Me and My Muse
By
Heaven O’Shey
As a new author unsure of how to gain fans, I decided to turn loose my muse. It has yet to let me down.
My muse led me to allow readers of my blog who might be unfamiliar with me or my books to become acquainted with the culture of the bayous in South Louisiana. These bayous are not only my home, but the setting for my books.
By including my characters in my blog, and now even letting them write the posts, I have not only introduced them to readers, but also given readers a glimpse into the world in which these characters live inside my books.
For example, in a post about Mardi Gras, I included a brief history of the different way it is celebrated, and tied it into a blurb from one of my books. Also, I uploaded pictures of mannequins my mom and aunt dress up in Mardi Gras costumes. This gives readers a visual cue to remember the blog.
Another thing my characters do is post recipes from the bayou. This makes my characters and the bayou more real to the readers.
As I write more titles, my characters and the world they live in will become the focal point of my blog. By including my characters in my blog it becomes more memorable to my readers.
Heaven O'Shey
Follow me:
The World of Heaven O'Shey Learn all about Love's Bayou @ http://theworldofheavenoshey.blogspot.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/heavenoshey
https://twitter.com/#!/HeavenOShey
First of all, I will now be purchasing your books because I too write about the South and call New Orleans my second home. I visit my muse there 3 times a year. I live in Indiana, but my heart has always been drawn to the South. That's a wonderful idea about character blogs! I think I might try that. I'm going to check out your blog now for some of those recipes! Great information!!
ReplyDeletePauline,
DeleteIf you would like to try a certain recipe, just email at heavenoshey @gmail.com me, and if I have one I'll send it to you.
Next time you are in the area maybe we could meet for coffee.
Thanks for reading,
Heaven
Being where your from and setting your stories there, I think makes your books very unique. You may have your very own niche market.
ReplyDeleteJanice,
DeleteI just love the bayou it's like meditation for me. So I write what I know and hope others will enjoy.
Thanks for reading,
Heaven
Heaven, thank you so much for entering the contest! It is always a delight to see you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen, you are so sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteHeaven, as a new writer I understand trying to attract new fans also, but the ideas that you and your muse have come up with are priceless! I love the recipes and Mardi Gras costume. Thanks for allowing us a sneak peak at your muse.
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun read, Heaven. I like the recipe idea! Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDelete