Go Team!

I’ve been thinking a lot about teamwork, especially the camaraderie in the world of writing and publishing. Maybe because a part of my heart is breaking for a talented writer friend who is having a tough time, as another part of me rejoices for a different writer pal who, after a rough go of it, is spinning with exciting publishing news. Where would we be if we couldn’t share our lows and our highs with each other?

I’ve also been feeling the love of teamwork in regard to promotion, which is not my favorite word. When my novels came out, promoting could be lonely and painful. However, I was lucky enough to be adopted into a fabulous group of authors that work together to promote. The KidLit Authors Club (http://kidlitauthorsclub.com/HomePage.html) was started by authors who realized that promoting solo can be miserable, but promoting as a group can be a blast.

A couple weeks ago, for example, I attended an all-day book festival. Had I been alone with my books, I would have felt awkward and uncomfortable. Think stray dog in need of a home. Sitting at tables with other authors, though, chatting and laughing and sharing books (our own and each others) with people made the day fun. I think we actually attracted readers to our tables because we were enjoying ourselves so much. Teamwork and camaraderie in action.

If you’re a blogger, or a fan of Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, or other similar sites, you know all about the rewards of connecting with others. Going through trials and triumphs with kindred spirits—people who understand the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly of life—makes such a difference.

How has teamwork and camaraderie made a difference in your life? I’m guessing it has.

Footnote: Speaking of teamwork, I am now overseeing the Twitter account for the KidLit Authors Club. If you follow us ( @kidlitauthors ), I promise to follow you back! : )

Reminiscing, a Contest, AND an Event

Deer season is here again. Where I live, trucks are parked in the middle of fields and pushed up along the sides of roads. I’ve passed more than one person pulling on a florescent orange vest over a camouflage jacket. This takes me back to when I was immersed in research--interviewing hunters, expanding my knowledge of deer, and deepening my understanding of all the issues that surround hunting and deer hunting in particular.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since BUCK FEVER came out into the world. A year full of wonderful interviews, school visits, and bookstore events. In the interviews as well as at the functions, I’m often asked the same question: How did you come up with the idea for BUCK FEVER? I love this question. It gives me the opportunity to talk about how the many different viewpoints about deer hunting inspired the premise of the story. Because I found all of these perspectives fascinating, the story was born. So, happy belated birthday, BUCK FEVER.

Speaking of happy, I am thrilled to share that there is a contest going on at http://lindabenson.blogspot.com/2010/12/meet-cynthia-willis.html If you or someone you know would you like to win a signed copy of DOG GONE or BUCK FEVER, head on over to Linda Benson’s blog.

Also, authors (including me) from the KidLit Authors Club will be in the Exton, Pennsylvania Borders Express this coming Sunday, December 12th, from 1 pm until 3pm. Come on by! We'd love to see you!

Good luck, happy reading to all, and to all a good night!