I am excited to welcome author GA Aiken to Literary Escapism today as we celebrate her new release The Dragon Who Loved Me.
I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I’ve earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it’s the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best – destroying the enemies of my kind. So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don’t care if he’s fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He’s having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I’m going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways…
Make sure you stick around to the end. We’ll be giving away a copy of the anthology Supernatural, which includes stories by G.A. Aiken, Alexandra Ivy, Jacquelyn Frank and Larissa Ione.
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There’s a reason I don’t blog…
…or Twitter or Facebook or do anything that requires me to network socially more than I can handle. And no, it’s not because I think I’m above it all. It’s not because I’m on the run from the law after years of gun-slinging in the Midwest. I avoid socially networking online the same way I avoid socially networking in person. Because I’m not very good at it. I’m not very interesting. And I’m an author for the same reason. Because I’m socially inept. I used to joke that I could start a knife fight at a nunnery. Some of my closest friends have told me that they love me despite what comes out of my mouth. Even worse, I’m not one of those people that purposely like to cause problems. You know, the ones who say things because they enjoy the drama they create. I’m not one of those people. I do not enjoy annoying people. I say stuff sometimes and then I’m shocked—shocked! I tell you—that I’ve insulted anyone.
So how does socially inept me market my books? Uh…carefully.
As I told someone recently, I market my work in short, controlled bursts. Like gunfire. A couple of interviews when asked. A newsletter every month. A Yahoo loop. Of course, a website. I’ve been to a few conventions for book signings. All these things have helped.
But really, for me, what’s been my saving grace, is word of mouth. In fact, word of mouth has been my friend from the very beginning when I was first e-pubbed in 2004. It’s what I rely on. Because in the end, every author needs to know his or her limits. There are just some things I’m not good at. Paying attention during long business meetings…not good at. Using my inside voice at any time…not good at. Math and science…so not good at. Getting out there and being a wonderfully, social person…tragically not good at.
For instance, I’m not good at blogging. Yeah. I’m doing it now, but it took two weeks to come up with something to write and what did I come up with? Why I don’t blog. I wish I could say my lack of blogging skill was just because I’m incredibly lazy…well, I am incredibly lazy. But not when it comes to writing. That’s what I do. Even when I’m not on my computer or have a pad and pen, I’m still writing in my head. I love writing. That’s why I’ve been doing it since I got my first diary where I informed it I wanted to be the Bionic Girl to Jamie Summers’ Bionic Woman. And yet, writing this blog has stressed me out like an employee evaluation from a boss who hates you. In fact, I’ve written two other posts but they both sucked and I hated that I might be making people wait for me to finish what’s really a small essay. Something I used to do all the time in high school and always got A’s on. So what’s changed?
Well, first off. This isn’t just about impressing Mr. Chorrusey anymore, my eleventh grade English teacher. I knew what that one guy liked and I knew how to write for him. Acing his class was way easy. But to write a blog, every day, and keep it interesting? I really don’t know how my author brethren manage it. Honestly, unless I can write every day about what I watched on TV the night before, I’d have nothing. Absolutely nothing. And how many times can I expect people to enjoy more analysis of that “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” repeat? Or discuss how cool the eight-bit intro to “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World” movie is? Those are not interesting topics for anyone but me and my dog that has no thumbs, therefore he can’t open the front door and run away.
The bottom line is, I’m an introvert who writes for two reasons: I can’t draw and I can do it alone. I’m grateful people want to read my books. I’m lucky that those who read them like to talk about them to their friends or on their blogs. And all I can do is keep writing the best books I can manage so that those readers will keep talking about them. If I were better at the social thing, I’d do more. Yet in this world where one wrong online mistake can make a person’s life hell, I think I’m better off erring on the side of quiet.
So reader or author, what do you think? Is quiet the way to go? Or would you rather authors throw caution to the wind and say whatever they felt they need to?
Tell us what you think introvert authors should (or shouldn’t) do to promote themselves in the comments below for a chance to win a copy of Supernatural, the new anthology with stories by G.A. Aiken, Alexandra Ivy, Jacquelyn Frank and Larissa Ione!
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Meet GA Aiken!
New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken lives on the West Coast and spends most of her time writing and making sure her rescued Pittie doesn’t love everyone into a coma. When she’s not writing about sexy dragons, she’s writing about sexy wolf, lion, tiger, and other fang-filled predators under the name Shelly Laurenston. Find out more about this New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author’s books at www.shellylaurenston.com.
Contact Info
Website: www.gaaiken.com/
Want to purchase GA Aiken’s novel?
Dragon Kin
- Dragon Actually at Amazon | Book Depository
- About A Dragon at Amazon | Book Depository
- What A Dragon Should Know at Amazon | Book Depository
- Last Dragon Standing at Amazon | Book Depository
- The Dragon Who Loved Me at Amazon | Book Depository
Magnus Pack (writing as Shelly Laurenston)
- Pack Challenge at Amazon | Book Depository
- Go Fetch! at Amazon | Book Depository
- Here Kitty, Kitty! at Amazon | Book Depository
Pride (writing as Shelly Laurenston)
- The Mane Event at Amazon | Book Depository
- The Beast In Him at Amazon | Book Depository
- The Mane Attraction at Amazon | Book Depository
- The Mane Squeeze at Amazon | Book Depository
- Beast Behaving Badly at Amazon | Book Depository
- Big Bad Beast at Amazon | Book Depository
Gathering (writing as Shelly Laurenston)
- Hunting Season at Amazon | Book Depository
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Contest Time!
Thank you GA Aiken for taking the time to stop by Literary Escapism!
Contest Time! GA Aiken is giving away. To enter, all you have to do is answer this one question: Is quiet the way to go? Or would you rather authors throw caution to the wind and say whatever they felt they need to? Remember, you must answer the question in order to be entered. (US/Canada only)
Even though I’m not giving the additional entries any more, you can still help support the author by sharing their article, and this contest, on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, or anywhere you can. After all, the more people who are aware of this fabulous author ensures we get more fabulous stories.
The winner must post a review of the novel someplace. Whether it is on their own blog, Amazon, GoodReads, LibraryThing or wherever, it doesn’t matter. Just help get the word out.
The contest will stay open until October 4th at which time I’ll determine the winner with help from the snazzy new plug-in I have.
I have not been contacting winners, so you will need to check back to see if you’ve won.
I think it really depends on what the author is comfortable with. An author who’s a very private person probably wouldn’t do as good job of promoting thier book on social media as an author who’s naturally outgoing would.
I think that the author should do what is most comfortable for themselves within reason. It can be difficult to be in the spotlight, but some promotion may be required and (speaking as someone who does not like to be the center of attention) sometimes it’s good to be forced – a little – outside of your comfort zone so that you are more comfortable with what you are required to do. I don’t think it would change my opinion one way or another regarding an author if they are more or less active in social networks.
I agree :) Authors should do what they are comfortable with. If the interview comes across as forced or stilted or uncomfortable, he/she will almost do more harm than good. There have been countless times that I have looked up an author and purchased their work based on an interesting and/or engaging interview/blog. It won’t change my opinion of their work if they don’t self promote, it will just take me longer to find them.
Thanks for the great post and giveaway!!!!
efender1(at)gmail(dot)com
Shelly, I adore your books! I first stumbled across the G.A. Aiken books, and then zipped through the Magnus Pack and am currently in the middle of the Pride series. I try to space them out because I don’t know what I’ll do when I’m through them all. Probably go back and start rereading, LOL.
As for the question, I’m always amazed at how some authors manage to be so prolific with blogs, twitter, etc, yet still find time to write. I think it depends on what works for each individual. You’ve got a legion of loyal fans (myself included), who are happy to chime in and promote your books whenever they are mentioned, so if you don’t feel comfortable doing more, then don’t worry about it. Just keep writing! Your work pretty much speaks for itself anyway.
I like the fact that some authors don’t do a lot of social networking stuff, cause I don’t either. I don’t think that an author should do or say more than their comfortable saying online, I like hearing more about what they want to say through their books. I also like that some authors who do have blogs don’t rant or even post everyday, they like to focus more on their writing.
As long as they are truthful and it doesn’t hurt anyone why shouldn’t they say what they have to. I know I do. I try not to hurt people’s feelings but you sure know where I stand. But I don’t think self promotion constantly is a good idea. You need to interact with fans and I know after an interesting discussion/interview with some authors have made pick up their books. But there are some authors that every word out of theirs mouth is my book this and my book that. And that drives me nuts
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Really it depends on the author, what they are comfortable of saying, and what not.
It also depends on the situation. Some situations need no words while others need them.
I’ll go with caution. I’ve seen some authors just say way to much on Facebook and make a bad impression, at least on me.
I respect an authors wishes to social network or not, but the authors that are okay with it, I love interacting with them as I’m in Canada and therefore can rarely meet them in person.
I have LOVED Shelly’s books since I bought Pack Challenge for my ebook and I will tell ANYONE who listens how freaking awesome they are, to borrow my copies and then buy their own when they try to steal them.
But I AM a social butterfly, unlike Shelly (who I would not change bc her books are THAT GOOD) so I like to think I’m part of a promotional team that doesn’t get paid and maybe does more bad than good, but I try anyways. My intentions are good.
So all in all, I don’t mind that Shelly is quiet on the social networking front, her writing speaks for itself.
Shelly, I think you have to go with what you’re comfortable with–and you could consider mobilizing that rabid fan following to do some of the social marketing for you (says one of those rabid fans ;)) Your writing is amazing, and even if you aren’t a blogger/Twitterer/FB poster, I think your books will sell themselves!
Please don’t enter me in the contest, I ordered Supernatural when I first heard about it and loved it. It’s #2 at Amazon for anthos so congrats!
Some authors like Shelly don’t need to blog or twit or facebook. They just need to keep writing great books and their readers will do the pimping, er, promoting.
Some writers are good at blogging – some not so much. I really enjoy the authors who blog about things other than just their books. Loretta Chase has a great blog about historical fashions and places.
I don’t think Shelly needs to get out and promote her books. The books promote theirselves. Just finished reading Pack Challenge for the 25th time and it is still just as good as the first. That’s what an introverted author can really do and be proud.
As long as Shelly (aka GA) keeps writing exactly the way she thinks and talks I don’t care if she does it in a germ free vacuum sealed room while wearing kleenex boxes on her feet!!!!
Just thank you for writing!!
Ok so I know opinions are like well u know but here is mine I like ur attitude it’s great I love people who do not pull their punches cause I don’t and as we are few I can take what I dish out. I love what you write and the snarky heroines and dudes LOL you write about and that is the main reason because they are snarky and I can only assume that is because that in part is the kinda person you are. So hey if they do not like what you say they can lump it nobody can please all any of the time so why try u be u and we will accept u as u are. I think if the only reason u do not facebook tweeting and blogging is a totally different thing is because u r scared to offend someone bump that there are 5 other people who with that same comment you have falling on the floor laughing. I say start a FB page you will be better at it than you think.
Oh and next time let us know when n audiobook is coming out we r feinding out here for u on audio get with it Samhain, Kensington & Zebra we are waiting
I know opinions are important. But readers can be fickle and if you offend them they may not buy your books. There are pleanty of forums to express you opinion that are not that public.
As to promoting, if you cannot do it yourself, hire someone
I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s always some nutjob out there perfectly willing to be offended and pack-attack the perpetrator of the offence. I’ve seen several authors savaged by those who violently disagree with their views. Keeping private seems a sensible thing to me. Ms. Laurenston’s books are so good that we, her fans, are more than willing to pimp them to anyone willing to stand still and listen for 2 seconds. I myself would rather she stays chained, er, that she concentrate on writing more wonderful books rather than blogging and twitering etc.
This is the second time I’m trying to post hopefully it works this time :) But I think it depends on the person and how the feel most comfortable promoting their book. I love Shelly/ G.a. aiken work and I know I have my mom and sister both reading her books so word of mouth does work :) Even though I do love an in your face honest person, which Shelly seems to be :)
I really do love her work I can’t wait for Izzy’s book!!! And I look forward to her next pride book, and I hope she continues her magnus pack books (Nikolai’s brother :) ) And her gathering series (Mike)!!!!
So to re-answer the question keep doing what your doing because I love your work!!!
As one of the readers who has read and pimped Shelly/GA since the begining in 2004 I say let her do the writing. I’ll do the promoting. That sounds like the best match to me.
It depends on the author.I honestly don’t care if you write a blog daily or not I still buy all of your books and will continue to do so and I know several others who feel the same way too. I love them all and your writing is sexy and hilarious. If you don’t want to do blog tours or book signing tours then don’t if it makes you uncomfortable. I am happy if you keep writing I just wish you could write faster and the publisher could publish them sooner. I tend to go through withdrawal from your books.
Whatever works for the author works for me, but give your fans some kind of communication from time to time. Some authors don’t talk to their fans for over a year. Love Shelly and her sense of humor works for me as a MPG! Go Shelly!
I say you’re doing a perfect job just by being you and following your promo plan. Your work obviously speaks for itself with the way you’ve attracted your reader! Just keep on doing what you’re doing and let your excerpts speak for you.
I believe an author should open up as they are comfortable to. I found out about your books via word of mouth which as you already know is very potent when it comes to marketing. I’m often in the bookstore talking to others about different authors. Just keep being you Shelly :).
stay true to who you are. If you have to force the interaction, then you will be miserable and stressed and that will show. Word of mouth is the number one reason I try new books. If a friend suggest something I read it. So for you…if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Keep doing what you do :)
thanks for the chance!
I think just like when writing a story an author should stay true to themselves. If they are social then by all means be social. If they’re an introvert then by all means they should be quiter. I don’t think it should be up to us as the readers to force an author to be what they are not.
I think authors should do what they’re comfortable with :)