Publication - TV Interviews Demeanor

7 January 2012, Publication - TV Interviews Demeanor

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  Book signings.
14.  Book trailers
15.  ...

You can be interviewed for print media, for radio, for TV, on blogs, Internet general, character interviews, trailers just to name a few. 

Television is a visual media and much media is moving toward the visual arena (look a U-Tube, book trailers, etc.).  More important than dress (I can dress up anyone to look good--just look at mass murderers during their trial) is demeanor, that is, how you present yourself.  Of course, dress is an important part of this, but it is only a small part.  You've noted people in shirt sleeves who with a single word took over the attention of a room.  You've likely also noted a well dressed and handsome person who shut down a conversation the moment they opened their mouth.  My intent isn't to make you into something or someone you aren't, but rather to accentuate your positives and skills.  Additionally, you might want to change some bad or adverse habits to become a more personable person.

What is a personable person with a good demeanor.  That is a person who has a pleasant appearance.  Dress, hygiene, fitness, all these play into a pleasant appearance.  You need to have an engaging smile and personality.  Practice smiling.  Have an upbeat attitude.  Don't interrupt too much (a little interruption is okay, but a person who constantly interrupts is a bore).  Don't hog conversations.  Be engaging.  Introduce yourself to others.  Speak to people you don't know.  Have a grasp of the important. 

I'll discuss things to be cautious of in interviews and conversations, tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

A New Novel, Part 166 Let Me Contemplate Herr von Taaffe's Proposal

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.



Ernst proposed to Aksinya during the New Years.  She has not made a decision and will not announce any decision until the next Monday.  She is returning with Natalya and the Bockmanns to Wein...

During the entire return trip, Aunt Brunhilda tried to get Aksinya to talk about Ernst and his proposal, but Aksinya would not say a word. She slouched in the corner of the coupe and read her German novel. As they neared the city, Aksinya sat up, “Aunt Brunhilda, Uncle, I would like to return to my house tonight. Please, take us there.”


“Tonight,” Aunt Brunhilda complained, “But we have dinner waiting.”

“I’ve eaten and drunk too much as it is these last few days. I would like to return to my house. I shall take my dinner at Sacré Coeur, that is, if I feel dinner is necessary.”

“Really, Countess.”

“I would like time to privately contemplate Herr von Taaffe’s proposal.”

“Oh, I see,” Aunt Brunhilda raised her head and gave a thoughtful look. “I certainly think that is a good idea. Would you like you to discuss your decision with us…?”

Aksinya turned her head toward the door. She would not respond to a single question her aunt asked after that. Eventually, Aunt Brunhilda gave up.

The Freiherr and Freifrau let Aksinya and Natalya off in front of the house across from Sacré Coeur. Sister Margarethe and the two novice sisters greeted them at the door. Aksinya and Natalya ate a light supper in Aksinya’s sitting room and had a late tea. They both studied until it was time for bed.

Aksinya may be the most private persons in her world.  She is secretive.  She is private.  She doesn't share with anyone, anything--except Natalya (and then when she is drunk).  She will not talk to her aunt about Ernst or his proposal.  We know that Aksinya is not in love with Ernst.  Perhaps she is in lust or at least has some desire for him, but even that is in question.
 
Aksinya doesn't want to be badgered anymore and she tells her aunt and uncle to take her home.  Aksinya and her aunt share some conversation, but Aksinya clinches her argument when she tells her aunt that she would like to privately contemplate Ernst's proposal.  This gets an immediate thumbs up.
 
We have a short transition, and they both prepare for the next school day.  They are preparing for their first day of return to school after the holidays.  So we are none the wiser about Aksinya's thoughts and her intentions.  She isn't sharing with anyone, and that means us too.  This is the concept of not telling your readers anything more than your characters already know or learn.
 
The other big question is about Natalya.  I want to point out some important concepts in character development.  Each of the main characters in the novel have been revealed significantly through the work.  I don't mean that their characters or personalities were hidden, but rather that the novel has been a constant revelation of their characters.  Many writers give you a simple introduction to a character and that's it.  You can see my emphasis is on the development of the characters and your knowledge of them.  You learn about them gradually, but yet you know them from the beginning.  They don't change, but your knowledge of them improves.  This is the way real life is. You are introduced to a person, but only through conversation and observation do you really come to understand them--or not.  Natalya's motivations are critical to this novel.  You will soon see how important they are and how they play out.  Tomorrow, back to school.