Today is my birthday and I thought I’d share the top things that would be on my “author’s perfect present wish list.” I think this list is relatively universal for all writers, and you’ll see that some of them are slightly selfish and some are not. If you know a writer – just keep this list handy. You’ll be able to make his or her day, I promise!
Spoiler: do read all the way down to Number One – because that one is definitely NOT about me; it’s all about you!
#10. A project she loves.
A “real” writer can write about anything, but an inspired writer needs a project she’s fallen in love with. I’m working on three projects I love. The first is a novella called “Missing One Angel” that will be released on November 4, 2019 as part of a cool, romantic suspense box set. I’ll tell you more about that tomorrow.
#9. Time
I’m guessing this birthday wish wouldn’t even be limited to writers! Don’t we all want more time? Still, there’s never enough hours in any given day or week to get all the writing projects, marketing, and reader events in and done without pushing up against a deadline. Writer’s totally crave time!
#8 The ability to say “no.”
Yeah. Not every writer has this problem—but extroverted ones (like I am) do. We love to help others. We love to participate in every reader event. We love to talk to our readers online. We love to volunteer. Plus—we love our families and we don’t want to say no to anything that might take away time from them (especially if there are grandchildren involved—just sayin’). So—we would love to get a genie in a lamp that would pop out every time we started to say “yes” and help us re-evaluate.
#7 A supportive family
This is so important for a writer and, I have to admit (or maybe brag?) that I have THE most supportive family in the world. My mother reads all my books. My brother—the last guy you’d ever think would read a romance—is literally the first one to finish any new book I publish. And my husband? He tells me all the time how proud he is of me—and there’s nothing better than that. PLUS HE COOKS. Need I say more? So—nobody needs to buy me this present; I already have it!
#6 Great writing partners
We call these amazing people critique partners and beta readers. Our fondest wish is to have a handful of people who will be honest but kind when they read our manuscript and who help it become the very best it can be. I started out my author journey with an amazing critique group and the four of us are all published! We no longer meet, but I still have great beta readers.
#5 Fans who aren’t your mom
It’s great to have family support, but there is still nothing more gratifying than having someone who isn’t related to you at all tell you that your book made them laugh, made them happy or, the most amazing thing of all: tell you that your book made them think about something differently, or got them through a rough time. I would definitely take as many iterations of this present as I could get. (I.e., this is a selfish desire!)
#4 Having your mom be your biggest fan
If you’re lucky enough to be an author whose mom is still alive, then I don’t think there’s anything better than having her tell you that she loves your books. My mom is 90 years old and reads every one of my stories. Then she raves about them. Then she sends them to all her friends! At that point—there is nothing that makes me feel better about myself or my writing. As old as I am, I still melt over my mom’s praise! (So—I already have this present, too!)
#3 A dedicated review team
Every author in the world craves a group of fans who want to read Advanced Reader Copies of her book and then be willing to post reviews. Seriously, this is not just a selfish wish, it’s the Holy Grail of author-dom. Without super fans, books don’t sell. So—again, this is a present that would keep on giving and an author would love!
#2 Nice reviews
This follows number three above, of course. Every author loves a good review, because it validates all the work and love we put into our books. That’s another selfish wish :-D But, no author expects to be able to please every reader every time, so most of us aren’t upset by the odd one- or two-star review. The only thing we really ask? If you can’t finish the book, don’t give it a review. That’s not really fair. A “Did Not Finish” is fine. And, if you finish our book and can only give it a one-star, then go for it. That’s totally fair!
And….the #1 best birthday present for an author?
It’s one she gives! It’s to share presents with her readers.
I truly do love giving things away! So—to celebrate my birthday I have an e-copy of my most recent book “Missing by a Heartbeat” for one commenter. All you have to do is tell me what present you’d love to have on your next birthday.
Join me tomorrow here on GLIAS to hear all about my new novella, the Box Set it will be part of that you can pre-order now, the awesome bonus free books you can get when you do order, and the very special charity you can support as well when you order. Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by here today celebrate my birthday day!