Book Blogger Retreat Ideas

[Trish Collins]

Okay people! I need your help.

I want to go full steam ahead on the book blogger retreat, but I need help! So I thought you could help me decide what it will be like.

It will be in Portland, Oregon on July 18th and 19th.

Saturday will most likely be 10-4, and Sunday will probably be from 10-2.

I'd like to have some authors come (I have a few in mind who live up in that area). I thought it would be fun just to have someone moderate a discussion, but mostly let the author talk and let the bloggers lead the direction of the discussion. Good idea? Bad idea?

I also thought I'd have some panel discussions, but I'm only anticipating 15-30 people showing up, so would that be weird having four people out of 15 doing most of the talking (worst case scenario)??

We'll have a meet and greet Friday evening, for those of us there early. We'll also do something Saturday evening, probably something with dinner/sight seeing/Powell's and other bookstores.

Okay, hit me with your ideas and any questions. I've kept my thoughts pretty bare bones so I'm sure you'll have questions!

[Teddy]

That's the weekend before my husband and I are going on vacation, but I think I can do it. Since it's about a 6 hour drive, I would come on the Friday.

I love the idea of authors and workshops. It really depends on how much the whole thing would cost.

A workshop of brainstorming blog ideas ex. tips and tricks would be good. Maybe one talking about review styles too?

Maybe we could have a little book trade as well.

My husband and stayed at a beautiful Victorian bed and breakfast in Portland. They are probably too small unless there are lass people than you are anticipating. They have 7 rooms which could sleep two each, however some of the rooms two peoploe would have to sleep in a queen or king size bed. LOL! They also have an apartment that they say will sleep six. They have a really nice sitting and lounge area where people could meet and of course a large dinning room. I'm just throwing it out there if we end up with a small group. http://www.lionrose.com/rooms.html.

Powells is a must.

[Paperback Traveler]

What about inviting blogging experts in addition to authors? People who could talk about improving blog writing, marketing, etc.

[Nicola O.]

Here's what I'd love to see at a book blogger's convention:

-panel of authors: How blogs influence an author's fan base; What do authors want to see on book blogs (besides glowing reviews, of course, heh); What about constructive critique/negative reviews? Is it true that "any publicity is good publicity? If an author comments on a blog post about their work, does that overly influence further conversation or future posts? is that OK?

-speaker who is a publisher or bookseller: how can bloggers partner with publishers? are there real sales implications? What do the trends predict?

-speaker who is a successful (monetized) blogger: tips, etc.

-maybe a workshop on customizing templates??

[Amy]

We need to get a session like that at BEA. Seriously.

[Maw Books]

BEA doesn't even have a category for bloggers to register under. Not a good sign.

[Amy]

Last year bloggers were admitted as press. I won't worry about it until they've opened registration. It wasn't obvious on the site last year (just a little note in the press registration area), and even though I had no problems registering and was accepted, I still had issues checking in onsite. I bought a breakfast and needed to pay, so I couldn't print off my badge from home. The woman helping me didn't even know what a blog was. (common thing I ran into while there) Thankfully, someone else knew what was going on! :)

The only reason I mention having such a session at BEA is that most important publishing people would be there. It would be a fantastic chance to have a meeting of the minds.

[Nicola O.]

Another thought-- these don't have to be panels, really, they could just be structured discussions. Though it would probably help to have at least 1 person there that knows what they're talking about.

[Trish Collins]

Good idea! You've given me some great things to think about!!

[Florinda]

I'm glad you've got a date and location lined up, but BUMMED because now I know for sure I won't be able to go! I am already going to the BlogHer'09 conference in Chicago, which is being held the weekend after this, and I know that neither time nor money will allow for two consecutive weekends out of town this year.

However, I am proposing a side session for Book Bloggers at BlogHer'09, and if it makes the cut I may see if I can borrow some of the ideas here for that, if that's OK :-).

I really wish I could go to both, but I figured that wasn't too likely. I hope I'll still be able to meet some of y'all at the Festival of Books in LA in April, though!

[Shelly Burns]

Portland is far for me, but I would love to put the people with the blogs, so to speak. Sounds like a great plan, and if I start saving now, I may be able to swing it.

[Wendi Barker]

This sounds like a lot of fun! I can't commit to being there now, but it would only take me about 3 hours to drive down to Portland for the day.

:) Great idea!!

[Nicola O.]

Wendi, one word: CARPOOL!