Ways to help out your writer friends
So I've been pushing the anthologies with my stories pretty hard the last few months (and more, if you count Haunted, which I do), and am hoping I haven't alienated friends or made them feel guilty in the process. Being a nobody writer like me can be a soul-crushing experience at times, and many of my friends have suffered along with me and had the good grace to keep me distracted with enjoyable chat while waiting for the clock to run out on signings, readings, or other events at which I have failed to attract much attention. With that in mind, I'd like to offer a few suggestions -- for those who have writerly friends or acquaintances -- on ways to help out your friendly neighborhood writer without doing things you don't wish to.
1) Buy their books. This is the single best thing you can do to help directly. Sales convince the publisher that this is an author people care to read, which makes all the difference in the world.
2) If you can't buy their books, please do help spread the word that they exist. Retweet/repost their blog entries, links to their books, and the Facebook/Twitter feeds that mention the books or talk about where to get them. This is the single best thing you can do for them that does not involve money directly. Buying my books is great, but will not change the fact that we are friends and that I enjoy spending time with you. Writing, while a source of income, is not something upon which I depend for my livelihood thank goodness, so not selling a book to you doesn't mean I don't eat tomorrow.
3) If what your friend writes is not your cup of tea and/or you're just not interested, see item #2.
4) Attend readings if you can. Buying books totally optional. Believe me, it's much more fun as a reader to have an audience than not. Heck, if there are other books you want to buy, do so, and be sure to mention to the clerk that you came for the reading. Your favorite local bookstores need support too!
5) If your friend is at an autographing session and no one is around, talk to your friend, and talk to them about anything other than the fact that no one wants their book signed. Be mindful of the fact that IF someone comes up wanting a book signed, you should step aside so the author can attempt to connect with that potential fan.
Regarding point #3, it is sadly not always the case that writers have writing as their sideline or second job. With relatively few notable exceptions, writing is not a viable income-producing career. The old joke goes: What's the difference between a freelance writer and a large pepperoni pizza? The large pizza can feed a family of four.
Being a writer is no easier and no more difficult that any other profession. There are different challenges that have to be overcome, but having a little help from friends now and again can help writers get through the lean times.
1) Buy their books. This is the single best thing you can do to help directly. Sales convince the publisher that this is an author people care to read, which makes all the difference in the world.
2) If you can't buy their books, please do help spread the word that they exist. Retweet/repost their blog entries, links to their books, and the Facebook/Twitter feeds that mention the books or talk about where to get them. This is the single best thing you can do for them that does not involve money directly. Buying my books is great, but will not change the fact that we are friends and that I enjoy spending time with you. Writing, while a source of income, is not something upon which I depend for my livelihood thank goodness, so not selling a book to you doesn't mean I don't eat tomorrow.
3) If what your friend writes is not your cup of tea and/or you're just not interested, see item #2.
4) Attend readings if you can. Buying books totally optional. Believe me, it's much more fun as a reader to have an audience than not. Heck, if there are other books you want to buy, do so, and be sure to mention to the clerk that you came for the reading. Your favorite local bookstores need support too!
5) If your friend is at an autographing session and no one is around, talk to your friend, and talk to them about anything other than the fact that no one wants their book signed. Be mindful of the fact that IF someone comes up wanting a book signed, you should step aside so the author can attempt to connect with that potential fan.
Regarding point #3, it is sadly not always the case that writers have writing as their sideline or second job. With relatively few notable exceptions, writing is not a viable income-producing career. The old joke goes: What's the difference between a freelance writer and a large pepperoni pizza? The large pizza can feed a family of four.
Being a writer is no easier and no more difficult that any other profession. There are different challenges that have to be overcome, but having a little help from friends now and again can help writers get through the lean times.
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