Fangirling author Julie Klassen

fangirl

\ˈfan-ˌgər(-ə)l\

A girl or woman who is an overly enthusiastic fan of someone or something.

If you could fangirl any author, who would it be? Go ahead and make a list. I'll wait.

Now that you know who you want to fangirl, let's go over the basics of how to do it . . .

5 Steps to Fangirl an Author

1. Join a fandom.

A fandom is a group of people who are as passionate about a particular author as you are. You can find these people on Goodreads or Facebook or pretty much any social media. And if you can't find any, then start your own fandom realm. Just be sure to go public with it so you're not alone. Also, if you create your own fandom, make sure to give yourself and other members a name. Example: Whovians are those who love Dr. Who.

2. Be a follower.

It's a given that your favorite author is somewhere on social media, and usually on more than one platform. Follow them all. Most importantly, check in on their website frequently for special events in your area.

3. Get off the couch.

If your author is having an event within a hundred mile radius of where you live then go. You don't want to miss out on a prime selfie with the author photo op, do you?

4. Be creative -- not creepy.

I once had a reader send me some pretty sweet handmade bookmarks. That's the kind of reader I adore -- not the ones who email me and tell me they love me so much they want to watch me while I sleep.

5. Share the love.

If you're a passionate fan of an author, the best way to spread that passion is to write reviews for their books. Post on Goodreads, Facebook, Amazon, wherever.

If you happen to be of the male persuasion, don't despair. Fanboys are every bit as important as fangirls.