IN SUPPORT OF AUTHORS #author #Romance

A Night with local Long Island, New York authors,  Patty Blount, Jolyse Barnett, Jennifer Gracen and Jeannie Moon
 with Book Obsessed Chicks members
Voule Walker, Christine Woinich, myself (Kim Rocha) and Janet Rodman
The Book Review- Huntington, NY

In the past going to the local book store to meet a favorite author was something one could do on a monthly basis. Now however, with bookstores closing and those still around focusing on making their bottom line or concentrating on selling toys instead of books, it's become more difficult for the reader to meet that author. 

Now more than ever, our authors need reader support, especially in a climate where many traditional publishers don't promote well enough, or when an Indie author has to do it all from soup to nuts on their own. It's a daunting task for any author. Most of the public at large has no idea what an author goes through to get published. The trials and tribulations of many of my favorites have made my respect for them multiply by leaps and bounds. 

One of the reasons my book club exists is to help get the word out about those authors who live locally  and those who come to town and are gracious enough to take their time out to visit the Book Obsessed Chicks. Nothing makes me happier than to host an author and have twenty or so new readers waiting to "one-click" that author's book because they enjoyed meeting them during book club. It's a great feeling to help facilitate a new author/reader relationship.

Another way a reader can help support an author is to join in when there is an appearance somewhere nearby. Authors have so many ways to let us know where and when they will be around. Checking out an author's website or other social media for appearances is the number one way to get to know that author on a level that few ever have the chance to do.  My first experience with an author goes way back to 1993 when I had the great fortune of sitting in on a Q&A with my ultimate favorite, Anne Rice. It was in New York City and Anne Rice was discussing her issues with INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE going from novel to screen. I will never forget that day.  

One of the best ways in which to help a writer is to post a review for their book online. The more reader word of mouth, the better. Don't feel intimidated; just a few words of praise for that book and the author's writing can go so far. Yes, we all have read a book or two that maybe we didn't like, but that doesn't mean someone else won't enjoy it, so think of that when writing down your thoughts, because reviews are subjective. 

Most book lovers aren't able to able to attend a reader/author conference, but there are plenty of local signings that are free and are open to the general public. These events would not be able to continue without reader support. When you discover a local event, I urge you all to try to attend. You won't believe how much you can get out of making an author smile just by your presence and imagine all the new books you'll  be able to find. Personally, my life has become so much more enriched by the authors I have met and the new reads I have discovered. I couldn't imagine my life without these talented men and women and their works that keep my imagination flowing. 

Please support authors in any way you can. 

Historical Romance author, Wendy LaCapra at Lady Jane Salon- NYC

The Book Obsessed Chicks 5th Annual Beach BBQ Bash- July 2015