cj Sez: What follows is a stream of consciousness post about how to
Support Your Local Writers, whether you’re a writer or a reader.
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| From my Facebook page |
If you’re a writer . . .
If
you have your own blog, invite guest bloggers. Lyrical Pens does do
that, though we haven’t been graced with a guest for a few weeks. (Time to send out some more invitations.) When you have a guest, send out “Coming
Attractions” promotions on Facebook, Twitter, et al. Be sure to give your guest
bloggers space to say something about their own books.
Join a critique group and be willing to give your
fellow authors’ work a fair critique. Be kind but be honest.
If a writer-friend wants to just sit
and talk, grab a chair and listen. Writing is a lonely occupation, and most other people don't
understand.
Encourage each other. Writing is not a
competition; everyone can be successful.
If you’re a yet-to-be-published
writer and don’t have a business card, get one. Hand it out to agents, workshop instructors, fellow writers,
wherever you have an opportunity to network. Get your name out there as early
as possible so they can watch for your new release. It’s a way to build a
platform and gain a fan following. Some variation of the one that follows is my
suggestion:
Name Jane Doe, Author
Writer of XXX
(genre fiction, non-fiction, YA, romance, whatever)
eMail address
website
address
Facebook /
Twitteraddress (if you have room)
Now, if you’re a reader (and since writers are also
readers, this applies to everyone) . . .
If
you’ve read one of their books, post a review…please. Amazon,
Goodreads, B&N, Twitter, and wherever you can. Even a few words are
helpful.
Like
and comment on authors' posts on their Facebook pages. Facebook's
algorithms only show posts that FB thinks other members would like to see. That
means the more likes and comments a post gets, the more people will see
it.
Go
to book signings, even if you can’t afford to buy the book at that time.
Your attendance is encouraging. I’ve been to book signings where the author and
I were the only two people there. I’ve been the author at signings where...well, never mind. With a little planning, you can keep that from happening to
another author, and if you’re in Mobile, AL with a new book, I’ll do my best to
come to your signing. Just let me know when and where.
Now for some memories . . .
On July 26, 2014, I wrote this post:
Next
week, my grandson leaves home to begin his first year of law school, and I
am awash with melancholy. The event reminds me how fast time really does fly
when you’re having a good time. I moved to Alabama to be near my grandkids and
don't you know, they grew up. (sigh) Too soon, I say. Not soon enough, says he.
I miss the hugs, giggles, and piano concerts already.
Doesn't matter where
the future takes him. To me, he will always be the dark-eyed cutie ready to
save the world.
Today’s update:
Next week, my
grandson graduates law school with a juris doctorate degree, and I am awash
with pride.
Everything else in that post is as true today as it was
then.
And the picture still fits how I feel about him:
cj Sez: Thanks for
stopping by. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same.
Now a word from my sponsors:
“Bad Day at Round Rock” short story
in The Posse, an
anthology of 8 Western short stories . . . @ http://amzn.to/2lQRvcD (Still 99 cents)
California Kisses—10 book
publisher bundle (incl Deadly Star) @99 cents
Newsletter sign-up at … cjpetterson@gmail.com
Well, I was doing fine reading this post until you got to the memory of your grandson leaving for law school. My two oldest grandkids are graduating from high school this month. The beginning of Empty Nest, Part Two. A week later, one of them is leaving for Marine Corps Boot Camp. (Tears streaming, full of pride.)
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Deletecj Sez: Commiserating...it seems there is more angst the second time around.
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