#21. Here’s a new game plan. If you’re an author planning
to attend your next conference, you might want to reconsider that writer’s
workshop you’ve prepared to teach. Why? It’s not necessarily a new trend,
because RT Booklovers Convention has been doing it for many years, but recently
I noticed more conferences this year, since I’ve attended six, host fun
workshops geared toward readers. At RT, there are long lines every day.
Come on, who wouldn’t want to see s showdown between
Heather Graham’s characters and Cherry Adair’s? But that’s not all. Readers are
lining up to get the freebies and all the other give-a-ways for attending. How
about a Thrills and Chills workshop
with authors Lee Childs and Charlaine Harris? Other reader workshops had titles
like Romance: Wheels of Fortune; History Fan Fictionary; Clockwork Carnivale
Tea, and on and on. It is no small task to entertain the readers. How about
Reel Romance Trivial Pursuit?
At Romcon this year, there was more than enough fun for
its readers. Paranormal authors sponsored Battle
to Survival; another group of authors put on Candyman All Grown Up, and there was more.
Are you starting to get the picture?
Next year at RSJ, I’m hosting a reader workshop
called May the Best Man Win! This
should be interestingJ. Also next year, fellow author, LisaWatson, and I are teaming up to host a sweet romance night at Romcon, another
interesting endeavor indeed.
FYI, this could be costly, depending on the number
of readers who attend your fun workshop. That is why it’s a good idea to go in
with a group of authors to pull it off. Otherwise, you’ll be solely responsible
for coming up with the nuances of the games and the prizes. Oh, not to mention that
readers would probably want to walk away with a couple of free books too.
I hope this post has been a blessing. Until next
time,
Pat
