One of my favorite things about being part of the author community is reading new books from my friends. Whether pre-release drafts of Lindsey Jesionowski's latest rom-com or Russell Camp's latest literary fiction, there are great perks of being in a circle of writers.
J.D. Salinger, the enigmatic voice behind The Catcher in the Rye, once said, “What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it.” Let's dive into what this sentiment means for the indie and aspiring authors among us.
1. Emotional Resonance: Salinger speaks to the power of deeply relatable characters and narratives. When readers see themselves mirrored in the pages, they connect, hoping to bridge the imaginary gap with the creator.
2. The Human Touch: Indie authors have the unique advantage of being closely accessible to their readers through social media and personal blogs, giving readers a sense of that "call up" intimacy Salinger mentions.
3. Transparency & Authenticity: Sharing personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs in author notes or through platforms allows indie authors to foster a genuine bond with their readership.
4. Building a Community: Engaged readers often wish to dive deeper, discussing themes, character arcs, and fan theories. As indie authors, creating such spaces where fans can interact and feel closer to the story and its creator can be magic.
Tool Tip: Platforms like Discord or Facebook Groups can serve as excellent spaces for authors to cultivate and nurture their reader community. They provide the closeness that Salinger's quote yearns for.
Activity: This week, think about a book that made you feel this Salinger-esque connection. Reach out to the author, if possible. Express your appreciation, or pen down your feelings in a heartfelt review.
Salinger’s words remind us of the transformative power of storytelling. For indie and aspiring authors, it's an invitation to create stories that not just entertain but deeply resonate. It’s about forging bonds that transcend pages and screens, reminding us all of the human connections that literature can inspire.
-Andrew
The Indie Author Method
Comments