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How do readers choose books? (Poll Results)

October 16, 2011

I’m a data nerd. I’m a spreadsheet and chart nerd. Therefore, I could have made this lede a bit shorter and simply said “I’m a nerd.” Recently, I conducted a very unscientific poll on Twitter and Facebook, asking a general group of readers how they decide what to read when choosing a book. While this is an admittedly small poll with a slight slant toward people I know, even if tangentially (they are connected to me via Facebook and Twitter in some way), I feel the findings are still valid, at least as part of a possible larger survey. If anyone has the resources to conduct a larger poll, contact me. I’d love to see the data. Here are the results: Observations: It has long been said that word of mouth is the best advertising for books, so it is slightly surprising to see “Recommendations” appear 3rd on the list.…

Episode 010: Twitter and the author. A novel with 140 characters, bad. An author with 140 characters, good.

October 16, 2011

[blackbirdpie url="http://twitter.com/#!/calebjross/status/40298146336608256"] What good is Twitter, really? How do authors use it? How should authors use it? How can readers use it? How can readers and authors use it together? How many more questions can I type here that essentially ask the same thing? In this episode I talk about how I, as an author and reader, use Twitter. But most importantly, I address its limitations. Enjoy. Send any writing and publishing related questions to caleb [at] calebjross.com. I will answer them in a future episode. Show Notes and Mentions: Yes, again, Jane Friedman teaches at the University of Cincinnati. Twitter handle: @JaneFriedman Personal examples of professional success using Twitter: Invited to contribute a story to a Rainstorm Press horror anthology Live tweeting at literary events such as the reading at Czar bar in Kansas City and the social media panel at AWP in 2011. Many bloggers and authors have contacted me via Twitter…

Stranger Will tour stop #65: Richard Thomas’ blog, we argue the merits (or non-) of an MFA

October 12, 2011

Today marks a special stop on my blog tour. Richard Thomas and I have it out a new installment of his dueling columns series which essentially pits two writers against one another to voice their individuals takes on a hot-button issue of the day. Our issue: to MFA or not to MFA. I've posted both of our write-ups below, which can also be seen at Richard Thomas' site. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff. FOR MFA PROGRAMS – Richard As Caleb mentioned in his column, if you want to teach at the university level, then you must get an MFA. And at many fine universities, you may need a PhD these days as well. In addition to that, most schools want you to have at least one published novel or short story collection (the bigger and better the press,…

Episode 009: Do writers really need a writing room?

October 9, 2011

Virginia Woolf was an advocate of a writer having a dedicated place to write, as examined in her famous essay "A Room of One's Own." I know, the essay speaks specifically to women and how their treatment as lesser citizens prevented them from potential as serious writers. Hence, having the financial and social freedom afforded (or perhaps implied) by having a room of one's own would be what makes the writer as woman a more accepted presence in the world of books. But me, I just read the title of the essay and have taken from it what I want. Most writers would agree a dedicated writing space is important. But is it really? Is there something to be said about the paralyzing effect that comes with such a freedom? Is the wish of a dedicated room just an excuse some writers use to explain lack of productivity? Show Notes and Mentions:…

If you’ve read Stranger Will, you will definitely want to see this!

October 8, 2011

During the preorder phase of Stranger Will (around January(ish) of 2011) I decided to do something special, as I try to do with all of my book preorders. With Stranger Will, the temptation to integrate the preorder extras into the thematic content of the book itself was obvious and too persistent to ignore. A large part of the book deals with the trade of messenger pigeon messages between a woman named Mrs. Rose and to-be parents who are, shall we say, less than excited about their coming children. What comes of these transactions is an intricate, yet intentionally misdirected, sales pitch designed to encourage the to-be parents to abort their pregnancies. Heavy stuff, I know. I decided to use one of those exchanges presented in Stranger Will as a base for expanding the communication chain into a longer dialog between Mrs. Rose and a parent. What became of this is a 14-part,…

Stranger Will tour stop #59: Impose Magazine – Caleb Ross from The Tribe vs. Caleb J. Ross from the books

September 17, 2011

I still get monthly emails from fans of Caleb Ross. Usually, I respond with a quick note about the incorrect identity. So to avoid further confusion, I've offered a post at Impose Magazine to help lessen the disappoint from fans of the famous Caleb Ross when they find out they have actually contacted the sit-on-the-couch-and-eat-Doritos Caleb Ross. Click here to read the guest post. Also, don’t forget that if you comment on all guest blog posts, you will get free stuff.

Colored Chalk, the zine: Issue One

March 31, 2008

I've been a member of an online writing critique group for a few years, out of which I've not only gained a growing understand of craft, but perhaps more importantly, I've developed close associations with some fantastic writers. Each year around November we return for another year of ego-brutalizing kinship, which leaves us deflated and disoriented, but not without a mutual understanding that every single moment spent suffering is a moment we're allowed to nurture precious scar tissue. But even with the necessary humility we gain, there comes a time when a writer wants to experience the role of an editor. Who are those eyes able to tell the reading public what constitutes publishable fiction? Why them? Out of this curiosity came the Colored Chalk zine. For each bi-monthly(ish) issue a single editor will nurture the zine from theme to content selection to layout and design. This approach promises to…