#IWSG - Grateful Author

Be sure to visit the grand master Alex Cavanaugh
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

The awesome co-hosts today are M. Pax, Tracy Jo,Patricia Lynne, Rachna Chhabria, Feather Stone, and Randi Lee! Please visit their blogs & say hi!

First, I just want to share that AYDEN'S STORY is only 99¢ for one more day - and I'd be honored if you picked up a copy.

Amazon

My #IWSG Post:

In the past week I had a couple writing related surprises. I ran into a few people in my life (as people do when you are out and about) and as we were catching up on life, they asked when a sequel to one of my books is coming out, or bought copies of my newest releases to catch up on their Kai Strand collection. I didn't even know some of these people read my books. I can't begin to tell you how much I needed the affirmations, nor how soothing these interactions were on my deep gaping writer wounds. 

So today I want to take the time to say thank you. To each and every person who has tweeted about my work, or re-tweeted a giveaway - Thanks. To all readers of this blog, and Lightning Quick Reads - Thank you. To Facebook fans whether you silently stalk or actively engage on the page - You rock. And of course to each and every person who has read a book or short story that I wrote...the biggest thank you of all. 

Having several 'out of the blue' experiences made me realize how many people are out there who I simply don't know about. Authors only know if their work is enjoyed when the reader takes the time to say something, whether thru a review, via email, a post on FB or Twitter, or if they say out right, "When is the next book coming?" It's like manna from heaven to a writer to hear that not only has someone read the book, but they liked it enough to be interested in more. 

So a heartfelt and special thank you to the people who made me remember all the silent readers out there that we write for. The more reminders, the more likely writers are to keep writing. 

I wish you a month of happy writing - from a grateful author.

Comments

  1. Charity BradfordJune 3, 2015 at 7:50 AM

    Amen! I love that, "manna from heaven". I don't think reader realize how insecure we are. How important their notes and reviews are. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 3, 2015 at 11:44 AM

      I agree. Readers probably aren't aware, but that might be a good thing too. *snort* Thanks for stopping in.

      Delete
  2. StephscoJune 3, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    Wow, how fun! It sounds like your collection of work is doing some of the legwork for you. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 3, 2015 at 11:45 AM

      I'd love if my books were famous, but no one ever remembered my name except when they were searching for more of my work. Not too much to ask, right?

      Delete
  3. M PaxJune 3, 2015 at 8:31 AM

    Glad you had some of these moments. You deserve them. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Crystal CollierJune 3, 2015 at 9:23 AM

    I know what you mean. It's nice to hear people love your writing, even if they don't post a review or help boost your visibility. We write for them, eh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 3, 2015 at 11:47 AM

      Yes! We totally write for them! I'm not sure readers know that.

      Delete
  5. Rachna ChhabriaJune 3, 2015 at 9:42 AM

    Hi Kai, its always nice when people ask us about the sequels to our books. This is such a lovely compliment for an author. Glad you are having these moments.

    Rachna Chhabria
    Co-host IWSG
    Rachna's Scriptorium

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 3, 2015 at 11:49 AM

      It really means a lot! Thanks for visiting. And I forgot to thank you for co-hosting this month!

      Delete
  6. F. StoneJune 3, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    So important to express gratitude. Good for the sales, and good for the soul. Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  7. L. Diane WolfeJune 3, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    How wonderful! We sometimes wonder if we are reaching anyone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 3, 2015 at 11:51 AM

      Very true. It's like having a kid that moves out of the house and then never calls home.

      Delete
  8. Liz BlockerJune 3, 2015 at 12:53 PM

    Oh, I love this. I think interacting with readers is the best, best, best thing ever. It's a good reminder that I should write to my faves and tell them!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Loni TownsendJune 3, 2015 at 1:17 PM

    That is exciting to hear! Those unknown readers are the ones that tickle the heart when you hear about them. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 3, 2015 at 1:32 PM

      I admit I stood there blinking in confusion a bit longer than I should have while I figured out she was talking about my books. What a great surprise!

      Delete
  10. Beverly Stowe McClureJune 3, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    What a wonderful lift to your spirit. It is encouraging to learn that you have readers that are eager for more of your books. Your post is uplifting and a great reminder to all writers. I love positive thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 3, 2015 at 1:33 PM

      I do too, Beverly and I'm usually far more positive than I have been lately. Hopefully this will help kick my attitude around.

      Delete
  11. emaginetteJune 3, 2015 at 2:06 PM

    Very nice surprise. I hope you have many more :-)

    Here's my link if you'd like to drop by :-)

    Anna from Elements of Writing

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gwen GardnerJune 3, 2015 at 4:15 PM

    It's nice when people like our work and ask about it. Makes it all worthwhile.

    ReplyDelete
  13. cheerfuloptimisticJune 3, 2015 at 4:57 PM

    As a consumer, I'm trying to make it better known to creators (not just writers) that I like their work. I've made a little bit of my own, and there are few things that calm my nerves like knowing someone enjoys what I've made.

    God, Entertainment, & Annoying Things

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 4, 2015 at 9:23 AM

    Anna, very nice, indeed.
    Gwen, you're absolutely right that it makes it worthwhile.
    MRR, It truly does have a calming quality to it. I try to reach out to artists of all kinds, or share the work I enjoy for that same reason.

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousJune 4, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    That's awesome to find out. It always rocks when someone tells us that they like our books. A little boost to our egos which are often so fragile.

    ~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 5, 2015 at 10:44 AM

      I wish I didn't have a fragile ego. I'll be tough for a long stint of time and then my skin grows thin and I wonder if I'm talking/writing to myself. Stuff like this really helps.

      Delete
  16. Mary AalgaardJune 5, 2015 at 8:05 AM

    Nice of you to write that. And, a reminder for us to say something nice to people, compliment their work. Share their success. Tweet and retweet. It's a great way to build community.
    Play off the Page

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorJune 5, 2015 at 10:45 AM

      Yep, and that is one thing I really love about social media is the sense of community that can develop.

      Delete

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