Teresa Tysinger, Author

5 Ways to Support an Author’s New Book

First things first… Subscribers to my monthly newsletter, The Little Blue Cottage, had the exclusive chance to win a copy of one of Lindsey P. Brackett’s books. The lucky WINNER is Joan Arning!!! Joan, watch for an email in your inbox! Don’t miss out on other giveaways and exclusive content — subscribe today HERE.

Want to hear a secret? Coming up with fresh content is tough sometimes. So, over the weekend I went scrolling through my blog for something that might spark inspiration. I came across an old post about how readers can support an author’s new book. That’s TIMELESS! So, this week on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter I shared one tip a day. Below I’m sharing them all again as a reminder about how you — the READERS — are an author’s best asset!

TIP NO. 1: SHARE

Imagine that you see on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. that one of your favorite authors has a new book coming out. You squeal with excitement into your phone or tablet. You spend the morning fist-pumping because that brand new contemporary romance e-book you’ve been waiting for is on sale for $0.99. Go all “Extra! Extra! Read All About It!” with that post and share! All social media platforms have Share tools built right in, so use them! Make that book news go viral!

TIP NO. 2: REVIEW

One of the best things you can do for a book’s success is review it! The more reviews a book receives, the more likely it is to be featured on lists curated by sites like Amazon, Goodreads, etc. Like above, be sure and SHARE your review once you’ve written it. Repost on your blog, social media, etc. Not sure what should be included in a review? The most helpful reviews often include a short plot review, your reaction (what you loved about it, what surprised you, which characters resonated with you, etc.), and maybe a comparison to other popular books so readers know what to expect. But please if you must include details that others might consider to be spoilers, be sure to say that upfront so readers can choose to continue or not.

TIP NO. 3: CREATE

I’ve seen you guys out there….you’re so creative! Use those skills to create visuals with your favorite line(s) from the book. Below is one I created and shared after reading a new favorite, The Hideaway, by Lauren K. Denton. Even if you don’t consider yourself handy with design, there are tools out there that make creating memes and social cards super easy-peasy. Canva and the Ripl app are two that I’ve used and find super easy and fun. These become like free advertisements for books! And, remember to always tag and/or link your creations back to the author or buy page for an easy connection point.

TIP NO. 4: TALK

“Hey, read any good books lately?” Yes, you have! Chat about your favorite books and authors with friends and family. Once this crazy time of social distancing is over, chat over coffee with friends, the Sunday family dinner table, the PTA meeting, at the park with other moms, to your dentist in between opening wide, when your UPS guy is waiting for your signature, in the long grocery store line, while huffing and puffing on the treadmill, while browsing at your favorite book store, to the librarian (ask them to get it; they might just seek out the book if they don’t already carry it!), or even your babysitter while you’re trying to figure out the latest payment app she’s using now. Use your voice!

TIP NO. 5: JOIN

I’m not the first author to see the potential in their excited readers. And we all love feeling a part of something EXCLUSIVE. So, many authors create “launch teams” for new books for readers to join — members essentially become an extension of the authors marketing team, agreeing to be a cheerleader for the book in a variety of ways. This can include all of the above ways to promote and more! I’ve been a part of several launch teams and have really enjoyed feeling a part of making a book release successful. Watch for these opportunities from authors you follow.

Of the above tips, what’s your favorite way to support your favorite authors?

Author Spotlight: Lindsey P. Brackett

If you’re signed up for The Little Blue Cottage monthly email community, you’ll have the chance to get to know author Lindsey P. Brackett through a fun rapid-fire Q&A interview. I’d like to introduce Lindsey here, too!

About the Author

977888_495743663832425_2035047757_o Award-winning writer, Lindsey P. Brackett once taught middle grades literature, but now she writes her own great works in the midst of motherhood. A blogger since 2010, she has also published articles and short stories in varying publications. In 2015, she joined Splickety Publishing Group as Editor of Web Content, and in 2017 she migrated over to Firefly Southern Fiction as a general editor. Her popular column, Just Write Life, appears bi-weekly for The Northeast Georgian and weekly in The Elberton Star.

Her love of family ties and southern places prompted her first southern fiction novel, Still Waters, a four-star Romantic Times review being called a “brilliant debut”.

She makes her home at the foothills of Appalachia with her husband and their four rowdy children. They lose library books, brew strong coffee, and quit homeschool.

Books

Still Waters: Book 1 in The Low Country Series

Available on Amazon

Cora Anne Halloway has a history degree and a plan: avoid her own past despite being wait-listed for graduate school. Then her beloved grandmother requests—and her dispassionate mother insists—that she spend the summer at Still Waters, the family cottage on Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

Despite its picturesque setting, Still Waters haunts Cora Anne with loss. At Still Waters her grandfather died, her parents’ marriage disintegrated, and as a child, she caused a tragic drowning. But lingering among the oak canopies and gentle tides, this place also tempts her with forgiveness—especially since Nan hired Tennessee Watson to oversee cottage repairs. A local contractor, but dedicated to the island’s preservation from development, Tennessee offers her friendship and more, if she can move beyond her guilt.

When a family reunion reveals Nan’s failing health, Cora Anne discovers how far Tennessee will go to protect her and—Edisto—from more desolation. Will Cora Anne choose between a life driven by guilt, or one washed clean by the tides of grace?

The Bridge Between: Book 2 in The Low Country Series

Available on Amazon

After years away, Louisa Coultrie Halloway has returned to Edisto Island as caretaker for the family home. Now she flounders to find her place.When Liam Whiting, a local professor studying tidal creek preservation, invites Lou to join his research team, she welcomes the opportunity for purpose.

David, her ex-husband, has followed Lou and their children to Edisto. As he finds his footing in this new life, their once strained relationship eases into a familiar rhythm—and he hopes for more.

But the past still has a hold on them all, especially in the presence of Grace Watson, whose son intends to marry Lou and David’s daughter.Somehow, Grace and Lou must let the past of a shared love settle between them.

In this idyllic setting, relationships deepen and shift. And once more, Lou finds herself caught between the life she’s chosen—and the love that might be meant to be.

Even Now, It Is Well

Even Now, It Is Well...

How are you, friends? I pray you and your family are healthy. These are crazy times, when the words coronovirus, quarantine, social distancing, and shelter-at-home are commonplace. It’s strange, unsettling, and surreal.

I’m so grateful for the many positive things rising to the top. Genius creativity from celebrated artists and children alike, unparalleled generosity from organizations and businesses offering free resources, families reconnecting at home, a realized appreciation for our educators, and renewed sense of community.

I try and begin my prayers with gratefulness for these things, and more. For God’s goodness and faithfulness. But, I am a chronically anxious person. “Prone to wonder, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” This line from the song Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing is painfully familiar to me. It is so easy for me in times of unrest and unease to wonder down the path of worry. I am drawn step-by-step closer to the “what ifs” that lead nowhere, except for farther away from God. The good news is, God doesn’t leave us. I’m reminded of a time when, as a little girl, I declared I was going to run away from home. My mom let me pack my suitcase and leave the house. But as I sat on the curb in front of our house, she watched over me from the window. She let me feel whatever frustration filled me at the time. But she didn’t leave me. Just as she waited and watched, I know God is a few steps behind, following me on the path I wonder.

During this time of COVID-19, like most of you, I’m social distancing at home with my husband and daughter. I already work full-time from home, but having my usual routine interrupted has been like moving from walking on pavement to sand. It takes more deliberate steps that tire my legs much quicker. (Bless my husband for his willingness to work with our daughter on some homeschooling, especially now that it looks like she may not be able to return to school this academic year.) I’m a creature of habit and as an introvert, really need alone time. And yet, it’s in the alone time I crave that my heart tends to wonder.

Isn’t it interesting how who we seem created to be can most reveal the very element in us that is at the core of our sinful nature?

Just after writing this sentence, I paused and read over it. Immediately, I felt God suggest an edit. What if, instead of seeing my introverted nature as a gateway to a prone-to-wonder heart, I see it as a willingness to invite God in. But for this to be true, I have to act on it. I have to extend the invitation. When I do, he will accept every single time. And within my invitation and his acceptance, the path I’ve wondered down will transform into “peace like a river.”

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

I think it is these opening lines from the hymn It Is Well that made it my favorite even years ago when I was a teenager. Anxious from childhood, the truth and comfort in them soothed my anxious nature. They still do.

Yesterday, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a video of Natalie Grant singing It Is Well, accompanied by her husband and brilliant musician Bernie Herms. I listened and cried as the moment turned into worship. God invites us to claim the truths of his faithfulness that bring peace. Take a listen (click on the image to go to the post)…

God knows our struggles in all circumstances and he is with us always. On paths we wonder down. During uncertainty and fear. While we social distance. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

I hope you are your loved ones are staying healthy. Thanks for letting me write through some of my feelings during this time. If you’ve made it this far, and want to, leave a comment below sharing a prayer request, what life is like for you during this strange time, or something you’re grateful for right now. HUGS AND BLESSINGS!

Bored at Home? Here’s a FREE BOOK!

With all this extra time at home while we practice social distancing, there are certainly a few silver linings — like extra time to read! So, I’m offering my novel, Someplace Familiar, for FREE on Kindle, today through Sunday, March 22!

Get for FREE at Amazon

Be sure to share with your friends who may be looking for a way to pass the time. Stay safe and healthy, friends. HAPPY READING!

New Creative Adventure!

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There is nothing more I love than creating on just about any level. Today I get to tell you about a new creative adventure I’m beginning!

For more than fifteen years, I’ve spent my professional life developing and overseeing communications and marketing for churches and non-profit organizations. It’s truly been of those jobs that I feel I “get” to do, rather than have to do. One of my favorite parts of the job is graphic design. It’s so fun to find just the right font (really, it thrills me LOL), style, and concept to best convey an event or project.

The last few years, I’ve had the added pleasure of working with some of my favorite people – my fellow authors – to design book covers, marketing/promotional items, social media campaigns, and more. As I’ve had more and more folks inquiring about how I might can help with their design needs, it started to make sense to formalize the process a bit.

So, I’ve put together a Design Services page on my site that outlines how we might work together on any of your creative needs. Need a print and/or ebook cover designed? Want to hand off internal formatting of your next book to someone else? Interested in coming up with your own visual brand so readers instantly recognize your content? Let me help! I’d be honored to work with you on developing designs that will grab the attention of today’s readers and stand the test of time.

While this endeavor does focus on working with fellow authors, I’m also available to help with design needs for your small business, family projects (i.e. Christmas cards or invitations), or even church projects.

Visit my Design Services page today and learn more! I can’t wait to hear from you and work together on your next project.