Networking Tips for Shy Writers, Ninja News, Maguire's Corner, Blog Readers, Wednesday Movie Quote, and the Phone Book

Today I welcome the awesome Christine Rains!

NETWORKING TIPS FOR SHY WRITERS

I love to talk about writing. It's my passion. The problem is, like many writers, I'm shy. I can't just talk to anyone. Sometimes it's all I can do to remember to breathe when in social situations. I'm lucky I've not fainted yet. And yes, that noise is me knocking on wood.

This makes networking immensely difficult. Yet it's a necessity in our profession. How do I meet other authors and promote myself without losing my voice again? (Oh yes, it's happened.)

Thank goodness for the internet! Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, review sites, writer's groups, etc. There are many ways to get your name out there from the safety of your home. You can get cozy in your favorite chair, wear your Star Wars pajamas, and sneak some of your kid's Cheerios when he's not looking.

But one day, you'll have to leave the Godzilla slippers behind and venture out to a writing conference or book signing. Face-to-face with other people. Yikes! How do you survive?

Remember to breathe. It helps not to faint. Those other people are there for the same reason you are. As alone as you might feel, you are one of them.
Be yourself. You might be a little geeky, but so what? Be honest about who you are, let your passions shine through, and you'll be respected for it.
Use being shy to your advantage. Be a good listener, and even though you don't say a lot, remember it's quality over quantity.
Have business cards, flyers, and other promotional items at the ready. If you lose your voice, a card can speak for you. Plus, people love free things. Give stuff away and you'll be remembered.
Smile. A friendly smile will take you a long way.

In the not too distant future, all your networking will likely be done online. We can create avatars of ourselves from the cast of Firefly and chat about writing while hanging out in Serenity. (I call Zoe!) Until then, be proud of who you are. It's okay to be geeky or shy. What you have to say is important because you're the one saying it.

Do you have any face-to-face networking tips for shy writers?

Thank you so much for hosting me today, Alex!

1305 & 1306 – The Oracle and the Vampire (The 13th Floor series, #5)
By Christine Rains
Genre: paranormal romance

Having fallen for her gorgeous neighbor might not be so bad if Harriet McKay wasn't in her hideous banshee form every time Kiral saw her...

Find it here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She has seven novellas and twenty-one short stories published.
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Ninja News

Thanks to everyone who commented on my interview with Tammy Theriault! She is willing to take on more victims…

Misha Gericke is hosting another Word Master Challenge – Famous Adaptation. See her site for details – you could win an Amazon gift card.

Ellie Garratt’s book, Passing Time, is free through this Friday. Download it from Amazon US or Amazon UK

Coming Soon!!!

Maguire's Corner
By Heather M. Gardner
Published by Front Porch Romance

Coffee shop owner Maggie Maguire doesn’t trust the new police chief her father hired to protect Maguire’s Corner. He’s a stranger, cold, bossy and annoyingly handsome. But, Maggie’s witnessed a serious crime and now someone’s trying to kill her. The man that aggravates her most might be the only one that can help her.

Police Chief Jack Munro likes his new job and his new town, and unfortunately he also likes the stubborn but beautiful town sweetheart. His self-imposed hands-off Maggie policy is about to be put to the ultimate test when he must keep her close to protect her while he tracks down a ruthless killer.

Determined to ignore Jack’s charms, Maggie attempts to help him unravel the mystery but when their lives hang in the balance she must decide how much she’s willing to risk to save the man she suddenly can’t resist.

Congratulations, Heather!

Blog Readers

After solving issues with both Bloglovin’ (couldn’t comment on some blogs) and Feedly (couldn’t delete blogs) I’ve decided I’m going to use… both! Feedly updates faster but Bloglovin’ looks better. (And I have the app.) So I’m just going to bounce back and forth between the two, depending on how I feel that day.

Google Reader may self-destruct now!

Wednesday Movie Quote

Post your favorite here or play along on your own blog.

Today’s genre is monster movies.

My selection comes from Lake Placid:

Mrs. Bickerman (played by Betty White): I'm rooting for the crocodile. I hope he swallows your friends whole. You might want to arrest me for that too. Is that a crime? To wish the chewing of law enforcement?

Next week – sports films!

The Phone Book

This is for Maurice:

Are you a shy writer? Fan of Christine’s series? Excited for Heather’s upcoming book? What Reader are you now using? What is your favorite monster movie quote? And just what is the meaning of the phone book…?