tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824466663015731028.post5899601566820311845..comments2024-03-01T00:32:17.498-05:00Comments on Read Write Believe: The Conversation Continues: Kidlit Bloggers Conference 2009 #kidlitconSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12225998457253574928noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824466663015731028.post-29718877311874691502009-10-22T13:29:15.379-04:002009-10-22T13:29:15.379-04:00Sara, I think I thanked you on the facebook link f...Sara, I think I thanked you on the facebook link for this, but I returned here after Jama's report and got even more on a second reading. So thank you again! So much to think about!<br /><br />And it sounds like it was a fun time, too.Jeannine Atkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10136763515106821320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824466663015731028.post-65027911530493877172009-10-22T00:52:10.622-04:002009-10-22T00:52:10.622-04:00I think you raise a great point, Sara, that even t...I think you raise a great point, Sara, that even though kids don't really read blogs, they can stumble into your blog or site any time - either accidentally or as part of a project. It's key to make sure you have something for them when they get to you.<br /><br />I also agree that being authentic is key... and that your readers may, indeed, extend way beyond what you plan for. Waaaay beyond at times!<br /><br />Great to see you on the eastern seaboard for a change... and will see you in cyberspace until the next time!Greg Pincushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00449684160718426340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824466663015731028.post-79788297505910156082009-10-20T13:27:11.372-04:002009-10-20T13:27:11.372-04:00Madelyn, thanks for the feedback on the panel...an...Madelyn, thanks for the feedback on the panel...and the use of the term "one limb of the cyber you." I'm going to steal that! Good rambling thinking, too. I like hearing your process as you figure it out.<br /><br />Adrienne, that is hard to believe about the distinguished Mr. Scieska! Hee, hee. I love your point about blog information giving librarians, parents, etc. a connection to the author. I'd never really thought of it in that particular way. Cool.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12225998457253574928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824466663015731028.post-70323720092225345312009-10-19T16:14:00.744-04:002009-10-19T16:14:00.744-04:00First, I wish I'd been there.
Second, regard...First, I wish I'd been there. <br /><br />Second, regarding Madelyn's question, I think librarians (and probably teachers?) are also reading author blogs, even if they aren't commenting, and we're definitely in the business of talking to kids about books, so I think you reach your books' target audience indirectly that way. When I am recommending books and booktalking, I often throw in bits and pieces I know about an author--things I've read on their blogs or in interviews. Parents are usually more interested than kids in that kind of thing, but often you have to sell the parent on a book. (For instance, when parents are nervous about their kids reading Jon Scieszka's books (I know, I know, but some are), I always tell them that he was an elementary school teacher for many years before he became an author. This always calms them down.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824466663015731028.post-159509247959769372009-10-19T13:03:22.060-04:002009-10-19T13:03:22.060-04:00(Argh. Just wrote a lengthy response to this and d...(Argh. Just wrote a lengthy response to this and deleted it by mistake. Will try to remember what I wrote.)<br /><br />First, Sara, it was a great panel, fiery and full of life and DIFFERENCES, which really brought home how much a blog reflects (or should reflect) you.<br /><br />I think I came to a similar conclusion to Sara's answer after listening to her panel and others during the day. Content will drive your visitors. Many of us are interested in talking about writing and the writing process, which means our readers are going to be other writers. Not a problem!<br /><br />When I see the sites that really attract kids, they are just that -- sites and not blogs -- so I'm assuming Sara is dead on there as well. <br /><br />And, riffing off of what Sara and others (Pam? Greg?) said about your presence on the web being your home online, I'm now starting to think about it like this: If your web site is your couch or your avocado refrigerator (Coke Zero, anyone?) than your blog is the conversation you have there. Which brings into question: while you'll build up a loyal audience, is there anything to say that the conversation or visitors can't change from time to time? For instance: Could you write on your web site (or living room wall) that you want to hear from teen-agers about XX on the last Thursday of the month? Would you hear from them? Would you hear crickets? <br /><br />You want to bring young readers and their parents to your book, but does that necessarily mean that you have to bring them to your blog to do that? I'm thinking not, especially if it's just one limb of the cyber you.<br /><br />Okay, this isn't nearly as well thought out as I wanted it to be (if my personality is scattered I'm afraid that means my blog and blog-of-the-future will be, too. Is that a death knell?) But I'm pausing. I do want to add, though, that the conference gave me lots to think about and some things are starting to gel. Thanks Sara, Pam and everyone who was part of the collective brain.Madelynhttp://madelynruth.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com