I am writing a 6-book series with a woman I've only met briefly a couple of times. She is, however, a very dear friend because we share a passion for writing, and have grown to know each other through the things writers share. Our Time After Time Saga, with the first book out in August, is a fun collaboration.Tami Dee and I have been on-line friends for years, members of the same fellowship of authors that is evident in my friend list on Facebook, the "likes" on my author page, on Goodreads, Twitter and viewing, joining and providing guest interest on this blog.
The current wisdom is that authors today do much of their book promotion through these electronic media. That we are all selling to each other is not typically discussed.
It is true that authors are typically readers. This may be even more true of authors of romance than of other genres. I know it is possible for me to read one or two books a day when my schedule allows the time. Perhaps it is a good thing to market to other authors.On the other hand, I know that my Kindle downloads today exceed what I have actually had time to read by almost 40 books. I love to read, but I also love to write and right now I need to somehow balance the two.
I am not yet making the kind of money as an author that would allow me to buy all the titles that catch my eye as I puruse the titles at my publisher's website http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok
I am, however, buying and reading all I can because I enjoy this fellowship and I know that there is support, advice and friendship growing between us as we go about our work as authors. I enjoy all genres and sub-genres of work, so reading the science fiction, speculative fiction, young adult, suspense and Christian books of romance is very satisfying. Getting to know the authors of these works is even more satisfying.
And best of all, I have discovered some very fine authors right in my own publishing house whose work makes me proud for them and for all of us.
Thanks, new friends!
I cherish my author buddies, even though most of them I've never met in person. Writing is such a solitary activity, and most people don't understand the writer's life. To have some writer pals who "get it" when I whine or get excited about a plot twist makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Patty and can say some of my best friendships come from 'unseen' friends, who, yes, 'get it.'
ReplyDeleteThen comes the fun of perhaps meeting face to face at a conference. Love it.
Shucks, just lost my 'awesome' post, but will do again! I agree with Patty and count my unseen friends as BFF. Fellow writers do 'get it.'
ReplyDeleteJude, Patty, you have said it well. I am looking forward to a conference to see everyone face to face but until then it is still great to stay connected through our writing.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Lynette. I have found authors are the BEST kind of friends to have. They know emotions and seem to always be around you when you succeed and when you don't. In my darkest hours, my writing community circled and got me through it. I think we are so blessed to be in a community with so much heart and support. Even if I had never been published, I would have considered writing to be the best thing I ever did. Hugs! (ps: Tami is terrific and I love calling her a friend.)
ReplyDeleteSo true! I found it made such a difference when I discovered I wasn't the only strange person out there. It turns a solitary activity into a far more friendly one.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I love that you are writing a series with someone you haven't met in person. That is really bold and I admire that. And you know, this writer community is super supportive. It's amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt is kindof funny that Tami and I have met. We only live a couple of hours drive from each other, although we didn't realize that at first. We were critiquing through an on-line group but for reasons I can't remember now needed to get a paper manuscript passed between us, so I met her and her husband at a gas station to make the exchange. Then we connected briefly at the big Scottish Games in Pleasanton CA one year. All the rest of our contact has been email. We have congratulated each other on graduations, weddings, grandkids (hers, not mine quite yet) and offerred prayer and support through tough times. It is amazing, huh?
ReplyDeleteOMG, Lynn, the first person I thought of was Tami!! Tami was so welcoming of me when I first came on board with Desert Breeze. She is just one of the sweetest peeps I know. I also want to give a shout out to DB authors Diane Craver, Regina Andrews and Jillian Chantel who have also been so supportive of me. I'd like to meet Tami one day - maybe we can hook up in Solvang? Have you been to Solvang, Lynn?
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to have the support of fellow authors in general. Everyone brings something different to the table. There's always a good exchange of ideas and suggestions that are helpful.
Very inspirational post.
Smiles
Steph
Yes, Steph, Tami is one of the amazing on line friends I have met. You are another.
ReplyDeleteWould love to meet in Solvang but have no idea how to get there!
ReplyDeleteI checked out Solvang, CA and I am charmed! Maybe we COULD meet there. It is a Danish community which fits with some of our books and book ideas. http://www.solvangusa.com/ to check it out. Great idea, Steph. May have to do that.
ReplyDeleteDesert Breeze is a nice group to be part of especially for a shy girl like me. It's been an honor to get to know fellow authors.
ReplyDeleteDesert Breeze is a wonderful group to be part of especially for a shy girl like me. I have enjoyed getting to know my fellow authors.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Lynette. Since coming to Desert Breeze, you have offered of yourself in so many ways. You are a true team player, and a true friend to your fellow authors. AND a mighty fine author yourself! :)
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed all the posts here, how nice to see such support being poured out and shared.
(((hugs, everyone)))
Thanks, everyone, for the comments. What a show of support among the great authors at Desert Breeze Publishing!
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