This is a photo of me cycling back to camp after visiting a crocodile farm. Hard work in the heat!
Savvy Authors did a spotlight on me and asked some great questions. Read the full interview here at Savvy Authors.
A few days ago I received a lovely email from an elderly gentleman who told me how he’d seen Ellora’s Cave mentioned on the Howard Stern show, and he’d gone off to check out their books. He chose to read Fancy Free, and he wrote to tell me how much he’d enjoyed it. He made my day with his lovely note.
This made me start thinking about the books I’ve read recently. I’ve read some really good ones, like Divergence by Veronica Roth and the Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater. Books that have left a real impression on me and made me think about my own writing. I thought of how my fan letter made my day, and I came to a decision. Authors work so hard on their books. If I enjoy a book in the future, I’m going to take the time to show my appreciation in some small way.
So how will I do this?
Here are a few ways you can help out one of your favorite writers:
1. Send them an email and tell them you enjoyed their story. Most authors have a contact address at their websites.
2. Tweet them and tell them you enjoyed their book.
3. Tell your friends about the great book you’ve just read.
4. Tell the author on their Facebook page.
5. Write a review at your favorite online store – Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Publisher website.
6. Mention the book on your blog.
7. Create a Pinterest board of your favorite books and maybe some of the elements that fit with the stories.
8. Subscribe to their author newsletter so you won’t miss their next release!
What do you do after reading a book you’ve really enjoyed? Do you contact the author or spread the word in some way?
June 11th, 2012 at 3:59 am · Link
I find that Twitter is so handy to use in that way. You can get connected to most authors on Twitter and it publicly compliments them.
June 11th, 2012 at 12:30 pm · Link
Twitter is great that way since most authors have a Twitter account these days.
June 11th, 2012 at 4:57 am · Link
I’m glad to see this post. A friend was raving about a book she read by a new author, I told her “put that on your fb and amazon, it will only take a minute, but means the world to the author.” She replied “what a great idea!”
June 11th, 2012 at 12:33 pm · Link
Definitely. This is a reminder for myself as much as anyone else. It only takes a few minutes to like a book or send a tweet. Even a short email doesn’t take long.
June 11th, 2012 at 6:23 am · Link
I love this post so I Tweeted. That’s all we can do is help each other. That’s what the author community is all about.
That must have been such an amazing feeling to receive that letter!
June 11th, 2012 at 12:35 pm · Link
Thanks, Ciara! The fan letter really did make my day. I get a few but this one was extra special.
June 11th, 2012 at 6:48 am · Link
Well said. Authors already have to deal with criticism all the time. A little encouragement is never a bad thing!
June 12th, 2012 at 2:12 am · Link
So true, Lydia! It’s good to have positive reinforcement.
June 11th, 2012 at 9:05 am · Link
That’s a great plan, especially for authors who aren’t on best seller lists and such.
June 12th, 2012 at 2:13 am · Link
And it’s always fun to share books with other people.
June 11th, 2012 at 10:12 am · Link
I do different things. Sometimes I tweet it, sometimes do an Amazon or Goodreads review. Before Twitter and FB, I used to email the author. :)
June 12th, 2012 at 2:20 am · Link
From the author’s POV I think anything works if it helps get the word out to readers. :)
June 11th, 2012 at 11:09 am · Link
I try to post reviews and tell friends, or even post it on social network sites to spread the word.
June 12th, 2012 at 2:21 am · Link
I agree. Just sharing a book with other readers is fun too.
June 11th, 2012 at 1:53 pm · Link
I admit, I mostly just log and rate it at GoodReads. I’ve tried to do reviews, but they just aren’t my forte.
June 12th, 2012 at 2:22 am · Link
Reviews definitely take time to write. I think they’re harder to write than a book!
June 11th, 2012 at 6:45 pm · Link
I think that was wonderful your reader reached out to you.
I tend to tell others about books I’ve read by word of mouth and by mentioning them on my blog. I’ve also Liked their FB pages as well.
June 12th, 2012 at 2:22 am · Link
They made my day :)
June 11th, 2012 at 9:47 pm · Link
I absolutely love this little reminder to pay joy forward. Everyone loves to hear positive things about their work but I think authors, in particular, are especially sensitive creatures. Tomorrow, I’ll be writing the author of the book I just finished. :) Thank you!
June 12th, 2012 at 2:23 am · Link
I’m sure they’ll appreciate hearing from you, and your note will brighten their day.
June 12th, 2012 at 7:24 pm · Link
You are absolutely right.
I’ve written personal notes to authors whose books I enjoyed, and I will write the occasional review, but it would help the author so much more if I mentioned their books on my blog or tweeted more.
A wet noodle for me. A big star for you.
June 12th, 2012 at 11:41 pm · Link
Usually if I read a book I really liked. I look to see if they have a blog and if they do I leave a comment and become a friend. If not, I usually write an email or find them on fb or twitter. I did that just recently to an author on fb.