There is great truth to the adage, "There is strength in numbers."
Collective efforts can make a positive difference, whether it's a boycott, a bake sale, or getting behind a worthy cause.
Which is why I'm sometimes baffled by the lack of participation and support in literary circles.
For example, in my area, local bookstores will often sponsor book signing events, poetry readings, and exhibits for folks that are not well known, but have work that merits recognition and exposure. I try to attend as many as my time and resources will allow, even if I've never heard of the poor soul. Why?
Because it opens doors for the rest of us. I also recognize the effort involved.
Contrary to popular opinion, support need not always be about money, nor a great investment of time.
With this in mind, here are 8 ways to support writers and create win-win situations for us all!
1. If you can't attend an event, please pass the word on to friends, associates and family members. I can tell you from personal experience that it really helps to see a few smiling faces in the audience to help make it through the day.
2. When you visit a Blog, post a comment. Think about it. There must be something of value that you get from going to that person's site, or you wouldn't be there. Show some appreciation for his/her efforts and time. Don't have time to leave a comment? Then simply add your name to the Blog as a follower.
3. Provide a link for other writers you admire on your site. You benefit by having their fans and followers click in on your site. It helps build new audiences.
4. Offer to do a guest Blog on someone's site.
5. Write a review of other writers' books, classes, or products.
6. Send a motivational Email to someone who's struggling with completing a novel, or dealing with doubt and/or editors' rejections.
7. Barter services to help each other to save money and expand resources.
8. Participate in polls and surveys as they apply to your lifestyle and circumstances.
Sometimes it takes so little to mean so much...
Well, that's my "public service message" for today.
Do you agree or disagree? Weigh in.:-)
A few more indeas: tweet or Stumble articles or blog posts that you enjoy, sign up for the blogger's RSS feed and use the "share" button for particularly good posts, and if a writer comes out with a book that you're not to buy, request that your local library purchase a copy instead.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan! It's great to hear from you. Love your additional suggestions.
ReplyDeleteMuch continued success!
Thanks for sharing that Jen.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome.;-)
ReplyDeleteOk, you have shamed me into leaving this comment. :) Seriously, people do not really understand the value of support until they're in need. I try to do what I can when I can. So, I feel you.
ReplyDeleteGood! In the words of a famous man, "By whatever means necessary!" :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Now that didn't hurt, did it? :-)
Thanks for some very useful tips. I've often thought about what it must feel like to have a book signing and only have a few people show up. I can imagine it can be very hard.
ReplyDeleteI can say personally, it depends. I've done quite a few signings as a contributing author to several anthologies, and also as a poet.
ReplyDeleteOf course, it's always nice to have an eager "crowd" if possible, but sometimes it's more about the energy of the audience and the quality of the interaction.
I've had a handful of people at some of my events and it was an awesome experience just the same.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.