I’m one of those people who is obsessed with music. A myriad of genres. I could never live without it. Not even a day. My whole life I’ve been like this. I’m also the guy who watches the live performances on DVD, VHS, YouTube, whatever. The guy who reads (or watches) the interviews, buys the magazines (though not so much since the Internet took over the world). I even started my own magazine years ago that covered music and horror films. I learned to play an instrument and have been in a dozen of my own bands. And through it all. Through all the interviews and live performances from my favorites, there is a commonality that I never could relate to. That “we-love-you-all” shout from the stage. That “If-it-weren’t-for-the-fans” spiel they give in interviews. To me it sounded cliche, right along with “I can’t hear you!” and “God bless you all!” I just didn’t get it.
Not until the past few years.
Now, I’m no rock star, not in the musical sense and certainly not in the literary sense. But that “If-it-wasn’t-for-the-fans” thing? I get it now. And I feel it. Wholeheartedly.
Having a dedicated, loyal readership is a wonderful thing to have. And I appreciate every single person who takes the time to read something I’ve written and then leave a review and help spread the word. But the actual book reviewers? They’re on a whole other level. They’re bombarded with books and still make the time.
I’ve always been very vocal about my appreciation for book reviewers, and I’ll continue to be. Whether it be a website, a blogger, or just a person who has a love for books and wants to support those who create.
Reading books and sharing with others is time consuming, and can oftentimes be stressful, as the writers (good and bad) come knocking on the doors of those who take their precious time to read said books, and soon the TBR pile becomes an intimidating beast looming over them from the nightstand as they sleep. A constant tapping on the shoulder that the reader’s job isn’t done. That it never will be.
This is my stage-shouting spiel with mic in hand, thanking the reviewers for all they do. For their time, their honesty, and the spreading of the word. Because truly, no praised writer would have half the motivation and only a fraction of the sales, if it weren’t for those reviewing.
Not until the past few years.
Now, I’m no rock star, not in the musical sense and certainly not in the literary sense. But that “If-it-wasn’t-for-the-fans” thing? I get it now. And I feel it. Wholeheartedly.
Having a dedicated, loyal readership is a wonderful thing to have. And I appreciate every single person who takes the time to read something I’ve written and then leave a review and help spread the word. But the actual book reviewers? They’re on a whole other level. They’re bombarded with books and still make the time.
I’ve always been very vocal about my appreciation for book reviewers, and I’ll continue to be. Whether it be a website, a blogger, or just a person who has a love for books and wants to support those who create.
Reading books and sharing with others is time consuming, and can oftentimes be stressful, as the writers (good and bad) come knocking on the doors of those who take their precious time to read said books, and soon the TBR pile becomes an intimidating beast looming over them from the nightstand as they sleep. A constant tapping on the shoulder that the reader’s job isn’t done. That it never will be.
This is my stage-shouting spiel with mic in hand, thanking the reviewers for all they do. For their time, their honesty, and the spreading of the word. Because truly, no praised writer would have half the motivation and only a fraction of the sales, if it weren’t for those reviewing.
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