Carly: I rarely buy hardcover - mostly because of the price and space. If I buy hardcovers, I have to leave behind several other book I would really like to read. Also hardcovers don’t fit on the shelf with paperbacks and I also hate those new “tall” paperbacks for the same reason. However if the series is really good, I might buy the hardcover. But it would have to be something like the last Harry Potter book.

I’m probably not a good person to comment on trailers and teasers as I usually focus on the technology used to produce them than their actual content (In real life I’m even nerdier than most of the nerds in VLT’s books ). Leslie’s trailer is better than most I’ve seen, but I can’t help but wonder what you could create if you threw some serious reasources at it. Though I wonder if that wouldn’t price it beyond the reach of the average author, since I doubt that the publishers would subsidize the cost.

Leslie: I buy books based mainly on the author or publisher/line (and you and the rest of the Plot Monkeys are at the top of the list ). While occasionally I’ll pick up a book based on its cover and title, it’s more likely to happen if I don’t have a lot of other books in the pile. When I buy a huge pile, those books tend to saved for my next trip to the store. Also, I try not to read the back cover too much as I want to be surprised by the story.

Julie: Hmm…Your contest sounds interesting and I might submit a story or two just to get the feedback on my writing. I’d love to learn more about the craft of writing, especially as I have a someone unique view point when comared to the average reader.

Take care…………Wayne

Leslie - A little bit of everything - blurbs and excerpts definitely help, loyalty for sure - if I’ve read other things an author has written and enjoyed them I tend to remember the name and will either seek them out or quickly check them out if I see a new one in the bookstore - plot for sure - I tend to shy away from historical romances but also find that the plot really has to hook me if it’s cowboy or a single Mom/Dad story - not sure why, just not my thing. I’m also shying away from the Desire line these days - dunno, just seems to be overly successful men towering over submissive women type (maybe I’m wrong…just seems to be the case for the ones my friends exchange with me) And, I also find loyalty in series/linked novels and the Blaze line (sure do miss the Temptation line…

Julie - I’m very interested in craft stories/sessions. How to, How not to, tips, tricks, personal experiences, everything. I’d really like some suggestions on how to find time to write, be a good wife and parent while working full-time. I’d really, really like to write full-time but unfortunately my current job pays better…

LK: I always buy by author or a friend’s recommendation (but do read the excerpts on the author’s site, the selection of which I think is very important–my opinion, a romantic scene works very well with me). I always buy new PBs by a fave author, unless she moves to a different genre which I don’t enjoy. (Even then, I’ll usually try the first one.) For the most part, I don’t even participate in contests, wanting to support an author’s sales so she’ll continue to write. I’m not fond of TPs, because of space & I feel robbed by the price, & never will buy another Brava due to an anthology that had one character call another “retard”.

JEL: While I’m not a writer, I love to read the way books are constructed, so, would read your “writer’s advice” Q&As if you go in that direction. Frankly, nothing ever bores me on this site–it’s lots of fun.

JD: Have a great time with your hero of 20 years!

Patricia A.

Leslie - excerpts (especially the extra ones here on the plotmonkey blog), book trailers, contest,

Julie - I love the idea of crafting with the plotmonkeys.

It is so wonderful of all of you to put so much thought & effort into really helping us with these answers. So here’s to all of YOU! :cocktail:

Leslie: I’m a mixed bag. If there’s a writer who I follow religiously (and there are many!) I know when their next book is coming out either from e-mail alerts from the author or bn.com. Even if they are trying something new, etc. Once that Tuesday comes or within that weekend, I rush out and get it. Of course, more often than not the UPS man has already dropped it off since I preordered it. This is why there is no end in sight to my TBR pile. However, I’ve discovered some great new writers through blogs - either theirs or through guest blogs, reviews, excerpts and contests.

Julie: Would love to see tips, etc. on writing. I’ve heard wonderful things about the TARA contest and your chapter down in Fl. Looking forward to entering.

Happy weekend!