[Featured Author - Carole Matthews]

I completely agree with your comments with regard to second-hand books. The Oxfam stores in particular look like 'proper' book shops, and charge far more than I expected. Also, with regard to libraries, our local Library is due to close after being around more years than me - I have to believe that the availability and cost of second-hand books is a factor...among others.

 

I only buy second hand books if the book I want is no longer in print. My friend opened an independent book shop in 2005 (taking a huge risk) and finds it very difficult to compete with both large book chain and second hand book-sellers. She has attracted a lot of local authors to do signings, which gets people through the doors, but obviously the 'big names' aren't interested. I hope that her shop doesn't become another statistic...

 

I don't think that buyers necessarily think that they are doing damage to the book sellers who can't afford to absorb losses and to the writers - they are just delighted to get a bargain!

 

Kerri

[Featured Author - Carole Matthews]

Hi Carole

 

You've already been kind enough to answer my questions, but someone suggested I should ask you if you had any advice on giving radio interviews.

 

I have been offered my first live radio interview tomorrow and I am incredibly nervous - I am worried that I have nothing interesting to say, and that I'll clam up live on air. Or even worse, that I'll muddle my words up or sound stupid.

 

Do you have any tried and tested tips for me, please (am down on my knees holding hands in a pleading manner)?

 

Thanks, Kerri

[Bookmarks or turned down pages or...?]

The book thongs are really pretty and unusual, and are meant to be used like traditional bookmarks. The only drawback I can see is if you have a book with large dimensions, as the beads would get caught up in the pages...

 

Kerri

[Bookmarks or turned down pages or...?]

I usually use anything that's lying around (often a used bus ticket). However, my friend owns a bookshop and was given a sample of something called a 'book thong'. She gave it to me. It's an alternative to a book mark: a thin string with beads on either end - I wouldn't have bought one, but do like it.

 

Kerri

[Featured Author - Carole Matthews]

Hi Carole

 

Nice to 'meet' you.

 

I have two questions for you, one from as a reader, and one as a writer:

 

Firstly, when you write your books, do you ever find your storylines going off on a tangent that you had never considered when you started the book?

 

Secondly, have you ever had to be your own publicist? My first book is due out soon - I'm very shy and finding it hard to promote myself. I'm interested in a successful author's experience of book promotion.

 

Thanks in advance, and please keep writing!

 

Take care,

Kerri (writing as Holly A Harvey)