Guest post by Sharon Wagner Be like Samwise and Frodo and Help a Writer OutFriendship isn’t like a Lifetime movie. Often, our tribe can disappoint us. No one knows this better than a newbie writer. Most of you are counting on your friends and family to be your early readers and the choir that will exalt your praises on social media as soon as your masterpiece lands on Amazon. These are the same friends and family that sent brownies when you were studying for exams in college. They saved you from life’s bullies, attended your wedding, and always remember your birthday. They even helped you carry box after box when you moved into your first apartment. They love you, man, right? In The Lord of the Rings, Sam follows Frodo to the hellfire of Mordor, like a loyal dog that Frodo had saved from the pound and fed steak at every meal. If Frodo had written a book, Sam would have bought it as soon as it launched and shared Frodo’s precious words on social media. I bet Sam would have shouted the news from New Zealand’s mountaintops and brought a copy to stash in the Shire’s little library. But your best friend probably won’t do any of this. That’s why you need to support other writers; they will understand when you need a literary friend. Here are some spirited reminders to help you find your Samwise: Reach OutHave you read a writing article that inspired you? Reach out to the author and tell them what their words meant to you. Express what you learned and thank them. I reached out to an author once who wrote an excellent piece for Author’s Publish, and eventually, she blurbed my debut novel. Flash forward; she’s an editor at a small press and asked me to be part of an anthology. We’ve had each other’s backs numerous times, and it started with a simple email. Samwise carried Frodo many times; if you carry another author, they might schlep around with you, too. NewsletterDo you have an author newsletter? I hope so. Most importantly, subscribe to other debut authors’ newsletters and actually read them. Maybe you can do a cross-promotion with them—a newsletter swap. But you won’t win many Sams if you don’t open their newsletters, learn from their promotional efforts, and connect with them. Don't Burn BridgesDon’t burn bridges. I had a bad experience with two successful authors before my debut launched. They left me in the lurch, and I had to search for new blurb candidates. But I didn’t burn those bridges, and I’m still friends with one of them on Facebook. When I have good literary news, he’ll like my post. I want to play the long game. Perhaps this author will help carry my ring someday, on one finger or another, and keeping those connections could pay off in the long run. ReviewsDon’t forget to review your writing mentor’s books. I’m in a successful author’s Facebook group, and when she launched a new novel, I read and reviewed it, even though she hadn’t read or reviewed my book. But she was happy to follow me on Instagram, and maybe someday she’ll hold my ring! Be kind. After losing two blurb authors, I gained a best-selling author in my genre by reaching out with humble sincerity. Afterward, I shared her book on Instagram, and I plan to take another photo with her book on my next travel adventure and share it again. Pay it forward, and you may reap future rewards. Support your peersSupport your writing group peers when they publish a book; hopefully, they will support you someday. It seems obvious, but some peers might withhold help like a stingy Gollum. But you’re smart enough to play the long game. Follow other authors published at your imprint or press, and maybe they’ll follow you. They are your peeps and might be building a following just like you. I’m no expert at connections, and I wish I had more golden influencers, networks, contacts, and friends in the industry. But paying it forward is good business, and this is a friendly nudge.
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Guest post by Caroline Kelley Guiding Our Children Through |
Bio: Victoria Grageda-Smith was born in the Philippines, the eldest of ten children in a family of humble means. Through full academic merit scholarships, she graduated Magna Cum Laude in her pre-law class and ranked among the top of her law class at The College of Law, University of the Philippines. |
Marcus has worked as an educator and teacher educator for three decades, all the while not-so-secretly aspiring to become a writer. His satirical novel, The Pop Tart Insurrection, was pubished in 2021, and its sequel, Jock Sniff America, was released in 2023. Marcus has also written several screenplays and his dramatic novel, Everything Counts, was a finalist in the Ohio Writers Association Great Novel contest. Marcus' books are available through his website, www.marcusherzberg.com. |
Tricia Easter is the author of Bold Trust – 6 Steps to Unravel the Long-Term Effects of Gaslighting, Unapologetically Trust Yourself, and Heal Anxiety, which is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Tricia is a certified health and wellness coach and mental health advocate who’s passionate about helping others heal anxiety and destigmatizing mental health issues through open and honest conversations. She writes about her experiences healing anxiety and the truths she’s uncovered on her blog. Tricia also has certifications in nutrition, angel card reading, and as an angel guide. She has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a master’s degree in business administration. Visit angelsgoldhealing.com, Substack, or Instagram to subscribe to Tricia’s newsletter or to listen to her podcast Freedom from Anxiety. |
Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a seven-time RPLA-winning author, editor, speaker, and publisher. She is the owner of the small press Orange Blossom Publishing and was previously the Executive Vice President and Marketing Chair for the Florida Writers Association. She was honored with the President’s Award from FWA in 2020, and in 2021 Pling’s Party was awarded Children’s Book of the Year. She is also the recipient of a Purple Dragonfly Award for Piper and a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for Sixth Sunday. She has a serious reading addiction, fantasy romance her absolute favorite, and loves nothing more than good conversation paired with a good wine. She is surrounded by males at home—a husband, two sons, and an energetic dog—and tries to integrate as much purple and flowers in the house as possible. |
Arielle Haughee is the owner and founder of Orange Blossom Publishing.
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