Meet Readers Face-to-Face By Writing in a Cafe
Working in a cafe with a sign inviting readers to come and say hello might not be everybody's cup of tea but I find it's a meaningful way of getting in touch with what being an author is all about.
I found myself home alone, day after day, writing books to be sold online to people I would, at most, thank for an online review but would probably never hear from at all. I found myself feeling more like a book machine than a person.
Then, I had an idea. I enjoy working in cafes - the cakes, the chocolate milkshakes, the sense that I'm a real member of society ... So, why not use it to meet readers?
My method is simple - a hand made sign blu-taced to the back of my laptop screen saying the words, 'If you're interested in my books come and say hello. Rosen Trevithick.'
I'll be honest with you, at first, I felt like a pillock. There I was, with a sign inviting people over, yet every bit as alone as I was in my own flat, only with a big sign announcing my loneliness to the world.
But then the people started to come over - children, students, couples ... Every time someone does this, I get to meet a real potential reader, or in the case of some who look me up before coming over, actual readers who've been sitting in the same coffee shop as me, reading one of my books.
It doesn't happen every time I go to a cafe, but it does happen. On one particular afternoon, I talked to seven people. My favourite moment was when a little boy came up to me with the torn corner of an envelope and asked for my autograph to put on his bedroom wall.
Some people want to talk about my work, some want to talk about writing and others want to tell me a little about their lives. I keep a note of their names in case our paths cross again.
The fact that this approach sells books has not escaped my attention. Although the royalties by no means cover the cost of the snacks I gobble in the process. Let's hope some of my new conversation buddies mention me to others.
If you can overcome the initial un-Britishness of it all, then I really recommend giving this experience a go.
Some tips:
- always check with the staff
- go somewhere busy
- take the attitude that you're there to write and anybody approaches, it's a bonus
- don't give up if it's not immediately effective
- work alone
- wear something casual and don't overdo the hair and makeup
- take bookmarks along to give to interest parties
Perhaps, meeting people in cafes won't lead to fame and fortune but it's a wonderful reminder that being an author is about connecting with real people and becoming a small part of their lives, not just bashing out books and hitting the 'publish' key.
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