…Saturday, May 23, author Libba Bray gave a reading at Books & Books in Coral Gables. A crowd of fans listened to her discuss her latest book, The Sweet Far Thing, asked questions, and then purchased signed copies of her work.
What made the event unique is that Bray was never in Miami.
—Virtual Book Tour Hits Books & Books, P. Scott Cunningham
Author, Libba Bray, was in Brooklyn, New York. Virtual book tours may never replace tours where authors travel and meet readers in person. But when dollars are tight and consumers have still fewer to spend on books and extras, sitting in front your computer and connecting with readers and potential readers is a viable option.
Author, Libba Bray, was in Brooklyn, New York. Virtual book tours may never replace tours where authors travel and meet readers in person. But when dollars are tight and consumers have still fewer to spend on books and extras, sitting in front your computer and connecting with readers and potential readers is a viable option.
Adaptation is a major part of survival. Life and all its valleys run continuously with change. Times such as now brim with uncertainty. Authors willing and open to new ways of accomplishing their dream and keeping it alive rise to the top.
At the close of the article Bray admits that she probably would not wait three hours to see a video projection of an author. Yet with computer access so prevalent, interested readers won’t have to wait in line or even leave their home. They’ll be able to look on to their computer screens and perhaps call in to speak with a favorite author.
Last year I watched a previously taped reading given by Philipa Gregory on The Other Boleyn Girl.
Gregory spoke for over 45 minutes to a crowd of 30 or more. She took questions from readers who had tuned in from around the world. Gregory was located in her home of England.
I discovered the taping on Gregory’s website. Having read The Other Boleyn Girl and seen the movie, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her speak.
Had she done the reading been without the aid of computers and digital advancements, I would not have seen it.
Digital enhancements won’t destroy the in-person readings performed by authors. Rather computers with the aid of Skype and the internet will allow readers to connect with writer separated by incredible distances.
We’d all love to travel across the world to meet our favorite authors. And authors would love to meet those who take the time to read our books.
But life, alas, is not perfect. And sometimes perfection is not what we need, rather a willing heart open to change and unexpected surprises breaking out of routine delivers.
How important is it to you to see your favorite author in person?
How often do you purchase books from stores?
Are you and your writing routine up for the rigorous schedule of a book tour?