Welcome to this week’s Author Diary! It’s been a busy week full of writing, reading, and engaging entertainment.
🧟♂️ “Punks Versus Zombies” Updates
I’ve added two new episodes to the “Punks Versus Zombies” series. To make it even more accessible, I’ve uploaded a compilation of the audio versions of episodes 17-24 on YouTube. This format brings a new dimension to the storytelling experience, and I hope you enjoy it!
📖 New Short Story Release
I’m excited to share a new short story, “Siren’s Song,” a prequel to the Ravenglass Legends series. It’s available for free on my Ream page at joncronshawauthor.com. Dive into this enchanting tale and explore more of the Ravenglass universe.
📚 Reading Journey
Recently Read: “Shaman’s Crossing” by Robin Hobb, which I found to be an excellent start to her series.
Currently Reading: “Forest Mage,” the second book in the series. It continues to captivate with its rich storytelling and compelling character development.
🎥 Entertainment
Finished Watching: Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen.” This series wrapped up nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion to its cleverly woven plot.
Currently Watching: Halfway through the Fallout TV series on Amazon Prime. It’s been a thrilling ride, perfectly capturing the essence of the game while delivering a strong narrative.
As I continue to create and consume stories, whether through writing or media, I look forward to sharing more about my journey with you.
Feel free to share your thoughts on any of the series I’ve mentioned, your own creative projects, or what you’re currently reading or watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for weekly insights into my author’s life and creative processes!
Dive into the realm of fantasy literature with these top blogs, offering reviews, news, and insights on beloved authors and emerging tales. Dive deeper now!
Fantasy fiction has exploded in popularity in recent years, with epic tales of magic, monsters and mythical worlds capturing the imagination of readers across the world.
If you can’t get enough of authors like N.K. Jemisin, Robin Hobb, and George R.R. Martin, you’ll want to check out these top fantasy blogs for your regular dose of news, reviews, and commentary from the world of fantasy literature.
Run by the British Fantasy Society, this blog features reviews of new fantasy book releases by British authors and posts from their annual FantasyCon event. It’s a great way to discover new British fantasy writers and series to add to your reading list.
One of the most popular fantasy blogs online, Fantasy Faction features in-depth discussions of all aspects of fantasy, from analyses of magic systems in different novels to debates about tropes and trends in the genre. They also post regular author interviews.
Book lover Kristen runs this blog sharing her passion for fantasy books old and new. She posts thoughtful, in-depth reviews and has a “My Favorite Bit” series highlighting fun excerpts from fantasy novels.
British blogger Adam Whitehead reviews an impressively wide range of fantasy books and shares news about upcoming releases. He also covers fantasy computer games and TV/film adaptations of popular fantasy series.
UK blogger Susan clarifies that she’s “a speculative fiction junkie, not a drug addict!” She writes reviews focused on the young adult fantasy genre but also covers adult and children’s fantasy books, short stories and more.
So check out these top sites to discover your next great fantasy read and connect with fellow fantasy fans online. Just beware of getting sucked into magical digital rabbit holes when you meant to be doing work.
Discover effective ways to support indie authors and help them gain the recognition they deserve. From positive reviews to social media promotion, be their champion and ensure their captivating stories thrive. Learn how in this comprehensive guide.
Indie authors pour their hearts and souls into crafting stories filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters.
However, without the backing of a corporate publishing house, these talented writers often face an uphill battle when it comes to getting their books noticed.
That’s where you, the reader, can help.
By actively supporting indie authors, you can help them gain the recognition they deserve, ensuring they continue to create the stories you love.
Here’s a guide on how to be the champion these authors need.
1. Leave Positive Reviews on Amazon, Bookbub, and Goodreads
One of the easiest and most effective ways to support indie authors is by leaving honest positive reviews on platforms like Amazon, Bookbub, and Goodreads.
These reviews improve the visibility of their books, making it more likely that other readers will discover them.
If you enjoyed a book, take a few minutes to write a thoughtful review that highlights what you loved about the story and why others should give it a try.
2. Share Your Enthusiasm on Social Media
Harness the power of social media to spread the word about your favourite indie books.
Share your thoughts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, using relevant hashtags to reach fellow fans of your genre.
Don’t forget to tag the author and the book’s title so that others can easily find it.
3. Create Engaging Content
If you have a blog or podcast, consider dedicating a post or episode to discussing your favourite indie authors.
By sharing your favourite titles and what makes them special, you can introduce new readers to these hidden gems.
4. Use Word of Mouth
Sometimes, the most effective form of promotion is simply telling others about the books you love.
Recommend your favourite indie titles to friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to spread the word as well.
5. Produce Fan Art and Cosplay
If you’re artistically inclined, consider creating fan art or cosplay inspired by your favourite indie books.
Sharing your creations on social media can help generate buzz for the title and showcase the author’s imaginative world-building.
Plus, it can be a good way to promote your own creations when an author shares your work with their audience.
6. Make Videos About Your Top Indie Reads
If you enjoy making videos, consider creating content centred around indie books.
Whether it’s a book review, a list of recommendations, or a discussion of themes, your video can help shine a light on deserving authors and their captivating stories.
7. Request Books at Your Local Library and Bookshops
Ask your local library and bookshops to order copies of your favourite indie titles.
If your library uses an ebook library such as Borrowbox or Overdrive, ask for your library to order books for that too.
By increasing the availability of these books, you’ll help introduce new readers to the world of your favourite authors.
8. Support Subscription Programs like Patreon or Substack
Many indie authors offer subscription programs like Patreon or Substack, where you can gain access to exclusive content and help fund their creative endeavours.
By supporting authors financially, you can enable them to focus more on writing and less on making ends meet.
9. Engage and Be a Leader in the Author’s Online Communities
Many authors have dedicated online communities where they interact with their readers and share updates on their work.
These communities often exist on platforms such as Facebook groups, Discord channels, Reddit, and more.
By actively participating in these spaces, you can not only stay informed about the author’s latest news, but also help create a vibrant, welcoming environment for other fans.
10. Follow the Author on Amazon and Bookbub
Amazon and Bookbub are two popular platforms where authors share their work and connect with readers.
By following your favourite author on these platforms, you can stay up-to-date on their latest releases and any promotions they may be running.
It also lets the platforms know that these are authors they should be promoting.
11. Sign Up for the Author’s Newsletter
Many authors maintain an email newsletter to keep their fans informed about their latest news, upcoming releases, and any events they might be attending.
By signing up for their newsletter, you’ll be among the first to know about these updates and can help spread the word to other fans.
Many authors also offer exclusive stories and content not available anywhere else.
12. Be Supportive and Encouraging
Above all, being supportive and enthusiastic about indie authors and their work is crucial.
Let them know how much you appreciate their stories and encourage them to keep writing.
Like their posts, share them, and leave comments.
Your passion for their work can be the driving force that motivates them to continue creating magical worlds for readers to explore.
By following any of these steps and actively championing indie authors, you can make a significant impact on their careers and help ensure that the fantastic stories they create continue to thrive.
So go ahead, be their champion, and share your love for indie authors with the world.
Speaking of newsletters, you can sign up for mine and claim your free Ravenglass Universe starter library !
