Tuesday Writing Tip~Paying It Forward

-
As the new year get's into full swing I'm reminded to throw out the old and bring in the new. There is a lot of that to do in writing; editing, habits, stories that need to be retired or started, that kind of thing. One habit I will not be throwing out though is paying it forward. While it may or may not contribute to one's success, I feel that paying it forward is a vital part of any business, but even more so in the publishing industry. We are all in this together and we must support one another.

Writing Tip: Support your fellow writers and authors. Beta read for someone, join a critique group, buy books, talk about the books you love to support the authors.

Tonight at 7:00pm PT I'm hosting a live chat with the fabulous author Denise Grover Swank over at the Indie Elite blog. If you haven't read her books yet you're missing out. Her adult paranormal novel, Chosen, was one of my favorite books of 2011. I hope you'll stop by to help me support this wonderful lady and fabulous author. Who knows, we may even give away prizes...

Comments

  1. Emily R. KingJanuary 3, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    I agree that supporting other writers is important. Writing is lonely work, but not when you participate in another writer's journey.
    Best wishes to you in 2012!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Roland D. YeomansJanuary 3, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    Thanks for the well wishes on my blog, Heather. May 2012 be all you wish it to be, Roland

    ReplyDelete
  3. Angela BrownJanuary 3, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    I'll still be working at the paying gig during the live chat, but I hope you have a blast.

    I think you are truly right. In this industry, where we are often alone in the process of actually writing the story, it's great to support each other with so many other aspects. Thanks for today's tip.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tina MossJanuary 3, 2012 at 10:19 AM

    Out with the old and in with the new. That's my motto for this new year as well. I've finished up my old WIP, and need to dive into the new one.

    I also agree with you about paying it forward. Nothing makes me feel better when I'm down on my own writing, than helping another writer. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shannon O'DonnellJanuary 3, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    I'll do my best, depending on my little darlings! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dee Avila BooksJanuary 3, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    Looking forward to tonight. Chosen was also one of my Favorites.
    Secrets is Spruce Knoll is my next to-read and I'm so excited for it.
    I love your writing tips Heather. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  7. HeatherJanuary 3, 2012 at 10:44 AM

    Emily, exactly! It only has to be as lonely as we make it.

    Roland, that's so sweet, thank you so much!

    Angela, bummer that you'll be working during the chat. We'll miss you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. HeatherJanuary 3, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    Tina, me too! I'm so excited to be starting work on book three this year. And I couldn't agree more, helping other writers is one of the most rewarding things ever!

    Shannon, yay! Fingers crossed that you can make it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lydia KangJanuary 3, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    Supporting each other is so important in this business. Totally agree!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Elana JohnsonJanuary 3, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    Great advice! More authors need to show support, I think. I realize there is only so much we can do, but we can tweet if we like a book!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Melissa PearlJanuary 3, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    Very cool, Heather. I total agree with you. The writing world is all about supporting each other.

    Great post :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. HeatherJanuary 3, 2012 at 2:43 PM

    Lydia, it is the foundation on which we build. :)

    Elana, so true! And great idea! Tweeting for support is fantastic!

    Melissa, thank you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Golden EagleJanuary 3, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    Support is definitely important. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. CandaceJanuary 3, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    I wish I had all the time in the world to support people! I could spend my whole day spreading the word about books I love and chatting up people everywhere convincing them they MUST read a particular book. Hmmm... maybe I should get a job in a bookstore. ;)
    But as it is I try to get my reviews out there and I tweet about most all the books I read. I think supporting authors and writers is very important! (And fulfilling.)

    ReplyDelete
  15. LinWashJanuary 4, 2012 at 7:00 AM

    I'm sorry to have missed that event! But I'm so glad to see such a supportive network!

    ReplyDelete
  16. YelenaCJanuary 4, 2012 at 7:31 AM

    Heather, I truly believe that your tip represents one of the most important things a writer can do. Support among writers if something so special and wonderful it can never be overlooked.
    Also, I wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. You can find the post here: http://tinyurl.com/85c5g46
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Linda GrayJanuary 4, 2012 at 8:19 AM

    Agree!!! And I love Denise's writing--she's fantastic! I so wish I could be there tonight to chat with her, but am obligated elsewhere. May you have a wonderful chat. This is a great thing to do, Heather. . . Denise will do well, no question, and this will help.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Karlene PetittJanuary 4, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    Wish I could have been there Heather. I was on the 30 hour journey home. I'm sure it was great!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Comments are like good friends, the more the merrier!

Popular posts from this blog

Banned Books Week Hop And Giveaway

-
Image
Today I'm post-poning the creature feature to take part in a very important blogfest honoring banned books. It was brought to my attention by the fantastic I Am A Reader Not A Writer blog . Nearly every one of the great Ellen Hopkins's novels has been banned somewhere. She writes about things that challenge kids today, sex, drugs, prostitution, terrible things for sure, but things kids are dealing with whether we like it or not. Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, about a girl who is raped, is banned in many places. Others may surprise you such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, The House of Night novels by P.C. Cast, The Golden Compass novels by Philip Pullman, and the Vampire Academy novels by Richelle Mead. There are so many more that it saddens me to go on. I've recently learned that my own novel, The Secret of Spruce Knoll, will not be carried in my most local bookstore because of an intense scene in it. I unde...
Read more

Tour of Secrets Prizes & Rules~Enter Here!

-
Image
The contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered, the winners will be announced Wednesday September 7th! Good luck everyone! My young adult urban fantasy, The Secret Of Spruce Knoll, is releasing this month! To celebrate its birthday I'm doing a blog tour and contest followed by a live chat on YA Bound  August 30th with a separate giveaway.  The blog tour and contest begins next Monday and ends August 31st. Here's what you can win: 1st place:  *$50 gift certificate to B&N (or the Book Depository if you're over seas).  *Autographed copy of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll  *Special swag bag 2nd place:   *Swag bag filled with: *Autographed copy of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll  * Spoiled by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan * Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan  * Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick  * A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young  3rd place:  *Aut...
Read more

The Secret of Spruce Knoll Cover Reveal

-
Image
Though I have a fun creature feature ready for today, I thought you might not mind if I postponed it to next week since I have great news. The cover for The Secret of Spruce Knoll has been finalized and approved! I'm so excited that I just couldn't wait to share it with you peeps. When I received it yesterday there were tears, but very good tears. The wonderful designers at Abbott did an outstanding job of capturing the essence of my character, the nature of the novel, and making it look breathtaking. I'll quit rambling and show you (that is if you didn't already scroll down, which I wouldn't blame you for because I would have ;)! Now you know why I cried tears of joy! There is so much more though, the wrap around and back cover are amazing as well and I wish I could share those with you but I can't just yet. Trust me though, the complete cover is to die for! You won't have to take my word for it for long because in another week you'll be able to hol...
Read more