We need to be more like the contestants on the Great British Baking Show

Introductory caveat:  I have had friends and family members this past year who have purchased books, sent me private messages of support, shared stories of sharing the books, showed me pictures of their little ones with the books, spread the word with their friends and family and shared my posts and it means so much!   Thank you seems too simple a phrase. Their honesty and support are treasures.

As I was fiddling with my blog layout, which includes scrolling through my titles in Amazon, I noticed there were stars next to some new titles.  You see, Amazon KDP doesn’t let you know when your titles have new reviews or stars.  In any case, IT MADE MY DAY!  It’s taken over a year, but people are starting to add comments to my titles, and it warms my heart.

Back when I published my first title, I asked friends to review books for me.  I’d send them the pdf files for free.  I really was looking for any feedback whatsoever.  *crickets*   A few friends did offer to review the book I wrote about my grandfather, but nothing was ever posted online.  You would think a librarian with a lot of librarian and teacher friends would know people who would give feedback on children’s picture books, but no.  Nothing.  Zilch.  *sigh*  Thinking about this sent my mind racing down a rabbit hole until I came to the conclusion that we need to be more like the contestants on the Great British Baking Show – or Great British Bake Off anywhere outside of America.

Have you watched that show?   My daughter got me onto it years ago.   We’d admire Noel’s sweaters and wonder where to get them.  We do have many baking shows in the US, and I do watch some of them, but they are so much more cutthroat than GBBS.  GBBS has a lovely soundtrack of uplifting happy music, the hosts get involved with each contestant and the contestants themselves actually help each other.  Like really help each other. Someone yells help, they can’t get their cake out of their pan and others come to help.  One is struggling to finish before time is called and others come to their station asking what they can do. It is the same for the junior version of the show – in fact the kids actually jump in before being asked to help!  I love it – everyone just supporting each other and being genuinely happy for each other when they have a success.

It doesn’t take much to help someone who is starting a new business or venture, and it doesn’t have to cost a thing.  If the books aren’t your thing, offer to share a post or two on your social media pages.   If you do read the book (or try whatever it is they are making/selling), then give honest feedback.  Constructive criticism can really help!  You may feel like you’re being mean if you have negative feelings, but you aren’t!  You are helping your friend refine their items.   For example, it never dawned on me that the subtitle “A Bingo Book” could be confusing to people until a stranger at a market mentioned they thought it was the game, not the song.  That helped me so much!  With a that little bit of information I could change my advertising a bit to help present my books in a more understandable way.

It would be awesome of we could regularly uplift others.  If we see our friend decked to the nines, instead of being jealous, let them know they look wonderful!  If someone we know succeeds or gets an award, acknowledge it!  You hear someone at work handle a tough interchange really well, let them know. And if someone you know is beginning a new business, take an interest and see what you can do to help:

• Engage with their posts online
• Give them a shoutout
• Share their posts
• Tell a friend about them
• Write a review