Well, I can't speak for the masses, but I've read a growing stack of authors who I never would have discovered in a book store. Some of these books do break out from the pack and reach a wider audience, but many of these titles I never would have read if I hadn't seen it on a blog. For instance:
Tips on Having a (Gay) Ex-Boyfriendby Carrie Jones
I visited Carrie's blog for months before I read one of her books. I got NEED from the library (GREAT book!) and because I enjoyed it, I bought this earlier book. I love
Carrie and her writing!
The Emerald Tablet
by P.J. Hoover
Because this book is from a small publisher, my local book store was unable to order it. I got it from Amazon and read it from cover to cover the day it arrived. P.J. is another talented writer with a fun blog to visit. I'm so glad I found her blog or I would never have heard of her!
Nothing but Ghosts
by Beth Kephart
Undercover
by Beth Kephart
Beth is an amazing writer who I stumbled across on the web. She crafts words so beautifully and her blog is always a regular stop for me. She has become a friend and an inspiration.
Take the Reins
by Jessica Burkhart
I "met" Jessica after I responded to a nasty comment someone left on a blog about NaNoWriMo. She appreciated my support and we started emailing each other. If you enjoy tween fiction, you should read her Canterwood Crest series. This woman is on the rise!
Defiance
by Valerie Hobbs
Letting go of Bobby James, or
How I found Myself of Steam
by Valerie Hobbs
I first heard of Val through Patti Palmer's blog. I was lucky enough to get into one of Val's workshops and make huge progress on my current WIP. Val has become a friend, too.
Silver Phoenixby Cindy Pon
I saw the cover for this book on The Shrinking Violets blog and then I saw an interview with Cindy on another blog. The cover alone grabbed my attention, but the interview made me want to read the book. I was not disappointed. I'll be posting an
interview with Cindy in the next week or two. This is her first book.
Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
by R.L. LaFevers
I won the sequel from Mary Hershey's blog so of course I went out and bought book one to read first! Robin's blog has great tips and information for writers that I enjoy reading as well.
Paris Pan Takes the Dare
by Cynthea Liu
Cynthea Liu has a great blog that focuses on helping wannabe writers
and promoting new authors. Red Light Green Light anyone? And this woman knows how to throw an online launch party for her books!
The Passion Flower Massacre
by Nicola Morgan
Nicola's bitingly funny blog made me want to read her books. This is in my TBR pile and if it's anything like her voice on the blog, it will be a great read.
I So Don't do Mysteries
by Barrie Summy
How could I resist a main character named Sherry? I've enjoyed reading Barrie's posts about San Diego, writing and the family's pet iguana! I'm looking forward to reading this novel which is first in a series.
These are just books that I've bought because of blogs. It doesn't include books I've been given or borrowed from the library.
I realize that I may not be the typical reader. I'd sooner spend money on books than on clothes or a nice dinner. But if your blog is reaching just a few people like me, and I tell a few friends about your book, and they tell a few friends, well, that's worth something isn't it?
I hope you'll check out some of these author's blogs and their books. And if you have a chance to tell them, just say you heard it from a friend :)
