Social Networking and the Internet Take Over the Old Fashioned Book Tour
Melinda Palacio -- October 18, 2009
Catherine Ryan Hyde has stepped up her production line. She had been accustomed to churning out one and a half adult books a year in the US. Her recent popularity in the UK has resulted in her productivity being contracted to one adult and one young adult book each year until 2012. These are the modern woes and joys of a working writer supporting herself by her pen. The extra responsibility means she must limit social visits. However, her revamped website and updates on social networking sites, such as twitter, facebook, and myspace, keep her in touch with fans, friends, and family.
Catherine Ryan Hyde with Ella
The busy author is able to communicate directly with her readers now that she is able to update her site herself and add news and photos on social networking sites. In turn, her readers know they can email her directly. "I used to be slow in putting up news because it costs hundreds of dollars to pay for an update," said Ryan Hyde who enjoys having more direct email contact with fans.
"As the author tour fades, publishing is getting smart. It's cheaper to spread the word online. People are always amazed they really have my email. I have a huge appreciation for readers who email me. Each reader is like my employer and occupies a high position."
The Cambria resident of 25 years has written over 15 books. Her most popular novel, Pay It Forward, celebrates its 10-year anniversary in print. A special reissue of the book will be available next year. For many years, she's promoted the Pay It Forward Foundation, but has had to let go of the many speaking engagements associated with the film's success. Her current emphasis is on writing new books and promoting them. Her wish is to see some of the people who are enthralled with the Pay It Forward phenomenom, read and enjoy one of her current books. Her most recent releases include Diary of a Witness (Knopf, August '09) and When I Found You (Transworld UK, September '09). Jumpstart the World is her forthcoming novel from Knopf, Fall 2010.
Literary success has its high class problems, such as carving away time to keep writing. Her popularity in the UK has also landed Love in the Present Tense on the Richard and Judy Book Club, a popular television show in the UK. Producing two books a year might sound somewhat intense to writers with day jobs. However, Catherine finds this schedule manageable. She's always had several projects going at once. In addition to her numerous novels, she is also a highly acclaimed and widely published short story writer. Ryan Hyde strikes an important balance between promoting her books, keeping in touch with friends and readers, and finding time for her favorite activity. "There's nothing I'd rather be doing than writing," said Catherine. "This is a hard business.