Have You "Hugged" Your Favorite Author Today?

Happy Friday All,

Congratulations goes to Nikki N. for winning the Kerrelyn Sparks giveaway yesterday! Kerrelyn will mail your copy of BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART, soon.

Today I want to talk about outside-the-business-support/encouragement for writers/authors.

A writer can have his or her critique group, but what about outside the business support? Some authors don't have a lot of people outside their critique/writing groups supporting/encouraging them. Some people have a misconception about what writing and publishing actually entails. Some people don't understand the emotions that surround a writer as he/she works on their craft.

Writing and publishing are real jobs. It's not always lucrative financially, but it's still a career. It take time, talent, energy, and dedication. There are writers who work 12-14 hours a day writing and editing to get their work in on time to editors, agents, and publishers.

There are writers who suffer health issues and family issues while they're working on that next novel for their readers. Some writers are parents with young children who have to balance family responsibilities with the demands of their craft.

But unlike most jobs, for many writers it's not just a job, it's a passion. It's love of the written word and love of imagination and creativity.

So, having the in-the-business support (i.e. writers' groups and critique groups) are very important, but also having the support of friends and family is also extremely important. That's why so many authors are so appreciative of their fans. It's the people who encourage them, build them up, and help them on those days when Writer's Block hits and they have to push through to get the story done.

If you have a favorite author, see if they have any contact information on their website. Send them a little note telling them how much you love their work. Even if they can't write you back because of their workload, they will appreciate so much you taking the time out to say "Thank you for putting out the novels I love so much." Tell them which novels are your favorite and why. Like I said, even if they don't have time to write you back, you will make their day.

Writing can be a very solitary experience sometimes. So, it's always good for writers to know they're not alone; which is one of the reasons why I'm always thanking my blog readers! Your comments and emails responding to questions, or just telling me what you like about the blog make my day!

So please, if you can, take the time to contact your favorite authors and tell them how much you enjoy their work.

Have A Fabulous Friday!