Monday, February 23, 2009

Celebrate Authors

I’ve got quite a few author friends – some whose books I’ve edited or consulted on, some not. But for every one of them, I’m happy when they have a book coming out or when they email or call to say they’ve made a deal or gotten an agent. How can you not want to jump up and down and yell when someone tells you they’ve achieved a step in their dream?

Stop and think of the authors you know. How many of them have books coming out this year? I couldn’t even name all my friends’ books due out this year. That means I know a lot of happy people. But more importantly, it also means that local authors are getting picked up. Not just the big name celebrities. Not just the major names already known around the world. There are some people outside of Hollywood coming out with books.

That’s another reason why I believe in supporting the authors in your area. Go to their events, buy their books, read the reviews in your local paper and write the reviewer to say thanks for reviewing a local author, let your bookstore know you want to see more local authors, give their books as presents, read their blogs, go to their websites, visit their My Spaces, do whatever you can to support them. Not only do they need your support a whole lot more than Paris Hilton or Stephen King, but some day you may be that new local author.

For every author, even the big names, be happy. For those you know, celebrate, whether it’s their first book or the ninth. And when your first book or you next book comes out, email me. I’ll do my Yippee Dance. And I'll mention it on Straight From Hel!

22 comments:

  1. I guess the best way I celebrate authors is to teach them and their works in the classroom. 11th grade American Literature.

    ~Jeff LeJeune
    thefinalchase.com

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  2. Yay, Jeff! That's a brilliant way to celebrate authors.

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  3. It's so funny that you posted this Helen. Yesterday I just did a post on author updates.

    So if you have any authors who would like to announce book release dates or book covers let me know.

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  4. That's wonderful, Brooke.

    If an author would like to take her up on her offer of announcing your book news on her site, visit:
    http://web.me.com/bluestocking_bb/The_Bluestocking_Guide/Book_Reviews/Entries/2009/2/22_Updates_from_Authors.html

    or the Tiny URL:

    http://tinyurl.com/b2mpt3

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  5. What an encouraging post, Helen! And I'm proud to say that the small city of Boise where I live has a wealth of author celebrations in several highly active groups. Lots of events, signings, workshops, library talks and other supportive activities.

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  6. That's wonderful, Conda.

    Yay! This is good news Monday. I love it.

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  7. Thanks for sharing this encouragement, Helen. It's great when we can support each other as writers and rejoice in each other's publications!

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  8. Whenever a friend of mine has a new work coming out, I like to help with promotion and spread the word. Reviewing, Tweeting, blogging about their releases and contests is so rewarding. Great post, Helen!

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  9. Great post, Helen. Thanks for your support and for encouraging others to support authors. I'm happy to report that I too have a book coming out in September, Secrets to Die For. Yeah!

    http://ljraves.blogspot.com

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  10. Yes yes yes!
    Fans aren't the only ones who can create a lot of noise...

    L. Diane Wolfe
    www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
    www.spunkonastick.net
    www.thecircleoffriends.net

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  11. Jenny, you are a wonderful friend. That sort of thing really helps!

    LJ, September is too far away! Love the title.

    So true, Diane. Fellow writers know how important it is to have friends who help spread the word.

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  12. Good post and exhortation. I agree 100%.

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  13. Thank you for stopping by, Marvin. You're another author we celebrate.

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  14. I loved this post. I found that supporting my author friends has a real plus of introducing me to some really good reads!

    Jane Kennedy Sutton
    Author of The Ride
    http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/

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  15. Supporting author friends should be number one on our list. We have them talk about their books at our Sisters in Crime chapter meetings. Good post, Ginger.

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  16. This is true, Jane. I've met so many writer friends either online or by going to book signings or speaking events.

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  17. Another great idea, Chester. It works both way. The author gets publicity and gets to market their book. The attendees get advice and get to ask questions. And both sides make friends.

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  18. And thank you, Colleen, for stopping by and supporting all of those who read this blog.

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  19. Thumbs up!!!
    valuable post

    www.kimhanks.net
    http://kimhanks.blogspot.com

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  20. Thanks for stopping by, Kim, and for leaving links!

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  21. Kim, I went over to your blog. I tried to comment on your interview, but the word verification wouldn't load.

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