Month: December 2014

A New Author’s Year in Review Pt. 5

This is a continuation from the blog, The Serendipity of Christmas Generosity. It took time to get to the place where I was ready to commit to writing after the events described in my previous post. But that bit of serendipity certainly affected what I’ve done this past year as well as where I’m going next year. In Part 1 of this series I’ll revealed how I’ve progressed this year in several ways but now I want to get more specific starting with my email decisions. Part 2 covers my choices with email. Part 3 was a review of my blogging growth. Part 4 reviewed social media growth during the past year.

What I didn’t know I needed

There were two things I didn’t know I needed as an author. Through this year’s journey to becoming a writer I learned I needed:

1. A book club

2. A strong Goodreads presence

Why I needed a book club like RRBC

1. I needed the support of other like-minded authors – I’ve found the support of other writers extremely helpful. I can see what they are doing and learn from them.

2. I needed to broaden my scope with blog tours and networking – making connections through other club members has grown my social media immensely while blog tours have allowed my blog to grow while assisting other authors which is a win-win opportunity.

3. I needed to review books – this is a goal for 2015 that is in progress but the reviews I’ve received and that I’m learning to give to other authors is another win-win situation. It also teaches me what readers and reviewers are looking for in good books.

Screenshot of Goodreads Button

Screenshot of Goodreads Button

Why I needed a strong Goodreads presence

1. In relation to the book club membership – I needed to review other books. In posting reviews for the club, I’m also posting them on Goodreads which helps me with the next reason.

2. Reader engagement – as I mentioned in the last post in this series, my advice from Michael J. Sullivan was invaluable. Goodreads is the venue to engage with readers in a positive way. I’m still working on this but I’m emphasizing the engagement more each day.

3. I needed to relate to the book market and see its constant shifts – being on Goodreads allows you to observe what is selling, receiving positive reviews and understand what readers a thinking. Likewise, you can learn to market your work effectively – to readers.

I’m working on my Goodreads and RRBC reviews more in the coming year as well as engaging more readers – the relationships matter. While you understand this as an author, you still have to embrace it with increasing interaction.

The Bow of DestinyHow seriously are you taking your Goodreads engagement? Are you a member of an authors group that provides support? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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A New Author’s Year in Review Pt. 4

2014 CalendarThis is a continuation from the blog, The Serendipity of Christmas Generosity. It took time to get to the place where I was ready to commit to writing after the events described in my previous post. But that bit of serendipity certainly affected what I’ve done this past year as well as where I’m going next year. In Part 1 of this series I’ll revealed how I’ve progressed this year in several ways but now I want to get more specific starting with my email decisions. Part 2 covers my choices with email. Part 3 addresses how I started and grew my blog.

One of the major milestones in launching my writing brand was creating social media accounts using my brand new email address (see part 2 of this series). When I started these accounts I knew I needed them but not how much. Sure there was the idea of sharing my writing and having a presence but the notion was vague.

Here’s where my crowd-funding mistake really bit me. I engaged in the campaign well before I had near the social media reach to effectively raise funds for my novel. There was nothing of substance to reach enough people for funding my writing project. Once I realized this I worked hard on my social media growth but it was much too little too late – lesson learned.

What I needed was a commitment to social media growth. This meant seeking out new connections and engaging with them. I emphasized Twitter and the following has grown with consistent attention. I’ve been working more consistently with my Facebook page following over the last few months with some success. I’m currently expanding my focus to other channels like Goodreads, Google+ and Pinterest.

Social Media IconsAlong the way, I’ve found some good advice about what type of social media is important for certain genres. For instance, science fiction and fantasy have lots of readers on Google+ so I’m working on that channel a little more. As an author, I’m also emphasizing Goodreads based on some great advice from fellow author Michael J. Sullivan. My Pinterest focus is more for the future where I am taking a “stitch in time” approach so I can share related artwork with readers as well as any possible fan-art.

The main lessons I learned about social media were to be committed to the growth and know which ones to target. Social media growth takes time so starting with a few accounts and moving into others as you go is easier than trying to gain large followings all at once. I’ve come a long way in a few months but it’s taken patience along with regular activity.

The Bow of DestinyWhat are your social media goals? What are your obstacles regarding social media? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.

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Clip art licensed from Microsoft Office.