Do You Give Books? – A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen


This is the twelfth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

This can be another form of “buying,” but I see it as a little different.

Consider giving a book:

• to all ages.

• for all occasions.

• as love notes.

As a parent to a toddler, I get invited to birthday parties. If I know about them in advance, I’ll buy books at writer’s conferences and get them signed by the author as a personal gift for the birthday boy or girl. I’ve noticed these gifts aren’t a favorite. They don’t make noise or have parts to be lost. One can hope they bring joy at a quieter time after the birthday cake and decorations are long gone. My son isn’t old enough to mind at the moment. So, until he protests — books will be our gift of choice.

Books make a nice hostess gift, too. They can drink up the words later while relaxing.

Books make nice holiday gifts whether they have a religious theme or not. My son received a nice Easter Story book last year in a basket from his grandmother.

Books as love notes? You may have provided a book love note without realizing it. You give a book that touched you in some way. I enjoy sharing The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow. While sad, to me, it’s a book about living, and worth giving to others.

Giving books obviously helps authors with sales, but the act also helps writers, who share a love for a book that touched her, moved her, or made her laugh out loud.

How do you give books?

Thanks for following along with the Reader University 12-part series. This wasn’t intended as a reading challenge, but the series kept me focused on reading and helping authors.

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on March 24, 2014.)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do You Buy Books? — A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen


This is the eleventh post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

And here is where we spend money. 

Consider buying: 

• a print book

• a digital version

• as many as you can

Buying books is essential to your writing career. If you don’t buy books (when you can), who will? If you don’t buy books, how can you expect others to buy your books?

I utilize many of the free ways to read books — the library, a loan, a review copy, and free promotions. But, I also strategically use my extra cash for the books I really enjoy and want to own. If I see an author at a conference, I will buy books and get them signed.

If you can’t get the physical book, consider digital versions of your favorite books. If I can’t find a picture book at the library, I will buy the discounted ebook. {I recommend you review picture books immediately after purchase, because the format quality is not always ideal. I’ve asked Amazon for a refund for some picture book ebooks due to the poor quality. So, always check your picture books. If you aren’t happy, return it.}

The digital market has reduced the cost of many books, especially series. You can often buy the first book at a reduced rate (or even free), because the publisher knows you’ll get hooked and buy the other books in the series. Divergent by Veronica Roth is less expensive than Insurgent or Allegiant.

The fact you can begin reading ebooks immediately is priceless.

If you don’t have money for books, don’t buy them! But, remember, if you don’t make buying books a priority, don’t be offended when a publisher says the market isn’t ready for your book, because {insert your type of book} doesn’t sell well.

For writers, buying books is important to keep the publishing industry open for business, to authors who want to make a living, and to bookstores and online retailers.

What’s your favorite method for buying books?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on March 17, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do You Travel With Books? — A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen


This is the tenth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

When we travel, books are always on our packing list. 

Travel frees up reading time. My family travels:

• with print books.

• with an ereader — Kindle or iPad.

• ready to chat about books.

We always find time in the car for an audio book or a paperback in the airport. I have the Kindle app on my phone and tablets. I have a collection of picture books and novels on the Kindle. Yes, kiddo uses tablets. Let’s ignore studies on the impact of my parenting decision for a moment, as I tell you that at 10,000 feet on a plane I’ve never received a complaint about my son’s behavior. I have heard comments like “I wish I had one of those when my kid was little.”

I love to talk to people at airports or on a plane about their reading choices. Word of mouth book recommendations equal priceless marketing for an author you enjoy. I love getting random parenting advice from fellow travelers too.

 Of course, we can travel and explore new worlds without an airplane ticket or filling up the gas tank just by picking up a book. I miss the pre-9/11 days of people watching at the airport, as you waited at the gate for family members to arrive.

What’s your book format of choice when you travel?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on March 10, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do You Connect With Authors? — A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen

This is the ninth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

Making connections can be an easy task in this digital landscape.

For starters, connect with authors:

• online
• at signings
• on topic

I really enjoy connecting with authors via social media and blogs. If you love an author’s book, social media is a quick and easy way to share an “I love your book” comment with both the digital universe and the author.

Book signings are another way to connect. I read a post the other day where an author reported only a handful of attendees. While plane tickets aren’t always feasible to help an author out, I can keep an eye out for local (or within an hour or two drive) events I can attend.

If an author has a book about a topic near and dear to your heart, let her know. Maybe your book club or your classroom has a question about a story, so perhaps Tweet or email him your question. You may receive an answer.

I remember I tweeted about my son’s first birthday and tagged Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain. We chose to name our son Enzo, after the main character and narrator — a dog. Garth Stein tweeted me back.

Authors use social media differently. Some will friend you on Facebook while others won’t respond to emails. Writing is a time consuming task, so I understand those who don’t use social media channels to interact with fans. If you write, you know how writing your stories and living outside of the voices inside of your head (i.e. family, day job, hobbies, etc.) is often a balancing act. Of course, I really LOVE the ones who embrace social media and add to my experience as a reader.

I’ve mentioned before that my reading list this year is so 2012, but John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, shows a character’s quest to learn more about a book and an author’s reluctance to communicate with fans. This added a lot of tension to the overall story.

How do you connect with authors (and other writers)?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on March 3, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do You Request Books? — A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen

This is the eighth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

We make requests for all types of things — special food at the supermarket or a song on the radio (OK, maybe that’s showing my age a bit) — so why not do the same with books?

Where you can make a request for a book:

• at the library

• at bookstores

• for classrooms

I have little contact with librarians, but I’m guessing when people ask for a title they take it seriously. You may even find out the book is on order.

In recent weeks, I’ve discovered a few books via NPR weekend radio programs. When I checked my library, I was pleased to see the books were on order. So, I put my name in the hopper to be one of the first readers.

In general, I am of the “what do you have to lose by asking” mindset. If you ask and they tell you no, then nothing’s really lost. If you ask and they tell you yes, well you can get your hands on the book.

I know you can get most titles via Amazon, but if you find a bookstore doesn’t carry your favorite author, ask the bookstore about stocking the book. If the seed is planted, perhaps the buyer will consider the author’s next book.

If you have a relationship with your child’s teacher, recommend books (especially, if your child doesn’t like the selections). I’m not at this stage yet and I’m sure there are processes to approve books — subject matter, reading levels, etc. If you know of an appropriate book by a local (for instance, they reside in your state) recommend it for classroom reading lists or speak with the school librarian about adding it to the school’s selection.

Have you requested a book recently? Was it an easy process? Were you successful?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on February 24, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do You Share Books? — A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen 

This is the seventh post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

I don’t share chocolate very well, but I love sharing books.

We support our favorite writers when we share his or her work.

You can help when you share:

• a book with a friend
• via word of mouth
• on your blog

Print books are great for this. You have a book. You have a conversation about a book. You let a friend borrow it. Your enthusiasm may have created a new fan.

I became the recipient of several books this week, because a friend shared her love for Amish romance books. So, when I thought an aspect of Amish life would be good for a future manuscript, I contacted my friend. She graciously shared several books with me. Now, I just need to pick one to read.

Ebooks have complicated sharing a little bit. After reading the Divergent series by Veronica Roth, I thought I could share my copy with my sister. I missed the memo that not all books are loanable. Sigh. Many of the self-published (or indie-published authors) allow this option!

Thankfully, we can share books via word of mouth — no matter what format. This year, I continue to follow my "Name Them" rule and list the title and the author’s name when I mention these books in conversations or social media. 

Our blogs are a great place to share books, too. I enjoy reading reviews. I continue to add books to my library list I missed in 2013, but found through year-in-review blogs.

What’s your favorite way to share books?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on February 17, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do You Learn From Authors? — A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen


This is the sixth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

This is a fun one.

Who doesn’t love learning?

This is a great way to work on your writing and support your favorite authors.

You can learn when you:

• enroll in a workshop
• read a craft book
• listen at the library

In the last year, I’ve been able to do all three and have improved my writing with these opportunities. Many authors share their writing techniques in workshops at conferences or via online classes. If you admire an author consider taking a class from him or her. Last year, I took the Making Picture Book Magic Class with author Susanna Leonard Hill. To date, this was the best class I’ve taken online. I refer to the material often.

Several years ago, I attended a retreat taught by author Linda Ashman. She released a craft book last year: The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books. I scooped up this book, because I love Linda’s books and loved her workshop. I wasn’t disappointed when I read the book. It helped me during my work on ReviMo in January.

Well, it wasn’t a library, but I attended a reading and signing with author and illustrator Peter Brown. It was fun to see him draw the tiger from Mr. Tiger Goes Wild and to see an author present to a room filled with children and adults (and my wandering toddler). 

These are easy ways to learn from your favorite authors. What’s your favorite way to learn from authors (including reading their books)?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on February 10, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do You Follow? — A Reader University post

By Stacy S. Jensen

This is the fifth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

With so much focus on author platform, you’ll find most of your favorite writers on social media. Here are three ways to follow an author:

• blogs
• social media
• in person

It’s fun to study how published authors use their blog or social media presence.

Are they reaching out to readers, other writers, or book buyers? Do they use a specific social media site like Twitter or Facebook, or do they have a Pinterest board that draws you in for hours?

Some authors share unique details about their books and their characters on their blogs. Some will tweet lines from their books. A Pinterest board may be created to share the inspiration for a book’s setting or a character’s backstory.

Kid lit authors often will share educational materials — how to use their book in a classroom or home setting.

Other writers will share writing tips — how to break through writer’s block, how to deal with bad reviews, or how the rejection never ends.

Some authors are absent from social media, but that’s rare. This is where the in person idea comes into play. Why not attend a book signing or a conference where your favorite author is presenting? This is a good way to learn about the writer’s process and work. Most of these events have a question and answer session, why not support them and ask a question in person.

Years ago when readers wanted to contact an author, they mailed letters to the author’s publisher. With social media, contact can be instant. It’s a good way to show your support and learn a little more about the books and writing you enjoy. 

How do you follow authors?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on February 3, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do you review books? — A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen

This is the fourth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

I’ve heard self-published authors mention before that one of the most valuable ways to support them is to write a review. An honest review can help an author sell more books. 

There are many ways to share a review. An easy place to begin:

• online
• at a book club
• in person

I mostly think about online reviews after a book purchase from an online retailer. If you have a blog, you can write up a review, too. I do this every Friday through the Perfect Picture Book Fridays list.

Book clubs are a great place to share reviews. When I lived in Texas, the local library hosted a monthly book review. Trust me, it wasn’t like a book report, either. A couple times, I was grilled about the books I shared. It kept me on my toes and really tested my affection for a book.

Word of mouth or “in person” recommendations are always good. I find the kid-lit community is wonderful about sharing titles.

Reviews are a great place to learn about writing, too. While some reviews can be nasty, there are often little nuggets of information writers can glean about the craft — characters, story development, and even genre.

Reviews often teach us that some readers will never be pleased with our stories. A little proof of this (and maybe a laugh, too) can be found on Marc Tyler Nobleman’s site. Take a few minutes to watch children’s authors reading reviews.

How do you review books?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on January 27, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Do You Name the Author? - A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen

This is the third post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.  

I know most authors aren’t rich and famous. Heck, most people don’t even mention an author by name. I’m guilty of this too.

You’ve overheard this or been a party to that conversation about a book, right?

“You know the book about the sheep quitting?” {Can’t Sleep Without Sheep by Susanna Leonard Hill} or “That book where the kids are put in an arena to kill.” {The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins} Most comments are followed by “It’s on the tip of my tongue” or snapping fingers. The speaker can’t remember the title or the author’s name.

I’m sure many authors don’t mind that their name {or title} is forgotten. They simply appreciate that the reader remembers the story.

Not naming an author won’t break the universe, but it doesn’t help an author trying to get established. When I hear a title or an author mentioned, I often look up their other work. One mention, and suddenly I’m checking out multiple books. There’s value to naming an author to a potential reader.

This is one thing I will do this year — I will name authors and the titles of their books. For picture books, I’m trying to add the illustrators, too. To accomplish this, I will use Google or Amazon or my library’s catalog to complete a quick search. If I can’t remember the title and author or find it, I will bow out of a conversation in person or on social media. It’s early in the year, but so far I am on track.

Do you name an author when you talk about book titles?

Reading: I continue to read Divergent by Veronica Roth. I fear I may have a difficult time skipping over Roth’s next novel Insurgent, but I have The Book Thief by Markus Zusak next on my list. I know my list is so 2012 or 2013, but this is why I’m trying to read more. I’m behind!

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on January 20, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.

Take Time to Read - A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen

This is the second post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.  

 

Last time, in the first in the Reader University series, we talked about Try — new authors, new genres, and new formats.

My second way to help authors and your own writing is to READ:

• a book
• a novella
• a short story

Or read an essay or a long magazine or newspaper feature story.

It’s so easy to get trapped in the “I don’t have time whirlwind” of life. Even when we say this, we are still reading.

I DO read a lot each day. I read a few blog posts, a few Internet news stories, and a ton of emails. Throw in some social media and I’ve read a short story or novella in one “session” on the computer. While much of this is entertaining or educational, I still find myself missing a good story by the end of the week.

Between my library card and my Kindle, I have access to a steady stream of books. This week, I’m making time to read another book in my virtual (Kindle) “to be read” stack —Divergent by Veronica Roth.

I read these books last week (mostly due to being sick and stuck on the couch):

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (2012)

How to Query an Agent or Editor [A Children's Writer Inside Guide from Mentors for Rent] by Lisa Bullard and Laura Purdie Salas (2012)

As usual, I read through a dozen picture books. I was able to get my hands on Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle (2013). It’s a wordless picture book — sweet and lightly pink. This book does have flaps, so I’m not sure how the Kindle version of this will work.

Have fun reading this week!

Here’s the first post about the Reader University project.

(This post first appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on January 13, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.