About 15 writers associated with the WG2E Street Team are getting ready for a group book launch Aug. 15-18. I could say the Beach Book Blast launch is an event. Really, at times, it seems more like a circus. And I’m not even the ringleader!
We’re going to have different giveaways (including a Kindle Fire), a Facebook party, blog posts, tweets, and lots more. All the planning and prep work that goes into the event is keeping my email inbox ablaze and creating a unique virtual group dynamic where authors, even some not actively launching a book, are teaming together.
Being part of such a supportive, willing, and capable group amazes me and gets me thinking about what I need to do to be a good team member.
-Be willing to help by jumping in, voicing skills, and volunteering. With a group event like the book launch, where so many different aspects come together, there’s always space for volunteers and a place where a writer’s unique skills will come in handy, either during preparations leading to the event, during the event itself, or both.
-Think outside the box. Fresh ideas for the events can make a huge difference in the event’s success. With this upcoming event, I’m grateful for authors who have voiced new ideas and expanded the event’s scope. They’re leading the way and teaching me new approaches of interacting with readers.
-Don’t be afraid to respectfully voice different opinions. And don’t be offended if someone disagrees with your opinion.Sometimes with group events, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or overlook an important aspect of the event.Sometimes it’s difficult to keep an open mind. But when someone respectfully voices a different opinion, I find myself respecting them, even when their opinion differs from mine. I’m appreciative of their willingness to communicate their thoughts.
-Learn as you go. This will be my second time participating in a writers’ online group event. With each new group project, I’m learning more about how to be a better participant and getting ideas for future events. I suspect and hope I’ll always be learning from my fellow writers.
Your turn, WG2E-land! Do you have any good group event experiences? What makes a good team member?
The Best of WG2E Street Team and Beach Book Blast Wishes — Tamara Ward
Good morning, Tamara,
I wish I did. I’ve never done a blog tour or anything else. So I’ll jump in and help in any way I can. I don’t mind being a gofer.
My fingers are at the ready and my blog is free for anyone who wants to do a post on there. I have a good group of commenters who are awesome when asked for support.
Hi, CC! Your blog is a fun place to be with great posts. So it’s no wonder you’ve got good commenters! Thanks!
I love our group. I’m blessed to have found all of you and I will do whatever I can to help out. I appreciate all the support you all have given me and all the answers to my questions. You guys seriously rock!
Hi, Rhonda! We’re blessed to have you in the group! And you’re one of the fantastic group members I was thinking about when I wrote this blog, supporting the book launch even though your upcoming release isn’t in it. You rock!
I’ve been part of the Anthology group and have found it great to be involoved. It has been good because we all listen to one anothers opinions, coming up with ideas for titles and tag lines. Can’t wait for it to become a reality and I see the finished product in my hand.
I couldn’t agree more, Julie! Exciting times – and fun times. And phew! My inbox is hopping. It is neat the way we work together and truly make group decisions. So democratic! Which, I think, is a good thing.
I’m part of a writer’s group that actively promotes its members. I don’t know what I’d do without it.
Thanks for the fab tips on how to be a great team member!
Thanks, Riley! It’s an amazing feeling, asking for support or help and actually getting it… and being able to provide help in return.
Great post, Tamara!
Gotta say, your keen intelligence, type A effectiveness, and generous friendship makes the WG2E street team super wonderful!
Aw, shucks, Alicia. I don’t know about all that. You’re the brains who started it all, and I think you make the team wonderful.
Quality people working together create a synergy that exceeds the sum of their individual contributions. The Street Team is everything one could wish for in that regard.
You bet, Dale! I’m looking forward to reading your new book as part of the release party fiesta.
What you’ve said here is sooo important, Tamara, and thanks so very much for sharing with us!
Another thing to consider is that you also have to be strong enough that when a group you’re in is not working for you, you’ve got to run not walk away from it. Nothing good comes from being part of something that doesn’t nurture you and your journey.
That’s one of the toughest lessons you learn in the writing world. And it takes a lot of guts to act on. BUT…you’ll be sooo glad that you did.
And when you’ve found a group/team that is right for you (like we’ve done here at The WG2E), it’s golden for both you and your muses and your overall Indie Epublishing journey too!
Thanks, D.D. Well said.
You are lucky to be a part of a great group. I’ve hopped in and out of some but haven’t been able to find a permanent home yet.
Have you tried the WG2E Street team? We’re an enthusiastic group of writers of all genres, and we truly help each other out, whether it’s with advice (when requested) or promotion.
I am a member of a couple of Yahoo loops, one for Indie Romance and one for Marketing. The marketing loop has offered so much great information. They held an email summer camp that covered different marketing topics. It was a lot of fun and I have a lot of notes and handouts saved from that group.
I’m also a member of a Facebook group for indie writers. We have great discussions and I found two beta readers on that group. They allow promotion on Fridays, and I’ve noticed that instead of promoting THIER OWN work, a lot of members are promoting others – cover designers, formatters, editors, other books they’ve enjoyed. The moderators are firm, but it’s still fun and interesting to be a part of that group.
The Street Team and now the Beach Book Blast is the first time I’ve participated in a group event. I jumped right into the Street Team and saw the post and said, why not? And I was BLOWN AWAY by everyone involved. To me what makes a good team member is exactly what the Street Team and BBB team are doing – welcoming a newcomer, answering questions, working together in a positive way. I am really looking forward to next week!
There is no way I would be able to pull off a launch event like this on my own. I am thankful for all of you.
We’re thankful for you, too, Christina! It is wonderful when people promote other people’s work that they believe in – that sends a very powerful message.
Couldn’t agree with you all more:) “And when you’ve found a group/team that is right for you (like we’ve done here at The WG2E), it’s golden for both you and your muses and your overall Indie Epublishing journey too!” Love this team- thanks DD and Tamara:)
Hi, Lois! I get a lot out of your posts and enjoy them a lot. Glad you’re a part of the WG2E.