Of course, the reason we were able to do all this was because we were affiliated to a university and therefore had access to a pool of talented students who were willing to perform for free entry, free drinks and a free copy of the book or magazine as well as exposure and a chance to sell their CDs. None of us were paid either, by the way, the entire operation was volunteer run.

In the realm of big publishing, the most interesting reading/performance was given by German writer Frank Schätzing. Schätzing writes SF and technothrillers, but is marketed as a mainstream writer, so he gets asked about technical and scientific details of his novels all the time. So instead of a traditional reading, Schätzing does a whole multimedia presentation which includes information on the technical and scientific background, fake news clips from the future in which his books are set, brief film clips of his protagonists, played by very well known German actors, etc… Oh yes, and he does read a bit from his book, too. It’s a good show and Schätzing is a good speaker and presenter. Of course, he can only pull of something on that scale, because he is a huge bestseller and has an advertising background.

Like I said in an earlier comment, if fiction writers intend to do readings, attend some poetry slams and learn how poets bring life to their written words.

I think the reason most writers struggle with readings has to do with many writers being shy and retiring. I can’t think of a worse way to try and showcase that kind of person’s work than by asking them to read in public. For some it might be better than speaking, but reading aloud takes a certain flair. If you’re a writer with a theater background instead of a wallflower background it probably helps…. I’m actually fascinated to see if there is a change from the shy writer to the showman writer in the coming years thanks to the new world of self-promotion and have-to-keep-their-attention-over-tv-on-the-iphone realities. I think it’s time we got back to the big personalities of the past who went all in for drunken shenanigans and scandals.

In other words, it worked because, yes, it was turned into a PARTY and that day, as people streamed out, I sold a lot of books.

Just another thought on the traditional reading and signing (not exactly a book tour but still …)I managed to get Chapters to carry my book in exchange for them asking me to do a signing in their store. Again spent 3 hours, this time mostly sitting at my lonely table. Made 1 sale. Ouch. Hard on the ego.

Look out for the next book launch party invite on Twitter! (@diannegreenlay). Would love to meet all you wonderful bloggers over a mug of grog!

…and what Jaye said! c”,)