By Eva Maria Hamilton
Looking for a fun way to engage with your readers? If you have a
book that relates to a movie (for example, retelling a fairytale, a period
specific novel, or even a character based on an actor/actress) consider hosting
a movie night.
For my Jane Austen Colouring & Activity Book Series, I hosted
my first movie night watching Emma. It was such a blast; I’m doing it again on
Thursday, July 12, 2018 with my latest book, Jane Austen’s Persuasion Colouring
& Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1897. I invite you to come by
to see how I run my movie nights. Although, I will attempt to outline them here
to give you an idea of how it all comes together.
First, pick the night. This year, I chose a Thursday. Close to the
weekend, hopefully people don’t have social engagements. I also chose a date
where my book is available for pre-order, and will soon be available for sale.
Another big piece is choosing the movie. For me, I’m of course
playing Persuasion, but I do have to choose between the many different
versions. Things to consider: length (2hrs vs 4), popularity (will people want
to re-watch it?), rating (PG vs R), availability (is it on Netflix?), etc.
Once you have all your data, create an Event in Facebook where you
will host your evening by creating new posts and chatting in the comments.
Now, it’s time to get the word out. Consider social media posts
across all your platforms, and every other relevant place, such as blogs, like
this awesome one! I also personally invite people. Facebook has a limit on
invitations, so carefully consider who you send them to. I also tell people
there will be giveaways. You can guess they’re free advance copies of my book.
And as the day draws near, I do a countdown.
When the night arrives, have everything ready to go, such as the
movie (which you may wish to pre-watch so you have pre-drafted comments and
questions to keep the discussion lively). A time schedule for giveaways. Note:
If you want to drive people to your newsletter, or some other place, remember
to pin your most important post to the top of the Facebook event page. Also, make
sure everything is recharged and your area is distraction free. Your guests may
come and go as they please, but as the host, its showtime.
Welcome everyone, and begin the movie at the scheduled time.
One key piece of advice, tell people to like or comment on a post
to be entered into the draws or else you won’t know they’re there! You could
have a dozen people commenting, and think they’re the only ones who showed up,
when in fact a hundred people have stopped by.
As you award prizes, either get their addresses then or set aside
time after the movie.
Outside of the Facebook event, keep posting on social media about
your movie night, and send reminders to people who said they’d come but didn’t
show up.
And most importantly, Have Fun! That’s the point.
At the end, thank everyone for coming and repeat any essential
take-away information. For instance, details pertaining to your book’s release.
When it comes time to mail books to the winners, I add in a letter
thanking them again and asking them to review the book.
I hope this inspires you.
See you at Persuasion Movie Night!
Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/190304411678029/
And maybe I’ll be attending one of your movie nights soon!
I love a good movie!
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Eva Maria Hamilton spent years studying people from all different areas of
academia and brings that understanding of the human condition into each of her
written pieces. An advocate for lifelong learning, Eva Maria Hamilton studied
in both Canada and the United States, earning a diploma in Human Resources
Management, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, an Honors Bachelor of Arts
Degree in History, and a Master of Science in Education. She home schools her
two daughters, and their collie, while acting as Chief Strategy Officer in her
Co-founded business, Test Launcher. Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love
Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts,
won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the
Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence
Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013
Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Eva Maria Hamilton is also the owner of Lilac
Lane Publishing, which is currently publishing a series of Jane Austen
Colouring & Activity Books. To discover the other stories she has published, or soon will,
please connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online by visiting her at www.EvaMariaHamilton.com or www.LilacLanePublishing.com
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