Ceara Comeau's Blog: Lessons From A Struggling Writer, page 4
January 27, 2021
Hand in Hand
A couple of years ago, I created a YouTube channel to review other indie author books. Sadly, life happened and I began to neglect my channel. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I got some serious encouragement/reality check from an unlikely source.
I was working at my 9-5 job and was organizing things in the backroom when my co-worker/manager above me came in. We started to chat a bit about nothing super important and somehow, we got onto the topic of internet videos. (I’m pretty sure the conversation involved Tick Tock as that’s one of his favorite things). Something inside me compelled me to talk to him about my dormant YouTube channel and his eyes pretty much lit up. It was honestly pretty funny. He took a break from work and looked at all my past videos. He then came back to me and said, “You’ve got to keep doing this!”. Even though he isn’t much into books, he thought the book review video concept was pretty amazing. And although his encouragement was super heartwarming and helpful, it’s what he said next that gave me an epiphany.
“You’re fighting against thousands of other writers. It’s a tough thing to do [write]. You can also go somewhere with these videos. I haven’t read your books, but from what I’ve been told [by another coworker], they’re pretty good. I can’t say you’ll become the next best-selling author, but I believe in you.” I can’t remember all that was said, but that is what hit me the most.
Then I started reflecting back on the videos and what he said. He’s right, all writers have it tough and we all need that one person that believes in us whether we become best-selling authors or not. That’s why I’ve decided to resurrect my channel.
I am always hearing (and guilty of saying), “Please review my book!”. Why do I feel guilty for saying it? Because before now, I wasn’t dedicated to helping my fellow author out by reviewing their work loyally. See, as indie authors, we hope people will review our stuff but how often do we actually think of reviewing “Sally” on Facebook who just asked for the same thing of her latest novel?
It was once suggested of me that I review popular books to get my channel huge. And, there’s a very good reason that I don’t. A LOT of people review books like, “Harry Potter”, “Maze Runner”, “Lord of the Rings”, to name a few. Those authors don’t even NEED reviews at this point let alone care to have them. Indie authors who have self-published through Amazon or through independent publishers DO! Most of those people are like me and are still working full-time jobs just trying to make ends meet, while at the same time trying to keep their author dream alive. Does this mean I won’t read popular books? Heck no, in fact, most of my bookshelves are caving in with the number of “popular” books I have.
I want to challenge you this year; this decade even. If you’re an indie author, practice what you preach. Get to know the author behind the book. Look up their website, PURCHASE, the author’s book, and ask them where’s the best way to post your review. Show your fellow indie author you believe in them! If we don’t speak up for our writing minority, who will?
I was working at my 9-5 job and was organizing things in the backroom when my co-worker/manager above me came in. We started to chat a bit about nothing super important and somehow, we got onto the topic of internet videos. (I’m pretty sure the conversation involved Tick Tock as that’s one of his favorite things). Something inside me compelled me to talk to him about my dormant YouTube channel and his eyes pretty much lit up. It was honestly pretty funny. He took a break from work and looked at all my past videos. He then came back to me and said, “You’ve got to keep doing this!”. Even though he isn’t much into books, he thought the book review video concept was pretty amazing. And although his encouragement was super heartwarming and helpful, it’s what he said next that gave me an epiphany.
“You’re fighting against thousands of other writers. It’s a tough thing to do [write]. You can also go somewhere with these videos. I haven’t read your books, but from what I’ve been told [by another coworker], they’re pretty good. I can’t say you’ll become the next best-selling author, but I believe in you.” I can’t remember all that was said, but that is what hit me the most.
Then I started reflecting back on the videos and what he said. He’s right, all writers have it tough and we all need that one person that believes in us whether we become best-selling authors or not. That’s why I’ve decided to resurrect my channel.
I am always hearing (and guilty of saying), “Please review my book!”. Why do I feel guilty for saying it? Because before now, I wasn’t dedicated to helping my fellow author out by reviewing their work loyally. See, as indie authors, we hope people will review our stuff but how often do we actually think of reviewing “Sally” on Facebook who just asked for the same thing of her latest novel?
It was once suggested of me that I review popular books to get my channel huge. And, there’s a very good reason that I don’t. A LOT of people review books like, “Harry Potter”, “Maze Runner”, “Lord of the Rings”, to name a few. Those authors don’t even NEED reviews at this point let alone care to have them. Indie authors who have self-published through Amazon or through independent publishers DO! Most of those people are like me and are still working full-time jobs just trying to make ends meet, while at the same time trying to keep their author dream alive. Does this mean I won’t read popular books? Heck no, in fact, most of my bookshelves are caving in with the number of “popular” books I have.
I want to challenge you this year; this decade even. If you’re an indie author, practice what you preach. Get to know the author behind the book. Look up their website, PURCHASE, the author’s book, and ask them where’s the best way to post your review. Show your fellow indie author you believe in them! If we don’t speak up for our writing minority, who will?
December 28, 2020
New Year, New Mindset
We are nearing New Year’s and I think I speak for everyone when I say hindsight will be 2020 (sorry, couldn’t resist). But it’s true. We’ve gone through a lot this year—some, more than others. But like every year around this time, I find myself reflecting on what I learned.
Now, granted, this year was especially difficult to focus on the things I’ve learned about myself. Even now, I struggle to think of what made the most impact on me. If I’m going, to be honest with myself, it’s the same thing nearly year after year—perfectionism.
Anyone who knows me well enough will tell you that I am a perfectionist in anything I do and I’m sure I’ve mentioned it at least once or twice here. Whether it be my day job, extra hobbies, and yes, especially writing; I’m always giving my all. I always find my writing to be the metaphorical love of my life (aside from my husband of course) and also my Achilles heel. The writing part is easy for me…the beta reading/edits, not so much.
Like most people, I hate being told that something doesn’t work well in my work. I know that’s why they’re called drafts. But it’s hard for me to divorce myself from my perfectionist ways, so much that I intentionally find other things to do other than going over beta reader comments. It’s nothing against them. Subconsciously I know they’re all trying to help me improve my craft. (And if any of them are reading this post, thanks for putting up with me 😉). But deep down, it kills me that I keep making mistakes, and sometimes I keep making the same ones over and over again.
If 2020 has taught me anything it’s that I need to slow down. With events canceled and book sales plummeting, I had no choice but to take a breather and get back to my core roots—writing for the love of it. Yes, my quota for publishing a book a year might be a bit off right now, but so is almost every writer out there. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop. It just means I need to really evaluate my life as a writer. Why do I put off editing? Why can’t I tolerate looking at my mistakes? Why do I get so angry with myself?
I’ll give you a clue—perfectionism. It’s awful. It slows me down and, in some cases, debilitates me. And I guess it began when I first started writing. I never let anyone look at my work when I was younger (pre-publishing years). Want to know why? I didn’t have a lot of support. Yes, my parents were 100% supportive and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. But, they were all I had. I didn’t know any other writers at 15 and some people even thought that what I wrote was bizarre and not worth anyone’s time (joke’s on them, right? 😉).
So, I guess what my rambling is trying to get at is, I’m always trying to fight my past demons. Some days are a TON better than others. This new years’ resolution for me is this. I’m going to work harder at conquering my perfectionism and aid future/new authors in their writing endeavors. No one should ever feel like what they’re passionate about is worthless!
Now, granted, this year was especially difficult to focus on the things I’ve learned about myself. Even now, I struggle to think of what made the most impact on me. If I’m going, to be honest with myself, it’s the same thing nearly year after year—perfectionism.
Anyone who knows me well enough will tell you that I am a perfectionist in anything I do and I’m sure I’ve mentioned it at least once or twice here. Whether it be my day job, extra hobbies, and yes, especially writing; I’m always giving my all. I always find my writing to be the metaphorical love of my life (aside from my husband of course) and also my Achilles heel. The writing part is easy for me…the beta reading/edits, not so much.
Like most people, I hate being told that something doesn’t work well in my work. I know that’s why they’re called drafts. But it’s hard for me to divorce myself from my perfectionist ways, so much that I intentionally find other things to do other than going over beta reader comments. It’s nothing against them. Subconsciously I know they’re all trying to help me improve my craft. (And if any of them are reading this post, thanks for putting up with me 😉). But deep down, it kills me that I keep making mistakes, and sometimes I keep making the same ones over and over again.
If 2020 has taught me anything it’s that I need to slow down. With events canceled and book sales plummeting, I had no choice but to take a breather and get back to my core roots—writing for the love of it. Yes, my quota for publishing a book a year might be a bit off right now, but so is almost every writer out there. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop. It just means I need to really evaluate my life as a writer. Why do I put off editing? Why can’t I tolerate looking at my mistakes? Why do I get so angry with myself?
I’ll give you a clue—perfectionism. It’s awful. It slows me down and, in some cases, debilitates me. And I guess it began when I first started writing. I never let anyone look at my work when I was younger (pre-publishing years). Want to know why? I didn’t have a lot of support. Yes, my parents were 100% supportive and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. But, they were all I had. I didn’t know any other writers at 15 and some people even thought that what I wrote was bizarre and not worth anyone’s time (joke’s on them, right? 😉).
So, I guess what my rambling is trying to get at is, I’m always trying to fight my past demons. Some days are a TON better than others. This new years’ resolution for me is this. I’m going to work harder at conquering my perfectionism and aid future/new authors in their writing endeavors. No one should ever feel like what they’re passionate about is worthless!
November 28, 2020
Writing When Not Writing
After last month’s blog post, I actually took my own advice and decided to stop being so hard on myself. No, seriously, I actually stopped! Now, some days are easier than others, I’ll admit. But, it wasn’t until I joined this writer’s zoom meeting that I actually realized just how much writing I’ve actually done this year.
I write this blog on a monthly basis and I have another blog (and possibly another on the way) that I write for my family history. This I do on a weekly basis. To top it off, I’ve been editing the second book of my trilogy (which should be nearing it’s second to last stage soon) and I’ve also added the first 1300 words to the third book of my trilogy.
Phew! Yes, I have been writing a LOT lately, but it’s not entirely about my book. Like a lot of authors, I don’t have inspiration strike me every single day. Sometimes it comes on the weekends when I’m finally able to relax after a long week of working. Some days it comes randomly during the week when I’m watching my favorite show.
I guess, what I’ve learned this month, is that I don’t have to ALWAYS be punching out words right and left for my latest WIP (work in progress). It’s okay to expand my brain to other things so I don’t get super burned out.
If your WIP has you stressed out, it’s time to take a breather. Write something different. There are TONS of free write starting phrases on Pinterest and other websites. Who knows, maybe writing something different will inspire your main project!
I write this blog on a monthly basis and I have another blog (and possibly another on the way) that I write for my family history. This I do on a weekly basis. To top it off, I’ve been editing the second book of my trilogy (which should be nearing it’s second to last stage soon) and I’ve also added the first 1300 words to the third book of my trilogy.
Phew! Yes, I have been writing a LOT lately, but it’s not entirely about my book. Like a lot of authors, I don’t have inspiration strike me every single day. Sometimes it comes on the weekends when I’m finally able to relax after a long week of working. Some days it comes randomly during the week when I’m watching my favorite show.
I guess, what I’ve learned this month, is that I don’t have to ALWAYS be punching out words right and left for my latest WIP (work in progress). It’s okay to expand my brain to other things so I don’t get super burned out.
If your WIP has you stressed out, it’s time to take a breather. Write something different. There are TONS of free write starting phrases on Pinterest and other websites. Who knows, maybe writing something different will inspire your main project!
October 29, 2020
Be Kind
Events canceled, sales dropping, and creativity plummeting. For most of us writers and artists, this sounds like a typical day in 2020. We’re all still working on our craft, whatever it may be, but for some of my fellow “vendor” friends, they have had to close up shop as their work was their only means of paying the bills.
I gotta tell you, that was a hard thing to hear from one event this year. And I felt very sad for those individuals. It got me thinking about my own work and what I do. Now, if you’ve been following my blog posts, you probably already know that writing isn’t my main job. It’s something I do on the side. For the longest time, I wanted it to be a full-time thing (which I’m still striving for), but this year has really re-confirmed a valuable lesson. It’s okay to have a 9-5 to support your dreams.
This was the HARDEST lesson for me to learn. And, again with past blogs, I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before. But what I haven’t mentioned is how grateful I am to have this job. I’ve been working in retail part-time for a year and recently have been promoted to a manager position for full-time work. This year has got me realizing just how lucky I am. Yes, some days are better than others, but that’s how it is in life, whether you’re working that 9-5 or working on your craft.
“So, how’s your writing going?” I get asked this question a lot. Some days I guiltily reply, “It’s slow.” (which is code for…writing? What writing? Oh yeah, I do that whole pen and paper thing.”) Then, there are other days, where I’ll be writing several paragraphs down and I’m so proud of myself.
Guys, the world we live in right now is a challenging one, to say the least, regardless of your occupation. What my rambling is trying to convey is…don’t do what I did at the beginning of all this. Be patient with yourself in what your dreams are. It’s okay if your book, painting, or composition isn’t done as quickly as the last one. I guarantee you that no one out there is counting down the seconds until your art is done (unless you have a commission due in a week and you haven’t started sketches…that’s an entirely different story and I can’t help you there). People will understand if you’re a little behind and I’m not saying that because as I write this I feel behind.
We all have lives outside of our projects and 9-5, you just have to remember to be gentle and kind with yourself. After all, your emotions will show in your work!
I gotta tell you, that was a hard thing to hear from one event this year. And I felt very sad for those individuals. It got me thinking about my own work and what I do. Now, if you’ve been following my blog posts, you probably already know that writing isn’t my main job. It’s something I do on the side. For the longest time, I wanted it to be a full-time thing (which I’m still striving for), but this year has really re-confirmed a valuable lesson. It’s okay to have a 9-5 to support your dreams.
This was the HARDEST lesson for me to learn. And, again with past blogs, I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before. But what I haven’t mentioned is how grateful I am to have this job. I’ve been working in retail part-time for a year and recently have been promoted to a manager position for full-time work. This year has got me realizing just how lucky I am. Yes, some days are better than others, but that’s how it is in life, whether you’re working that 9-5 or working on your craft.
“So, how’s your writing going?” I get asked this question a lot. Some days I guiltily reply, “It’s slow.” (which is code for…writing? What writing? Oh yeah, I do that whole pen and paper thing.”) Then, there are other days, where I’ll be writing several paragraphs down and I’m so proud of myself.
Guys, the world we live in right now is a challenging one, to say the least, regardless of your occupation. What my rambling is trying to convey is…don’t do what I did at the beginning of all this. Be patient with yourself in what your dreams are. It’s okay if your book, painting, or composition isn’t done as quickly as the last one. I guarantee you that no one out there is counting down the seconds until your art is done (unless you have a commission due in a week and you haven’t started sketches…that’s an entirely different story and I can’t help you there). People will understand if you’re a little behind and I’m not saying that because as I write this I feel behind.
We all have lives outside of our projects and 9-5, you just have to remember to be gentle and kind with yourself. After all, your emotions will show in your work!
September 29, 2020
Turning a Page
Job promotion, new house, and now a cat. These last two months have been kind of crazy for this writer which is why I’ve been slightly MIA (sorry about that). These are new beginnings as I like to call it. But new beginnings always come with new challenges that we all have to face. For me, it was trying to establish a new writing pattern.
I don’t know about you, but anytime something even slightly disrupts my creative juices from flowing, I usually get lost in my own mind. I get paranoid that I’m not writing enough or frustrated that I can’t story storm my next novel. And, as with any kind of stress, those around me could see something was a bit off. To be honest, I could feel it to which only added to my madness.
But this past week I began thinking more about my “creative blockage” and wondering what could I write about. We all go through bouts of “writer's block” or something of that sort and I know I’ve spoken about this particular topic before. So, what could I say that was different?
I never had writer’s block.
There, that was different! See, I realized that I had been story storming and contemplating my next novel the ENTIRE time! Whether I was talking with co-workers, thinking of how a character would react to a particular situation I was in, or even vegging out in front of the TV watching a favorite actor and thinking how they’d be in one of my character’s shoes. All of this was still story storming. And this made me realize that I don’t have to be sitting down at a desk with my computer on or pencil in hand to be working on my next novel. I know some authors may disagree with me, but thinking and imagining situations are still part of the writing journey!
Eventually, they’ll all get down into an outline, once my thoughts have sorted out and I’ve settled into this new chapter in my life, but for now, I think I’m going to view story storming and keep on dreaming!
I don’t know about you, but anytime something even slightly disrupts my creative juices from flowing, I usually get lost in my own mind. I get paranoid that I’m not writing enough or frustrated that I can’t story storm my next novel. And, as with any kind of stress, those around me could see something was a bit off. To be honest, I could feel it to which only added to my madness.
But this past week I began thinking more about my “creative blockage” and wondering what could I write about. We all go through bouts of “writer's block” or something of that sort and I know I’ve spoken about this particular topic before. So, what could I say that was different?
I never had writer’s block.
There, that was different! See, I realized that I had been story storming and contemplating my next novel the ENTIRE time! Whether I was talking with co-workers, thinking of how a character would react to a particular situation I was in, or even vegging out in front of the TV watching a favorite actor and thinking how they’d be in one of my character’s shoes. All of this was still story storming. And this made me realize that I don’t have to be sitting down at a desk with my computer on or pencil in hand to be working on my next novel. I know some authors may disagree with me, but thinking and imagining situations are still part of the writing journey!
Eventually, they’ll all get down into an outline, once my thoughts have sorted out and I’ve settled into this new chapter in my life, but for now, I think I’m going to view story storming and keep on dreaming!
July 30, 2020
The Power of Friendship
The power of friendship is something we hear throughout our lives, especially when we are children. But I want to talk about a different kind of friendship—a writer friendship. This past week was my vacation away from work and I spent it with my friend who I haven’t seen in two years due to distance. Stephanie, or as I call her Stephie, and I met in college about five or six years ago. And to be honest, when we first met, she was so bubbly I couldn’t imagine how someone had that much energy! But, our acquaintanceship blossomed into a friendship and we’ve been tight ever since!
Now, what does this have to do with writing? Well, Stephanie is a writer like myself and we deal with similar genres. During our college years, she taught me so many new writing techniques that I would have never thought about in a million years. It’s because of her that I am the writer I am today. Throughout this week we’ve gone on so many adventures and each one we go on, she inadvertently gave me some more writing tips that I didn’t think about. For example, we were watching a reality show that was on TV and she suggested, “This is a really fun show! All these contestants have their own story that you could use them as inspiration for a character!” This thought never crossed my mind, but now I want to go back and watch every reality show because she was right!
We even took a day and went on a book crawl (its like a pub crawl but with books). And because of Stephanie, I have a to-read list larger than my phone notes can handle. I’m telling you, guys, if you get the chance, think of that one writer friend in your life and go on a crazy adventure with them this summer, and if you aren’t able to…video chat with them! Listen to their helpful suggestions and maybe you’ll get some great ideas for your next writing project!
Now, what does this have to do with writing? Well, Stephanie is a writer like myself and we deal with similar genres. During our college years, she taught me so many new writing techniques that I would have never thought about in a million years. It’s because of her that I am the writer I am today. Throughout this week we’ve gone on so many adventures and each one we go on, she inadvertently gave me some more writing tips that I didn’t think about. For example, we were watching a reality show that was on TV and she suggested, “This is a really fun show! All these contestants have their own story that you could use them as inspiration for a character!” This thought never crossed my mind, but now I want to go back and watch every reality show because she was right!
We even took a day and went on a book crawl (its like a pub crawl but with books). And because of Stephanie, I have a to-read list larger than my phone notes can handle. I’m telling you, guys, if you get the chance, think of that one writer friend in your life and go on a crazy adventure with them this summer, and if you aren’t able to…video chat with them! Listen to their helpful suggestions and maybe you’ll get some great ideas for your next writing project!
June 28, 2020
Normal
With July fast approaching, I really didn’t have anything to write about until yesterday. See, most of this month was the same as last month and the month before due to the events that have been going on in the world. Book events were still being canceled or postponed right and left and there was very little to do except to continue writing my second book of the trilogy.
In reality, life has been rather dull and, like many of us small business owners, I was getting really discouraged in regards to my books. Even my publicist was having a hard time finding ways of helping me get my book out there. But I had an epiphany yesterday.
My husband and I decided to venture out a bit from our hometown and we went to the mall for the first time in months. We had no idea what to expect, but what we didn’t expect was how relaxed it was. There were few people and everyone was keeping their distance and for the most part, everyone was playing it safe. It felt…normal!
For months now, I kept hearing from customers coming through my line at work, “This is the new normal”. And yesterday, on our way home, I got to thinking. What is normal? Is normal what we knew before the pandemic? Or is normal just a setting on a dryer (as the old saying goes)?
No, we are the ones who define what is normal in our society. Sure, my book events have been delayed, but that doesn’t mean I can’t push my book out there more through giveaways and virtual book tours. Sure, major fairs and upcoming holiday events are canceled, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a cookout for ourselves and make a “fair” in our own backyard.
We have so many options in our current situation, we just need to tap into the creative side we were all born with and try something new.
In reality, life has been rather dull and, like many of us small business owners, I was getting really discouraged in regards to my books. Even my publicist was having a hard time finding ways of helping me get my book out there. But I had an epiphany yesterday.
My husband and I decided to venture out a bit from our hometown and we went to the mall for the first time in months. We had no idea what to expect, but what we didn’t expect was how relaxed it was. There were few people and everyone was keeping their distance and for the most part, everyone was playing it safe. It felt…normal!
For months now, I kept hearing from customers coming through my line at work, “This is the new normal”. And yesterday, on our way home, I got to thinking. What is normal? Is normal what we knew before the pandemic? Or is normal just a setting on a dryer (as the old saying goes)?
No, we are the ones who define what is normal in our society. Sure, my book events have been delayed, but that doesn’t mean I can’t push my book out there more through giveaways and virtual book tours. Sure, major fairs and upcoming holiday events are canceled, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a cookout for ourselves and make a “fair” in our own backyard.
We have so many options in our current situation, we just need to tap into the creative side we were all born with and try something new.
May 31, 2020
Changes
May has been filled with so many new beginnings for me and my husband. From getting a new car for me (and yes, it’s blue!) to house hunting at the end of this month (which is why this blog post was done at the last second).
But general new life beginnings aren’t the only thing that’s new in my life! Changes in the way I view my writing style have made a drastic change and, dare I say, improvement. I know I’ve spoken about my editing process in the past, probably when I first started this blog, but I’ve never really said anything in great detail. I mainly complained about how difficult the process is, which, to this day, still remains true.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve decided to take a different approach with my editing. Before I’d read my manuscript on my laptop several times and call it good. It’d go off to beta readers and then to my editor. But I finally took advice from my first beta reader (a.k.a my dad) and decided to print out my manuscript and read through it. At first, I honestly humored him. I didn’t understand what he saw when reading my book, but the second I started reading it, I saw what he meant.
Looking at my book from a different perspective gave me an entirely new outlook on the editing process. I read it from a reader’s point of view and I caught so many plot holes and grammatical errors. Had I continued my old way of editing and just read it on a screen, I can guarantee I wouldn’t have seen those errors as some were very small.
So, this month has seriously encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone even more, try new things, whether it be a new car, a new house, or something as simple as a new way of writing. And if I can encourage any new writers out there, I’d say, don’t be afraid to take chances!
But general new life beginnings aren’t the only thing that’s new in my life! Changes in the way I view my writing style have made a drastic change and, dare I say, improvement. I know I’ve spoken about my editing process in the past, probably when I first started this blog, but I’ve never really said anything in great detail. I mainly complained about how difficult the process is, which, to this day, still remains true.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve decided to take a different approach with my editing. Before I’d read my manuscript on my laptop several times and call it good. It’d go off to beta readers and then to my editor. But I finally took advice from my first beta reader (a.k.a my dad) and decided to print out my manuscript and read through it. At first, I honestly humored him. I didn’t understand what he saw when reading my book, but the second I started reading it, I saw what he meant.
Looking at my book from a different perspective gave me an entirely new outlook on the editing process. I read it from a reader’s point of view and I caught so many plot holes and grammatical errors. Had I continued my old way of editing and just read it on a screen, I can guarantee I wouldn’t have seen those errors as some were very small.
So, this month has seriously encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone even more, try new things, whether it be a new car, a new house, or something as simple as a new way of writing. And if I can encourage any new writers out there, I’d say, don’t be afraid to take chances!
April 28, 2020
Life with a Publicist
As we get into the thick of the global crisis, I have to say this month has given me many difficulties. I still have my part-time job, thank goodness, but I found it especially hard this month to get anything done with my books.
Sure, I had a blog tour (which is going until May 15th), and that helped with publicity, but I think the most impactful thing in my life, by far, has been my publicist, Rachel.
Now, I promised to tell all my author friends how life was like with a publicist, and let me tell you. . . I have no regrets!
I got in touch with Rachel a few months ago when I was first searching for a publicist. I honestly had no idea what exactly to look for, aside from someone who was affordable. And that was one of the first things that attracted me to Rachel’s company, RMA Publicity. Fast forward a few weeks and Rachel had already read my book and was forming an AWESOME feature article about me and my latest book. I gave her a list of media outreaches in my area or those that I knew of and she did the rest. She actually has this cool program that allows her to not only see the different types of media in a state, but also sees who to get in touch in regards to books.
Now, does our current crisis create dilemmas during the campaign that she constructed? Yes, definitely, but that didn’t stop her! She reached out to everyone she could and has already gotten me an interview with a radio station that serves pretty large cities in my state. Her next mission is to branch out further and speak to other states about my latest achievement.
Having Rachel at the helm of my career, contacting me with new opportunities, seriously lifts a heavy weight off my shoulders so that way I’m able to focus on my books and a part-time job.
My recommendation to all authors and aspiring authors, if you can, get a publicist within your budget and especially one who believes in you!
Sure, I had a blog tour (which is going until May 15th), and that helped with publicity, but I think the most impactful thing in my life, by far, has been my publicist, Rachel.
Now, I promised to tell all my author friends how life was like with a publicist, and let me tell you. . . I have no regrets!
I got in touch with Rachel a few months ago when I was first searching for a publicist. I honestly had no idea what exactly to look for, aside from someone who was affordable. And that was one of the first things that attracted me to Rachel’s company, RMA Publicity. Fast forward a few weeks and Rachel had already read my book and was forming an AWESOME feature article about me and my latest book. I gave her a list of media outreaches in my area or those that I knew of and she did the rest. She actually has this cool program that allows her to not only see the different types of media in a state, but also sees who to get in touch in regards to books.
Now, does our current crisis create dilemmas during the campaign that she constructed? Yes, definitely, but that didn’t stop her! She reached out to everyone she could and has already gotten me an interview with a radio station that serves pretty large cities in my state. Her next mission is to branch out further and speak to other states about my latest achievement.
Having Rachel at the helm of my career, contacting me with new opportunities, seriously lifts a heavy weight off my shoulders so that way I’m able to focus on my books and a part-time job.
My recommendation to all authors and aspiring authors, if you can, get a publicist within your budget and especially one who believes in you!
March 27, 2020
Look for the Helpers
The month of March has been full of many ups and downs for me. And unless you’ve been living under a rock or aren’t from planet Earth, I’m sure you’ve seen more downs than ups as well.
Earlier this month, I contemplated writing about a new writing adventure that I’ve taken upon. But due to the global crisis we’ve all been experiencing, that had to be placed on hold. Enough of the negativity, though. I want to talk about the good things. . . no, the GREAT things that happened this month and the things I’ve experienced which influenced my writing life.
It's no secret that we’re all struggling during this tumultuous time and the first thing that I noticed when the COVID-19 outbreak came out was just how many “helpers” there were in my author circle and even with my co-workers.
Sadly, all of my spring author appearances were canceled or postponed until further notice. I was very disappointed, but then I saw what all my author friends were doing in response. Not only were they promoting each other and discounting their books, but they were giving the quarantined and self-quarantined people a chance to escape to another world. I thought that was a great response and I joined in on the action too! And let me tell you, I felt great about it!
But they weren’t the only “helpers” I found. See, I work at a grocery store and if you’ve seen all the memes on social media, I’m here to say it’s all true. It’s rough out there, yet my co-workers have found ways of helping me, writing-wise. They all know how tough it is for me as an independent author, especially now. And they all stepped up to help! They lend a listening ear when I’m stuck on a writer’s block and a few even bought my latest book!
If there’s anything I learned from this month is we’re all in this chaos together. And despite all the negative news I’ve heard, there are some wonderful people in this world that want to see others succeed. It’s during these times that a very familiar quote from Mr. Rogers comes to mind:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
Earlier this month, I contemplated writing about a new writing adventure that I’ve taken upon. But due to the global crisis we’ve all been experiencing, that had to be placed on hold. Enough of the negativity, though. I want to talk about the good things. . . no, the GREAT things that happened this month and the things I’ve experienced which influenced my writing life.
It's no secret that we’re all struggling during this tumultuous time and the first thing that I noticed when the COVID-19 outbreak came out was just how many “helpers” there were in my author circle and even with my co-workers.
Sadly, all of my spring author appearances were canceled or postponed until further notice. I was very disappointed, but then I saw what all my author friends were doing in response. Not only were they promoting each other and discounting their books, but they were giving the quarantined and self-quarantined people a chance to escape to another world. I thought that was a great response and I joined in on the action too! And let me tell you, I felt great about it!
But they weren’t the only “helpers” I found. See, I work at a grocery store and if you’ve seen all the memes on social media, I’m here to say it’s all true. It’s rough out there, yet my co-workers have found ways of helping me, writing-wise. They all know how tough it is for me as an independent author, especially now. And they all stepped up to help! They lend a listening ear when I’m stuck on a writer’s block and a few even bought my latest book!
If there’s anything I learned from this month is we’re all in this chaos together. And despite all the negative news I’ve heard, there are some wonderful people in this world that want to see others succeed. It’s during these times that a very familiar quote from Mr. Rogers comes to mind:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
