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
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
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.
Clip art licensed from Microsoft Office.
