I follow actress Gabrielle Union on Instagram and lately, she’s been over the moon about the release of her new book, “We’re Going to Need More Wine”. I haven’t read the book, but I went over to Goodreads and saw that it has solid four and five star reviews.

This past Wednesday, on her Instagram page, she credited Oprah Winfrey for airing a past show that “literally saved my life”. Oprah’s show was about what to do if you are the victim of a violent crime. In her book, Ms. Union discusses her sexual assault. “Do what they say and don’t let them take you to a 2nd location, and if that happens, fight for your life.”

Then she goes on to laud Oprah for being the voice, the light, and the encourager of all humankind. As I read this tribute I kept thinking that if anything could help a book’s release, it would certainly be crediting Oprah. Not only that, but mentioning her, in association with said book, could possibly promote that book to Oprah’s Book Club status.

There are forces in operation here that all indie authors should take note of. The publisher, Dey Street Books, a division of Harper Collins, has released titles of late by Amy Poehler, Kate Hudson, Bobby Brown, Gene Simmons, and Tim Burton.

Not satisfied with famous careers as movie stars, singers, actors, and beauty consultants, these new authors have ventured into the literary world or, most likely, they’ve been convinced that the world is waiting with bated breaths for their stories.

Do I want to read Ms. Union’s book? Of course. The buzz surrounding its release has been ENORMOUS. It’s everywhere. She’s everywhere? Do I think there is much to learn about writing? No, I’m sure much of it was ghost written and very carefully edited. Do I feel that I will be a pariah in the world of cultural literacy if I don’t read it? Yes!!!

What’s the lesson for indie authors here? That the indie community needs more voices. An Oprah Winfrey! A Dey Publisher type to celebrate, promote, and get our faces everywhere. Have we identified him, her, or it, yet? Who does the indie community listen to—and not only indies—who can bring the attention of the world to our cause?

Where in our community do you go to celebrate, promote, and review each other? I know of various groups in the indie community that are striving valiantly to push our cause. They aspire to help independent authors by pushing new authors or new releases. However, what I see, quite often, in these large organizations is the same 30 or 40 actively participating members.

Please recommend any independent authors groups you are affiliated with, if  they’re doing great things. Finally, if you know of a good indie author with a new release, tweet it to me @boom_lyn. Send it to me at this blog or to me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLindaMims/. I will be more than happy to help you promote that author.

The Daily Post prompt today is RELEASE

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/release/

Rave Reviews Book Club supports and promotes indie authors. Author/members participate in reciprocal practices like tweeting, retweeting, sponsoring blog tours, reviewing authors, and participating when there are events like Book of the Month, PUSH Tuesdays, Spotlight Author,Pay It Forward Day, and various Blog Talk Radio Shows.There is a nominal fee to join and to remain a member you must read and review four of your fellow members each year. It’s not a perfect group, but if you join, maybe it can be.https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com