National Author's Day

Today is National Author's Day. Yup, just one "official" day to honor our favorite writers. It's a good day to thank someone for writing a book recently devoured, or for influencing your life in some way. It's a good day to visit their website or blog, send them an email or write an actual letter. It's a good day to reconnect with fellow authors with whom you've fallen out of touch, find a writing group, or attend a booksigning. You'll find the links to some of my favorite authors' websites in the sidebar, though there are many more who should -- undoubtedly -- be there. Of course, voicing your appreciation is something that can be done any day of the week, but today is as good a day as any to start paying it forward.

Personally, there are a few authors with whom I used to be in excellent communication but have lost touch with -- largely my fault, I admit, due to events happening over the last couple years. No excuse, really, because you should always make time for the people and things that matter most to you, for those who have helped or mentored you, or even look up to you. Knowing that doesn't make it easier to accomplish though, and the longer you've been out of touch in any relationship, the more difficult it is to re-establish communication. No time like the present, right?

My challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to visit the websites or blogs of at least five authors today and let them know (via email or blog post) how much you enjoy and appreciate their writing. It will make their day, and make you feel good in the process.

And for all those participating in National Novel Writer's Month (NaNoWriMo), which kicks off today -- GOOD LUCK! You're far braver than I!