By Tammy Karasek @tickledpinktam

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference has grown again! First we added a new Podcast with it’s own spot on our website and a Facebook Group. Next came the option to join us for the November conference virtually. Exciting times for sure. 

But now, our shirt buttons are about to pop as we’ve introduced you to our newest addition to the BRMCWC options. It’s our:

BLUE RIDGE READER CONNECTIONS

This brand new program is the spot for readers and authors to connect in many ways. This is a no-fee program for readers and a small fee-based program for authors. The purpose is to help readers and book clubs take their reading experience to another level. We want you to be able to connect with an author in our program and be able to interact with them. 

You may be asking, “How will they do that?” 

For readers, here are a few items we have planned so far:

• Each month, we will showcase several authors in our Facebook group by putting them on the hot seat and letting you ask the questions, authors in turn will pop in throughout the day to answer them. 
• Facebook Live sessions where authors will share with you what’s going on in their writing world.
• Surprise giveaways from authors who choose to participate.
• Authors may look for new members for their launch teams in this group.
• Book clubs can ask authors for Face time events in their meeting night.
• Authors will pop in to the BRRC page often so you can get to know them more than their Bio on the back of the book.
• Authors may be able to help with resources for your book club like giving you discussion questions, etc. 
• You’ll have access to other readers on new books or new authors to read.
• Also, access to book clubs to ask how to start your own book club. 
• Authors will be listed alphabetically so you’ll be able to click on their section and then also the links to purchase their newest book.

For authors, we want to assist you in connecting with your readers and new readers, too. Here are a few items we have planned so far:

• Advertise up to three books on our website.
• Spotlight on one of your choice.
• Buy links (up to 12). 
• One to two BRRC Facebook Live or Zoom scheduled events.
• One book trailer or video.
• Your book club resources for the BRRC readers. 
• A link on your author page on BRRC for your newsletter or blog signup. 
• Link to your website. 
• For new authors, access to marketing expertise from our seasoned authors and industry professionals who may pop in from time to time. 
• Access to book reviewers on the BRRC website resource page.
• Quarterly author panel scheduled events.
• Access to participate in reader-focused blogs
• Ability to participate in quarterly author group giveaways. 
• BRRC assistance to help you promote your books on the BRRC Facebook group. 

We have more in store and can’t wait to share this will all of you. 

For further questions, feel free to email: brreaderconnections@gmail. One of the Co-Coordinators will get back to you promptly. They are:

• Darlene L. Turner
• Debb Hackett
• Heather Kreke

To join the BRRC Facebook group, here’s that link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/976784509418456

You’ll find Tammy using humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a Tickled Pink life as she believes there is always a giggle wanting to come out! All because of HIM.

She’s the Social Media Coordinator for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Past-President and current member of Word Weavers Upstate SC and Past-President of Cross N Pens Writers Group. President of ACFW Upstate SC and a member of My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. A writing team member for The Write Conversation, contributor for the Learn How to Write a Novel Blog and others. Published in the Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments.

She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Larry, for 39 years, a mom to their grown daughter, Kristen, and wrapped around the paw of a little dog named Hattie. Born and raised in Ohio, she now lives in South Carolina. Connect with Tammy at https://tammykarasek.com.