As we turn the page on 2019…
What is your Best encouragement for someone who is just starting to fall in love with READING?
Is there a book you’ve read that set your life on fire?
Have you stumbled across a quote from another author, and chased it down, just to discover a new world waiting for you?
Has someone you loved recommended a book, and now it’s one of your favs too? What seems like common sense to some – that being a voracious reader has countless benefits – may not be common practice for others.
Share a story of how books have made a difference in your life and join me in saying goodbye to the 2010s
Here’s to a new decade of amazing books & inspiring authors from your favorite publisher 🙂
Here’s to 2020,
If I picked only one word to share with another person on the precipice of falling in love with reading (or writing), that word would be “community.” There is a brilliantly-colored world of readers and writers out there, and connecting with them changed the tapestry of 2019 for me.
There are, of course, traditional book clubs that meet in person, but the vastness of the online community is impressive. It is this online community that has supported me as a reader, as a writer, and as an author of a published book this past year.
For someone who doesn’t know how to start his or her reading journey, I recommend spending some time exploring reading groups online. There are huge ones, and there are small ones, and there are genre specific ones, but I found they are generally all welcoming and members are invited to participate at the level to which they feel comfortable.
Once a reader or writer starts to connect with these people, endless sources of information, suggestions, ideas and help become available. Whether it’s selecting a new book to love or starting the next work in progress, community is the key.
This is great advice Carla! For someone who started as a self-described social media neophyte, you have really put this advice into practice over the last year and I’m thrilled that you’re building positive, mutually-supportive relationships with other authors and fiction fans!
From the Bobsey Twins, the Black Stallion – to Little Women … and many other wonderful books that young girls love (yes, those are books from looong ago!) I have always loved to read – and write!
Somehow, altho I’m absolutely as gutsy as anyone I know, or more so, I’ve had this big “I’m not good enough” holding me back … or who will care? what do I possibly have to say that hasn’t been said a million times already? etc ….
In the fall of 2019 I was fortunate enough to attend an evening with Marie Forleo as she promoted her new book: “Everything Is Figure-Outable”
Marie was great, full of energy and wisdom. The ticket included a copy of her book, and the book has been an inspiration to me.
So now, as we begin this new decade, instead of lamenting (I wish I was younger, smarter, braver, had some money, didn’t have to … etc.) I am saying “It’s time to figure it out!” No problems, just opportunities!
My ‘steps’ might be smaller or slower than a Marie would take – but they shall be positive and in the right direction!
Obviously, I would recommend “EveryThing Is Figure-Outable” as a book worth reading – for everyone!
Great advice and yes, Marie Forleo really nailed it with her book launch strategy. I saw an offer where if you bought 4 copies of the book, you could meet her and get a signed copy in a bookstore. SMART!
In terms of the “not good enough” conversation, that is universal to all who put pen to paper. I made a video on this that may be helpful: https://youtu.be/p35ZKaN837c