Let's Talk Steamy Werewolf Romance with Blaise Ramsay
So far this year, we have had the chance to speak with several independent authors from across the various genres and get their perspectives on what it's like to be an author in today's digital world. Each has had their own tactics to get their work in front of new readers, both online & in person. However, Blaise Ramsay was the first that we have talked to who went all the way into the deep end of the pool & setup her own publishing company in order to release her books.
After some bad experiences trying to go the traditional route of finding an established publisher to do the heavy lifting on her behalf, Blaise decided that the person best suited to promote her work was her. So, she opened FyreSyde Publishing & used that to put her work out into the world. She also realized that there are other independent authors out there who were in similar situations to the one she had been in & felt compelled to do something for them, too. Using the platform that FyreSyde provides her, Blaise interviews & promotes other authors that she knows (& some who she represents as their publisher). She provides an opportunity for authors to have their work be seen in the way that they want to be represented.
It is interesting, then, that with such a passion to get her work & the work of other independent authors out to the public, that her opinion on social media is almost nonexistent. With Dallas Geek relying on a strong digital presence to get our work out, this seemed a completely foreign concept to me. When we talked about it, though, she said that she "budgets for social media, [but she] invests in live events." And it makes sense. Many authors that we've spoken to have said that social media & the short form content that tends to prevail on it doesn't always lend to an easy way to explain the kinds of literature that they create. As such, Blaise has doubled down on her personable nature & actively pursues the opportunity to meet with as many people as she can. She understands that, like with her reasoning for publishing own work, she can best explain the stories that she creates. And just watching her interact with people that came by her table, it shows. She understands how to connect with people on a personal level & feel out the aspects of her books that will connect with that person the best.
While she is still early on in her publishing career, she has clearly carved out her niche & knows how to work it. I am intrigued to see what is in store for her future & definitely recommend that you find her at her next appearance. She may just show you a book you'll enjoy!