Ways to encourage authors...and answer my question to enter a contest

cj Sez: What follows is a stream of consciousness post about how to Support Your Favorite Authors, whether you’re a writer or a reader.

   I re-post these comments every so often, to remind everyone how important even a brief review is.

If you’re a writer . . .

   If you have your own blog, invite guest bloggers. When you have a guest, send out “Coming Attractions” promotions on Facebook, Twitter, et al. Lyrical Pens does do that, so if you’re promoting a book right now or just want to blog about something, send me an email.
 
   Join a critique group and be willing to give your fellow authors’ work a fair critique. Be kind but be honest. Start your review with a positive comment.
 
  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.
 
   P. S. If you’re a yet-to-be-published writer and don’t have a business card, support/encourage yourself and 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.
 
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—“I like this book”—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 might be able to keep that from happening to another author.

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Now for a contest . . .
 
I went to my very first Kentucky Derby party on Saturday. Created a new hat just for the event.

Photo Credit: Author Rebecca Barrett

 Good food, wonderful conversations with new friends, lots of laughter, a good time.

 My horse didn’t win, but I had great fun cheering. Next year “they say” is the 150 th  anniversary of the famed Run for the Roses, “The most exciting two minutes in sports,” and I’m looking forward to it. But please, I’m obviously not a math major: Can someone explain to me why 2024 is a sesquicentennial run when the first race was held in 1875? What logic am I missing? 

   Send me the correct answer, and I’ll enter your name in a contest to win a paperback copy of CLASSICS PIECES RETOLD.
 

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   There are 26 tributes to classic novels, short stories, and poems in the CLASSICS PIECES RETOLD anthology. The variety of author voices is awesome. What a treat. This anthology is one of the Mobile Writers Guild best productions.
 
   You can order your copies through The Haunted Book Shop https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us , a Mobile indie bookshop, or from your favorite book seller.
 
   For Amazon purchases, click here: Buy CLASSIC PIECES Now
 

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   That’s it for today’s post. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for your health and safety.
 
cj

   No inflation here: THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA, fast-paced, exciting suspense/thriller ebooks, are low-, low-priced at $2.99.

P.S.  The Haunted Book Shop has signed copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact The Haunted Bookshop here: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us 

 
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