by Darlene L. Turner @darlenelturner

Every author knows readers are their hands and feet within the publishing world. Without them, their books wouldn’t reach the masses. Our mission at the Blue Ridge Reader Connections (BRRC) is to connect authors and readers. We want to change the world…one book at a time.

The Musketeers first introduced you to the BRRC back in 2021 when we launched. For an in-depth review of the reader and author benefits, go to this post. We’d like to take the opportunity to give an update of what’s happening at the BRRC.

First of all, who exactly are the Musketeers? We’re three admins committed to serving authors. We are Debb Hackett, Heather Kreke, and Darlene L. Turner. However, the BRRC wasn’t our brainchild. It was formed by the amazing Edie Melson and DiAnn Mills. They had a vision to connect authors and readers. They made it happen and we’re still growing.

We know the question on every author’s mind. How do we connect authors and readers? Here are a few ways.

Website/Author Pages – For a small annual fee, each author gets their own Author Page. They’re able to display one featured book, two additional books, their buy links, book trailer, social media and author connections. To look at the website and author pages, go here.

Our Authors – We at the BRRC love our authors and we help promote them in any way we can. Whether that be in sharing their new releases or cheering them on when they win awards, make a bestseller list, etc. Recently, we’ve had a few new additions to the author list: Jaime Jo Wright, Pepper Basham, Sarah Hamaker, and lots more. To check out our list of authors, go here.

My Reading Life Blog – We’ve recently added a blog to our website and each week an author shares what their reading life looks like. It’s fun to see their reading origins and what’s on their nightstand now. Check it out here.

Marketing Helps – Our authors have a special password-protected access to some marketing helps. This includes a list of nearly 100 reviewers ready to review your books as well as other marketing expertise.

BRRC Facebook Group – This is where most of the fun happens! We at the BRRC pride ourselves in keeping the posts in the group strictly for our authors (unless otherwise noted). They can post about their books, upcoming sales, and even sign up for a “takeover day” where they have the group all to themselves. It’s an awesome way to connect with readers. This group has grown to nearly 1600 members. Click here to join.

These are a few of the many great features of the BRRC, but don’t just take our word for it. Look at what these writers are saying:

“Writing can be a lonely and discouraging business, so I’m deeply grateful to be part of BRRC. This group is like a family—a family that honours God and uplifts, encourages, and supports authors and readers, connecting us and reminding us we are all on this journey together.” –Sara Davison, Carol award winner and Christy finalist

“This wonderful group gets 5, no 10 stars!” –DiAnn Mills, award-winning and best-selling author

“The BRRC provides a warm and inviting community of writers who support each other and genuinely care about the work that others are doing. From “in the trenches” to “in the release” stage, this group does a good job of offering ideas to provide encouragement and exposure to a writer’s call to write!” –Blythe Daniel, Author and Literary Agent

“What a joy it has been to be a part of BRRC! Connecting with readers and other authors in a cozy environment has been such an encouragement to me. I highly recommend this group. Their heart for Christian fiction shines bright.” –Kimberley Woodhouse, best-selling and award-winning author of more than 40 books.

There you have it! If you’re a published author (Indie or Traditionally), with clean material, what are you waiting for? Join us!

We’d LOVE for you to become part of our BRRC Family.

For more information, email brreaderconnection@gmail.com

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. Her book, Safe House Exposed, won the 2023 HOLT Medallion award in the Short Inspirational category. Fatal Forensic Investigation placed third in the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Directors’ Choice award in the Romantic Suspense/Suspense/Mystery category. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.