A Writer’s Mind
I’m an organizer,
I can’t help it. Everything I do must be in a certain order and must be done
for a reason. Some call it OCD, I call it good marketing. I run monthly blog
hops with over 200 authors and bloggers, collect donations and create grand
prizes, create graphics, themes, and promotion for it all, and still do not
consider it a great amount of work.
Yes, it’s work,
but it’s fun to me. I love being able to help other authors and thereby finding
new things for me to read. I’m not one of those people who go to each blog,
comment with a “thanks for the hop!” and go about my way. No, I read their
post, look at their cover and blurb, and maybe buy their book. That’s what all
of this is for. That’s why I do all my organization.
I also run the
blog called Heartthrob Haven. It’s a place where three times a week, an author
does a guest post from the Hero’s POV or sits down and interviews them. I
really enjoy it because sometimes it takes the author out of their comfort zone
and makes them find who their hero really it.
Plus it shows
the reader a glimpse into that hero’s world and mind. That’s why I like
Heartthrob Haven. Yes, it’s a promotional tool, but not for me really. There’s
also recommended reads where the other Heartthrob Haven crew and I show off
what books we read and let the world know we like them. It’s not reviews,
people don’t ask us to put them up, it’s not the author’s choice, no, it’s just
sharing books.
I think
sometimes in the scariness of “OMG, why won’t people buy my book!?” we forget
that before we were writers, we were most likely readers.
I try never to
forget that. I love reading. I love meeting new readers. Without them, we
wouldn’t have a market to write. Without other books, us as readers would lose
something very important. The creativity of others.
So yes, I’m a
very organized person. I blog, write, organize, promote, and help others. Yes,
I’m an author. But really, I’m a reader first. I think some people forget that.
So next time you’re out there trying to figure out what to do with your own
book, take a step back and try a book to read for yourself. Maybe it will
rekindle that part that is slowly fading away when you’re stressed. The
creativity of others can sometimes be the greatest blessing in your own world.
I try and share with others out there how much I love reading, who I love
reading, and what I love reading. Maybe you should try it.
Carrie Ann
4 comments:
I think all writers started as readers, but sometimes that fact is forgotten. Your organization and commitment is inspiring, but promotion is one aspect of writing I abhor. I do it, but it is so difficult.
Shame on me - I read way too much - to the point where I don't write as often as I "should." But golly, reading sure is fun and a great escape!
I so admire organization. Not one of my strong suites. Like Robin, I abhor the advertising end. The blog hops and hero interviews sound like fun:) Good ideas.
Great reminder, but like Ashantay, I find myself reading more than writing! As for the advertising end, I don't even know where to begin. I see so many post from writers and I wonder when they ever find time to write!
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