April is volunteer appreciation month.
As authors, we often take ideas from real life and our community. It’s important to remember to give back to that community. There are so many ways to get involved and explore your many interests. Just think, it may turn into a giving circle where you give, and the ideas grow, and you give more. And I’m not talking money necessarily (although not many organizations would turn it down). Think about your time and talents. Contribute a book for an auction fundraiser. Donate to your library or school. Give a free talk or workshop. Tutor a child (or adult) in reading.
In addition to all the good you will accomplish for the organization and your inner peace, you will also be getting your name out. The more involved you are, the more people you meet. It’s name recognition, and hopefully, when your next book comes out, people will hear your name and associate it with something positive in their memory. It may turn into a sale. You never know.