The 6 Things You Need to Know to Define Your Target Readers

1.  Who is your target reader?

Age

Gender

Income

Education

2.  Where do they shop?

Work?

Associate?

Go to school?

3.  In what form do they prefer to receive your information?

4.  When do they want to buy your content?

5.   Why do they want to buy your content?

6.   How can you best reach them with your promotion?

Publicity

Media appearances

Social Media

Personal selling

Advertising

There’s a saying “Get your ducks in a row” and it’s especially true for authors.  It’s more than just putting words on paper, and to be successful, you need a plan!

Happy Writing to you all, and remember, it’s never too late to rewrite your personal story!

As Always,

Dana L.

 

 

 

What are you currently reading and what book first made you fall in love with the written word?

Reader # 1

.I am currently reading The Witches by Stacy Schiff. It’s a nonfiction piece focusing on the hysteria that drove the Salem witch trials in 1692.

The first book book I remember reading that started my love affair with the written word was probably something by Dr. Seuss.  Why? His tales of made up worlds and far-away places, and the magic that can be conjured with words colored my world. My library card was a passport out of my ordinary life.

Reader # 2

I’m currently reading Orphan X by Greg Hurwitz.  It’s a Crime Thriller, not the genre I usually read. I’m an action adventure guy, but he’s an interesting writer, so I thought I would give it a try.

The first book I remember reading that helped me fall in love with books was Horacio Hornblower. It had adventure in exotic places, with lots of action and danger.

Reader # 3

I’m currently reading an ARC from Julia Wolf, Cut Free. It’s a Contemporary Romance that takes place in a small historical town, based on where the author and I live.

The first book I remember falling in love with was Charlotte’s Webb. My mom read it to me when I was about six, and I asked her to only read chapter books after that. Why Charlotte’s Webb? I loved animals and could relate to Fern.

Reader # 4

I haven’t started reading it yet, but I have The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry sitting on my bedside table. I’m always drawn to fiction, so I’m sure it won’t disappoint. It’s about a family of women from Salem, Massachusetts who have the ability to read the future in the patterns of lace.

I guess you could say that Nancy Drew mysteries helped me fall in love with books. I know that reflects my age, but you can’t beat a good teen mystery.

Reader # 5

I just bought the Bankers Wife by Cristina Alger, but haven’t started it yet.

I was a late bloomer to reading, but then I picked up The Pelican Brief, and then A Time to Kill and The Firm, and I was hooked! I love the side works of business and law.

Reader # 6

I am not currently reading a book, but the first book I fell in love with was Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks. I loved it so much that I went on to read several more of his books.  I also love the author Jody Picoult, especially the book, The Plain Truth.

Reader # 7

I am currently reading The Panther, by Nelson DeMille. It’s an international intrigue about a New York tough guy cop who goes to Yemen in search of terrorists who attacked the USS Cole-a true incident that killed 14 US Soilders. His character is an alpha male badass who, like all of DeMille’s lead characters, doesn’t cooperate with others and is politically incorrect.

I’ve been reading and enjoying books since I first figured out the alphabet (Hardy Boys Mysteries, Nancy Drew, Huck Finn, comics), but if I had to chose one that kept me awake at night and gave me a desire for adventure it would be a close call between Last of the Mohicans and Horatio Hornblower.

And me!

I’ve become infatuated with John Sandford novels this year.  His character, Lucas Davenport, is a little bit of a rogue cop, who also made millions by writing gaming programs.  There now is a spinoff character, Virgil Flowers, and he’s the lead in the book I’m reading Rough Country. Not really sure of the genre, but it’s a nice change after writing Women’s Fiction.

When I was in the fifth grade a friend loaned me her Trixie Beldon book, and I was hooked! Mysteries, but any type of series with a reoccurring character, is what I love.  I want to feel like I know the people I’m reading about, and a series helps me do just that.

Thank you so much to those of you who took the time to share your stories, and your love of books. We’ve been given lots  of good information, and new books to look for. I already have two of the ones written down for my next read.

I love the words From Reader #1. “My library card was a passport out of my ordinary life”  And isn’t that what books are meant to do? They take our ordinary life and make it exciting, and filled with adventure.

My wish for you this week is that you can read, at least a little bit each day, and that you can lose yourself in a world of make believe. I intend to!📚

As always,

Dana L.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Club Discussion Questions…

1.  Does the title of the book fit the storyline?

2.  How credible or believable did you find the narrator to be?  Did you feel like you got the true story?

3.  Any “If/Then” Questions? If the protagonist choose her other love interest, how might the book have been different?

4.  Was there enough tension or conflict throughout the book?

5.  Who was your favorite character and why?

6. How was the chemistry between the two main characters?

7. Was the book all about the characters, or the plot?

8.  Compare this book to your last Book Club read. Which did you enjoy more and why?

9. Was there a quote or a passage that really resonated with you?

10.  You’re the author…what changes, if any would you make and why?

Keep reading, keep writing and keep reaching!

As Always,

Dana L.

 

 

On May 2nd of this year I shared with you three authors you should know, and I was spot on!  In the last week announcements have been made about all three of them, and the awards they are receiving for their work.  If you didn’t feel you had a good reason to read their books before, maybe this will convince you!

David Edmonds…The Girl in The Glyphs is a finalist in the 2018 Latino Books into Movies at the Latino International Fim Festival. And if that wasn’t enough, his latest novel, The Heretic of Granada is a Medalist in the Florida Authors and Publishers 2018 Presidential Awards.  Both books are Historical Fiction and exceptional reads.

K.I. Knight…Both of Kathryn Knight’s Fate & Freedom books have just been named International AAHGS Winners! I have read both books and highly recommended them. Kathryn is a master of genealogy, and while the books are novels, they are very accurate in their accounts.

Zelle Andrews…Remember you heard it here, first! In May I told you that Zelle was on her way to becoming an Award Winning Author, and now she is! The second book in her Paisley series, Dancing with Dandelions is also a Medalist in the Florida Authors and Publishers 2018 Presidential Awards, in both Women’s Fiction (chiclit) and Florida Fiction for Adults.  I know that several of you read Zelle’s Books after my share in May, but if you haven’t, now is the time.  They’re so good!

I’m sure most of you have seen on my social media sites that Call Me Charlotte has also been named a Medalist in three categories in the Florida Authors and Publishers 2018 Presidential Awards, and I feel so honored.  The FAPA Awards will be presented on August 4th in Orlando, and that’s where everyone finds out whether they will be awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal.

All of these books are available on Amazon and are definitely worth your time and investment.  And as always, please leave a review! It’s an author’s bread and butter!

Have a wonderful week and read a book! After all, books are the “other channel”!

Blessings…

Dana L.