Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Books by Bloggers (and Friends!)

Ever wonder if your web presence sells books?

Well, I can't speak for the masses, but I've read a growing stack of authors who I never would have discovered in a book store. Some of these books do break out from the pack and reach a wider audience, but many of these titles I never would have read if I hadn't seen it on a blog. For instance:

Tips on Having a (Gay) Ex-Boyfriend
by Carrie Jones

I visited Carrie's blog for months before I read one of her books. I got NEED from the library (GREAT book!) and because I enjoyed it, I bought this earlier book. I love
Carrie and her writing!


The Emerald Tablet
by P.J. Hoover

Because this book is from a small publisher, my local book store was unable to order it. I got it from Amazon and read it from cover to cover the day it arrived. P.J. is another talented writer with a fun blog to visit. I'm so glad I found her blog or I would never have heard of her!


Nothing but Ghosts
by Beth Kephart

Undercover
by Beth Kephart

Beth is an amazing writer who I stumbled across on the web. She crafts words so beautifully and her blog is always a regular stop for me. She has become a friend and an inspiration.


Take the Reins
by Jessica Burkhart

I "met" Jessica after I responded to a nasty comment someone left on a blog about NaNoWriMo. She appreciated my support and we started emailing each other. If you enjoy tween fiction, you should read her Canterwood Crest series. This woman is on the rise!


Defiance
by Valerie Hobbs

Letting go of Bobby James, or
How I found Myself of Steam

by Valerie Hobbs

I first heard of Val through Patti Palmer's blog. I was lucky enough to get into one of Val's workshops and make huge progress on my current WIP. Val has become a friend, too.

Silver Phoenix
by Cindy Pon

I saw the cover for this book on The Shrinking Violets blog and then I saw an interview with Cindy on another blog. The cover alone grabbed my attention, but the interview made me want to read the book. I was not disappointed. I'll be posting an
interview with Cindy in the next week or two. This is her first book.


Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
by R.L. LaFevers

I won the sequel from Mary Hershey's blog so of course I went out and bought book one to read first! Robin's blog has great tips and information for writers that I enjoy reading as well.


Paris Pan Takes the Dare
by Cynthea Liu

Cynthea Liu has a great blog that focuses on helping wannabe writers
and promoting new authors. Red Light Green Light anyone? And this woman knows how to throw an online launch party for her books!


The Passion Flower Massacre
by Nicola Morgan

Nicola's bitingly funny blog made me want to read her books. This is in my TBR pile and if it's anything like her voice on the blog, it will be a great read.


I So Don't do Mysteries
by Barrie Summy

How could I resist a main character named Sherry? I've enjoyed reading Barrie's posts about San Diego, writing and the family's pet iguana! I'm looking forward to reading this novel which is first in a series.


These are just books that I've bought because of blogs. It doesn't include books I've been given or borrowed from the library.

I realize that I may not be the typical reader. I'd sooner spend money on books than on clothes or a nice dinner. But if your blog is reaching just a few people like me, and I tell a few friends about your book, and they tell a few friends, well, that's worth something isn't it?

I hope you'll check out some of these author's blogs and their books. And if you have a chance to tell them, just say you heard it from a friend :)

16 comments:

PJ Hoover said...

Aw, thanks, Sherrie!
I LOVE getting book recommendations through blogging. I have so little time to browse at the bookstore and also with as selective as they have to be in what they carry, blogging is a fantastic way to learn about tons of new stuff!

lisa and laura said...

You've got quite a network going Sherrie! I'll have to check some of those books out!

C.R. Evers said...

I agree! I've met so many talented authors that I may not have otherwise known if it weren't for blogging!

Great post!

Christy

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Amazing amazing list!!! I LOVE to see all these writers doing so well. That first book about gay ex boyfriends.... wow. I have a gay ex boyfriend. I should buy that book. :D

Kelly Polark said...

I agree Sherrie! I have been exposed to so many wonderful titles through blogging that I may have missed otherwise! I enjoyed Emerald Tablet last month, and I am looking forward to reading some more on your list!

Anonymous said...

My to-read list is almost ALL from the blogs I read. And I love finding new authors this way. :)

Sherrie Petersen said...

PJ - You're welcome! And totally deserving. I'm looking forward to the sequel in October :)

LiLa - Do check them out. I know I'll be adding you guys to the list someday soon!

Christy - Isn't that half the fun? I'm amazed by the connections you can make online!

Glam - I know a lot of people with gay ex boyfriends (and some people who probably didn't know! It's a good book :)

Kelly - My reading horizons have been totally expanded from the internet. I love that!

Becky - It's a fun way to find new authors, isn't it?

Barrie said...

Thank you, Sherrie! And, yes, you do have a great name!! Like you, I've picked up several books because of blogging.

Sarah Laurenson said...

That's one of the reasons I was drawn to the Book Roast - learning about books I would not have heard of otherwise. Reading blogs is a great way to find authors and recommendations as well as new friends. Thanks for this list!

(And looking forward to meeting you in person in a few months!)

Kelly H-Y said...

I think web presence makes a HUGE difference too ... your examples are perfect!!!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Hi, I just found your blog through PJ's. I love what you did with this post. I'm new to blogging but was excited by Book Roast --RIP ;(
and then by so many recs on other blogs. I've read some of your recs and will definitely put others on my list. It would be a great grassroots movement if online word-of-mouth became a driving force in publishing, wouldn't it?

Sherrie Petersen said...

Barrie - I'd love to see your booklist, too!

Sarah - Book Roast was a great way to find new books. And I'm hoping we do meet soon!

Kelly H-Y - The web is great for learning about books and people.

Tricia - Great to meet you! I think online word of mouth already is a driving force :)

Rebecca Gomez said...

Sherrie,

I wanted to let you know that you are the winner in the June JOP (Junk On Paper five-minute free-write) contest over on my blog. Congrats!

Yat-Yee said...

Now that you've mentioned it, I have been reading a lot from recommendations I get from bloggers and writer friends And this post just gave me a few more to check out, thanks!

Beth Kephart said...

Oh my goodness! Your friends! THe world you are creating.... And I feel so lucky to be part of it.

Rena Jones said...

I've found a lot of great books through blogs and smaller publishing companies. Thanks for posting your finds, Sherrie.

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