It takes a whole village to raise an author

[Karyne]

Writers tend to be solitary creatures. After all, no one is going to write our stories for us. So we huddle in the caves of our creativity, emerging for chocolate, coffee and whatever poison that helps us get through the sticky scenes, character revolts and plot puddles. This time spent alone can make us think only of ourselves all the time.

The truth is, we can do more together than we can alone. Writers united can be a powerful force in a world of publishing obstacle and challenges. There is plenty of room for each story to be told. After all, the libaries are full of different books, each one unique to the audience that seeks it out.

Publishers expect each author to do their part and with a busy writing schedule it can be alot of work, but if the community lent a hand, the work gets halved. Even the small fish in the pond, such as myself, can do their part to help other authors. Is this entirely altruistic? Not completely. Each writer lifting another one up to the spotlight hopes for a helping hand when they need it. Is this naive, possibly. There will always be those who will steal ideas or undermine someone who's success overshadows theirs but, thats part of the gamble.
Why should each author re-invent the wheel, why not learn from those who are further up the ladder? When I started my blog, theravencroaks.com, it was primarily book blurbs. But then I started spotlighting authors, giving them a shine of attention and a glow of publicity, to help them in whatever way I could. I've not only met some amazing writers, but I've made some wonderful friends.

so, I'm extending my hand and keeping the faith that the person who takes it will keep the chain unbroken.

Karyne

[M. M. Gornell]

Yes!

[Sunny Frazier]

This is the "Pay It Forward" idea, with a bit of Karma thrown in. I've always felt I lose nothing of my own success by helping others in their endeavors. After watching authors on the Internet saying "Look at me! Read my book!" I thought it would be refreshing to NOT go that route. Just as you created The Raven Croaks, I created The Murder Circle. I want to know what the mystery community is doing, from the big fish to the small fry. And, as long as I'm satisfying my own curiousity, why not post and tell others? My own version of "E News" or "People Magazine."

Promote outward and people will remember you for the plug. Maybe they'll even buy your books!

[Lindy Cameron]

Brava Karyne