National Author's Day

         November 1 is officially National Author’s Day here in the USA.  I had naturally assumed that this was some recent gimmick along with the other near-infinite “official” days promoted by people trying to sell things, but it actually turns out to have a longer history than I’d suspected.  The idea began during World War I, by avid reader Nellie Verne Burt McPherson, who wanted to thank and appreciate the authors whose work had given her so much pleasure.  The Department of Commerce made it official in 1949.  But regardless of the history, I’m all in on author appreciation!  So, what should you do to celebrate National Author’s Day?

  • Read a book, of course!

  • Share your favorite books on social media. #NationalAuthorsDay

  • For less-well-known books in particular, post reviews, suggest your local library add it to their collection, and spread the word directly to everyone else you know who might like it.

  • Dress up as your favorite character.  (Explain to everyone that you’re not just late for Hallowe’en.)

  • Write a story or poem.

  • Send a thank-you note to your favorite (living) author.

        Right now I’m reading Unnatural Magic by C.M. Waggoner.  So far I’m really enjoying the world-building - both the interesting structure of the world and the masterful way the details about it are woven into the telling of the story.  However, I’m not very far into the book yet, so only time and more pages will tell whether this becomes a favorite.

        As for my own Author’s Day activities, here’s my unboxing photograph (because I don’t like videos) of Bittersweetness & Light!  Today I’m putting together the first round of packages to be sent out to Kickstarter backers.  Great excitement and much jubilation!

[Pictures: Photo by AEGN, 2024;

Graphic that was shared around on social media without attribution, so unfortunately I don’t know who designed it.]