As some of you may know, my newest book Wake comes out August 7th. So I was thinking that I wanted to do some fun stuff with book bloggers and readers over the course of July and August not only to get people excited about the new book but also to show appreciation for all the people who have worked so hard to make my life so awesome (namely, you guys).
So here's my question: What are some things that you guys would consider fun? What would you like to see on my blog? And/or what would you like me to do on your blog?
I'm considering and probably will do the more obvious things - like giveaways, interviews, etc. I also plan on reaching out to some other YA authors, and see if they would be interested in doing guest posts/giveaways, etc, on my blog.
But really, I want to know what you want to see more of. After all, if I'm doing something for you, it would be best if I give you what you want.
If you guys have any fun events or blog-iversary type things going on in the months of July or August, let me know. Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments or email me/Eric at hockingbooks@hotmail.com
Once I hear back from people and get an idea of what you guys are interested in, I'll start rolling out some ideas to gather even more feedback. I know for sure that I'll be giving away some of my books, and that I'll probably do some sort of completely-unrelated-but-totally-awesome Batman giveaway around the time The Dark Knight Rises comes out. But that's because I need to.
I think I'd like to start kicking off around the beginning of July and go right on through until the end of August. I don't think I'll be doing something every day, though, and I would probably like to do the most things around the end of July and beginning of August.
But anyway. Yeah. Let me know what you think.
http://www.rachelsbookreviews.com/
ReplyDeleteBlogiversary last week of july first week of august!!! so jazzed, but i'm completely unprepared. it blindsided me this year....
What kinds of things are you planning on doing for your blogiversary?
DeleteHi Amanda!
ReplyDeleteI personally haven't read any of your books yet (though several are on my to-read list), but I would love to see a feature on you and your writing for those of us who haven't had the chance to read your books yet! Maybe something like a post that spotlights several of your books, or even something like a read-a-like post, where we could have bloggers recommend books that were similar to yours in order to try to reach a bigger audience. These are just a couple of thoughts that popped into my head when I first read this post.
Good luck with everything! :)
I actually really like the read-a-like idea. That could be fun, because I could include other upcoming books (not just my own). And I personally am more likely to pick up a book if someone says "It's like this book" as opposed to giving me a description. Great idea, and I'll definitely try to do something for it! Thanks!:)
DeleteI would absolutely love to have you featured on my blog! I'm open to interviews, guest posts, giveaways...whatever! Off to email you too:)
ReplyDelete~Leigh Ann @ flyingonsilverwings.blogspot.com
Leigh Ann - I would love to do a post on your blog! Let me know what works for you, and I'll be happy to stop by ;)
DeleteBoy I really wish I was super creative and could come up with a five star idea that would bowl you over, but I am not really that creative LOL. What I can say as a reader what I enjoy with release events are character interviews, especially the humorous ones that make me smile, and of course who does not love a giveaway. The biggy for me is the joy, however, and I want to smile and giggle while I sincerely wish you all the best in the process, that more than anything gets me on the sharing bandwagon :)
ReplyDeleteI've never done a "character interview" before. I've read some that I thought were fun, but I always feel a bit silly doing them myself. Maybe I could give it a try, though!
DeleteMaybe discussion posts about mermaids/sirens or teaser posts. I know when I read an authors interview I'm always curious to know what inspired them to write that particular book.
ReplyDeleteDo a short video montage: A Day In The Life Of Amanda Hocking. That would be fun. At least I think so :/
ReplyDeleteI could try it, but my days are pretty boring. :)
DeleteI'd love to do an interview or something for my blog. I would definitely like to review the new book. I have been following you and reading your books since I first found My Blood Approves way back when I first got my kindle, I want to say 3 years ago. At that point not even all the books were out! I remember stalking you waiting for Amazon to post them!
ReplyDeleteOh what fun!
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for author participation in the form of guest posts and giveaways I am so in!
I have a couple ideas floating around my brain. I'll sleep on it and email you when they formulate themselves better.
And! I live on an island so if you're interested in a photo essay with scenic ocean shots - presto! And quite fitting for the Watersong series. :0)
Oooh, can you do a day when we post questions and then you answer them in a blog post? Maybe?
ReplyDeleteI can definitely do that. I've done that before, and people seemed to enjoy it. I think it's fun, so as long as other people think it's fun, then I'm on board.
DeleteHi Amanda! I'd live to feature you, and Wake, in my blog! I read My Blood Aproves series way back when, and I just got my hands on the audiobook of the prequel (YAY!) so I'll be reviewing that soon! I'm open to doing just about anything, and always looking for new fun ways to celebrate books! I don't have any grand ideas at the moment...maybe a live chat or vlog discussing the series/characters?
ReplyDeleteI'm always up for interview/guest post too!! Here's a link to my blog, A Book and a Latte: http://bookandlatte.com.
Congrats!! - Jen
I would be willing to do a live chat event on my blog with giveaways.. I will email you and see if you are interested.
ReplyDeleteWell, as something completely obvious, I'd really like to interview and do a giveaway on my blog. Come this August, it will be my 6 month blogiversary, and having you on there would probably induce not only squeeing from me, but all of the other blog followers I have.
ReplyDeleteMaybe, as the birthday to Wake gets closer, you could release a small snippet from your book every week or so? A little spoiler to get your readers excited.
And here's my email if you'd like to talk to me some more: milliedswords (at) gmail (dot) com
DeleteGiveaways are a boost for any blog. Especislly when it's books from author people love. If possible I'd love to do an interview with you on my blog in July.
ReplyDeleteMy email is queendsheena@hotmail.com for anytime you're ready to contact me.
DeleteWould love to do fun interview with you. I've seen some that do this or that questions that are so funny and awesome. If your interested you can email me at kydirtgirl68 AT gmail DOT com our blog and FB is Paranormal Reads
ReplyDeleteI agree with Denise, character interviews are a blast!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have you guest-blog on my side, and would be very willing to return the favor. Also, posting snippets of the first couple chapters would be sure to get readers' attention.
Yes please please please!!! I'd love to participate. I'm fairly open, I love doing interviews or whatever you thought would be fun. I actually love videos of authors talking about their books, so that might be fun. But please, I'd love to have you over at my blog doing whatever awesomeness you felt like doing.
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
sarah.n.dipity123[at]gmail[dot]com
I can't actually be bothered with reading author interviews on blogs, but I can't resist giveaways. I've got a broken kindle to replace and I'm a huge JetPens fan, but Batman related materials are good, too. Maybe a cape? I need one.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like to do a guest post on my blog you'd be most welcome. Write about your forthcoming book or anything writing-related - you choose!
Alternatively, I have a number of author interviews over on Hubpages which I intend to expand. You would be most welcome to do one of these if you wish, and you could easily use that to promote your next book.
Examples are here: http://adelecosgrovebray.hubpages.com/hub/Interview-with-Writer-Lisa-Grace
And here: http://adelecosgrovebray.hubpages.com/hub/Interview-with-Poet-and-Writer-Adrienne-Odasso
My email is: ACBwrites@aol.com
Kind regards,
Adele.
The first Three days in July my book, Power Within us doing a free promotion on Amazon so I'm really excited about that. But I would love to do an author interview of you for my blog. I think people like to hear about there fab authors lives, especially sone one who likes Batman! I'm really looking forward to Wake and can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteChantelle
www.clcauser.blogspot.co.uk
I would love to have you on my blog anytime except the last week of July (I'll be at my daughter's dance nationals. Yes, I'm a #DanceMom). I'd love to have you for a character interview. Our audiences (paranormal romance,YA) are similar so the post should be a big hit.
ReplyDeleteDana Michelle Burnett
www.DanaMichelleBurnett.com
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that you want to reach out to readers and bloggers. I'm very excited to read WAKE.
As you must already know, your journey has been an inspiration for so many people who felt rejected by traditional publishers. It was through your story that I gained the courage to try one more time. And thanks to your example, I now find myself on 2 Amazon top 100 lists.
Every morning I wake up, shocked and surprised, that people love my book as much as I do. I don't write for the money, although I don't snub my nose at it either, but I do it because it's who I am. Writing is in my blood. Nothing makes me happier than to open my laptop and delve into a teen fantasy world.
I have devoured all of your books (including the zombie novels that are NOT my type). I love the example that you have set with self publishing. And now, we get to see the other side of that success as you begin your journey with traditional publishers.
Thank you for sharing all of this with your fans.
As for your offer...
I would be thrilled just to get a piece of advice from you to share with my readers. Your name is circulated far more than you probably realize.
My debut novel, FORBIDDEN, is becoming an unexpected success. I took the vampire myth and twisted it and had a blast doing it. Thankfully, I haven't offended any die-hard vampire fans yet!
My sequel, RECKONING, is due out in the next couple of weeks.
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I know personally how much time this offer will cost you. Please know that it is greatly appreciated!
Thanks, from a fellow self-pubbed teen paranormal romance author.
Amy Miles
www.AmyMilesBooks.com
I'd love for you to do a guest post on my blog! I'd really appreciate it. It's fairly new...coming up on a year in late summer. Just branching out into interviews and author spotlights. :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.trythisbookonforsize.blospot.ca
Like many others here, I would absolutely love to interview you or have you do a guest post for my blog. That'd be very exciting. :)
ReplyDeleteWhatever you decide to do, I look forward to seeing it! ^_^
I haven't read all of the comments yet so sorry if this is a repeat. I have no idea how crafty you are but I'm willing to bet at least a bit. This would take a little bit of work but as a Jim Henson fan, how can you really say no? (Easily, it's one syllable, I get that.) What if you made little dolls of your characters? Not all of them and they don't have to be super detailed action figures, sock puppet-esque things would be cool too. Then run a little giveaway. Book giveaways are always cool but I can get the books anywhere, one of a kind dolls made by Amanda Hocking herself (or whatever cheap labor she hires) would be bad ass. Or, if you paint, maybe a painted scene from your book. Or, if you're me, a really juvenile-can't-believe-she-isn't-mentally-slow stick figure drawing. These things would get me jazzed. Here's my blog if you need me to post about any giveaways. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://libbyheily.blogspot.com/
I really like these ideas, but alas, I am not crafty or able to do anything with my hands other than write and put together Legos. If I can find cheap labor, though, I'll definitely try it out ;)
DeleteSweet. I'm not crafty either. Good luck with the giveaways! For cheap labor, try elementary students, you can convince them they're just playing. :)
DeleteI know I was extremely excited when I got a hand written note just a short hi and a signature From my favorite authors. Also I like when authors let bloggers (new and establish) do a short 3 question interview or 1-3minute video.
ReplyDeleteI think you reviewing books that you enjoyed might be nice. Expose the readers of your blog to all the great self-published books out there. It's a really hard job trying to push your own work so I'm always willing to do guest blogs and such to help authors out, and now perhaps you could do sort of the same thing? Help some of the lesser know writers out? But only those you thought had the merit of such a suggestion, of course!
ReplyDeletehttp://daniellebannister.wordpress.com/
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could give pointers to those trying to write a book like myself. And where you went to self publish.
ReplyDeleteLove your trylle series. Can't wait for Watersong to come out.
Christinabinggeli.blogspot.com
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your latest book. How many is that to date? 12? 13? However many it is your success is an inspiration.
I have two author support sites started recently. One is a book review site and the other is an author interview site. I'd like to review your book and do an author interview with you.
I tweet and support all the authors I interview and review daily and with a book givaway/promotion, I'd suggest a fun quiz where your fans can show off how much they know about your books.
I'd like to pencil you in for either the 3rd or the 10th Aug. My email is author.devilsreview@hotmail.co.uk - if you have any ideas of your own about what you would like to do, just spitball. I'm open to suggestions.
Cheers Amanda.
Hi Amanda!
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely LOVE it if you would do a guest post or interview on my blog. I love your books (I've mentioned you a few times in blog posts...you're an inspiration), and I'd be honored to hype up your new book - and you, of course!
I'll shoot you a quick email in case you'd like to do a post/interview/whatever. :)
I just wanted to say that you are a true inspiration, Amanda. I absolutely love your attitude and the advice that you give other writers. You've inspired me to follow my dream and do what I've always wanted to do: write. Thank you for that. Maybe someday you will read the book that, in hearing about you and getting to know you through your blogs, gave me the courage to finally write. Wishful thinking - a popular, successful author reading a newbie's work...But if you ever have the time I would die and go to heaven if you checked it out. It's called The Dreamer and I just released it on Amazon yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading a lot more from you.
Thank you for being so amazing.
-Ariana Zamora
arianazamora.webs.com
J frost does a list of who she would cast if her books turned movies. I really enjoy that.
ReplyDeleteJ frost does a list of who she would cast if her books turned movies. I really enjoy that.
ReplyDeleteJ frost does a list of who she would cast if her books turned movies. I really enjoy that.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI love your books and you're an inspiration! Character interviews can be a lot of fun and readers seem to like the idea of chatting with them. Who doesn't love batman? My company lisences DC Comics and The Dark Knight Rises movie tees and I'd love to help out with the giveaways. Contact me at mayandreem@hotmail.com if you're interested.
Hi Amanda!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love all of your books, and I've read them loads of times!!! I think it would be great if you would post a list of recommendations to read. It would also be cool if you could post little epilogues to the books... Or you could post tips to people who want to write themselves...
You can use my blog for whatever you want. How's that sound? I can do whatever you want. My blog will be all yours. I try to keep my blog super active, and I have TONS of followers!!
ReplyDeleteThis is my assistant, Eric. And his blog is wonderful, even though he hasn't posted in it since November.
DeleteHi Eric!
DeleteI am glad I am not the only person who remembers Zanga! I'm pretty sure I posted all sorts of useless things about my teenage obsessions with slippers that made noise and My Chemical Romance. I have not grown out of either of these things.
That said, I have really come to like you through everything Amanda has said about you in her blog!
I hope you post again soon!
I would be very interested in doing a guest post and would even offer some eBook giveaways. Other than that I'd like to see reviews, reviews and more reviews. Author interviews would be nice too
ReplyDeleteMy blog is crap. I don't even visit it most times. TOtal meandering monkeyshines. HOWEVER: as a reader and fan - I would love more of your 'inside baseball' observations, you know - stories about writing your stories. I'd love to get inside scoop about the stories surrounding Wake and the Watersong trillogies, your oberservations on writing them, stuff that happened, and also, side bars to Eric, dude is a hoot! Not trying to swell your head, but you have a fantastic voice, I'm pretty sure you could write commentary about the menu selections at Dennys and it would rock. So follow your blissful tangents where ever they lead 'cause I'm sure they'll be entertaining and fun.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteI am probably at the bottom rung of the YA world but I would love thr opportunity to appear on your blog during your "Fun Stuff." I have enjoyed reading and watching your success. Many of my students are also fans. I can be reached at seancoach@juno.com. Thanks
I'd be very happy to have you on my blog either as a guest blog or as an interview if you aren't too busy with other things.
ReplyDeleteI also write speculative fiction and I love reading your books. =)
Contact me at deathauthor@live.com if you are interested.
And my blog can be found here: http://deathauthor.blogspot.com/
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI'm currently scheduling a series of author interviews for my blog, The Object Serial, and so far the list of authors is pretty exciting. It includes one author currently ranked on Amazon's Top 100 Bestseller List and another author recently published by HarperCollinsUK. If you'd like to participate, email me at winstonemerson@gmail.com and I'll send you a round of interview questions.
Winston
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI am an enormous fan of your books and of your blog! I have read every book and really enjoy your posts. I am an aspiring author who has had short stories published and am wrapping up the draft of my manuscript. You have given me hope in the self publishing realm, as I am one of those people who have no problem with putting in the work to promote my work.
My idea is that we should go to Chicago for a day, with Eric and my fiancé Matt, and do nerd things while we interview people about books, storytelling, and anything else we want to talk about! I could turn it into a video and post it on my blog, and you could do the same. We could include a traditional interview about Wake and about you if you'd like! I would be thrilled to learn more from you and get to know you! I think we could safely say it would be one of my dreams coming true!
I live about 2 hours from Chicago and I don't believe you are terribly far. Feel free to contact me (cchester@pnc.edu) and let me know what you think! If you are too busy for something so extravagant, I have a back up idea!
Dreaming Big,
CF Boehlke
Oh! I love character interviews/posts! I also love when a character interviews another character, or just a conversation between the two were they reveal tidbits about each other.
ReplyDeleteOr, one of your characters can post a journal entry, or keep a diary for a week and post for a few days! Would love to see how Loke is handling fatherhood :)
Or, lol, a character can write a letter to another character - and it can be from two different books, hmmm, maybe not since how would they know each other, lol! But how fun would that be... well, it sounded good in my head ;)
Another fun idea... your top 10 favorite tops 10! It's 10 lists of 10 faves, i.e. top 10 authors, books, foods, book covers, cities, etc.
Ok, sorry, I should stop now, lol! I can't wait to see what you'll be up too! and like everyone else, I'd love to have you featured on my blog too. So if you're ever bored and feel like doing something different, it's all yours ;)
Thanks!!!
I was thinking perhaps a series of writing masterclasses dealing with things like -
ReplyDeleteThe authors that have influenced you. (Who did you read as a young adult? What was good about them?)
What gets your writing going? (music? Coffee? Good weather outside?)
Editing, editing, editing (the bane of it, how to overcome it.)
Plotting/pre planning (do the novels evolve as you are writing them, or is there a clear plan and structure in place from the get go?)
Descriptions? (What is a good description anyway? What's a bad one?)
Dialogue? (What makes good dialogue? What makes bad dialogue?)
GT
I agree with everyone who has said something about character interviews. They definitely seem more popular than author interviews.
ReplyDeleteI know guest posts about the authorial process always go over well. And people would definitely be interested in hearing about the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing.
People like to hear about which actors/musicians/famous people you think the characters look like. Playlists are also popular.
Since Wake is set in a tourist town, it might be fun to talk about your favorite tourist activities.
Anyway, I've read Wake and really enjoyed it! (I popped by your blog because I'm writing my review right now.) Good luck with your promotion!
This sounds like a great idea! Sent you an email. Love your blog
ReplyDeleteI would love to do an interview for Huffington Post and maybe a giveaway for Big Shiny Robot!....
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI'd love to share time and space between our blogs and I'm open to all ideas for give aways and interviews. I'm trying to break into the YA market myself as I've previously wrote a mystery novel and I have a YA female protagonist zombie book coming out august 1st. It's on my blog at RichardHowesBooks.com and the novel is called Julie Rayzor ~ Romance, Adventure, Zombies.
I'll keep checking back here and see what we can come up with. I know you are very busy. - Richard
I think u have most of the things that i at least enjoy on authors and readers blogs. I guess the other thing i would like to see would be something for those of us that love to write and read are working on novels but are not yet accomplished or known. Alot of authors have like writing tips and stuff but i dont personally find it helpful and find that it makes me fell like a lower wanna be rather than an equal writer so maybe like some thing to show aurthors like my friends and i that are not really acctually published or anything yet feel more connected to the pro author world i dontknow quite what but sime thing for that crowd would be much appreciated
ReplyDeleteI agree with Briana. I think your blog is awesome and you're writing about pretty much everything I am interested in but it would be nice to see some more about the nitty-gritty of your writing (including days when your fingers fly and those days when a writer's block creeps in, and so on). I still refer back to your early posts where you wrote about your fears and demons (i.e. will people like your books or not). I am finalizing my first novel right now and feel every single word you posted in those early days. Apart from that, keep going, you are our hero!
ReplyDelete