Doesn't have to cost a dime to encourage an author

cj Sez: Over the past week, I decided it was crunch time…I absolutely had to quit procrastinating and finish, this week, a short story with a June 30 submission deadline.  

  I need to finish the story early, like “now,” so I'll have time to do the necessary edits. Anyway, all of that was to explain why this post is going to be a short reissue of one previously posted in 2017. By the way, the call for submissions is still open, so if you're of a mind to ....

   What follows is a stream of consciousness blog about how to show your support for writers (at a little or no cost), whether you’re a writer or a reader.

If you’re a writer and 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. (Read the invitation in the Lyrical Pens banner above.) When you have a guest scheduled on your blog, send out “Coming Attractions” promotions on other social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, et al. Be sure to give your guest blogger space to say something about their books.

Read and be willing to give the author’s work a fair review. Be kind but be honest.

If you know an author who just 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.

And here’s a little marketing tip: 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 (blogs and Facebook, too) so they can watch for your new release. Some variation of the one that follows is my suggestion:

Name  Jane Doe, Author

Writer of XXX (literary fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction, YA, romance, whatever)

eMail address

website address

Now, if you’re a reader (and since writers are also readers, I guess this applies to everyone) . . .

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 ever so encouraging. I’ve been to book signings where the author and I were the only two people there. On the other hand, I was one of several authors at a local indie book store signing and because fans and friends showed up, the afternoon sped by and was fun—even though I didn’t sell a book.

   If you’ve got some good ideas on how best to encourage authors to keep writing, let me know. I’ll pass along the information and credit you as the source.

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   That’s it for this post. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same.

cj

Stop by my Amazon Central Author Page = https://amzn.to/2v6SrAj and order a book to read or get in touch with The Haunted Bookshop here: The Haunted Bookshop to order an autographed copy of DEADLY STAR, CHOOSING CARTER, and THE POSSE. Angela Trigg, the awesome owner and a RITA Award-winning author in her own right (writing as Angela Quarles) will be happy to ship you the book(s) of your choice.

If you send me a note with a request before you order, I’ll even run down to the shop and personalize your choice.

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