tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post41167838724806626..comments2023-05-15T15:13:13.914+01:00Comments on <strike>Empty </strike>White Pages: Questions, questionsSarah Tokeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13273148070092101085noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-42883183387337109082011-08-26T05:38:45.577+01:002011-08-26T05:38:45.577+01:00Andrew - Thanks for that. I'm heartened by how...Andrew - Thanks for that. I'm heartened by how many of my readers have said they read my comments.<br /><br />When the campaign is over I may just come calling about that interview :-)Sarah Tokeleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13273148070092101085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-83667639532569040892011-08-24T00:09:48.533+01:002011-08-24T00:09:48.533+01:00Answer to your first question: Yes, I track any po...Answer to your first question: Yes, I track any post I leave a response on so that I can see if the poster responds with something I need to respond. I will always respond to the response if it's called for. On my own blog, I always respond to comments. Often, I respond with a further question, but it's very rare that anyone ever responds the second time. Although I've been trying to figure it out for a while, I haven't come up with any way to prompt people into actual conversations.<br /><br />Answer to your last question: Having a blog with an even lower readership (followship?), but having a self-published book, I would certainly be up for an interview. I'd like to do some interviews at some point, too; I just haven't gotten there, yet.Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-33353114646589790642011-08-23T10:13:49.891+01:002011-08-23T10:13:49.891+01:00Phil - that's an interesting idea about combin...Phil - that's an interesting idea about combining an interview with Musical Stories. Thank you!Sarah Tokeleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13273148070092101085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-5347291894229608152011-08-23T05:22:21.327+01:002011-08-23T05:22:21.327+01:00I usually click the button on blogger to get follo...I usually click the button on blogger to get follow-up comments emailed back to me. I will always read them if they're emailed to me, so I know if someone's responded. <br /><br />I think author interviews can be a little trite. The questions repeat themselves and some of them are thinly-veiled publicity ploys. I say do interviews, but make it fun and different. Ask them to run Musical Stories that week, making them select songs that dovetail nicely with their new books. Or ask them serious questions about their publishing journey - since your audience is 90% aspiring writers.Philip Siegelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14148279503538324679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-74821572715550209722011-08-20T16:11:56.621+01:002011-08-20T16:11:56.621+01:00Lauren - I love long comments! I like the consider...Lauren - I love long comments! I like the consideration you give to the blogger in your comments. I'll be honest, I hadn't thought of it in terms of the blogger increasing readership but it makes so much sense. (This is why I will never be very good at marketing!)<br /><br />I agree totally about reciprocation. I may not end up following the person (although usually I do!) but I will always go and check their blog out and leave a comment.Sarah Tokeleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13273148070092101085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-25767381551499151202011-08-20T00:20:18.999+01:002011-08-20T00:20:18.999+01:00I thought of one more thing, as if my previous com...I thought of one more thing, as if my previous comment wasn't long enough!<br /><br />When someone comments on my blog, especially for the first time and has just become a follower, it's more important in my eyes to go their blog/website and comment there - and when I comment, I make sure and thank them for visiting my blog. I do that because I know it makes me feel good when people whose blogs I've visited for the first time come to mine and reciprocate.<br /><br />Have a great night!Lauren F. Boydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03934796581125939821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-49885479306400944832011-08-20T00:10:19.049+01:002011-08-20T00:10:19.049+01:00Hey, Sarah! These are great questions.
I don'...Hey, Sarah! These are great questions. <br /><br />I don't go back to anyone's blog and read the comment that s/he posted in reply to my comment. I just don't have the time. If someone leaves a comment on my blog, and there's something I want to make sure they know when I comment back to them (in case they don't read replies either), I'll drop them an email and tell them what I said in my comment back to theirs.<br /><br />I'll give you my take on the last two you asked as well.<br /><br />I normally don't read author interviews on blogs. When I read blogs, I want to read about other writers' personal experiences with writing and industry professionals' insight. Honestly, I haven't bought a single book because of an author interview that I've read on a blog. For me, it's word of mouth more than anything.<br /><br />Secondly, if I had a book release and someone with a low blog following asked to interview me on their blog, I would do it in a second. I mean, we all started at the bottom with zero followers - everyone's gotta work their way up on their own time. Plus, as an author, I would want to get my book info out to as many people as possible. So I think accepting interviews from those with low readerships, as you called it, is as important as accepting interviews from those with great followings.<br /><br />Hope this helps! And many thanks for commenting on my blog today! It's always great to see you! (BTW: I'm still loving the Liebster Blog Award in my right-hand margin, HAHA! :)Lauren F. Boydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03934796581125939821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-58755302634484264312011-08-19T22:42:07.048+01:002011-08-19T22:42:07.048+01:00Claudia - I'm sorry, how could I have missed y...Claudia - I'm sorry, how could I have missed you? And fair point, I bet nobody enjoys EVERY interview they read!Sarah Tokeleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13273148070092101085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-34027598272804950222011-08-19T22:40:36.885+01:002011-08-19T22:40:36.885+01:00Madeleine - that's a good point. I could perha...Madeleine - that's a good point. I could perhaps email answers rather than just general replies. Something else to think about, thanks :)<br /><br />Kelley - This prospective interviewee list is getting longer... :)<br /><br />Mark - thank you and welcome. I noseyed over to yours and the feeling is mutual :)<br /><br />Patsy - I could always interview the sphere...Sarah Tokeleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13273148070092101085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-30689692072235974072011-08-19T19:55:18.556+01:002011-08-19T19:55:18.556+01:00Eeek!Eeek!Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12263765378083045973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-81329181181847521912011-08-19T19:31:33.643+01:002011-08-19T19:31:33.643+01:00For the first question: I choose email follow-up :...For the first question: I choose email follow-up :)<br />For the second: I am looking forward to your post!<br />For the third: depends on the topics!Claudia Moserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15749097943320550338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-59188615190736306562011-08-19T17:23:29.084+01:002011-08-19T17:23:29.084+01:00Congrats on the awards! Neat blog:)Congrats on the awards! Neat blog:)Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01793077012143289985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-67952846793083088312011-08-19T13:45:12.686+01:002011-08-19T13:45:12.686+01:00I like your questions. Hmm, I like email responses...I like your questions. Hmm, I like email responses better, personally, because I'm all over the place, so that's the easiest way to get back to me. And as far as author interview go, I think any author would be happy to be promoted in any way (I'm self-published, and I know I would.) So it's worth a shot! No intimidation necessary.Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03237422917705115205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-45364808635346309612011-08-19T11:38:29.272+01:002011-08-19T11:38:29.272+01:00Hi Sarah. If I remember whose blog I asked the que...Hi Sarah. If I remember whose blog I asked the question then I try to retun to see what the replies are. Often I get the replies via my g-mails to blog questions.<br /><br />The songs genres seem fun so yes by all means keep them up.<br /><br />I've done 4 blog interviews of authors. I like to find out about authors, though I like to present the info in chunks. A lot of interviews are in one huge blogpost, which is difficult to wade through and rather time consuming when you have lots of blogs to read and comment on. In my view if you don't askyou don't get so ask them and see if they say yes. You ahve nothing to lose. I have only had one no in the form of an ignored request. :O)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-3785688395512390082011-08-19T11:25:09.784+01:002011-08-19T11:25:09.784+01:00Margot - thanks for your answers, and for the musi...Margot - thanks for your answers, and for the musical tips. I'll check them out. I might have guessed you'd have a Billy Joel track for me :)<br /><br />SBJones - I thought I was the only one who bookmarked pages I commented on! I hate to miss anything. I had to google Space Ghost but I'll see if I can find an episode.<br /><br />Abby - thanks for your responses. I loved musical stories, and I'm strongly leaning towards repeating it at the moment.<br /><br />Jamie - Good idea about the email thing. I used to do that until I just decide to save all the pages. Thanks for the song idea, I'll have a listen later. I love the idea of steampunk, but it might be a little bit challenging. We'll see!<br /><br />Sush - thanks for your comments. I'll find the song and have a listen. Romance, of course! That one shouldn't be too hard!<br /><br />Rebecca - thanks. I hadn't thought of that. Even if people are too busy, I guess it's still nice to be asked!<br /><br />Sally - I used to use the email notification thing but it notified me whenever a comment was posted, rather than a reply to my own. Some people get a LOT of comments on their blog ;-)<br /><br />Emily - thanks for your lovely comments. It's looking good for giving the interview thing a go I think :)<br /><br />David - It's okay if you forget. My responses aren't very profound ;-)<br /><br />Patsy - you know your comment means I have to interview you some time right? ;-)<br /><br />Annalisa - Westerns, brilliant idea! You're a genius.<br /><br />Laura - I think you nailed it there. I'd only interview someone if I could think of some original questions - and yes, shorter is definitely better :)<br /><br />Golden Eagle - Dystopian. Hmm, could be tough, but might be doable. I'll have to mull that one over. Good suggestion. <br /><br />J. L. Campbell - you were already on my imaginary interviewee list with all the stuff you've got going on, so thank you. I might just take you up on that :)<br /><br />Life 101 - thanks for your comment. I don't know why I was so nervous. Authors are nice people on the whole :) And you're right, small is beautiful!Sarah Tokeleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13273148070092101085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-54553202385513256912011-08-19T03:55:08.345+01:002011-08-19T03:55:08.345+01:00I'll weigh in on your last question -- most of...I'll weigh in on your last question -- most of the authors I know like to connect with potential readers. <br />Like J.L., no audience is to small for me to talk to. Most of the time the smaller groups are more interesting.<br />Good questions Sarah.Rick Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01005727239466916086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-19428524093494903892011-08-19T00:23:24.954+01:002011-08-19T00:23:24.954+01:00In terms of comments, what I do now is reply on my...In terms of comments, what I do now is reply on my blog and reply by email as well. Time consuming, but I don't want anybody to feel that their comment wasn't worth the time to respond to. <br /><br />We are a mixed bunch (writers), so I can't respond for anyone else, but no audience is too small for me to talk to. If you have 50 followers, that is an opportunity to reach 50 readers and.or persons who could become great buddies. Consider yourself invited to interview me if you like. :)J.L. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05666634455836834179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-83277168578896709722011-08-18T23:46:53.804+01:002011-08-18T23:46:53.804+01:00I always come back to check comments if I ask a qu...I always come back to check comments if I ask a question or leave a longer comment on a post that made me think. If I visit someone's blog and they haven't posted since the last time I visited, I will check the comment thread for a reply. So it depends. :P<br /><br />I love the Musical Stories series. Genres you haven't covered? Um . . . Dystopian? Though that's sometimes considered a SF sub-genre.<br /><br />I enjoy reading author interviews, and I would think that being interviewed on any blog would increase the audience.Golden Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08721520451194318436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-37187428983538116312011-08-18T20:48:56.565+01:002011-08-18T20:48:56.565+01:00Hi Sarah,
My blog reading and commenting is in suc...Hi Sarah,<br />My blog reading and commenting is in such snatched moments, and I try to get to as many people's as poss that I never remember to go back and check for replies, so for me, email replies are always the best. I'm so bad at replying as I'm super scatty, but when I do it, I try to by email, the only thing is that some people send from a 'no-reply' address, so they don't get the responses.<br /><br />I like an author interview once in a while. I think it's key that the questions aren't run of the mill and the interview isn't toooo loooong! (Be brave and ask - I did with the lovely Talli Roland, and that allowed me to meet her and film an interview, which was awesome fun!)<br />LxxxLaurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03604785269958873474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-39688319865688939722011-08-18T19:39:20.848+01:002011-08-18T19:39:20.848+01:00Here's my tuppance worth...
1) I always pop b...Here's my tuppance worth...<br /><br />1) I always pop back to read your replies, to mine and other comments.<br />I feel like I should clarify that statement somehow, but that's it... yes I read them!<br /><br />2) Westerns! I don't know why that popped into my head. I've never read one; I only watch the films when it's a bank holiday and I'm feeling too lazy to find the remote!<br /><br />3) I find author interviews interesting. From a purely marketing point of view - and from someone unpublished - surely even one more reader reached is an effective use of time?Annalisa Crawfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14943610814274794998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-61314350922295375752011-08-18T19:34:41.164+01:002011-08-18T19:34:41.164+01:00I usually come back and read replies to comments I...I usually come back and read replies to comments I've made on blogs - normally I just look the next time I'd be visiting the blog anyway.<br /><br />No one is likely to want to interview me (yet, obviously I'll be mega famous soon and they'll be clamouring to ask) but I think I'd be flattered if anyone did. The author might not have time to let you interview him (or might not want to for another reason) but I doubt they'd mind a friendly, no pressure enquiry.Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12263765378083045973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-58104256011919610762011-08-18T17:50:50.345+01:002011-08-18T17:50:50.345+01:00I don't really check back unless I ask a quest...I don't really check back unless I ask a question. But now I'll make an effort to check back here anyway.<br /><br />It wouldn't hurt to ask your friend for an interview. I'd say yes. It's an opportunity for publicity.David P. Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17259276981865439853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-9441467445659309212011-08-18T17:39:55.303+01:002011-08-18T17:39:55.303+01:00I don't return to read comments unless I'v...I don't return to read comments unless I've asked you something...I honestly forget to come back.<br /><br />I like your music Fridays! Keep the jams coming.<br /><br />Author interviews are great, and I think a good use of time and blogging space.Emily R. Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03892444969625637064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-72323882350867445832011-08-18T13:35:32.491+01:002011-08-18T13:35:32.491+01:00I don't return to read replies to comments unl...I don't return to read replies to comments unless I've asked a specific question. I always reply to those who comment on my blog (but not via email).<br />Wordpress allows those who comment to get an email notification when a reply is posted but I've noticed that not many people who comment on my blog take advantage of the facility.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782141968012811043.post-61347775943738470912011-08-18T11:43:00.480+01:002011-08-18T11:43:00.480+01:00I do visit quite a lot of blogs and comment. Somet...I do visit quite a lot of blogs and comment. Sometimes I do read replies when I pop back the next time, but most of the time I forget, if I am honest. It's something that doesn't really bother me either way.<br /><br />As for interviews, as an author it's a massive honour to be asked about an interview. I am sure lots of writers feel this way as it helps with the web presence as much anything. If an author has many followers and is really busy or doesn't want an interview for any other reason, I am sure they will still be grateful to be asked.Rebecca Eminhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01931904595437049369noreply@blogger.com