#AuthorsTakeAction

#AuthorsTakeAction is a new Twitter hashtag encouraging readers to maintain social distance, act responsibly, and keep reading while they stay home. Author Padma Venkatraman is spearheading the effort; for more on the origin story, including the brainstorming from author Aida Salazar that started the whole thing,  see Padma’s website.

It’s easy:

1. Grab one (or more) of your books – like Mixed-Up Files contributor Samantha Clark in the picture below)
2. Write #AuthorsTakeAction on a sticky note and put it on your book
3. Write another message – be thoughtful — encouraging social distancing. You can use a new post it for this or use the first post it – whatever works. You can also encourage reading, but be sure to include the theme of social distancing.
4. Take a selfie with the books and post-its and post on Twitter with the hashtag #AuthorsTakeAction

(Want to read more from author Aidia Salazar ? Read this post)

Venkatraman urged hashtag contributors to stay on message: encourage social distancing. “I just ask that you remember to take time to compose the message with care, keeping in mind your audience kids/teens/young adults (or teachers or librarians who connect with kids).”

Photo from former Mixed-Up Files contributor Saadia Faruqi

I just ask that you remember to take time to compose the message with care, keeping in mind your audience kids/teens/youngadults (or teachers or librarians who connect with kids).

Photo from Mixed-Up Files contributor/author Samantha Clark

Photo from author Laura Shovan

Heather Murphy Capps

Heather Murphy Capps has always had a deep appreciation for comfort and elegance. She and Claudia would have run out of money quickly together but would absolutely have been on the same page about taxis and nice restaurants. And of course, solving mysteries about beautiful art. That said, Heather also appreciates Jamie’s love of complication, which is why she spent several years living in rural Kenya and then became a television news reporter, which involved standing for hours in the middle of hurricanes and political battles. Now she’s raising middle-grade readers and writing for them. She loves to read and write books with lots of great science, magic, mystery, and adventure. Heather is the communications coordinator for Mixed-Up Files, as well as creator/curator for our We Need Diverse MG series. She is committed to creating more diversity in publishing.