Happy National Friendship Day

If it's the first Sunday in August, it must be National Friendship Day.

I think we need one a month, or a week. The news of the world is not too friendly these days.

 

According to the Calendar of Days, we are invited to “observe this day in an appropriate manner, in accordance with the culture and other appropriate circumstances or customs of their local, national and regional communities, including through education and public awareness-raising activities”.

 

Fine sentiment certainly, if a bit staid.

 

A Hallmark Day

 

National Friendship Day was originally founded by Hallmark in 1919 as a day for people to celebrate their friendship by sending each other cards.  By 1940 the market had dried up, and eventually it died out completely.

 

Winnie and the United Nations to the Rescue

 

 

 

In 1998 Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations, and in April 2011 the United Nations officially recognized International Friendship Day.

 

We should all celebrate with friends nationally and internationally, with chatting or visiting. Post on social media using #NationalFriendshipDay to encourage others to join in paying it forward.

 

It's a good day to have.

 

Gerrie Ferris Finger

 

 

THE END GAME

THE LAST TEMPTATION

THE DEVIL LAUGHED

MURMURS OF INSANITY

RUNNING WITH WILD BLOOD

Being Out There

Online promotion is a tool in the writer's marketing kit. When you're new at publishing, it helps to get your name out there; when you're an old hand, it helps to remind people that you're still out there.  

Web promo doesn't feel like promo to me. I sit at my desk and still enjoy the company of friends on Google+, DorothyL, Crimescene Writers, Sisters in Crime, Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, Library Thing, Tumblr, Pinterest. I enjoy blogging and reading others' blogs. 
 

One cannot live by writing alone, or I can't. But I have to limit myself to two hours online per day, or less, before getting to the business of editing and writing. That includes writing blogs like this one. Sometimes in the evening, I'll get on Facebook where a different group of friends have gathered.

It's promotion, but it isn't. It's like talking to a friend on the telephone about your day, the weather, the books and films you like, and, oh by the way, your own books. It's not at all like meeting people at public at events where you talk solely about your books (and the creation thereof) or sign them for those who buy. I can't put a two-hour max on these appearances, all of which take me out of writing and editing   

 
Thanks for reading and I'd like your comments.

Gerrie Ferris Finger
Running with Wild Blood - Jan. 2015.