Finding Your Tribe at the RT Booklovers Convention - Book Blogger Conference

The RT Booklovers Convention offers readers the opportunity to find their "tribe" - other readers who share passions for authors, genres, etc.   For readers who are bloggers, here's a pre-conference event for you .... the 2015 Book Blogger Conference:

One Day, All Bloggers, Totally Excellent

We have a date: Tuesday 12 May, 2015, one day before the RT Booklovers Convention

We have a place: The Hyatt Regency, Dallas Texas

Sarah from Smart Bitches and Jane from Dear Author are collaborating again to organize a one-day conference for book bloggers. So many bloggers attend RT each year that it’s excellent opportunity to talk with one another about the issues we face, large and small, and to learn from one another.

We hope you’ll join us and share your ideas and perspective. It won’t be awesome without you.

Jane Litte (Dear Author) 

Sarah Wendell (Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, Blogger)

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's posts.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What feedback would you give as a reader to a blogger?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 6, on my book blog, SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Lucky is part of my tribe.

Aloha to the RT Booklovers' Convention - Day Two: Book Blogger Conference

Tuesday offered the Book Blogger Conference hosted by Sarah Wendell (Smart Bitches) and Jane Litte (Dear Author).  

It was an informal affair where Sarah asked (paraphrase), "Talk as much as you listen".   Here is a sample of suggestions offered by the other bloggers:

- Book Likes is an alternative to Goodreads.

- Options to self host (to migrate away from restrictions of Blogger and Wordpress).

- Make sure your blog layout is appealing to readers.

- Consider a "fresh look" for your blog.

- View your blog from an older PC and even smart phone to ensure all elements are visible.

- The image behind your blog should be less than 10% so it doesn't distract the reader from the content.

- "I have the book for you".

- Late reviews (i.e., reviews posted some time after book publiciation) are still welcome as they promote sales of backlists.

- Attacking the author (in lieu of reviewing the book) does not convey a professional attitude.  The publishers are open to criticisms of the writing, but not unprofessional behavior towards authors, other reviews, and even readers.

- Offer recipes to "feed the trolls".

Harlequin hosted a cocktail party with delicious nibbles and goodie bags!

Hats off to Sarah and Jane for the warm welcome and helpful mentorship!   Do you have any advice to offer bloggers?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.   Comments are open through Saturday, May 24, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 25, at SOS Aloha.  

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spiriti in Charm City

Tamara Argyle, Sara Humphreys, and a reader
enjoy the Sock Hop on Tuesday night.