BEA is all about panels (and exhibits and new release showcases, but I digress). Author panels discussing a variety of topics. If I were in NYC right now, I could see Justin Cronin, James Dashner, Melissa Marr or even Sarah, Duchess of York!
If I had my way though, I would love to see a panel made up of Stephenie Meyer, Kaleb Nation, Maggie Stiefvater, and Melissa Marr. What would I have them discuss? The Internet and how it has impacted their publicity campaigns.
I continue to be fascinated by social media in all forms. My MBA senior thesis was on social media and its impact on businesses. The use of social media has literally exploded since I wrote that, and no where has it become more effective than in publishing.
Each author either was or currently is active on a variety of social media websites, from Twitter to MySpace to Facebook as well as their own website. Would they have been successful without these platforms? How do they use these platforms to maximize publicity for each book they release? What changes have they had to make to their marketing campaigns as the social media sites have become more and more popular?
From there, how do they, if at all, address social media in their books? Do they ignore it for fear of making their books sound dated? Do they embrace it, giving a nod to the modern society? How will they adjust future books to account for the popularity of Facebook and Twitter?
I want to get their take on this phenomenon, which they have all embraced to some extent. I would love to get their thoughts on the future of social media and its relationship with writing and publishing.
Really, I just want to hear them talk about two of my favorite things – books and social media!!
After giving it more thought, I don't think it is any different than reading about corsets, wagons, buggies, using a plow, churning butter, or anything else that occurred in the past. It is part of our culture, and while we may not be able to completely understand what it truly means to work in the fields, we can appreciate the work it entailed. Future generations, if authors start writing social media into their works, will face similar advantages and drawbacks. It is a piece of history that cannot be ignored!
I would love to see Stephenie Meyer come out of her isolation to attend BEA, but I fear she would be mobbed beyond belief. It would be cool, wouldn't it?
I didn't think of that. Yes, that could be quite interesting!
It's a fascinating subject no matter who discusses it. I would be happy just to see those authors.
Yes, it has. The Internet has changed pretty much everything.
It would be interesting to have characters in books tweeting and using Facebook, wouldn't it? But then again, when people talk about records or 8-tracks, that dated those works from that point in time too. So maybe it wouldn't be that difficult or damaging.
Stephenie does not have a twitter account. She has her own website maintained by her younger brother. Every once in a while she will post something by her own hand. StephenieMeyer.com
The social media world can be intimidating, but the beautiful thing is that there is always several people there to help you figure things out and answer your questions. We are a very welcoming bunch and love newcomers! Let me know if you have any questions!
Oooh, if you get two tickets to your dream panel, will you give one to me? 🙂 I'd love to see those authors together!
Cheers!
-Connie @ Constance-Reader
I have to agree – that panel has great potential! If you mixed some authors in who aren't as active in social media, I think the discussion could get very interesting.
Oh, I would love that one too! Fascinating subject to have them discuss.
My dream panel is posted today too!
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Internet has definitely changed the way authors market.
Entertaining look at Copyright law.
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Great panel! I think it would be hard to write social media into a story if you wanted people to relate to it in the future. On the other hand, it could be a great plot device. (You Got Mail)
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That would be a really interesting panel! Does Stephenie Meyer have a blog or twitter account? I haven't noticed.
My recent post Armchair BEA: On Signed Books
Right now social media is still a bit overwhelming for me, but I'm trying! It's definitely an influential part of the book world.
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