Thursday, January 13, 2011

Impromptu Reader Appreciation Day!

by Cara McKenna


So last week I had a new story come out from Ellora's Cave. I promise I won't go all pimptasticalz on you, though if anyone's interested, the details are here. This was the third and final book in a series I never intended to write…you know how it is when characters refuse to vacate your head. Anyhow, I've been published for nearly a year now, which still qualifies me as a freshman, I suspect. I'm certainly still learning tons, particularly about who I am, who my audience is, and what to expect (or sometimes what not to expect) from readers.

Something that's completely blown my mind in regards to this series, is that fact that I have readers. Actually, it's readers who inspired me to write the third book. I couldn't believe it when they first wrote to me. People were emotionally invested enough in characters I created that they wanted to spend more time with them, and see how their lives turned out. Weird!!! Weird and wonderful. And after the final book came out, I received e-mails and reader reviews from people who'd been awaiting the conclusion. Waiting for the stuff that falls out of my brain? Really? And you're definitely not related to me, right?

So anyhow, in light of how thoroughly these revelations blew my mind, I wanted to throw a little impromptu Reader Appreciation Day here on NAC. A sort of early Valentine's. Authors, I hereby invite you to gush however you see fit in the comments, and let our readers know how much we value what they do for our careers and our egos, our reputations and our momentum to keep plugging away in this tough business. Please leave aside any feelings you have about the not-so-nice readers, the mean or sloppy reviewers, the pirates, and join me in celebrating the kind and encouraging individuals who make this gig so wholly worth pursuing.

To every reader who's invested the time and money to put our work in their carts, to hit Download, to take our words with them into the bed or the easy chair or the bathtub, to share their enjoyment of our writing with friends or strangers, to sacrifice a few precious minutes of their days to log in and rate us, or write up reviews, or send us an e-mail, or to tweet about our books…there's a special, cushy, corner of heaven laid out with wine and cheese and muscular masseurs, patiently awaiting your arrival.

xoxo,
Cara

9 comments:

Michelle Polaris said...

Here, here! Way to go readers! I can't believe time has passed so quickly.

Cara McKenna said...

Morning, Michelle!

Since I am a reader, I know how cagey I can be myself about ponying up my time and money on a name I don't recognize. So, further thanks to those readers who take a chance on the newer names, and help make them into recognizable ones.

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

I love the occasional fan email I received from across the country or even Internationally. It's so exciting to realize I touched someone or tickled them...that sounds so wrong, but you know what I mean.

Nina Pierce said...

I have to admit, nothing makes my day like an email from a reader who not only read my book, but took the time to tell me how much they enjoyed it. *sigh* Nothing like it in the world. Readers are the best and I join you in celebrating them!

Cara McKenna said...

I know—like taking the time to buy and read the book wasn't awesome enough? It gives me an actual warm fuzzy feeling when strangers take a few minutes to do that.

Wynter said...

Yay readers! I'm with you. I'm still so thrilled that people buy my books. How nice that you're thanking them.

Charlotte Stein aka The Mighty Viper said...

There was nothing, *nothing* in the world to me so gratifying as seeing so many people add Past Pleasures and Control on Goodreads, then actually rate and review them. Even the bad ones. It blows my mind to think I have readers, and it blows my mind harder when they actually talk about stuff in my book. I definitely appreciate each and every one of them.

Annette Blair said...

I also love to hear from my readers and like Ash, that note can make my day or even my week. I must add my appreciation for everyone in this economy who buys our books, but if you get them at the library, that's like the circle of life. Libraries are where I got my love of reading. Happy New Year everyone.

Dalton Diaz said...

Amen!
(Throwing confetti)
Thank you, thank you!