Do you ever come across an author, maybe in something unassuming,
a blog post, an article in an online publication, that touches you so much,
that even though they don’t speak about their work, you need to check it out? I’ve
found a few authors that way. People I wouldn’t have come across otherwise, but
that I’m so glad I got to know. This article did it for me. It’s an amazing post, and should be required reading for all authors. It really shows how books
can save people.
The post is well written, the language engaging, the flow smooth,
but that’s not what got me to check out his work. If you’ve read the article
(if you haven’t go do it now) you’ll notice he hardly references his books at
all. He doesn’t spout log lines or back
covers. He doesn’t use a hook or describe them in tantalizing ways. He doesn’t
even offer sage writing advice. He wrote about himself, and others like him. He
wrote about those who yearn. He wrote his heart. And his heart touched mine. That’s what makes me connect to a book. And
having that connection in an online post makes me believe it will be in his
novels too.
This is the way to get people to read your books. Care. Help
others. Have something to say and stand behind it. When people find you, they
will find your books on their own. Even better, you just might help someone else who is struggling.
