Summertime, and the supporting Maine authors is easy

I often hear from readers about how they they really like to support local authors. Thanks! We appreciate it. And guess what? This time of year is the best time for readers in Maine to get out and support local authors who they love, as well as to find new ones. Yes, there are author events in the other seasons, but when the nice weather [theoretically] ramps up, so do the opportunities to catch Maine authors doing what the do second-best [after writing, of course], which is talking to you about writing, books, Maine and everything else.

I know! You’re busy. Very busy! There’s the lawn and the kids and the porch and the visitors from away and the ice cream and the lake and the lobster and the beach and the cozy sunsets and the camping and the garden and that part of the state you’ve never been to but vowed to drive to when the weather was okay and the [if we’re lucky] a few short months to do it all in. Good news! Author events don’t have to be a chore that you wedge into an otherwise fun schedule. Your local library or craft fair likely has some Maine authors scheduled. Or the place you’re visiting does. Come on! We are a fun bunch and we are always happy to see you.

If you’ve never been to an author panel or author talk at  your local library, how about checking one out? They are free of charge, usually are about 90 minutes long. Frequently, light refreshments are served. It’s fun to meet authors and listen to what they have to say. You can bring the kids, bring the old folks, bring the visitors from away. You’ll also be showing some love for your library.

I love doing library events — I wouldn’t be a writer if it weren’t for the excellence of the local libraries I spent so much time in as a kid, first taken there by my mother, then on my own. [In particularly, major shout-out to Augusta’s fantastic Lithgow Public Library, where I’d devoured the entire mystery section by the time I was 16.]

Maine Crime Writer Jule Selbo, standing, with camera, takes a photo of Dick Cass, far left, as the crowd gathers before a Making Your Own Mystery event at the South Portland Public Library in February. Library events pick up in the summer, and are a great way to support Maine authors and the libraries that made us. (Photo by Maureen Milliken, third author on the panel).

Participating in a library author talk or other event is pretty low-effort on your part. All you have to do is show up. Not only will the author appreciate it, but successful events help libraries stay in the good graces of the municipal government that funds the library. Having lived in a town where the library was under threat of being closed down for several years, I can assure you it’s not just hyperbole on my part. As an author, when only a few people show up for an event, I charge right ahead, full speed. I don’t feel bad for myself, but I do feel bad for the librarian who put so much time and effort into making the event happen.

I don’t mean to guilt-trip you! You should go because you want to. You’re interested, you want to support local authors and you want to support your library. You are not required to ask a question. You are not required to buy a book [though if the feeling moves you, we appreciate it]. It’s free. And THERE ARE OFTEN LIGHT REFRESHMENTS.

An even less commitment-heavy way to support local authors during the summer and early fall months is to check out local craft, art and literary fairs, where authors often have a table. There’s no pressure. You don’t have to be there at a certain time. You can leave when you want. There are other things to see, too, and other creators to support. You’re responsible for your own light refreshments, though I do know of at least one author, who will remain nameless but her initials are KF, who usually has a bowl of free candy on her table.

When we have a table at these events, we’re honestly just happy that people come by and chat, and pick up some bookmarks or other free material. No pressure to buy a book. If you do want to support local authors, though, buying a book [or two] is a great way to do it.

Buying a book directly from an author at an event not only usually gets you a signed book, but the author also makes a little more money than they do when you buy one on Amazon or at a store.

Maine Crime Writers Matt Cost, Kate Flora, Maureen Milliken and John Clark at the Belgrade Village Green Craft Fair in June last year. The authors donated some of their proceeds to the Friends of the Belgrade Public Library.

Not that we don’t also love bookstores and book sellers! You can support both indie book sellers and local authors by buying from Maine book stores. Don’t worry if the store doesn’t have the book or author you’re looking for in stock — they may be able to order it from their distributor. Many local booksellers now also have online stores where you can find books that aren’t on their shelves from the comfort of your smart phone or laptop place.

Don’t want to buy a book? You can also ask your local library to order books from your favorite author. Or you can get them through an intra-library loan.

We don’t mind if you borrow our books from the library, rather than buying it. Or even read one handed down from a friend or family member. Because the best way to support local authors is to read their books. If you read them, and enjoy them, tell your friends and family. That’s also a great way to support local authors. That word of mouth is gold.

And, as KF says, “Books make great gifts.”

Maine Crime Writers list some of the events we have coming up in our weekly update blog post, which comes out on Saturday morning. You can also find events on authors’ Facebook pages and websites, the Maine Crime Writers Facebook page, your local newspaper listings, your library’s social media, and everywhere else stuff like this is posted.

What do I have going on this summer? Thanks for asking! Here’s the schedule so far:

Tuesday, JULY 9, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, Topsham, I’ll be participating in a Casting Call panel with fellow Maine Crime Writers Kate Flora, Vaughn Hardacker and John Clark. We’ll talk about how different writers choose the attributes of their characters – the victim, the sleuth, and the villain – along with additional characters such as sidekicks, alternative suspects, witnesses, and others who fill out the cast.

Friday, JUNE 21, JULY 19 and AUGUST 16, I’ll be sharing a table with fellow Maine Crime Writer Kate Flora, 4-7 p.m., at the Bath Art Hop, downtown Bath.

Friday, JULY 12, AUGUST 9 and SEPTEMBER 13, I’ll be sharing a table with fellow Maine Crime Writer Kate Flora, 4-7 p.m., at the Brunswick Art Walk, downtown Brunswick.

AUGUST 25-26 – I’ll have a table at Maine BookFest, Saturday and Sunday, Head of Falls, Waterville, Maine. On one of those days, I’ll share with Kate Flora, and on the other, I’ll be sharing with another great Maine author. More information coming soon.

One final note: Be sure to keep an eye out for the fourth in my Bernadette “Bernie” O’Dea mystery series, DYING FOR NEWS, coming out late summer or early fall. What’s that? You haven’t read the first three? Well, summer is a great time of year to catch up on some good mystery reading, too. Check out my website, maureenmilliken.com, or hunt me down and we can discuss that in person.