Reader Appreciation

posted by Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy

Writing and publishing is a CRAZY business!

There, I said it, and I know none of the Banditas will disagree with me. (And no, not just because they are scared of my riding crop.)

Another statement on which I'm SURE all the Banditas (pubbed and AYU alike) will agree is:

READERS ARE THE GREATEST!

Back in the day when I was AYU (As Yet Unpublished) I lived for those occasions when my critique partners or beta readers would tell me how much they enjoyed a certain chapter or passage in one of my WIPs. Written words of praise from contest judges or agents and editors (even if they were on a rejection letter) I treasured for the pearls they really were!

Even though I am now a multi-published author (Aunty supresses a tiny squee of joy), not much has changed. Hearing from readers that they enjoyed one of my books, whether it is an email, snail mail letter, or phone call from a friend, is the high point of any day!

Fan mail truly makes all the other craziness worthwhile.

But how can us writers let readers know how very much we appreciate them? Well, I tried to do my part. Last Sunday I threw a party for all my local friends and readers. "Officially" it was a Launch Party to celebrate the release of The Treasures of Venice. But "unofficially" it was an excuse for me to get together with everyone who could be there and give them pizza, cake, and sign copies of their books.

It was all great fun, and I got to see friends and former co-workers I hadn't connected with in weeks, months, or in some cases years. Since the book had already been on store shelves and shipped from online sellers for a couple of weeks, a lot of people had already read it. That meant I got to hear how much they enjoyed the story. "When is your next book coming out?" was a question I happily answered at least a dozen times.

Okay, so maybe the party wasn't entirely an altruistic gesture on my part. I enjoyed all the LOVE 'my baby' kept getting from everyone. And all those 'atta girl' pats on the back weren't bad either.

Yes, I have every intention of throwing another Launch Party when my next book is released. I just wish more of the Banditas and the BBs and all my wonderful online readers could be there!

What about you? If you're an author, what are some things you do to show your readers how much you appreciate them? Besides writing more great books, of course. And for all you fantastic readers, what can we authors do to show you that you really are appreciated?

Unusual or Favorite Reading Spots

Don’t forget to comment at the end of this post to enter a contest to win a $25 gift certificate from Borders.

We Romance Bandits are readers first. It’s impossible to be a writer without being a pretty intense reader, and I suspect many of our guests are avid readers too. I refuse to go anywhere without a book in my hand or my purse. Never. Doctor’s office? A book. Fast-food drive through? A book. To the market or the library? Yes, a book.

Whenever I’m driving and get stuck at a red light, I can get about five or six lines read, depending on how long the light is. I’ve been honked at by frustrated and harried drivers behind me if my book was overly engrossing.I’m sure that if California ever passes a ban on drivers using cell phones, the legislature will decide it’s only a hop, skip, and a jump until they ban my book reading.I’ve read on a bed, a hammock, and a park bench. During dinner, at a movie, and in church (uh oh, lightning bolt coming).

The most interesting place I’ve read a book was at St. Catherine’s Monastery which sits at the base of Mount Sinai. Our group had bedded down for the night ready to make the early morning climb of the mountain the next morning. Suddenly I had to make a midnight bathroom run.

There was no electricity at the monastery, so I took my flashlight, and, yes, you guessed it -- my book -- and groped my way outside, down the corridor, and into the restroom. I made myself comfortable and opened my book.

After a few moments, I had the creepy feeling someone else was there. I flashed my light around. No one. A noise sounded from above me. I glanced up, throwing the beam at the ceiling. There, straddling the stall partition, was a Bedouin. Yep, a genuine Bedouin with head gear and flowing robe. Yikes! I screamed. He fell, definitely more frightened than I was.


What's your favorite spot to read? Where’s the most interesting, colorful, or relaxing place you’ve enjoyed reading a book? Why?