This is the fifth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.
With so much focus on author platform, you’ll find most of your favorite writers on social media. Here are three ways to follow an author:
- blogs
- social media
- in person
It’s fun to study how published authors use their blog or social media presence.
Are they reaching out to readers, other writers, or book buyers? Do they use a specific social media site like Twitter or Facebook, or do they have a Pinterest board that draws you in for hours?
Some authors share unique details about their books and their characters on their blogs. Some will tweet lines from their books. A Pinterest board may be created to share the inspiration for a book’s setting or a character’s backstory.
Kid lit authors often will share educational materials — how to use their book in a classroom or home setting.
Other writers will share writing tips — how to break through writer’s block, how to deal with bad reviews, or how the rejection never ends.
Some authors are absent from social media, but that’s rare. This is where the in person idea comes into play. Why not attend a book signing or a conference where your favorite author is presenting? This is a good way to learn about the writer’s process and work. Most of these events have a question and answer session, why not support them and a question in person.
Years ago when readers wanted to contact an author, they mailed letters to the author’s publisher. With social media, contact can be instant. It’s a good way to show your support and learn a little more about the books and writing you enjoy.
Reading: I continue to read the Lines of Defense Poems by Stephen Dunn. I had to take a fiction break after the Divergent series by Veronica Roth.
If you missed any of the Reader University posts,
- I share why I’m doing Reader Universtiy here.
- My first post Reader University: Try
- My second post Reader University: Read
- My third post Reader University: Name
- My fourth post Reader University: Review
Erik - This Kid Reviews Books
Great post! 😀 Thanks for the info!
stacy
Thanks!
Sue Wang
Thank you for the helpful tip. I follow Elizabeth Gilbert on FB and she does a great job interacting with followers. Another one is Mary Karr -she is more flip. I so appreciate having access to these authors. And in person -there is just like it. Your post inspires me to go to more readings 🙂
stacy
I love hearing about authors who interact with their fans!
Penny Parker Klostermann
Great thinks to think about since social media can be such a puzzle…at least to me!
stacy
It is a puzzle. 🙂
Penny Parker Klostermann
Actually…my grammar is the real puzzle. “Great thinks to think”! Hmmm!
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