Are you a lurker? Most of us are introverted. We slither around the web, watching, reading and failing to participate.

The easiest way to get your name around the author community is joining in on conversations. Become a mainstay in groups and blogs. We all read them looking for support. Whether or not your comment or observation is taken or not, is up to the poster, but the more input is given, the greater the choice for them to find what they are really looking for.

You don’t have to be Rembrandt or Shakespeare to say what you like in a cover design or blurb. It’s your option and you are entitled to it!

Why don’t we comment? Because we’re afraid we’ll appear dumb, uneducated and the real intellects will chastize our comments and drive us back into our borough. Well, my grandfather used to say, “The stupidest person it the one that thinks everyone else is.”

Indie Author Support and SPF Community are two Facebook groups that are a good place to start. They are helpful, supportive and refrain from abusing comments.

I haven’t sold a book, it’s not the right time, I don’t have anything worthwhile to contribute, or whatever your lame excuse, only limits yourself. Get up tomorrow and add a comment. Wait a day, week, or whatever you’re comfortable with and then do it again. It won’t take as long as you think before you’re comfortable and a regular.

When you’re ready, start branching out. There are dozens, if not hundreds of great places for you to call home.

You’re an author because you have something to say. SAY IT!