Kind Things To Do For Writers, Bloggers, + Authors

You can change the course of someone's day. 

I think that's obvious. You can give a $10,000 check to a random person on the street, and their day is gonna change. Likewise, you could murder someone on the street, and their day is drastically going to change, as, well, so is yours. (I promise this whole post isn't going to be morbid.)

Personally, I believe that one of the most effective ways of changing someone's day is to reach them with kindness.

As you may know, Valentine's Day is coming up. (Or maybe you're like me and aren't very aware of this holiday. Except the chocolate part. Don't you think we should be giving each other pizza instead?)

ANYWAYS.

Valentine's Day is all about showing that you care for people you love -- changing their day for the better. Most of the time it's for couples, but especially when I was younger, in Sunday School we'd hand out valentine's and chocolate to each other. All that fun stuff.

You can find plenty of ideas on "the Google" for acts of kindness, gift ideas, fun outings, etc...

...BUT! Why stop there? I'm going to safely assume that if you're reading this blog, you spend time on the internet and love books. So, naturally, you might have internet friends or favorite authors. And why not do something unexpected for them that will make them happy?

This Valentine's Day(or every day, ha), in addition to being kind to those in life around you (cause, priorities), I've written up a different list:

(and you can do this all from the comfort of your couch.)

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1. COMMENT!

Commenting is awesome, people. As a blogger, it makes me so incredibly happy to know that people are reading my content and interacting with it. It's even better when I get to meet other writers and bloggers and start up conversations with them. 

2. SHARE THEIR POST

This. THIS, people! Sharing one of your favorite blogger's post (on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest...) will definitely make their day. Bloggers want to reach more people with their blog, and eventually there's only so much they can do. So they also have to rely on readers to spread their blog around so more people can find it.

*cough* Aaaand you can always share my posts using the buttons in the footer. *wink*

3. YOU COULD ALSO SHARE THEIR BLOG

I mean, why not go the extra mile? Send the link to a friend! Or several. I won't complain. Ha. :P

4. EMAIL AN ENCOURAGING NOTE

It is sooo inspiring to get an email in my inbox from a blog reader telling me how much they like my blog. Or even if they send me a funny pizza related thing or ask a question -- just the fact that they think of coming to my blog is awesome. Don't be shy to email your favorite bloggers. They usually have a contact page with an email or contact form. WE LOVE TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS!

5. FOLLOW THEM ON OTHER SOCIAL SITES

Because usually their awesomeness spreads to other websites. ;) I only blog on Saturdays (usually), but tweet on Twitter daily. So if you follow me on there, we can connect more. (YAY!) And usually I'll follow you back so we can be buddies. :D

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1. WRITE A REVIEW

I'm not an author, but from talking with authors, I've figured out that reviews are VERY important. And reviews don't have to be long! Just a few sentences phrasing your thoughts on the book. It could literally take a minute, and after you're finished you can post it on Goodreads + Amazon. Boom. Author's day made.

2. RECOMMEND THEIR BOOK

If a friend recommends a book to me, I'm 110% more likely to read it rather than just seeing it on Amazon or Goodreads. Why? Cause I trust their judgement and tastes in books. So using word of mouth to spread along a series is extremely important for authors.

This is also great for YOU because then you'll be able to flail about the characters together.

3. AN ENCOURAGING EMAIL

Just like you can do for a blogger, you can send an encouraging email to one of your authors. Like I said before, I'm not an author, but I can imagine that there are times of doubt, stress, and just feeling overwhelmed. Sending a message telling them about how much you love their books and that you're praying them could really lift their spirits.

4. REQUEST THEIR BOOK AT YOUR LIBRARY

As far as I know, most library sites have a place where you can request that they buy a book. I've done this several times, and for the most part, libraries usually buy them. 

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1. MOCK COVERS

A friend just did this for me the other day, and it is so awesome. SO AWESOME. It's like getting fan art and it's just the coolest thing ever. 

2. OFFER TO READ/BETA/CRITIQUE 

This is also kind of terrifying (at least for me because: PEOPLE READING MY BOOK AHH NO), but I think most writer's would agree that it's exciting to have people interested in your book. Ask about the characters, plot, and things like that. Usually writers like to flail about their feels-inducing book. 

But don't ask them about it in person. They'll probably scream and run away.

3. WRITE AN ENCOURAGING NOTE

"Wow, Katie," you say. "Totally didn't see that one coming." 

BUT REALLY. Words are just powerful. If you've read their book, flail about it. Ask how edits are going. WAR WITH THEM. Flail about it. Just flail, okay? 

If you haven't read the book, be excited! Be encouraging, and remind them occasionally to just sit down and write. (Or edit.) Writers usually need it.

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Now go forth and change the world someone's day for the better. *nod*

- Katie Grace

I'm going to try for doing at least four of these things on Valentine's day. Any of you with me? 

Also, are there any other acts of kindness you can think of for people on the internet?