When Writers Support Writers

It’s their first booksigning as a new author. They did everything exactly as they should to prepare, including sending out invitations. 40 people said they’d be there. 2 showed up.

Author Chelsea Banning wrote a tweet expressing the disappointment and embarrassment she felt, especially as it happened at her local bookstore.

And then the magic of small individual kindnesses happened. And her life changed.

Authors such as Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Jodi Picoult, Margaret E. Atwood, Min Jin Lee, Robin Hobb, and so many other: all let her know that she wasn’t alone.

They had been there. They said:

Join the club.

Two people breaks some of our records for success.

Recognizing her place in the writing community. And suddenly, unexpectedly, joyously: her story started to spread. And it just keeps going.

She has been on the Kelly Clarkson show.

Her Tweet became a meme on reddit:

She has sold through all of the signed copies of her book. Readers are posting reviews (great reviews, too!). She's shopping her second book.

The small community bookstore where she waited vainly for customers joined Twitter. They are now using it to promote Chelsea... and other authors. Publishers have noticed and are sending their A list authors' books to the store to promote interest and a buzz.

Chelsea is using the momentum to share the works of other writers on her suddenly popular Twitter thread. Paying it forward.

And suddenly more people are talking about books. Shared struggles. Tenacity. Grace.

Because of small moments of kindness.

Because authors reaching out to help someone in need, someone feel alone and defeated. One at a time. Changing lives.

You can follow Chelsea Banning on Twitter. (now better {?} known as X) She is also on Threads.

What About Us?

• You can, we can; support writers here on Vocal by reading, leaving a heart, commenting on their work about their work, and sharing the stories that resonate with you.
• You can join the Vocal Discord channel and interact there. Ask and answer questions. Leave funny emojis.
• On alternate weeks you can join the Raise Your Voice chat at noon EST and promote some of the authors and stories that you'd like to give a lift.
• You might even create a compilation of links, along with a brief intro about why you chose them, and share those stories in your own post. I've linked some below that I've found, and enjoy finding new recommendations from creators I trust.

We create, we write, we dream independently. But independent doesn't need to mean 'alone'. We can be there for each other, too.

Some Indexed Posts of the Work of Other Authors

I couldn't show examples of authors promoting other authors without including Mike! Here's his latest:

Kayleigh suggests and elevates poetry:

Paul is on his 7th compilation, which he calls Deep Cuts. (I think he has an eye-catching way about his images!)

Naomi made hers into a Vocal Playlist:

Mackenzie just completed her 3rd list:

Please leave me a comment: has another person, another Vocal creator, a friend- has someone reached out and elevated your efforts? We'd love to celebrate that with you!