Five ways to connect with your favorite authors
Don't let Covid-19 stop you! Here are five ways to connect with your favorite authors like it’s 2019, even without fan conferences and bookstore events.
1. Newsletters
Savvy bibliophiles sign up for author newsletters. Encourage your friends and book groups to do the same. Most of us tailor content just for you.
2. Social Media
We're all on social media. I spend a lot of time on Facebook, Twitter, and am dipping my toe into Instagram. Warning: my personal Facebook feed may become overwhelming as we near the election. If it's too much for you, feel free to unfriend me on my personal profile (maryfeliz.581) and join me on my author page (maryfelizbooks). My author page always remains politics-free.
3. Social Media Groups: Cozy Mystery Crew
Last year, I joined one of the oldest and most well-established Cozy Mystery groups on Facebook—Cozy Mystery Crew. Twelve authors of Cozy Mysteries with a flair for murderous mischief and a killer appreciation for our readers. We hang out, kick back, host giveaways, celebrate special occasions, post timely announcements, and dish. On top of all that, you'll get insider information about our characters and series. You'll be the first to know when we have exciting news to share. To join us, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/1757692634274149 and sign up. Answer a couple of easy questions, and you're in.
Cozy Mystery Crew Authors
Ellen Byron
Becky Clark
Vicki Delany
JC Eaton
Mary Feliz
Tina Kashian
Libby Klein
Olivia Matthews
Elizabeth Penney
Shari Randall
Linda Reilly
Abby L Vandiver
4. Other social media
These sites create specialized book-related social media connections. Following authors helps them and will help you stay up-to-date with publishing news. Find me at:
5. Blog
Most writers also have blogs, places we tell stories and relay information that might not fit anywhere else. They're eclectic mashups of all the things that interest us. In my case, writing, pets, wildlife, nature, and background about my books. Find me at https://www.maryfeliz.com/blog
Topics for the last month were:
Where it all Began: Address to Die For Chapter One (includes a photo and architectural plans for the real-life house that inspired the book)
Smashwords: A Marketing Tools Gold Mine (with tips for traditionally published, self-published, and pre-published authors)
Joseph Campbell's 17 Stages of Myth (and how they apply to the Covid-19 mask-making process.)