Workshop Potpourri
By Ray Rhamey | October 18, 2012 |
photo by by lisa cee (Lisa Campeau)
In the last four weeks I’ve done three workshops, two of them at writer’s conferences. As always, I found it all stimulating. And I sold some of my books—understandably, a number of copies of Flogging the Quill, Crafting a Novel that Sells (usually after the class had happened) and a number of copies of The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles; that one brings up a question that I’ll address later on selling actual, physical books versus selling on the Internet.
Workshops by other pros never fail to stimulate
Even though I’ve been at this writing and editing business for some time now, I never fail to come away from the workshops and presentations I get to attend with new insights and notes on things I can do in my WIP.
How about you? If you’re a seasoned pro, do you go to writing workshops? If you do, are they helpful for you?
Teaching workshops is also stimulating. I enjoy them and have fun, and every one sharpens my own understanding of what works and what doesn’t work in fiction, and I apply that to the next workshop and to my editing work. Well, to my writing, too. I’ll admit that it’s also great fun to have one’s views and coaching validated by workshoppers in their comments after the class and in their evaluations.
Presenting a novel is hard
At Wordstock in Portland, I did my first-ever presentation of one of my novels, The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles. I had 50 minutes – and an audience of 6 people. I don’t think I did well. 
I read pieces, and that part was okay—the material is good and I’m a good reader. But what do you say about your own work in between reading? I’ll admit that I haven’t been to many presentations like this, so didn’t have much in the way of role models. And, frankly, most of the time I find readings to fall flat unless the material is excellent.
Do you have any tips for us folks who are new to doing readings? I have one coming up at a bookstore for the same novel, and I’d like to do better.
A book-selling dilemma
At the Wordstock Festival a large hall was filled with booths of publishers and booksellers. I was able to offer my novel and writing book at Broadway Books. Unfortunately, I have been selling The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles (several sold at the previous two workshops) and I was only able to bring six copies.
The thing is that there were many hundreds of competing books on display, and yet my little novel had sold four copies before the presentation, and immediately sold out after it (despite my performance), and after my panel discussion another person wanted it but was frustrated. Lesson learned about having plenty of books on hand.
In the flesh, the book attracts people and sells itself. But not so much on the Internet at Amazon and the other vendors.
But why not? The cover art is the same. You can “read inside” on Amazon just as a person can with the actual book in their hands.
It’s a puzzlement. There’s something about the title and book cover that invites picking up, but not clicking on.
What about you? How are you on buying in-the-flesh books versus buying online? What makes the difference if there is one? Do you see differences with your books?
Bottom line
I love going to writer’s conferences and doing workshops—there’s nothing much more fun that talking about writing all day. And I find that writers are just about universally helpful, considerate, and enthusiastic about their work. It’s good to be a part of that community of gregarious loners.
Photo credit: orange zoo.
Ray Rhamey is the author of five novels and one writing craft book, Mastering the Craft of Compelling Storytelling. He’s also an editor of book-length fiction and designs book covers and interiors for Indie authors and small presses. His website, crrreative.com, offers an a la carte menu of creative services for writers and publishers. Learn more about Ray’s books at rayrhamey.com.
I think books sell better (or quicker) in the flesh because the internet isn’t going away. You are. You will pack up and leave the conference and once that happens people won’t be able to get their book signed! So, in short, YOU are the reason the books sells better in the flesh.
As for what to do at readings. I’ve done a number of these at this point, and the lesson I’ve learned is don’t read for more than 1.5 – 2 minutes at a stretch. If they ask you to do a 10 minute reading, break it up into 3 two-minute readings and fill in the blanks with your own witty banter. Particularly address those FAQs you get from readers/book bloggers.
I was on a panel last weekend, and I loved what one author (Bree Despain) did where she first talked about the real life moment that inspired the book, then she read the actual scene in the book that reflected that one true moment. So cool. Goose bumpy, actually.
Ray,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on writer’s conferences. I find the networking and connections made with othdr writers as valuable to me as the professional development offered. It is also extremely valuable to me as an unpublished author to sit down for a one-on-one pitch with an agent. I learn a lot from these sessions. Thanks again, Ray, and best wishes on your book.
A different perspective on your article. I’m not there yet with a published book. My WIP is still, well, just that. But I read your article with interest and also the previous comments. It’s all such a learning curve. With so much happening in the e-book industry and self-publishing all these questions take on a whole, new significance in being “published”. I will look forward to reading more comments and learning, learning, learning.
Our state has a large and well-attended book fair every year at the capital, with authors there to talk to and sign their stacks of books. I find it very uncomfortable to be in front of an author, take a look at their book, and decide not to buy it. I prefer Amazon where I can search and read samples and find a story I’m convinced I’ll love, without having to essentially say to the author in front of me that I’m not interested in their book. That’s hard on both sides.
p.s. Ray, I love the cover art on your Vampire Kitties book.
Ray,
This was a testament to the value of brick and mortar bookstores. There’s just no comparison to being able to see, touch, scan a book–in the physical, not virtual world! Yes, the internet has the advantage of convenience, but what’s more convenient than being at a reading and then having the books in front of you? The challenge is to get people there in the first place.
Re. tips, from all the readings I’ve been to, I’d say the reading part is often the least interesting. You say you’re a good reader, and that’s a huge plus, but even then, there’s a limit to how much I want to be read to. I much prefer hearing background stories, such as research done, and getting to ask questions.
Most jobs come with continuing education/professional development requirements and just because we are in a sense “independent contractors”, doesn’t mean we should ignore the wonderful opportunities that conferences provide. I agree that the networking is unbeatable, but conferences are also the only way for many of us to be with our own kind. Being with other writers who want to talk about craft, the industry, etc. is energizing. Spouses and non-writing friends find that type of talk boring at best or usually downright nerdy. While I am not yet published, I have several friends, a couple of NYC best sellers included, who are and they still attend conferences. They are very selective in those they attend, but they still go.
As to being a presenter, I do have experience with that in another field. Since you are published, you already have the golden ring in your hand. Others will want to hear about your journey to publication, how you come up with your premises, what stirs the creative juices, etc. I agree with Anne that reading shorter passages is best. The adult attention span is about 7-10 minutes max with even the most exciting topics. Interspersing reading passages with commentary and Q&A helps the audience stay focused and stimulated. The best advice I ever received about being a presenter is to relax and let my real personality show. Better yet, have fun with what you are doing. If you’re having fun, there’s a good chance your audience is too.
“Most jobs come with continuing education/professional development requirements and just because we are in a sense “independent contractors”, doesn’t mean we should ignore the wonderful opportunities that conferences provide.”
Exactly! Writers continue to grow throughout their lives–and if you don’t believe me, just take a look at the early vs. later works of someone who’s had a long career as a pro. It’s not as if one’s writing becomes perfect and incorruptible upon first publication. I imagine that even after that point, listening to what others have to say on writing will help an author learn new tips, think about technique in a different way, illuminate some concept that still needs work, or induce some other light bulb moments. It is like continuing education or on-the-job training in any other field.
Lots to think about, Ray, thanks. To answer your questions…
Going to seminars to learn more about our craft is a must. You’re never too advanced to open your mind to new ideas and meet new people.
I’m not a fan of readings. The author often reads a climactic part that I can’t connect to without first feeling the characters. It’s like watching a movie trailer in which everything is blown up, but you have no idea why or who really cares. I’d much rather hear the author’s thought process behind a scene, and then a short read of that particular scene, something character driven.
I’m still a book whore. I like the feel of ’em in my hands, their company in my office, kitchen, bedroom, (you get the idea). I’ve purchased several books online, mainly when I couldn’t find them at a local store. I was given an e-reader for Christmas, bought books on it, and then it died and I had to go out and buy the books I wanted to reread. Won’t go that route twice.
Love your book cover by the way. Should I assume it’s for children?
Denise Willson
Author of A Keeper’s Truth
BookTV is non-fiction, but great examples of authors speaking about their work, their research, anecdotes about trial and tribulations of writing the work.
If your cable network doesn’t carry it, Book TV is on the internet. Be sure to find an author interview with Brian Lamb. Lamb is deadpan and a fine example of what a nightmare interviewer could be. We’re near enough to Halloween that making all your vampire fears come to life should be fun. Add a bowl of candy corn and thank me in the morning. (hehe)
Denise, this book was written for adults, but it has turned out to have strong YA appeal. It is not for children–in addition to its humor, there’s some sharp satire, too.
Ray, a lot of prospective authors attend readings. From talking to authors and reading a lot of blogs: opening up the floor and doing most of the time as a Q&A can take the pressure off of you, get the audience involved, and lead to great networking. Sharing about the writing and publishing process a bit can get questions coming. Congrats in selling out.
I just made my first workshop presentation, at the Flathead River Writers Conference in Kalispell, MT. My workshop on character building drew well and was well-received. After attending some great workshops, and learning a few things on my own, it was gratifying to be able to give other writers practial advice and exercises (some drawn from Don Maass’s BONI workshop) that they found useful. Did it sell books? I honestly don’t know — it was held at a college that handled book sales, and of course, some might buy or order hard or e-copies after the workshop, and I recognize that my reference book for writers (Books, Crooks & Counselors: How to Write Accurately About Criminal Law & Courtroom Procedure) won’t appeal to every one there. Of course, I do hope it will create some name recognition and interest in future books. But the real value for me was the chance to give back to a community that has given me so much.
Books in person, in your face and hand, I think, will for me, always trump the net. It’s a loving impulse buy. One can feel the story, taste the words and heft.
Although I do use the net for things I don’t have to have “right this instant”, the difference I see is that REAL books breath and live. It’s directly holding a weighty real little universe in your hands. I tend to permeate whatever it is I am doing, like a sensitivity both mental/spiritual, and tactile, I guess. The web doesn’t quite measure up, being virtual. Electronics are not soul satisfying! lol! They have a flat taste, and it just feels different.
I like readings, with one caveat: I hate authors who give away the end or key moment. That’s a total turn off for me.
I also agree with most of them here. Books only in physical form is accepted widely. It is true that there are ebooks, but they are not accepted as much as books in physical forms. When we see and read books in physical form, it has more impact on our mind and life. They can also be remembered for a long time.