Saw This Making The Rounds On Social Media...Worth A Share

 I am probably like a lot of writers...the more you get into the craft, the more writers you meet, and the more writers you meet, the more books you want to read.

To compound this problem (because it's difficult to read everything your author friends write...), as time goes on, you produce books and stories for others to read. So, not only are you overwhelmed by all the new stories to read, you're out there trying to get others to check out your stuff.

I learned quickly that I would not have enough time nor money to purchase and read everything from the authors I've met and become friends with. As a writer I so desperately want to read these stories--I mean, it's incredibly cool to read a novel and you know the author.

When I saw the above photo floating around on social media today, it hit home because I feel so bad when I am unable to purchase all the books I want. I'm always wanting to support my friends (and have them support me...) in ways that are not strictly financial. There are other ways to help. 

Some of my writer friends love statistics. They can tell you the how well a book can do based on Amazon reviews. I've heard symposium speeches where writers will break down the stats on reviews. Once a book hits so many reviews, the algorithms change and it helps increase the book's visibility.

There are other things a person can do to help an author--most of them focuses on letting as many people as possible know about the book. Basically, spreading the word. Following the author on social media helps as well.

Because it's relatively simple to get a book published (after it's written...) nowadays, there are literally millions of new books out there vying for attention. Because of all this noise, it's hard to have your written words be seen. By doing some simple things, you can help an author's words reach more people...

And it only will cost your time.

Check Out My Friend's ETSY Site...And Support A Good Cause

I've blogged about Nathan before. He's another friend who's wicked talented. Not only does he write amazing stories and novels, but he also edits anthologies and runs websites with original comics and commentary on bad book covers.

And if that's not enough, they guy's an amazing artist.

Because Nathan's also a great dad, he's using his artistic talents to help out his daughter who has been given an incredible opportunity--an internship on Broadway.

Check out Nate's ETSY website: HERE. Each drawing, each original work of art is unique. I know art is subjective, but even if you don't like the subject, you've got to appreciate the artistic skill involved.

Supporting artists and creatives types helps in many ways. It helps the creator and their family. It helps those who buy the art because they have something tangible in return. If you get a chance, check out his site and the art. If nothing else, you'll see something you've never seen before, and if you do choose to support the family, you'll be doing a good thing.

An Open Letter To Vicki...And Everyone Else Who Supports Us...Thank You!

This afternoon I sat at my desk, trying to slog through the digital paperwork that makes up my "day job." Sometimes it's a gentle breeze--sometimes the gale winds blow. Today was more the latter than the former. On a break I checked out Facebook and came across an open (love) letter to which I was included.

And it made my day.

The author of the post, Vicki, a friend I met through the writing community. She wanted to express some of the observations and feelings she's experienced since entering the strange, confusing, wonderful, dark, heavenly, and frustrating world of a writer.

I thought it only appropriate, I return the favor.

I don't know any writer that doesn't have someone--a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a best friend--to fall back on, to use as a rock when the storm clouds build and the doubts attack. 

The supporters are the silent heroes in the creative process. It's not their names on the front cover (even though many of their names appear many times in the dedications...). At signings no one wants their signatures, or discuss plot points with them, but without them, the books--the art that brings joy to so many--would not exist.

You're there, a pillar of strength, of reason, when we're weak, unreasonable. You're rational when we're anything but. You're the ones who believe in us when we're about to quit and vow to never write another page, another paragraph, sentence, or even word. You've seen us at our worst and at our best, and yet you continue to love us, to support us, to share in that dream that is to bring these stories to life.

The writer's world you described is so accurate, so spot-on, it brought all the feelings to the surface. For those of us who have "day jobs" you reminded us that this journey is not a singular one. No writer is an island. I need to remember that--remember my choices affect others, the readers, the publishers, editors, agents, and the loved ones who want nothing more than to see me succeed, to see my dreams become realities.

As you've found out, loving a writer is so much more than watching thoughts turn into actions that turn into books. It's an experience that's hard to explain, though you did a wonderful job doing just that.

Hopefully, our paths will again cross, and in those hugs and smiles, an unspoken communication is conveyed, a language of thanks for the support you give not only Quincy, but all of us. Thank you for your incredible words. It means the world to us.

I Wish...I Could Support Them All

Today was the first day of this year's Salt Lake FanX Comic Convention. After attending an event like this my mind is racing with images of the things I saw, recalling fond memories re-connecting with good friends, and taking in the atmosphere of thousands of people gathered under one enormous roof.

I walked the floor with two of my sons, sons that are themselves well versed in geek culture. They wanted to see the things they could buy--Lego figures, Funko Pop characters, they even looked at jewelry and watches.

But each of them took an interest in the artists and their artwork.

Which presents me with an issue--if I could, I would buy something from every artist there.

And the reason I want to buy something from each artist is because almost all of it is really, really good.

My boys stopped at the art that "spoke" to them--such is the way of things with art. But I've been on the other side of that table. I've looked into people's eyes and wondered if they have enough money for one more book, one more thing to haul out with them when they leave.

I stopped by one booth in the artist's section. Her stuff was beautiful. I took a picture to see if it was art that "spoke" to my daughter. Turns out, it didn't, which was fine. Not all art is for all people. I left wondering how the artist was going to do for the weekend. When all was said and done, would she, when packing up her booth and boxing unsold items, be in the black, the red, or break even? Would it be worth her time to be there?

I know many vendors will leave with less money than when they arrived, after paying all the costs of the event. And the fact that they keep coming back is a testament to just how strong the drive to create is. I don't know how many books I'll end up selling or will be sold at our booth, but I do know that being on the floor and being able to talk to people having a good time is a lot of fun. Maybe, even though I didn't buy anything from any artists today, I hope they enjoyed their day, too.