tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post5313865055079607640..comments2023-12-09T00:33:24.572-08:00Comments on Novel Matters: Andy Meisenheimer Answers the Big QuestionsBonnie Grovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11377519561074174038noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-56531795000649516742009-08-23T09:47:26.873-07:002009-08-23T09:47:26.873-07:00I love the part about writing and writing and writ...I love the part about writing and writing and writing...<br /><br />And I especially appreciate Latayne's comment here. A lot to take to heart. Thanks!Sandy Cathcarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12442140445322137090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-52908816567095016642009-08-17T06:16:51.984-07:002009-08-17T06:16:51.984-07:00Oh, and Bonnie, I have several pictures of myself ...Oh, and Bonnie, I have several pictures of myself alive and well in 1979. I think I was even walking--so there!Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09749113851362324559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-73300749989822504072009-08-17T06:10:11.532-07:002009-08-17T06:10:11.532-07:00Hey everyone. Clearly the last question threw peop...Hey everyone. Clearly the last question threw people, and probably me most of all...<br /><br />You are right to question my answer there. I think I overstated my case because I am thinking mostly of writers who are trying to promote themselves before they actually have published books, and are grasping at every possible straw that promises results.<br /><br />However, even for those of you who do have a business (as well as an art), I think I should have said two things: 1) make sure that the time you spend blogging, twittering and facebooking is proportionate to the money you are making as a direct result, and 2) don't forget that those things are tools to connect meaningfully with fans, and to provide meaningful content. It all serves to "sell" your writing. And if it's just there to fill a quota of "technological marketing effort" and doesn't offer something unique, then it's not worth it.<br /><br />That's why, rightly so, there are some blogs that become books (and bloggers who gets signed as authors)--because their technological marketing was really unique content providing.<br /><br />Does that sound a little less crazy?<br /><br />I think what the Novel Matters folks here have done shows awareness of this--they've banded together to create useful content for a specific audience. That way, their online contribution isn't just rote, it's got purpose.<br /><br />My word verification for this comment was "other". Either that's really boring, or a creepy reference to alien life.Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09749113851362324559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-79759041463571007402009-08-16T04:48:45.979-07:002009-08-16T04:48:45.979-07:00Hey, Friends! Greetings from overseas! It's a ...Hey, Friends! Greetings from overseas! It's a LOONNNNGGG story, but I got stranded in India and never made it to Cambodia. <br /><br />The discipline of re-writing is so important. I really needed to read Andy's answer to that particular question. Thank you!<br /><br />Hopefully I'll be able to visit again before I return to the States. Have a great week!Kristen Torres-Torohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15903038121623389560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-88530241281745200262009-08-15T19:22:17.229-07:002009-08-15T19:22:17.229-07:00Words scratched out here cower at the thought of t...Words scratched out here cower at the thought of the heavy-hands... Thank you for one Thursday afternoon and taking a risk on something that I think had only a brief brush with cardboard... <br /><br />Turning your good words over and thinking long...<br /><br />All's grace,<br />AnnAnn Voskamp @Holy Experiencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11742205499025104067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-10424588867879495672009-08-15T14:54:43.345-07:002009-08-15T14:54:43.345-07:00I fear your only memories of 1979, Andy, come from...I fear your only memories of 1979, Andy, come from the stories you heard about it.<br /><br />I can't remember if we established if I actually AM old enough to be your mother or not.Bonnie Grovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377519561074174038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-81617767915138323192009-08-15T14:15:53.190-07:002009-08-15T14:15:53.190-07:00Ah, 1979, I remember it well!Ah, 1979, I remember it well!Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09749113851362324559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-77957190205239881722009-08-15T09:05:14.309-07:002009-08-15T09:05:14.309-07:00Totally agree with the comparison of writing and i...Totally agree with the comparison of writing and ice skating. Good writing takes practice. For that matter writing, period, *is* practice, of a sort, since unlike ice skaters, who have to perform at a certain time, writers can always throw out the junk and keep trying.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13832782604769370695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-1540632118314981522009-08-15T07:01:53.581-07:002009-08-15T07:01:53.581-07:00Andy, I'll tell you how we did it before the I...Andy, I'll tell you how we did it before the Internet, Facebook, Twitter and their cousins. <br /><br />Or how I did it before, starting when my first book was published by Zondervan in 1979.<br /><br />I prayed, a lot.<br /><br />I accepted every speaking appointment offered to me. I never asked for a fee and sometimes didn't get one.<br /><br />Up until just a few years ago I never sold my own books because a local bookstore owner told me it would be better for him to do that. He responded by always keeping my books on hand, and giving me wonderful, well-advertised signing opportunities. <br /><br />I answered every hand-written letter that came to me via my publishers.<br /><br />In other words, I tried to balance my sense of obedience to God in not advancing myself with using the resources that were put in front of me.<br /><br />Now I have new books out (one of them by Z, as you probably know, Andy.) I no longer have little children playing at my feet as I type. I have a new resource I never had before -- more time. With that time, I try to be faithful and balanced with the electronic resources I now have. I answer all my emails. I answer all the questions posed on my blog. I send out newsletters and "audio postcards."<br /><br /> And I try very very hard to remember that I am myself to be a resource on any website or blog or discussion board where I go. <br /><br />Above all I pray for my books and ask anyone who's willing to do the same.<br /><br />Today I can't depend on my local Christian booksellers (a new generation). That's sad, but true. I'm sure they have their reasons but they show no interest in promotions or even communication with me (quite to the contrast of, say, our local Barnes and Noble.) <br /><br />Today I do sell my own books but in my mind that's as much a service to people I meet as it is a transaction. I remind myself of the thick file of heartfelt letters from people who say my books helped them or in some cases changed their lives.<br /><br />I guess time will tell if my own efforts make any difference in book sales. <br /><br />But meanwhile, I am deeply grateful to the publishers who put their money where my mouth is; and do all I can to maintain balance between writing and supporting their faith in me.<br /><br />Latayne C Scott<br />www.latayne.comLatayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-18635425212760908692009-08-14T18:06:04.734-07:002009-08-14T18:06:04.734-07:00Ha! Just read Jeanne's comment. I was guessing...Ha! Just read Jeanne's comment. I was guessing I knew who Certain author was, too. Now I know we're guessing the same fellow.sally https://www.blogger.com/profile/11068670473065918371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-16605213901788351192009-08-14T18:04:25.610-07:002009-08-14T18:04:25.610-07:00"That’s why I’m an editor."
You're ..."That’s why I’m an editor."<br /><br />You're also a talented writer. Yikes. Those were some gorgeously posed thoughts.sally https://www.blogger.com/profile/11068670473065918371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-87787924220389010102009-08-14T18:01:15.443-07:002009-08-14T18:01:15.443-07:00Like I always say, you can never have too many acc...Like I always say, you can never have too many accordion duo cover bands. <br /><br />Speaking of which, I'm pretty sure I know who Certain Author is, and we're hoping to hang out in a few weeks when I go to his city for a wedding. No late-night skates on the agenda, but signs point to yes on sitting around jamming. An accordion or two would be welcome . . . <br /><br />Entertaining post, Andy. Thanks.Jeanne Damoffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03367259764815174547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-70257301500908020022009-08-14T17:52:29.829-07:002009-08-14T17:52:29.829-07:00Are you trying to argue that great authors existed...Are you trying to argue that great authors existed <i>before</i> Twitter?<br />I'll need proof on the matter.<br />Also, my husband fears the evening meal. I approach it like cracking a safe. There's always a new combination, and sometimes you might discover a treasure. <br />Other times, it might be Aunt Hilda's teeth.heatherhttp://heatheragoodman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-67126331902958794682009-08-14T17:19:37.930-07:002009-08-14T17:19:37.930-07:00oh, another Janet...
I keep hearing good things a...oh, another Janet...<br /><br />I keep hearing good things about Andy. I hope I have an opportunity to experience his awesomeness myself some day.<br /><br />Social media can turn into a time sink. I'm working on a way of handling it more responsibly myself. But I do have to say that I have definitely bought books because of meeting authors online, particularly if they weren't too high and mighty to banter with me. I plan on buying at least one book from everyone on this blog, which simply wouldn't have happened if they hadn't been here. So it's not the be-all-and-the-end-all, but it does make a difference. I've also received book recommendations from people online that have resulted in multiple sales.Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04600030574995481267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-20107061941002983602009-08-14T17:18:47.552-07:002009-08-14T17:18:47.552-07:00Great answers from Andy (and great questions from ...Great answers from Andy (and great questions from Novel Matters). Thanks to all!<br /><br />Andy, your comparison of brilliant writers to figure skaters, artists, etc. who do the same mundane things over and over, gave me a whole new perspective. I've certainly written a lot of crappy stuff that no one has read... perhaps that means I'm a little closer to brilliance :+}Jennifer AlLeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18178922554247015759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-53756403992318849652009-08-14T17:16:30.771-07:002009-08-14T17:16:30.771-07:00funny and keen.funny and keen.RRigdonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01478820442011978220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-4686991051149099722009-08-14T15:23:20.907-07:002009-08-14T15:23:20.907-07:00I think what authors did before was write a book, ...I think what authors did before was write a book, fail at sales, and go back to bagging groceries. I think they failed to find niche markets because they couldn't find them on a wide enough scale (you can online today).<br /><br />Our own Latayne C. Scott has taught us that the best way to use the internet is to use it to find readers - to go where they go, and hang out with them in the virtual world. The time she spends online is time spent with the book buying public who are interested in the subjects she writes about. <br /><br />I agree, there is no reliable measure to prove social networking improves book sales/readership. Most of the fans who write me do so through my web site - not through the other online hot spots.<br /><br />One thing I have found helpful about Twitter and Facebook etc. is networking with other writers. It has its limits, but it can be a great way to meet other writers. <br />No, you can't spend hours yapping with writer friends, but it's great to connect sometimes.Bonnie Grovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377519561074174038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-73306238488122140622009-08-14T14:47:16.107-07:002009-08-14T14:47:16.107-07:00Andy is focusing on the importance of writing a re...Andy is focusing on the importance of writing a really great novel in his answer to the last question, but the reality for a writer who wants to eat is that, yes, you better have some nifty ways to tell others about your fab novel. Hence Twitter, Facebook, blogs et al have to be a part of the equation for the writer.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03583871529529212403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-80827499428249021632009-08-14T14:44:16.648-07:002009-08-14T14:44:16.648-07:00Bonnie, don't worry, I'm slight freaked ou...Bonnie, don't worry, I'm slight freaked out by the answer to the last question too.<br /><br />I guess my question back to you is two-fold. One, how did authors do it before facebook, twitter, and blogging? And two, do any of us have respectable research data that can substantiate the idea that these things actually bring us new readers?Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09749113851362324559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-43337964735478118522009-08-14T14:28:22.118-07:002009-08-14T14:28:22.118-07:00Am I the only one who is slightly freaked out by A...Am I the only one who is slightly freaked out by Andy's answer to the last question?<br /><br />"Just write" SOUNDS so right - but with publishers urging authors to start blogs and get on Facebook and Twitter - with publisher marketing dollars stretched to the max and publicity firms who are more concerned about connecting their company name to authors who are already famous rather than actually helping the new author get out there - the author is left to make a name for herself.<br /><br />For those of us who want to live the equation writer = eat and pay the bills don't we NEED to get out there and promote, market, and otherwise sell books?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07377561446554284802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-88631619457097815432009-08-14T13:27:51.930-07:002009-08-14T13:27:51.930-07:00Andy, thanks so much for answering our questions. ...Andy, thanks so much for answering our questions. I love your sense of humor and your wisdom. I'm definitely taking notes.Patti Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575415697841348226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-10177469627074371002009-08-14T08:44:33.641-07:002009-08-14T08:44:33.641-07:00Really? You want us to call you just to hear your ...Really? You want us to call you just to hear your voice? Can we post your number here, to make it easier for our readers? <br /><br />I loved the part about brilliant authors, both because I love artists like that, and also because I can do the crappy writing part, no problem.<br /><br />There's so much wisdom here, Andy. Thank you.Kathleen Popahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03682046279211463305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-29657841192481226982009-08-14T08:16:31.265-07:002009-08-14T08:16:31.265-07:00Thanks, Andy, for letting us pick your brain. It&#...Thanks, Andy, for letting us pick your brain. It's a very interesting place! We appreciate your insights about publishing.Debbie Fuller Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09174333267329587740noreply@blogger.com