2022- A Year of Connections
Finding a way to recognize and share new and upcoming authors has been a top intention for me throughout the last two and a half years. And I Iove when I connect with others who are doing the same thing.
Last week, Nina Fiegl, the author/editor/reader behind The Reading Writing Lady (TRWL) page and group on Facebook, announced the first annual Reading Writing Ladies Awards in her Reading Writing Ladies Group (RWLG) to recognize the achievements of several authors. The awards are just one wonderful way TRWL is spreading the word about newer indie authors and bringing people together over the joy of books. More on that below, including how to vote, but first, a bit about why Fiegl’s efforts resonate with me and my goals and intentions.
Social media has become a huge avenue for new authors to promote their books and build their readerships. Groups play a huge part in that. They build camaraderie, heighten interest and excitement in new titles, and facilitate partnerships and collaborations among authors. They also build a support system around readers looking for a place to share what they love about a book or author. Readers can show their recognition through something as simple as liking a post, commenting on a post, or sharing something they find in the group on their personal timelines and in other groups. Everyone interacts according to their own comfort level. There are no requirements or expectations. Total win-win. Whether you’re a lurker or an expert, you’re valuable and valued within the group simply because you have a love for the same books and authors as others.
But social media can also be a lot to navigate, and some of the larger groups can become overwhelming. So, smaller groups have a lot of value for those of us who experience info overload relatively easily. Plus, it’s a great way to cultivate friendships and professional affiliations.
TRWL endeavors to Increase exposure for authors who don’t have the same larger platform as more well established authors. Creating a space where multiple authors can gather, and their fans can follow, helps readers find new authors organically, in a place they can also interact with other readers looking for new authors to read and follow. Plus, the authors have a safe space to network where everyone is on equal footing, and each person brings something valuable to the table.
Helping an author experience slow steady growth is a beautiful way to show them they are valued and seen. Everything that happens in the group is meant to help authors grow and experience success while also building a support system for them. Plus it helps readers connect with authors on a personal level and with other readers who love the same things they do. And because the authors in the group are also readers, the web grows, the connections become more relevant, and the interactions become more fluid and intentional.
Having a solid base of authors and readers who feel connected boosts overall interaction within the group. Posts that prompt interaction tend to raise the energy in the group, as well as the exposure. And that, in turn, helps to build the group, leading to even more interaction and recognition for the authors. Because ultimately, something both TRWL and I share is our desire to help promote authors and their new releases. Which is likely why I love spending time in the RWLG.
TRWL established the awards as a way to thank the authors who interact, share, help build the group, and spread the word about the group, their books, and the books of other authors in the group. Because every new set of eyes on a title is another reader for that author. And you never know where that new reader will share their new find. The snowball effect is a beautiful thing. And a lot of it comes from group interactions where peers see and treat each other as equals and allies rather than as competition.
Check out the group, and show the authors some love by voting for their books—because you loved the book or you love the author—it all helps them feel seen.
Vote for the RWL BEST FEATURED BOOK OF 2022!
Vote for the RWL FAVORITE NEW RELEASE OF 2022!
And even if you don’t vote for the RWLA awards, check out the featured authors. You may just find your next book binge, favorite author, or new subgenre. And join the conversation. Your opinion counts, and your input is valuable. And trust me, the authors will love and appreciate your support.
