so when I can enter an authors world and enjoy what they create. I become a fan I become a loyal follower. Thank U for writing.I can't wait for the next book ♥♥
ReplyDeleteI love it when an author responds to one of my posts or likes a post on FB.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the amazing Fiona Archer's question, what makes an author my "Book Buddy" apart from loving their books (and Fiona knows I love hers) is some common interests and points of view, not just about books and genre, but life in general. I also get a real buzz when an author takes the time to comment to me directly if I contact them voicemail, FB or Google with a question or simply by spreading the word about their books. It's also nice to know the author notices and appreciates your love of their books. I am extremely proud of the fact that Fiona is an Aussie too!
ReplyDeleteFiona will be announcing the winner today !!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have a WINNER: Kathy Burnett! :) Congratulations, Kathy. If you could email me via FB, we'll get everything sorted.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU to everyone who entered. What an awesome response! I'm planning on having similar key chains designed for the release of High-Stakes Loving. Oh, and...I'll have another key chain giveaway when I'm the guest in RP Chat Room 11th December!