Feeding a Starving Artist

Lest you think this is a back-handed marketing scheme to get you to up the sales of my latest release, well...yeah, if the shoe fits. I'm not going to turn down free exposure, especially when I can get a tan out of the deal since it's finally sunny around here. But let's move beyond me, because really, there are other more interesting train wrecks to stare at.

Ever read a book that sinks sharp, pointy hooks into your heart and you wish you had an elephant-sized megaphone to shout about such a brilliant author to the world? Granted, a mega-megaphone would be a stinkin' expensive yet very cool accessory to own, but there is no such thing. Don't panic, though. I've got a few tips for you to be able to share your passion for whoever your latest favorite author is.

#1. Buy their books.
Really, this is the simplest and most effective way to support your favorite author. Plus it's a great excuse for you to park your heinie on the couch and zone out in Fiction World for three hundred pages or so.

#2. Share it.
See the "I just bought" button on Amazon? It's there for a reason. Use it! Go ahead. Spread the love.

#3. Write a Review.
So here's the deal about reviews...remember what your mother taught you? No, not the running with scissors thing, which is easily bypassed with goggles and a helmet. I'm talking about if you can't say anything nice, then don't bother. But (and I've always got a big but) if you've read something worth shouting about, don't hold it in. Bad for the ol' digestive tract. You don't have to be eloquent with your words. Just type from the heart and slap up 4 or 5 stars. Easy peasy.

#4. Like it.
Click it. Those little thumbs up really do draw attention.

#5. Tag it.
This one takes a tad more effort. Scroll down the book's page until you see Tags Customers Associate With This Product. Then type in some words you associate with the book so other potential readers can find out about this book/author.

#6. Share the link.
Just for a few minutes, ignore the naysayers that threaten how social media will squash your braincells into a gooey mess resembling guacamole, then go hog wild on your Twitter/Facebook/Pinterest/Tumblr and/or sites of your choice. Simply copy the Amazon link and go viral.

Word of mouth (or keystroking fingers) is really the best way to show support for an author...other than sending them cash outright. Which I'm not opposed to.

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