Team support is a biggie and something I’ve always considered important.
Yes, we as authors promote our books and promote ourselves. But having support in the background is always important.
When I sign books, when I meet with readers, of course I talk about my books, but I also mention other books I’ve enjoyed if it’s a genre the reader would like and I discuss books my friends have written, just as I know they’ve done for me.
Readers don’t expect this and they will remember you as an open and generous person. Not that that’s my reason for doing it. I want to support my fellow authors. Many of them are friends and some I don’t even know, but I enjoy their books.
But there’s also more to it. We are basically isolationists. We sit at our computers all day and work. Our social interaction with other authors is via email and the phone.
If I hit a writing wall or have any other kind of problem I know I have friends to call and vice versa.
This business really isn’t in the “it’s all about me” category. I’ve seen authors, sadly, some of them new to the business, and others who’ve been around for awhile, who act like this. And I have to feel for them, because can they really have friends they can count on when they appear not to be supportive of others? And I'll be honest. Someone with that all about me attitude isn't someone I'd want to know, because I was brought up to share and the more you share the more you receive. Sounds hokey to some, I'm sure, but I've seen the positive side. And what can I say? I like good karma!
As for me? I have friends readily available with credit cards for my bail, alibis, shovels and brainstorming.
What more could I ask for?
I’ll also be speaking to the Yosemite Valley Romance Writers on Saturday June 20. You can find the information at their site. http://www.yosemiteromancewriters.com/index.html
Linda
Yes, we as authors promote our books and promote ourselves. But having support in the background is always important.
When I sign books, when I meet with readers, of course I talk about my books, but I also mention other books I’ve enjoyed if it’s a genre the reader would like and I discuss books my friends have written, just as I know they’ve done for me.
Readers don’t expect this and they will remember you as an open and generous person. Not that that’s my reason for doing it. I want to support my fellow authors. Many of them are friends and some I don’t even know, but I enjoy their books.
But there’s also more to it. We are basically isolationists. We sit at our computers all day and work. Our social interaction with other authors is via email and the phone.
If I hit a writing wall or have any other kind of problem I know I have friends to call and vice versa.
This business really isn’t in the “it’s all about me” category. I’ve seen authors, sadly, some of them new to the business, and others who’ve been around for awhile, who act like this. And I have to feel for them, because can they really have friends they can count on when they appear not to be supportive of others? And I'll be honest. Someone with that all about me attitude isn't someone I'd want to know, because I was brought up to share and the more you share the more you receive. Sounds hokey to some, I'm sure, but I've seen the positive side. And what can I say? I like good karma!
As for me? I have friends readily available with credit cards for my bail, alibis, shovels and brainstorming.
What more could I ask for?
I’ll also be speaking to the Yosemite Valley Romance Writers on Saturday June 20. You can find the information at their site. http://www.yosemiteromancewriters.com/index.html
Linda
Great reminder, Linda. I'm so glad I have you on speed dial for alibis and shovels. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think the 'it's all about me' attitude comes from fear; fear that your book won't do well, fear that someone else is eclipsing you, fear that you're not good enough. It takes maturity and grace to relax and offer a hand to others.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Linda!
Poking my head up from the labyrinthine undergroud kingdom known as Deadline Hell...
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Linda, and a great reminder that we're all in this crazy business together! We can't afford not to support one another...who else understands what we go through? Can't wait to party with the Casababes next month:-)
Every word, Linda. I agree with every word. Someone has defined a writer as a rock solid ego surrounded by an ocean of insecurity. The result can be a "me-attitude."
ReplyDeleteHowever, the outstanding characteristic of the romance community is the overall supportiveness of it's members. I wouldn't be where I am without a hand up from so many writers. Whenever I can, I try to offer a hand to others.
I do it because I'm a terrific person (of course!)but mainly because as you say, the writer's life can be so isolated. Only another writer understands what I do. Having friends with whom I share the journey is sometimes what makes it all worthwhile.
I came blundering into this business with no clue whatsoever, and if it weren't for the Casa Babes, I'd be completely lost! I love the way we support and encourage each other, and I have enjoyed being able to pass along some of what I've learned. It becomes more apparent all the time that we NEED each other!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Linda! This is one thing I love about having the Casababes, we all have each others backs. When we go to book stores, we turn our sisters books out and we hand sell them, even when we're not employed by the book store.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part, romance writers are extremely giving and you're right, what comes around goes around. I'm a believer in good Karma too -- I have shovels, credit cards and I'm here for you and all the Casababes.
You're all such a neat team. I love cheering from the sidelines.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Linda! That is one thing that I LOVED about going to RWA last year--it's one big support group, and in an industry as competitive as Romance, I was blown away!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I know many of the newer authors that are joining the SBCasa-fic Line are loving (and mentioning right away) is "how do we get involved with the other authors?" This seems to be a great new trend, of authors coming together to create outstanding results.
Shovels and credit cards at the ready, Linda! Just give a holler and I'll be on I-5 headed south. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, your post is GREAT and really does bring home such an important point about how we all need each other. I really would be lost without all the wonderful support I get from the Casababes and all my other writing buddies. Nobody else does 'get it' quite like another writer.
Sure I've run into a few of those "Planet Me" types. My DH came up with that great description -- those people reside on "Planet Me!" But luckily the giving and generous writers FAR outnumber the self-centered ones!
Can't WAIT for DC next month!
AC
I have been blown away by the support that has been offered to me once I realized it was out there. I never had an "all about me" attitude, but I just did not know how to get hooked up with other authors or how important that can be. But then last year an unknown me met up with a group of fellow Sourcebooks authors. It was not only an amazingly fun time, but every last one of them made me feel welcomed and part of a family. Being invited to join the Casablanca group was the beginning. Now I have contacts with all kinds of writers and it is tremendous.
ReplyDeleteSo a special thanks to those of you who accepted me and were so open on that evening last July. And Linda, I'll be seeing you in a week! Yipee!!
And you know I'm there for you Marie!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Thanks Donna!
ReplyDeleteI've also met some "it's all about me" that has to do with ego. Some who sell too quickly and discover there's a lot of work involved.
Linda
That's the best part, Kendra. We're not alone through the good and the bad.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Very true Mary Margaret.
ReplyDeleteA very dear friend of mine just reached the NYT short list and I'm ecstatic for her. No jealousy. She's worked hard to get there and deserves it.
We have to be there for each other.
Linda
That's the thing, Cheryl. We do need each other.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Robin,
ReplyDeleteA good friend of mine has offered up her credit card for bail over the years. I've even been upgraded from silver to gold to platinum card. :}
Linda
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteGroup mentality works great because we're a whole.
Linda
LOL AC!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know you'd be down here for me. And I'll gladly return the favor.
Linda
Yep, only a week away Sharon! It'll be fun next week.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Hmm, this reminds me of the Christmas story about Macys and Gimbles and how Santa Claus showed them what Christmas was all about. LOL :) Love it!
ReplyDeleteWell said. I agree, sharing information and knowledge is a good thing. The more powerful we are as a group, the better it is for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Very true, Michele.
ReplyDeleteLinda