Interview: Samantha Lien -

Samantha Lien is owner of Roger Charlie, a company that specializes in publicity and management for creative professionals - particularly authors, musicians and small businesses. Through her years of experience in marketing and management for a variety of industries, she has curated an abundant network of contacts in the music and literary world, and loves working to support those who value a more personal approach through communications so that they can stay focused on their craft. She’d love to hear from you, and invites you to be in touch directly through email (sam@rogercharlie.com) or via any of her social media platforms (available on her website).

1.  What do you find yourself rambling about?

Oh, I laugh because anywhere I go - whether it be dinner with friends, a business lunch or a night out on the town, or conversation always wraps back around to entertainment; the best new book, movie, album, celebrity. You name it, and I tend to somehow always direct the conversation there. That’s how I really knew I wanted to pursue my own company to focus on what I do - it just flows right into everyday life, and so I really enjoy it!

I also really love chatting about travel. I have a rolling list of states that I cross off, and aim to hit at least 3 new ones each year.  I just visited Texas for the first time for my birthday, and am going to Kentucky for the Derby in May. I still need to come up with a 3rd for 2015!

2.  What do you love about working with authors/publicists/publishing companies?

I have a Masters of Business and Entertainment Management from the University of Colorado - Denver, and as I went through the program, I found it so neat that there was finally a way to meld the two together.  All business is hard work, but when you enter a creative field like literary, music or the arts, it takes that to a whole new level! Everyone is so passionate and dedicated to a great outcome for all parties  involved, and I really admire the drive and tenacity of everyone putting forth 100% in that team effort.

3.  What do you love about working with bloggers?

You are all the best! Believe it or not, my first introduction to the literary world was BEA in New York City in 2011, so I got to connect with some of the most well-known bloggers all over the country right off the bat.  For me, I love that it’s like having an extended network of friends that always want to talk about the next good book, and again, it goes back to the passion of those in the industry. You do this all because you love it, and that drives me to keep great content coming! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a rough day, and a blogger has sent over a random e-mail just to say ‘hi,’ or update me on a book they enjoyed, and it totally makes my day!

4.  What do you read?  Favorite genres/books?

I’m all over the place, really, and if I really enjoy an author, I’ll stick with them through thick and thin. I’m so guilty of reading 5 books at one time, mostly because if I’m not grabbed within the first 35-40 pages, then I tend to be pretty slow to start.  I’m either a binge reader in one sitting, or take months to finish something.

If I really enjoy an author, I’ll stick with them through thick and thin, and usually tend to bust through a book in one sitting. I love mysteries, which I think goes back to my days of Encyclopedia Brown and the original Nancy Drew novels with my mom growing up.

I’m also a sucker for a good comedic romance (like One Day or Bridget Jones’s Diary), love some of the classics (The Great Gatsby, Slaughterhouse-Five) or a book written from a really unique standpoint. About 10 years ago, I read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and just recently saw that it had been made into a play in NYC while I was there on my honeymoon in December. I wish I would have had time to see it and the creativity behind making that into a live performance!

Really though, my absolute favorite would have to be a great memoir (usually celebrity) or self-help that has a humorous approach, as I’m big on self-improvement. Steve Martin’s biography is still one of the funniest books I’ve ever read - but I am also a crazy huge fan of his!

5.  What are you most excited for this new endeavor?

I’m really looking forward to expanding into new territories and keeping the creative juices flowing on new ideas and approaches to market individuals and small businesses! There really is no magic formula in publicity, and so I love the constant learning and brainstorming it takes to create a successful result. It’s so fun to work with authors, musicians and small business owners who think the same way, and I can’t wait to see what develops in 2015!

Thank you for the interview, Kristin! :)