Carma Spence's Blog, page 94
March 4, 2022
Don't let them bamboozle you
If you are experiencing writer’s block and head to Google to find some relief, you will only find it if the cause of your writer’s block is one of three causes. However, there are six different causes of writer’s block, and they interact with each other to create a much more complex syndrome that you’d believe from reading what’s available online.
That’s why I developed the Writer’s Block Assessment, a free tool that helps writers identify the family of causes at the root of their block in the moment. Anytime you’re blocked, you are free to use it and discover what’s blocking you so that you can use the right methods to unblock your writing.
Reading articles that tell you to take a walk, or “just write anyway” isn’t going to help. In fact, they may do more harm than good. However, this tool can give you a solid direction – no fluff – and get back to writing much sooner. Don’t suffer any longer than you have to: https://authorneering.com/blockassess...
That’s why I developed the Writer’s Block Assessment, a free tool that helps writers identify the family of causes at the root of their block in the moment. Anytime you’re blocked, you are free to use it and discover what’s blocking you so that you can use the right methods to unblock your writing.
Reading articles that tell you to take a walk, or “just write anyway” isn’t going to help. In fact, they may do more harm than good. However, this tool can give you a solid direction – no fluff – and get back to writing much sooner. Don’t suffer any longer than you have to: https://authorneering.com/blockassess...
March 3, 2022
Happy World Book Day!
I love books. One of the things my husband and I love doing together is exploring used bookstores. There is something about the smell of those books that makes me feel like I’m in my element. You find that rare treasure, the book you’ve been looking for that is no longer in print, and at a great price, too! You take it home, crack it open, and inhale the aroma of pulp paper. And then you read. For me, those pages often are filled with rocket ships, and aliens, and daring adventure. Sometimes they are filled with wisdom and knowledge. Regardless, they are always filled with joy. Happy #WorldBookDay!
March 1, 2022
How many hats are you wearing?
Independent authors must wear many hats: Writer, marketer, entrepreneur, visionary, publicist, speaker … the list goes on. Some hats are easier to wear than others. And what may be a very stylish hat for me, may feel like an oversized Pith helmet to you. That’s why being an independent author doesn’t mean being alone.
Hire out what isn’t your brilliance. Focus on what is. Take baby steps as you build your author empire. This is a lesson that has taken me way to0 long to learn. I don’t want that for you.
Hire out what isn’t your brilliance. Focus on what is. Take baby steps as you build your author empire. This is a lesson that has taken me way to0 long to learn. I don’t want that for you.
February 28, 2022
Tips on where to host a book launch party
If you plan on holding an in-person (or even hybrid) book launch event, your venue can add a lot to the experience your attendees have, as well as affect how much publicity you may get from your event. In this post, I share some tips on how to select your venue: https://bookmarketingclub.com/locatio...
February 25, 2022
Recommended Readings for Authors
Wondering what you should read if you want to further yourself as an author? Here are six book that I recommend, that should give you a good foundation in writing, as well as mindset.
1. “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White
2. “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron
3. “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott
4. “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg
5. “Writing to Learn” by William Zinsser
6. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
What would you add to that list?
1. “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White
2. “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron
3. “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott
4. “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg
5. “Writing to Learn” by William Zinsser
6. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
What would you add to that list?
February 24, 2022
Reading is a gift
I truly believe that reading is a gift. It can expand the mind, fill the heart, and lift the spirit. What was the last thing you read that did that for you?
February 23, 2022
7 Marketing Lessons for Authors
Marketing isn’t all about selling. Sometimes it’s about perception, visibility, or even building relationships with those who might eventually want to buy. So, I think you might be glad to read these seven marketing lessons for emerging (and established) authors:
1. Own what you're good at and don't be afraid to flaunt it now and again.
2. It's O.K. and encouraged to be your unique self. Let your Geek Flag fly!
3. Say yes to every opportunity to increase your visibility.
4. Always be your best self, especially on social media.
5. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
6. Find your own cookie cutter. One size doesn't fit all.
7. Remember that you are more than likely just three feet from gold, so be tenacious but strategic, as well.
In other words, hone your unique brand vision and message, then communicate it, communicate it, tweak it if needed, then communicate it again until you build the author platform of your dreams.
1. Own what you're good at and don't be afraid to flaunt it now and again.
2. It's O.K. and encouraged to be your unique self. Let your Geek Flag fly!
3. Say yes to every opportunity to increase your visibility.
4. Always be your best self, especially on social media.
5. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
6. Find your own cookie cutter. One size doesn't fit all.
7. Remember that you are more than likely just three feet from gold, so be tenacious but strategic, as well.
In other words, hone your unique brand vision and message, then communicate it, communicate it, tweak it if needed, then communicate it again until you build the author platform of your dreams.
February 22, 2022
Its OK to be a geek
Wouldn’t it be cool if being you helped you sell more books? Guess what? It can! After working with and researching the success of, numerous authors, I have found that the top 1% of successful authors embrace their geek appeal.
February 21, 2022
New Blog Post about How to Write a Book Marketing Plan
Do you want to sell more books? Then you need to have a marketing plan. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to create an effective book marketing plan that works for you. You'll learn the six elements you need to include in your plan, and the top 5 book marketing plan mistakes and how to avoid them. Click here now and read my blog post about creating an effective book marketing plan today! https://bookmarketingclub.com/book-ma...
February 18, 2022
5 Things that an Effective Author Brand Vision Statement Does
One of the elements of an author brand is the Author Brand Vision Statement. This statement is something that helps the author focus on what he or she wants for their author business moving into at least 5 years into the future. It is a powerful part of the author branding work I do with my clients.
An effective vision statement accomplishes these five things:
It looks toward the future.
It motivates and inspires.
It reflects the author's core values.
It aims to improve the author's business as it moves into the future.
It defines the author’s reason for being an author-entrepreneur and where the author's business is heading.
An effective vision statement accomplishes these five things:
It looks toward the future.
It motivates and inspires.
It reflects the author's core values.
It aims to improve the author's business as it moves into the future.
It defines the author’s reason for being an author-entrepreneur and where the author's business is heading.
