Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 145 of the podcast and it's January 31, 2024 as we record this.  Main Topic: Using Your Local Library as an Author Resource PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.  Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre Patron comment:  Comments/email from listeners:  Questions from listeners: Announcements:  Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info.    UPDATE:  Valerie:   getting ready for Turkey trip updating website slowly pitch conferences from Turkey new name for my coaching program for authors: Aligned Author (haven't decided whether to do it as a 12 week program for $1499, or just list it as $500/mo (tell me which you'd like, email)   Erick:   writing a lot (40K goal - blew past that) recovering reader magnet relaunching author marketing ideas (ads? New covers?) Analysis: cost, versatility, marketing, immediate ROI not likely, transparent with what they are doing   Just finished:  I'M READING:  Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping    The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo     Up Next: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Redefine Life for Yourself: How to Stop Chasing Money and Finally Live Your Life's Purpose by Patrice Washington Erick's Reading:  A Prayer for the Crown Shy   Killing Floor by Lee Child Show Notes:  Saves us money. Only place (one of few) to go where there is no expectation of spending money. Places to sit. Free wifi. Work away from home. Quiet  space. Hub for education. Free talks. (To give or receive.) Writers groups/book clubs. Utilize the research department. Local historical info available. Research what books *look* like (read first chapter of ten books in your genre). If you want your books in libraries, ISBN and Ingram Spark, Book Vault, not just Amazon. People watching space (people are reading!) Writer residency  Ask them to get local authors' books in. Pay your library fines.   Next Episode:  solo episodes or a two week break -- come back and see! ;-)   Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Writer Craft Facebook Group Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account Patreons:  https://patreon.com/valerieihsan    https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries Tools: Passion Planner: https://passionplanner.rfrl.co/e86j8 (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE150 ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)