My sister-in-law called me last night, totally jazzed because I’d sent her a signed book. I mean, she was THIRLLED. She wasn’t my sister-in-law anymore, who has known me since I was fifteen years old, she was a fan.
I was humbled. Truly. In that moment, all the stress and pressure cleared and I remember what I write books for—the readers. Because first and foremost I’m a reader too. I love books, I speak the language of books. If I meet a stranger and we’ve read the same book—we have an instant connection.
Probably one of the things that surprised me as an author is all the things that are out of our control. Pressure often builds to promote, to get reviews, to connect with book buyers for the large chains; to…the list is endless. And it can make you crazy.
It can make us forget why we write. And who is really important.
Not the reviewers, not the book buyers for the stores, not the media. Sure they all have their place in the process. But it’s the FANS that are important. The readers. All those other people, the reviewers, the buyers—they are all doing it for the fans too. Buyers for the big stores and bookstores want to pick the books that readers love and will snatch off the shelves in record time. They all want to please the fans.
So last night when my sister-in-law called, telling me about her life with all the normal daily stresses and then how much the book brightened her day—it just slammed home to me. I do this for the fans. It’s all about YOU.
And, of course, I have to add that Brava Fans Rock!
Authors Rock. A book lover would have nothing to do without the imagination and determination of a dedicated author and for that we thank you. Ironically, I received your book yesterday from the Brava Book Club and was so excited, because I had just read an expert from Access Romance and was eager to go buy it this weekend. I have not started it yet, but I hopefully will be able to start this weekend. It looks like a wonderful book and everyone will be excited to read it.
I have a special shelf I keep the autographed books I have on. They are all every special to me!
It’s the Brava Authors who Rock!
Authors enthrall us, entertain us, transport us and take us away from reality. I think the gift an Author gives a reader, “ROCKS”!
You’all keep writing and I’ll keep buying!
Without authors/writers, what would we read? As long as there is a story to tell, I’ll keep reading/buying.
Wow, my power has been out for HOURS. It went out just as I was getting started on my book. Talk about frustrating! But after awhile, I realized there was nothing I could do about it and picked up a book to read
Patty, I hope you like the book!
Susan, I have autographed books on a special shelf too. But I don’t have a lot of them. I know tons of authors but rarely remember to ask them to autograph my books. Weird, huh?
Brandy, as a reader I feel the same way you do!
Estelle, I know I love writng for Brava, as do all the other Brava authors I talk too. We’ll keep writing!
Dru Ann, I keep saying this, but I feel the same as you because I’m a reader too!
But having said all that, it’s the fans that make it all worth while!
I am so glad that you all write, for the entertainment of us the reader …… I find that all the Brava Authors rock………