My Second Life

To the real, everyday world I’m known as Angela Henry, or Angie to my nearest and dearest. But I have another life, a virtual life . . .a Second Life. In this virtual world, I go by the name of Rachel Silverstar, which despite what a friend once told me, does NOT sound like a porn star name. But, I digress. I joined Second Life about a year ago. And let me tell you, it’s a fascinating place.

In Second Life, you can look any way you want, dress any way you want, be anyone you want. Second Life is not a game. It’s a virtual community where you can interact with people all over the world, work, own property, attend classes, and even make money. Major companies, colleges and universities, libraries, and bookstores have opened branches in Second Life. There’s even a museum called the Second Louvre for those who can’t make it to the real one and the show CSI: New York even devoted an entire episode to Second Life. And I’m happy to see that publishers and authors are now getting into the act.

Authors and publishers are holding virtual book events in Second Life. Authors are opening their own bookstores where they are promoting and reading from their work, and providing links to purchase copies or ebook downloads. When my fourth book comes out next year, I’m hoping to do a virtual book launch in Second Life. There is even a Second Life Cable Network with shows that feature authors. I urge anyone who is even remotely curious, or authors looking for new avenues to promote their books, to check it out. It’s free to create an avatar and join, though buying property, and some of the more advanced features, costs money. Here are a couple of events you may want to attend. Who knows, you might see me there!

ALA-the American Library Association, is hosting events in Second Life all this week to celebrate National Library Week.

The 2nd Annual Second Life Book Fair will take place April 25th – 27th.

Later!
Angela