My debut novel, Into the Free, was released in
February. Since then, I have met with school groups, libraries, writers’
groups, and church groups. I enjoy all of these events, as well as traditional
book signings, readings, and interviews, but I admit I have a favorite – bookclubs!
Maybe it’s because I have always looked forward to my own
bookclub. We’re a group of busy moms who rarely (actually NEVER) take time for
ourselves, so that once a month Girls Night Out is a treat. Add to it the fact
that I’m sharing it with brilliant, funny, fabulous friends who share a love of
literature, and I become quite upset when I miss.
Naturally, when I wrote Into the Free, I imagined my own
bookclub discussing the book. I thought other readers might enjoy discussing
this novel, so before Into the Free ever
hit shelves, three bookclubs previewed the book. We called it a Book Premiere
and captured two of the three gatherings on video. Since then, I’ve called or
SKYPED with many bookclubs, and I’ve met with local clubs personally.
If you haven’t ever been a part of a bookclub, I encourage
you to do so. It is always FUN! The groups range from genius academics to hip,
young moms, and rambunctious retirees, to conservative church groups. Each
group has its own vibe. Some are large, with more than 20 members. Others are
small, with only a few friends. Some are
talkers, fighting to get a word in. Others are more reserved, choosing to let
me do most of the talking. Either way, I enjoy all of these meetings and always
walk away with a better appreciation for the reader.
It’s been absolutely joyful for me to hear people discuss my
characters as if they really exist. To see people laugh at scenes, cry at
others, and worry about these characters (who lived solely in my head for
years) has power beyond description.
Connect with bookclubs
and celebrate reader reactions to your stories:
- Encourage bookstores and libraries to suggest the book as a bookclub read.
- Invite church groups, civic groups, school groups, and online bookclubs to consider your book.
- Make yourself available to call, visit, or SKYPE into bookclub meetings.
- Provide discussion questions in the back of your book or on your website.
- Consider filming a Book Premiere or posting bookclub comments on your website.
- For larger groups, prepare a trivia game with questions from your book and offer themed prizes.
- If visiting the group in person, let them know ahead of time that you’ll be happy to sign books at the meeting.
- Be sure to thank them and consider donating a free copy of your book to the library, school, church, or other organization if appropriate.
New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie Cantrell
has contributed to more than a dozen books. Her first novel, Into the Free, hit shelves February 1, 2012 (David C Cook). The
sequel is scheduled to release Spring 2013. To invite Julie to speak to your
group, email: julie@juliecantrell.com
Learn more:
Website: www.juliecantrell.com
Website: www.juliecantrell.com
Blogsite: www.juliecantrell.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieCantrell
Email: julie@juliecantrell.com
