Connecting Readers and Writers to the Word: National Book Lovers Day

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Today, let’s celebrate National Book Lovers Day! As you know, I love books. However, the books I read most often are children’s picture books and chapter books for fourth and fifth graders. I study children’s picture books similar to the stories I write or want to write, in order to expand my writing skills. As a teacher-librarian I read chapter books to help my students in the reading bowl. When newly ordered boxes of books would arrive in the library, at times, I found it difficult to shelve the books immediately. Why? I couldn’t resist reading most of them (‘ll miss that part of my job). But now that I’m recently retired, I’d like to graduate to adult novels once again. 🙂

Readers and Writers: How will you celebrate today? A few recommendations below . . .

Support authors:

  • Of course you can take a book from your personal home library that you’ve been meaning to read. Or, maybe visit your nearest public library or book store and browse the many interesting titles. Checking out books at the library informs the manager that there is great interest in specific book(s). As a result, these titles may stay in the library’s collection much longer instead of being donated to the Friends of the Library. Either way, the books will gain the needed exposure. Purchasing books also help authors, publishers, and independent bookstores. In addition, pre-orders of books allow the retailer to get a feel for the interest level before the book is launched. Books make awesome gifts for any occasion.
    • Consider giving the gift of God to a child today by purchasing any of my books.

  • Support authors with a review. Leaving a comment (e.g. Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, wherever books are sold online, & social media) encourages other readers to choose a specific book. The term, “review” throws some people off. Some may think it means a summary of the book. Not at all! Just share your thoughts about the book (we hope it will be good; but if not, share that too). Overall, your reviews are invaluable.
  • Subscribe to author blogs and/or newsletters. Blogs and newsletters can give a personal glimpse about the author, along with future author events, new releases, giveaways, and more. My personal newsletter post every three months, so as not to over fill your email inbox. And, well you know, I’ve been very inconsistent with my blog, but I hope to get on a more regular schedule now that I’m retired.
  • Follow authors on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) and don’t forget to share/retweet posts.
    • You can find my social media links on my website’s home page. I hope to join TikTok in the near future.
  • Invite authors to schools, interviews, book club meetings, church events, and/or writing workshops/conferences (in-person or virtual).
    • I’d love an invite! Email me at vfortenberry11[@]gmail.com
  • Attend in-person or virtual author book events. We are still in a pandemic and continue to have safety concerns. So, you choose, without guilt, any author’s events you participate in.
    • A list of my future events:
      • The Jubilee of Reading at the DeKalb County Stonecrest Public Library on Saturday, August 13, 2022.
      • Author Expo at the Villa Rica Public Library on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 
      • Virtual Book Party: Celebrating Grandparents Day on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Time and the link to join is forthcoming!

Whatever you do, have an awesome Book Lovers Day or week. And who says this celebration has to end today?

If you have additional ideas as to how we can support authors, please email me and I will add it to this post.

Thanks for stopping by and I invite you to join me again as I continue to explore literacy topics. Please share my blog with others. If you are not signed-up, feel free to subscribe to this publication, so that you don’t miss an issue.

As always, I appreciate your support.

Vanessa Fortenberry,
Teacher-Librarian
M.Ed., Media
Ed.S., Media
Reading Endorsement