Tuesday, October 20, 2020

WHAT WE'RE WRITING--and New Ways to Connect!



HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:  I should be on book tour. I should be getting boarding passes, and fuming at the guy who put his carry-on above MY seat, and getting to have room service. But most important, I should be meeting with real people! Readers and authors and booksellers and librarians and everyone. YOU for instance.  

But no. I'm here, in Boston, adjusting my Zoom lighting.

Still, thank goodness for Zoom, and all the other platforms like that. At least we can SEE people, even though it's more like watching TV.

So you know Karen Dionne? The internationally best-selling author ofTHE MARSH KING'S DAUGHTER  and The WICKED SISTER? She and I were griping about how in some Zooms, we couldn't see the people who were participating, which is really frustrating when we're used to watching people's reactions.  And when we attended them, it was too difficult to ask the author a question, or even let them know we were there supporting them! So we cooked up a thing to help with that. 

We designed a new project that we called THE BACK ROOM, where you can chat with authors up close and personal--at least, as up close and personal as Zoom can be. And we are so enthusiastic. 



Here's how it works: Each online event starts with a short introduction to a panel of four authors. (Authors like Joe Finder, Heather Gudenkauf, Angie Kim, David Weiden, Hannah Mary McKinnon, Rachel Howzell Hall and many more are already scheduled.)  And then we play a quick game of almost-twenty questions.

Then it gets different.

 The audience is then divided into four breakout rooms where they remain for the rest of the program. Th the authors visit each room in turn, so everyone gets to connect with everyone. Everyone’s video is turned on (if you like!) and all mics are unmuted, allowing for informal, face-to-face discussion. What’s more, breakout sessions are never recorded. Because the authors will see you and your mics will be open, it's a great way to network!

Karen and I trade off hosting them. And it's free!

But space is limited, so everyone gets a chance to really connect. You can sign up HERE for as many events as you like. And just you Reds and Readers, put "VIP Pass-Jungle Reds" in the comments box to make sure you get a spot!

Check the schedule (it's amazing) then, as I said, sign up here: https://bksp.org/.   (Julia and Lucy and Jenn are already scheduled, but you can be sure the other Reds will be there, too!)

So--will it work? So far, we've had three events, and they've all been GREAT. We hired a tech person to handle all the zoom magic, so that takes care of a lot of the pressure. On us, at least.

Meanwhile, yes, indeed. THE MURDER LIST won the Anthony Award for Best Novel of the year! I am honestly still floating.

And, just so you know, I'm almost done with the first draft of my new book.

And tonight I am cooking dinner number 221.  




 (And Do you know about First Chapter Fun? If you don't--let me now! Today is EPISODE NUMBER 100!! And we are having a special celebration today at 12:30 PM EST! Take a lunch break, and go to @firstchapterfun on Insta, or FirstChapterFun in the groups on Facebook. My partner in fictional crime Hannah Mary McKinnon will be reading--out loud, and live!--the first chapter of Iona Whishaw's An Old Cold Grave.)

Have you been to The Back Room? To First Chapter Fun? Do you go to Zoom events? Or Facebook lives? Let me know, Reds and readers!

52 comments:

  1. Congratulations . . . it’s great to hear that “The Murder List” won the Anthony Award . . . .

    I try to get to Zoom things and Facebook Live [my problem mostly is with our internet provider] . . . I enjoy the interaction [as limited as it is] with everyone.
    The Back Room sounds absolutely marvelous . . . what a great idea.

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  2. Congrats on the Anthony!

    I'll have to check out these events. They sound like fun. My schedule is a bit unpredictable right now, but hopefully I can get one or two worked in.

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    1. Oh, great! Hope to see you there..and aw, thank you!

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  3. Hank, I am over the moon happy for you in winning the Anthony for Best Novel! Congratulations! It was so deserving.

    I have great intentions of getting to all the Zoom and FB Live and other online events that I’m interested in (and I’m interested in lots of them), but I seem to only get to a handful. I did get to Virtual Bouchercon last weekend, and it was fantastic. Now, I’m going to make a concerted effort to get to some of these amazing programs you’re involved with, Hank. First up is checking out what’s coming up. Thank you, Hank, for all that you do for authors and readers.

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    1. Yes, didn't they do a GREAT job with Bouchercon? SO impressive! (An aw, thank you. You were so supportive from moment one...thank you!

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  4. So many congratulations, Hank. I just signed up! The breakout rooms are a great idea.

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    1. Oh, fantastic. ANd you put VIP PASS-Jungle Red, right? ANd yeah, it's also a great way for authors to network, you know? Because everyone can SEE you, and the breakout rom are small so you can really connect.

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  5. Hank, winning the Anthony is big enough as it is. Getting the news on your birthday makes it even more special I'd think.

    Because of some audio issues with my computer speakers, I have not been able to take part in any video events that have become the norm for the book world. It doesn't look to change any time soon so I'll continue missing out.

    I did see that Jeff Benedict, the author of that book on the Patriots THE DYNASTY, figured out a way to do in person signings and put together an 11 stop tour.

    I miss the in-person events for sure.

    As for what I'm writing, I just turned in this week's new Cassette Chronicles article yesterday. I'm working on CD reviews for new releases by Lynch Mob and Pride of Lions.

    I'm reading a couple of books that I'll do Goodreads reviews for as well. And I got one new review accepted for the next issue of Mystery Scene magazine.

    No progress at all on that mythical book I pretend will ever happen.

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    1. Oh, thank you! (What does Jeff Benedict do? I see Elin Hilderbrand on the road, too!)

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  6. Congratulations, Hank! I have been following you and all you're doing and am consistently amazed at what you're achieving. I hadn't realized that you were the mastermind behind The Back Room, which I think is totally genius for how it takes our online participation with authors to the next level.

    Thank you for the VIP pass for JRW readers. Lucky us! I must try to get my schedule to fit more of these events in. Sometimes the time difference makes it tricky, but those I've squeezed in, I've really enjoyed.

    My mantras these days are: "Technology is my friend. Technology is an enabler (in a good way). Technology makes the experience different not lesser." My pal and I facilitated our first online 'writing as a tool for transformation' workshop on Sunday and it worked, it totally worked. It was different, of course, because there's nothing like the energy of a live group gathering in the flesh and people chatting freely w/ their table mates, but in the absence of that option, the Zoom option will do. Your Back Room idea, Hank, gives us some of those chatting options, so Yay! for that -- and for you!

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    1. Thank you! It all came of a Karen and Hank brainstorming session. ANd yes, everyone can really talk, and because we keep the number limited, there's a real chance for conversation with each author. ANd every breakout room is different. Aww...and thank you for the very kind words. xooo

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  7. On behalf of "hungry" authors, THANK YOU Hank (nd Karen and Dionne) for creating such fabulous platforms for us to connect with readers in the Age of Zoom. I *DO* go to Zoom events and not having to drive in rush hour to get there is the silver lining. But boy do I miss hanging out with my fellow writers. *In person* ... Some day...

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  8. Congratulations again on the Anthony, Hank! I saw a copy of the paperback at my grocery store. If I'd had a sticky note, I could have put one on saying, "Now an Anthony-award winner!" LOL

    I attend Zoom and Facebook events all the time. I'll have to check out The Back Room.

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    1. YES! I love sightings in the wild! Thank you!

      ANd oh, yes, that'd be great--I'd love to see you!

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  9. Hank, you are the "IDEA" woman. When I think of people who worked very hard to keep authors and readers connected during this crazy time, I will always think of you!!

    So, I signed up for 3, because some of my favorite authors are going to be available to visit. One of the best Zoom events that I attended was one with interaction between author and readers. Debs was the guest author and I had never seen her "live" before, so it was really fun. I hope that every Jungle Red will participate in The Back Room and that I'll also have a chance to "meet" every one of you that way.

    I haven't been to First Chapter Fun in a while. I have never, in my life, had such a huge pile of books to read as I do right now. It seems that every day I add another book or three onto that pile. Because of this blog, I have learned about dozens of new authors and it has been the saving grace for this year.

    Hank, you are "Da Bomb!"

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    1. Oh, you can be sure all the Reds will be there! And yes, I realized the other day the the acronym for The Back Room is-TBR! Which is pretty funny. xxx

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  10. It must be so exciting to win these awards, and get validation for all the hard work and angst authors go through to get a story out into the world. I'm very pleased for you, Hank!

    Thank you for the "VIP pass", and for this super inventive way to connect authors and readers. Imaginative new ideas are happening all over the world, and it's such fun to see how more optimistic people are overcoming enormous challenges right now. Well done, you.

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    1. Thank you, darling one. One step at a time, right? All we can do..

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  11. Mega congrats on the Anthony - well deserved.

    Bookmarking the schedule - this sounds fabulous and thanks for the VIP pass :)

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    1. Thank you! ANd yes, please come--I think you'll have fun.

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  12. Congrats, good luck with dinner #221, and see you in the backroom.

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    1. Laughing! Yeah, grilled chicken and caesar salad. A go-to. ANd I love croutons so much. xoo

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  13. Congratulations on the Anthony!

    I have looked at a couple of Zoom events and they were less than successful for me. I thought I would be able to see each person's face but they were just in a tiny square off to the side - too hard for me to even tell which one was talking at any given time.

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    1. Agreed! That's why we keep the attendance limited, and go to breakout rooms. There are never more than 20 people in a breakout, so you can really see and participate!

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  14. Hank, you are in the groove, for sure! Big wins all around--awards, ideas for connecting! Now be honest, you have a clone or two running around, right? :-)

    No Zoom etc for me, alas. We live on a road that time forgot, apparently, in terms of modern internet connectivity. What we are capable of goes to the students in the household. Meanwhile, I applaud everyone's efforts to connect readers and writers. And I hope some of these types of events will hang around after 'normal' is achieved once more, since they are a great way to connect more readers with authors!

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    1. Yes, that's the big interesting question--it can be so efficient and worthwhile, and so many people can attend. I hope we find out SOON when the real world comes back!

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  15. Congratulations on the Anthony, Hank! That's fabulous. And, clearly, there's no moss growing on you during this pandemic isolation. You're keeping so busy, and still finding time to finish a new book!

    I really enjoy the First Chapter Fun reads, and The Back Room sounds very cool as well. I do show up for some live-streamed events, although the only Zoom events I've done are staff meetings and the occasional grant writing seminar. I'm sure your Zoomies will be much, much, MUCH more fun than that.

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  16. Congratulations Hank, so well deserved! And you are brilliant with your authors meeting readers ideas. I am looking forward to the breakout room and feeling very grateful. I am not coming up with anything new because I’m very busy managing the puppy!

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  17. This sounds like fun and a bit intimidating. Since I still go to an office, my Zoom events are very limited and seen on my phone. Looking for a new computer type item so you all aren't little and squishy. Congratulations on your Anthony, Hank.

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    1. Deana, you definitely want a laptop or at least a generously sized pad for Zooming. The phone is okay for Facetiming, but that's about it.

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    2. Thank you! ANd yes, a phone is not the most successful --unless its all you have..in which case, it's great! xx

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  18. Hank, here's the link to Jeff Benedict's website that talks about how he's doing his book tour: https://www.jeffbenedict.com/index.php/blog/513-book-tour

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    1. Thanks, Jay, that's fascinating. It's funny how we're all coming up with new ways to do things - no one ever thinks "Let's try this" when the old ways are working just fine. But maybe some of this forced innovation is actually better than doing it the old way!

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  19. Congratulations on your well-deserved Anthony, Hank! Like everyone else, I'm in awe of your ability to write award winning novels AND do your book tour events AND keep up with social media AND originate innovative programs like FIRST CHAPTER READS and THE BACK ROOM. Oh, and grow tomatoes in your garden!

    I think you and Jenn need to do a seminar on time management for creative people!

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    1. HA! I for one, am SO behind that it's insane. But I would never admit that. xxoxoo And thank you!

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  20. Hank, congrats on the Anthony!!! Go, you!! Seriously, I don't know how you do all the things you do. You need to give the rest of us lessons...
    TBR (:-) sounds fabulous. Going to sign up now!

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    1. Oh, yes, please do! LOVE to see you. And we will find a good date and companion panel members for you--who would you like to share the stage with?

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  21. WOOOO HOOOOO on the Anthony Award, Hank!!! So well deserved. And I'm really looking forward to visiting The Back Room (so noir!).
    LOL, Julia, my time management is in the dumper lately. I think I have to restructure my entire ship with social media. It's killing my productivity. Kiiiiiilllliiiiing it. Blerg.

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    1. YES! Like a speakeasy! xooxo And SO agree. Hard to tell how much matters, you know?

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  22. Hank, Congratulations on the Anthony! I am a west coast attorney with a full work schedule, impossible to attend live events in east coast time unfortunately. California is pretty much open again, very few cases of the dreaded virus. Everyone is wearing masks and the weather is glorious, clear and only on the nineties. Everything bud open again, except the bars. Book clubs and some book stores have had some in person events with the number of participants limited. Currents regs allow 100 at indoor events. Many outdoor events, since our fall does not arrive this early.

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    1. Wow--what a juggle. ANd crossing fingers it all goes well! (But FYI--First Chapter Fun archives everything on our videos, so people was watch and listen whenever is convenient! And SOME of our Back Room events are SUnday afternoon.)

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    2. Great! I will look for the Sunday events. Hopefully not too early PDT. :)

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  23. The Back Room and First Chapter Fun are so great. (What a lovely surprise to see my photo in the graphic!) Congrats, Hank, and thanks for connecting writers and readers!

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  24. Hank, sorry I am late to the party again. I woke up late. Stayed up late last night reading a new cozy mystery. LOL

    Congratulations on the Anthony!

    I have participated in Virtual events that provided captions, which is rare. This author has weekly Virtual events and her husband is the Tech guy. He is brilliant at adding captions to the Live chats!

    On another note, I was surprised that one of the authors on the Back Room is participating because as far as I knew, this author is Deaf, unless I misunderstood and it is the CHARACTER in the author's books who is Deaf? I wondered if this author gets Captions or has someone off camera translate for the author?

    Diana

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    1. Heather, you mean? I know she has some characters who can't hear, but she can. Or is it someone else?

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    2. Yes! I meant Heather. That makes sense that since she can hear, she can participate without assistance. Thanks!

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  25. What a great idea! Hank you are always "on." I look forward to some connections.

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