How Do I Market And Write? There’s Not Enough Time! By: Rachel Thompson

Please welcome a talented, amazing and honest author named Rachel Thompson as guest blogger.  

Rachel Thompson aka RachelintheOC is a published author and social media consultant. Her three books, A Walk In The Snark, The Mancode: Exposed and Broken Pieces are all #1 Kindle bestsellers! When not writing, she helps authors and other professionals with branding and social media for her company, BadRedhead Media. She hates walks in the rain, running out of coffee, and coconut.

 

 

 One of the most difficult aspects of writing is marketing our work while writing our next work. One of my favorite quotes from screenwriter Ryne Pearson addresses this: ‘How do I get people to buy my book? Write another.’

Many authors struggle with these questions daily:

o    How to write and, at the same time, get our work out there?

o    What’s the line between self-promotion and building a following?

o    Which social media channel is most important?

Let’s deconstruct.

TIME

This is everybody’s issue with everything and will be till the day we die. So…get over it. You can’t possibly be in all places at all times so you must prioritize (even we women who multi-task constantly know this).

If you have four hours per day to spend writing, spend half of it writing (not tweets) and the other half marketing. And do I mean spamming links on social media ‘Buy my book! Like my page!’ No. If that’s how you’re using Twitter or Facebook, you’re not only selling ineffectively but, you risk people blocking you for annoying them.

I also recommend learning how to use desktop applications like Hootsuite – connect all your social media accounts in one place, schedule in some stuff, live interact when you can. Social media is not a free ad platform; it is, however, a wonderful opportunity for you to build relationships and form connections with readers.

TARGETING

Part of developing your platform on social media is targeting readers. Too many authors start on Twitter or Google+, join author groups, and then promote their books to other authors. Authors are great – we are a wonderfully supportive community. But readers are your target audience. So are reviewers and book bloggers.

Use the Search function to find your demographic, then follow and interact with them!

I generally share an excerpt or review snippet once a day (more for a promo) – and I don’t always use a link. Put the link to your book on your bios everywhere: Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Goodreads, etc. It’s just as easy to say ‘link on bio’ and risk someone not bothering, than spamming links constantly and losing potential readers or advocates.

The easiest way I’ve found to target readers quickly is using ManageFlitter. They have a free version for unfollowing but the paid version is extremely useful for following and scheduling. Type in a keyword (i.e., #bookclub) and any account or tweet with that term comes up. And you can follow 100 all at once using their ‘Fast Select’ button. Easy, quick.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Many authors are afraid of social media because they feel it’s bragging, too self-promotional, or is not worth their time – all valid concerns.

Social media is what YOU make it. I personally feel every author should have a presence on, at the very least, Twitter and a Facebook page (you’re not allowed to use your personal account for sales or business purposes, although many people do it). Google+ is kind of a pain but if you want to be seen on Google’s search engine, increase your Google ranking and/or Author Ranking, it’s essential.

Goodreads is already important but will become increasingly more so now that Amazon has purchased it. It’s easy enough to open an account – connect your Facebook credentials and you’re in. Find friends from social media or email. Join some book clubs – not to promote your own work, but to build relationships.

Keep in mind that with the time you have, you want to build relationships that will lead to sales.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you fit in writing and marketing in limited time? Please share!

  Buy Now : A Walk in the Snark * Mancode: Exposed * Broken Pieces

Broken Pieces

Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Pieces-ebook/dp/B00AR0T74S/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

Standing Still in a Sandstorm by: Karen Pilarski

A sandstorm of change came over the horizon.  There were warm yellow particles whipping in the air. I tried to avoid the changing elements only to have them swirl and yank my dark brown hair. Secretly yearning for the storm to pick me up and transport me to another place. Lately it seems everything around me is changing expect for me. Colleagues and former classmates seem to be heading on the right path and embracing every change in wind and clouds.

 In my own immature thinking I assumed the lack of movement was my fault. Possibly I didn’t want it bad enough or work hard enough. The storm angrily gusts and thrashes dust and dirt. 

  The violent storm of emotions builds and builds.

 The impact becomes stronger and then it pauses. Though change is rocky, it is up to me how I handle what is left in the wake. Suddenly the dust settles a bit and happily I start to dance in the middle of the current. Water like clarity washes sand aside.  I linger for only a moment before I drop off under the sunrise.  Vision starts to become clearer. Do I continue being stuck in my own stormy thinkin? My fuzzy ear could hear the muffled wind whirling and whistling. Then the biggest question hits me. Where do I stand, when the sandstorm subsides?

She Wants To Lead a (Fill in the blank) Life

I was on my way to get some grub when I bumped into my mentor and former college professor. We exchanged pleasantries as we approached each other from opposite ends of the hallway. She said “Your life is so exciting!” I wasn’t sure if my mind processed it correctly. I asked “My life is exciting?!” She mentioned my blogging and that she loves reading my stories. I shrugged the comment off and thought little does she know the ups and downs I’m going through. I mentioned the colorful PowerPoint resume I created and sighed that I just want to find a writing job. We smiled and said our goodbyes. As I was buying my lunch I thought about the word ‘exciting.’ There isn't a distinction if it is be good nor bad. There always seems to be a slight breeze of excitement in the air. Each day I write thoughts about my day and some elements are exciting to some.

 If I really dug deep into my soul I could accept my life while not necessarily exciting is eventful. I have two stepchildren that provide constant sources of laughter and concern. My own family and in laws that cause the most headaches and wild times. While I think my days are mundane and uneventful, there is a small simmer of a spark. I guess if I focused time on the exciting parts, I wouldn’t be dragged down by smothering cynicism. 

During my work day I have made comments that I just key in information at the college I work for. However, some highlights of my day is reading essays and comments from potential applicants. Printing accept certificates is fun and I daydream of the expressions on the faces of the recipients. I love cracking jokes with colleagues and finding humor is the silliest of occurrences.  

When I'm not walking over the lunch hour, I enjoy sitting at my desk and writing a blog or sending goofy emails to my brother. 

After the day is done I attempt to exercise and watch shows that were recorded. I do my part in creating a social media presence by tweeting or going on Facebook. Through conversations or just observing that is where the dullness blends into the exciting and makes my life eventful. I guess my life is 'exciting.'

Snow Effect By: Karen Pilarski

After a bad day, came home to a messy home. Slam! The door shook the wall in fury. Threw the sports coat on the couch since it already had the company of yesterday's soiled clothes. Opened the refrigerator door. Closed it and then opened it again. Indecisive and tired of the same dull meal. Poured a glass of milk but knocked it over. Crash! The fragile glass now shattered in pieces on the floor. Splinter type needles waiting for a bare foot to step on them.

Fuzzy mind like static snow on a television screen. Jumbled up and hard to see the picture. Wham! Banged the hand in frustration.Attempted to bury burned feelings under the blanket of snow icing the heart. Fingers are now red and throbbing. Gulp! Took a swig of tap water as the pills danced down my throat.

Amazing how emotions start small and get bigger like a rolled snow ball. Dirt from the past intertwined with heavy wet snow. The frozen state can only remain for a certain amount of time. Eventually seasons like the mindset, changes and transforms. The heart becomes thawed and warm again. Icy particles melt and drip down.

Listened to the weather on the news. It is going to be nice the next day. Laying in bed under the security of the comforter I drift off. Eyes flutter and breathing is deep. The forecast of tomorrow makes a smile appear on my face as a I dream of a better day.

Jazz Hands By: Karen Pilarski

Recently a news anchor made headlines and the end of a punch line. The anchor on his first live telecast swore on air. He was immediately terminated. Due to the showy and high publicity of his departure he was a media sensation. He was on different morning shows and even landed a few job offers. He was clearly unprofessional and unequipped for the job. Even without the foul mouth, his delivery style was a tad dry. Why wasn’t he banished back to Broadcasting 101 class?

I wonder how someone who can’t control his words is marketable. Frustrating are the countless writers and journalists like me trying to get a foot in the door. If obscenities flew out of my mouth my mother would hunt me down with a bar of soap. 

Every article on job searching says in order to be noticed a person needs to do something to stand out. How do you stand out while still keeping your ethics and professionalism? I want to be noticed because I am talented and not because I can do a fancy dance routine with jazz hands. 

An example of a journalist being noticed for a positive thing was during this past winter. Wisconsin was slammed with a few snow storms. In my neck of the woods there was an anchor who had to stay out in the weather elements for the story. Finally exasperated she said she covered all the angles of the story. In a moment of honesty she said live on the air that the snow sucks. She received good press over her statement. That was a good risk to take. It might have backfired if people were offended. Luckily she was patted on the back for her saying what all people in Wisconsin were feeling. 

In my daily life, I do not use theatrics and stunts to catch attention. I wish I could because then maybe my job search would produce better leads and calls. My dream job is to write for The New York Times. My ambition is to write stories and not be the story.  I have scored the interest of local journalists and some larger media personalities. I can say confidently progress has been made. I managed to move forward without back flips and dropping coins in a swear jar.

Where Does the Good Go? By Karen Pilarski

Girls are made of sugar and spice all that’s nice.

That rhyme is outdated as is a 1970's powder blue ruffle tux. As adults we follow a moral code that was instilled within us since we could talk. Our parents ingrained in us to say please and thank you and treat others how we want to be treated. To be considered well behaved, a female had to be 'a good girl.’

What exactly does it mean to be good? How does all sugar and spice benefit us good girls trying to find our way?

The last time I watched Dr. Oz, a diet of pure sugar wasn't a healthy choice.

Good girls in media are portrayed as sweet, timid and mousy. I suppose to some degree that is accurate.

The good girl always falls for the bad boy or someone unreachable. She is tossed aside for someone popular or outspoken.

She tends to hide her fiery fury under colorful cardigans and glasses.

There are underhanded conceited remarks and rude faces. Intermixed is a boss or relative who can’t see her true potential.

Through the formula of the universal chick flick, ms. virtuous starts to slowly transition.

The good girl becomes sexier, assertive and damn ballsy.

The one who got away soon realizes he was a fool. He should have took a second glance but it is too late. By the roll of the credits she has made nice with a good guy.

There are other scenarios include the bad boy transforming into a good guy.

Being a good doesn’t mean dreams are limited. It is with hard work and determination that makes the unattainable happen.

In order to get anywhere in life there needs to be a balance of the good and bad to make dreams become limitless.

My stepdaughter Mia is a good girl. She is similar to me in that we are both sensitive and compassionate. She often will not stand up for herself. I feel partly to blame as I hammered into her head she needs be polite and not sass.

I can learn a lot from her. While good on the outside, she has a bit of badness in her. She can be tricky and a schemer.

When Mia is conniving I say she is trying to ‘Mega Mia” me. This means to not be outwardly obvious about want she craves. She is a gardener and plants little droplets of thoughts into the pot. 

One time at a busy mall I made a comment that we needed to get home so I can make dinner. Mega Mia said “You know Karen, there are restaurants here if you don’t feel like cooking.”

Nonchalant and causal.

It is an attitude that I admire and makes her in a good position to take over the world one day (or face off in a battle with her brothers).

While Mia is still in an “aw that is cute” stage, I have to wonder where does the good go over time? Especially as we age from pixie haired little one to accomplished female? 

While it is noble to be the good girl, it is a title that I don't care to carry under my name. 

The assertive personality doesn't daintily knock on opportunity's door. The bitch forces her way in.

Lets think in terms of a smart cocktail since I'm writing this after 5pm. Too sweet causes an upset stomach and a bitter drink is hard to swallow. I think there needs to be a pinch of bitch. 

The drink is spice and spite with an aftertaste that bites. The sweetness is a syrupy concoction that makes the drink smooth and refreshing.

While I would like to think I'm all sugar and spice, I know there is a pinch of bitch scorching my throat red ready to erupt when needed. Isn't that nice?