“The people who influence you are the people who believe in you.”
~Henry Drummond
I am blessed by the influence of so many people who have believed in me through the years. My mother, first and foremost, always believed I could do whatever I set out to do. That’s not to say she might not have been a little surprised when I had the dream to be a writer and actually publish books.
Sometimes when I think about that, I’m a little surprised! Not that I wanted to write, but that I do have books published that people like you actually read. That is a blessing I don’t take for granted. I’m grateful for every reader. I’m thankful every time any of you tell one of your reading friends about my books. I appreciate every time you read my this-and-that blog posts and when you leave comments here or play my guessing games. (I’m still smiling about finally getting a mystery photo that stumped you last time. I’m also trying to come up with something new that might be fun.)
Many of you who read my blog are also faithful readers of my books and have followed me from Hollyhill to Harmony Hill to Rosey Corner and to 1855 Louisville. I love how you’ve been willing to read my different types of stories.
This summer, I’m going back to my Harmony Hill Shaker village for a new book, The Innocent. That’s why I posted this with a Shaker house picture. I really didn’t think I’d write another Shaker book, but then these characters came to mind and it seemed like the thing to do. I guess I’ll see if it really was come July when I find out if readers are ready to go back to Harmony Hill too. The book is already available for pre-order on Amazon.
So now I’m looking for ten or twelve readers who might like to be what is called “influencers” in the publishing business. These people get a hot off the press copy of the book and in return perhaps talk about the book to their reading friends and suggest it to their book clubs or libraries. They might post reviews on internet sites or their own blogs if they have blogs or talk it up on other social media sites if the story is one the reader liked. Word of mouth really is the best advertisement a writer can get. These are just suggested things. There is no obligation to do anything if you don’t want to other than receive the book and promise to give it a read.
If any of you would like to give this influencing bit a try, just let me know. If I get more people who would like to be on my influencer list than the list can accomodate, I’ll draw out twelve names. You can leave your e-mail information here in a comment or e-mail me directly at annhgabhart(at)yahoo(dot)com.
And thanks so much. I am blessed to have you as reading friends.
Comments 46
I would be honored to be included in reading your book. I'll pass the word along by telling our readers in the church library.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Author
Thanks, Janet. I'm going to try to include as many of you as I can. I'll get things worked out with my edits soon and be in touch. Love libraries.
I love your books and would love to be an influencer.
Thereadmaster@me.com
Author
Thanks so much, Virginia. I'll get things sorted out soon and contact you. It's so nice to have people ready to read my books and help me out.
I would love to read your book. I've read most of your Shaker books and I've always enjoyed your books. Would be glad to read it and leave reviews. If I'm not selected, then I would be glad to take bookmarks around to some of the book stores here in town, hand them out to other people.
Author
Pat, I do appreciate your offer of help whether I have room to include you in my influencer list or not. I am getting more offers than I expected. But whether I can add everybody or not, I would still love to send you some bookmarks. The only problem is you didn't leave your e-mail or a way to contact you.
Oh my gosh. I would most definitely like to be considered to read the book for you. This is right in my line of interest and I think I could be of value. Thanks for considering me. It would be my pleasure and my honor.
Karen Cushing
sweetnessnlight (at) Comcast (dot) net
Author
Thank you, Karen. I appreciate your eagerness to help. I'm working on an editing deadline right now so it may be a few days before I can figure out if I have enough spaces for all the great people who want to help out. I like that you think the story would interest you. I'll be in touch.
I would love to read this book for you and share with others, talk to family and friends, share on FB and try to get in my two Libraries. I have the set except for this one.
Maxie Anderson > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Author
Thanks, Maxie. That's kind of you. I'll see if I can work everybody in, but I may have to have a drawing to narrow down the list. I'm blown away by so many of you sweet people volunteering to help me.
I would love to be a part of your team if you have room. My email is griperang at embarqmail dot com
Author
I'm fighting a deadline right now, Angela, but I'll see how many people I can add to the list soon and be in touch. I appreciate you volunteering to help.
I would love to read and promote your book to my friends
Author
Thanks, Nanc g. That's so nice of you, but I have to have a way to contact you.
Would love to read your newest book and spread the good word Ann. Have read all of the Shaker books you have written. Love each and everyone!
My email stackait01@aol.com
Author
So glad you've enjoyed my Shaker books, Stacy, and hope you will enjoy the new one. If I draw your name as one of the influencers, I'll let you know. I hope to be able to include almost everyone who has volunteered so far.
I would be an Influencer for your book. I enjoyed Heart of Hollyhill series. Sm. Wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Author
Thanks so much, Sharon. The Shaker books are a bit different from the Heart of Hollyhill series, but you might still enjoy the story. I'll let you know after I draw my 12 or 15 names.
I would be pleased to read one of your books and to tell others about that book. In this case, My email tjmc05@gmail.com Thanks.
Author
Thanks, GMCT. I appreciate you holding up your hand to maybe help me out. I may have to draw some names out. Not sure I'll have enough books for everybody, but I'll let you know.
Sounds great! I would enjoy being among the first to read your newest book. My email address is sweetrunfarm@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Author
I really appreciate you volunteering, Nancy. I've had a lot of offers, so I may have to draw for those I add to my list. Or make my list longer. 🙂
I would love to be an influencer for you, Ann!
texaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Author
I always enjoy hearing from you here, Britney. I'll have to see if I've got enough spots for everybody, but I hope I do.
Ann, this is my third try for some reason (Google ALWAYS does this to me-makes me rewrite and rewrite-good training, I guess!)
I would love to review your new book. I just recently finished Christmas at Harmony Hill and really enjoyed it. I plan to do a blog review about it in the next week or so.
I can be reached at robbyefaye(at)gmail(dot)com.
Author
Robbye, I hate it when I try to leave a comment and it keeps doing something weird. I usually give up. I'm glad you didn't. Thanks for reading my Shaker Christmas book. Let me know when you post your review. I'll be in touch soon.
I'm sure you will get an avalanche of those wanting to be Influencers for your new book The Innocent and I would love to throw my name in the hat. Thank you for considering me! Linda
dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com
Author
I don't know about an avalanche, Linda, but I am hearing from some good reading friends like you. I'll let you know how it works out.
Ann, I'd be extremely honored if you considered me to help you with this. I would love to spread the news about your new book. Just let me know if I can help. shirley(dot)d(at)outlook(dot)com.
Author
Shirley, it's always good to hear from you here and on FB. I'll be in contact.
I love all your books and would love to help you out. bjsadler at bellsouth dot net
bjsadler@bellsouth.net
Author
Brenda, how nice of you to be willing to help. I'll see how it works out. I hope I have room on the list for everybody.
Hi Ann! I would love to be an influencer for you. If I can help, just let me know.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
Author
Always good to see your comments here, Melanie. I'll be in touch.
Would love to read as an influencer for your new book. email: rebunting(at)yahoo(dot)com thank you for considering me.
Author
Great, Robin. I hope I can have room on my list for everybody.
I love all of your books Ann. I would love to be an influencer. rlepree(at)musfiber(dot)com
Author
So good of you to read my books. I'll be in touch.
I would love to be an influencer my email address is belovedgraceful(At)bellsouth(dot)net
Author
Thanks so much, Carissa.