Laura McNeill's Blog, page 7

Writer Wednesday – Do’s and Don’ts for a First Book ~ Part 2 (Marketing)

Happy Wednesday! Last week, I talked about tips for achieving a good “Work-Life Balance.” This week’s topic is Marketing. The recommendations I’m sharing all come from a recent ACFW writer panel I took part in with three wonderful and smart authors – Kristy Cambron, Katherine Reay, and Mary Weber.

Here are some of the thoughts we shared at ACFW about marketing best practices …

 

What’s your sure-fire tip for marketing best-practice?

This might not be the first things that comes to mind for marketing, but the number one thing authors should be concerned with is writing the best book possible. If you put your heart and soul into a novel, the marketing won’t be necessarily easier, but the story you are delivering with resonate with quality and substance. Think about it like making a big purchase – like a pair of Prada shoes versus a pair from Payless. You want your brand and reputation to be Prada – each and every time.

 

What are 1 or 2 things you should never do in social media book promotion?

This is definitely a hot button issue for new and experienced authors. I think the one thing you can do to turn readers OFF is to shout “Buy my Book” from Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

Live by the 80/20 rule, if possible. Eighty percent of your posts. should entertain, inspire, make someone smile, or inform. Here are a few examples.

Tweet like this:

7 Ways to Test Your Story Spark http://lauramcneill.com/blog/2015/02/23/7-ways-to-test-your-story-spark/  # fictionwriting
Stand in your truth with courage. The haters & naysayers can write their own stories. # WritersGuide2Persistence # bebold # amwriting
Chicagoans, join me tonight at the Frankfort Public Library for a Book Group Happy Hour from 7-9pm! http://frankfortlibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=5970&lib=0 …

Not like this:

(Buy my book) Name of Book (Name of Book Series) by Author Name http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00R5JNXBW/ via @ AmazonUK
Thank you  @ sheaserrano , for putting me in your index. ERRBODY GO BUY IT THX http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rap-year-book-shea-serrano/
Whooaaahh!! This book!! Check out this book and buy a copy!! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MZAITK6



More Tips

Other suggestions for handling your first year as an author …

Do: Hang out in other authors’/readers’ spheres, Be interested in their lives – not just promoting.
Do: Be kind. Be authentic.
Do: Follow successful authors and learn from their style and lingo, etc.
Do: Shout out other authors’ books and successes. Pay it forward.
Do: Schedule time on social media and keep it to a minimum. Too much and it takes away from writing and family life.
Do: Find out what readers and bloggers want to hear about.
Don’t: Underestimate the power of consistency, long-term vision, and asking for help from fellow authors.

 

Any other ideas I should include? I’d love to hear them!

I’ll share about Networking for first year authors next Wednesday.

xo, Laura

Writer Wednesday: Do’s and Don’ts for a First Book ~ Part 1 (Work-Life Balance)

A few weeks back, I served on a writer panel in Dallas with three wonderful and smart authors — Kristy Cambron, Katherine Reay, and Mary Weber. All fresh off our first year in the traditional publishing industry, we shared our thoughts about the whirlwind that’s been the last 12 months … in the hopes the information and discussion would be of help to other aspiring authors!

Today, I thought it might be fun to share portions of our talk. Here are some of the questions that our moderator asked….

Tell us what’s the TOP THING you wish you’d known before you became an author?

Definitely that being a successful author is a marathon, not a sprint. Sure, there are overnight successes who take the New York Times bestseller list by storm, but for the rest of us, it takes hard work and often years to write, revise, and polish that first manuscript. It’s tough to get an agent, and takes time to find a good one. A publishing house, if you decide to go the traditional route, has to be a good fit as well. Think about it like a marriage that you want to last.

And what did you have to learn “trial by fire?”

For me, it was being careful about reading reviews. Not everyone is going to like your novel, it’s just a fact. I always welcome positive, constructive feedback, reviews, and emails that offer suggestions that could make my novels stronger or more compelling! That said, I’ve had readers lead scathing reviews that are pretty cruel, and there is no good that comes from that. Engaging with negative people also gets you nowhere. My advice is to focus on your writing, focus on the positive, and do the best work you can.

What are your strategies to manage an aspiring author career if you also work full-time, have a family, school, church, etc.?

I work full-time, attend graduate school, and write novels in addition to taking spending time with my family. For me, it’s all about making time for the writing. I am very protective of my writing time and set goals for myself to write a certain number of words a day. I sometimes map my writing schedule out on a calendar, so that I can “see” the end of the tunnel … and I’ve gone as far as sending myself daily reminders on my cell phone! As life throws up roadblocks and challenges, some days, the writing doesn’t get done, but I can always get myself back on track. The key, for me, is figuring out what is most important in my life, setting goals, and being organized.

When do you find time to market, connect on social media, and write your next book?

It’s a challenge to balance it all! I write in the mornings when it is quiet, around 5:30 am, and I don’t check email or social media before I begin writing. Social media is reserved for after my writing time, at lunchtime, or if I’m waiting at an appointment. It is so important to connect with readers and other authors on social media, but that time has to be limited. After all, if you are only Tweeting and posting on Instagram, it’s time you could spend writing! As for marketing, I have done a mix of handling most of the marketing myself (for my Lauren Clark books) to hiring a company to handle my online blog tours, writing posts for magazines and websites, attending conferences as a speaker, giving talks on writing to aspiring authors, meeting with book clubs, and working with an outside publicist to set up book signings and handle media inquiries. As with many things in life, it depends on how much time you have and if you are willing and able to hire outside assistance.

Other suggestions for handling your first year as an author …

Do: Turn off your phone/computer/notifications before school, after dinner, and on dates.
Do: Schedule family game nights and outings.
Do: Communicate to your family, spouse, and work, where you’re are … emotionally and schedule-wise.
Do: Listen to your family and boss as they communicate their needs/desires/expectations.
Do: Set aside time for yourself (not for your writing but for your soul) to refresh (shut down the iPhone and FB and take a drive, sit at the beach, etc).
Do: Make a schedule, as much as you can, for your writing, and stick to it!
Don’t: Let your world or family revolve around your career.

I’ll share more on MARKETING for first year authors next Wednesday.

xo, Laura

Writer Wednesday: Do’s and Don’ts for a First Book ~ Part 1

A few weeks back, I served on a writer panel in Dallas with three wonderful and smart authors — Kristy Cambron, Katherine Reay, and Mary Weber. All fresh off our first year in the traditional publishing industry, we shared our thoughts about the whirlwind that’s been the last 12 months … in the hopes the information and discussion would be of help to other aspiring authors!

Today, I thought it might be fun to share portions of our talk. Here are some of the questions that our moderator asked….

Tell us what’s the TOP THING you wish you’d known before you became an author?

Definitely that being a successful author is a marathon, not a sprint. Sure, there are overnight successes who take the New York Times bestseller list by storm, but for the rest of us, it takes hard work and often years to write, revise, and polish that first manuscript. It’s tough to get an agent, and takes time to find a good one. A publishing house, if you decide to go the traditional route, has to be a good fit as well. Think about it like a marriage that you want to last.

And what did you have to learn “trial by fire?”

For me, it was being careful about reading reviews. Not everyone is going to like your novel, it’s just a fact. I always welcome positive, constructive feedback, reviews, and emails that offer suggestions that could make my novels stronger or more compelling! That said, I’ve had readers lead scathing reviews that are pretty cruel, and there is no good that comes from that. Engaging with negative people also gets you nowhere. My advice is to focus on your writing, focus on the positive, and do the best work you can.

What are your strategies to manage an aspiring author career if you also work full-time, have a family, school, church, etc.?

I work full-time, attend graduate school, and write novels in addition to taking spending time with my family. For me, it’s all about making time for the writing. I am very protective of my writing time and set goals for myself to write a certain number of words a day. I sometimes map my writing schedule out on a calendar, so that I can “see” the end of the tunnel … and I’ve gone as far as sending myself daily reminders on my cell phone! As life throws up roadblocks and challenges, some days, the writing doesn’t get done, but I can always get myself back on track. The key, for me, is figuring out what is most important in my life, setting goals, and being organized.

When do you find time to market, connect on social media, and write your next book?

It’s a challenge to balance it all! I write in the mornings when it is quiet, around 5:30 am, and I don’t check email or social media before I begin writing. Social media is reserved for after my writing time, at lunchtime, or if I’m waiting at an appointment. It is so important to connect with readers and other authors on social media, but that time has to be limited. After all, if you are only Tweeting and posting on Instagram, it’s time you could spend writing! As for marketing, I have done a mix of handling most of the marketing myself (for my Lauren Clark books) to hiring a company to handle my online blog tours, writing posts for magazines and websites, attending conferences as a speaker, giving talks on writing to aspiring authors, meeting with book clubs, and working with an outside publicist to set up book signings and handle media inquiries. As with many things in life, it depends on how much time you have and if you are willing and able to hire outside assistance.

Other suggestions for handling your first year as an author …

Do: Turn off your phone/computer/notifications before school, after dinner, and on dates.
Do: Schedule family game nights and outings.
Do: Communicate to your family, spouse, and work, where you’re are … emotionally and schedule-wise.
Do: Listen to your family and boss as they communicate their needs/desires/expectations.
Do: Set aside time for yourself (not for your writing but for your soul) to refresh (shut down the iPhone and FB and take a drive, sit at the beach, etc).
Do: Make a schedule, as much as you can, for your writing, and stick to it!
Don’t: Let your world or family revolve around your career.

I’ll share more on MARKETING for first year authors next Wednesday.

xo, Laura

New Novel, “Sister Dear,” Available for Pre-Order!

I’m so excited to share that my new domestic suspense novel, Sister Dear, is available for pre-order (release date April 19, 2o16) from HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson!  (Think Orange is the New Black meets Janet Fitch’s White Oleander.)

Here’s the summary:  

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But first she has to deal with the past.

Pre-Order on Amazon  (Release Date: April 19, 2016)

Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie’s return to Brunswick, Georgia, sends earthquakes through the small, coastal community. Even her daughter Caroline, now a teenager, challenges Allie’s claims of innocence.

Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a campaign for the truth, digging deep into the past. Her investigation threatens her parole status, her own safety, and the already-fragile bond with her family.

What Allie uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

Sister Dear is set in Brunswick, Georgia, just minutes away from St. Simons Island.

It would mean the world to me if you would pre-order Sister Dear or add it to your Goodreads Shelf today!

xx, Laura

Watch the “Good Day Alabama” Interview on WBRC-TV

As promised, here’s my FOX6 WBRC – TV interview with Birmingham anchor Janice Rogers. By the way – she’s amazingly sweet, down to earth, and was so interested in the novel!

Here’s the interview:

I’m hoping to soon share my upcoming interview with Valley Happenings soon! I’m being interviewed on WYAM – TV 51 in Decatur, Alabama this Friday!

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

xx, Laura

Samantha March’s Video Review of “Center of Gravity”

I’m so thrilled to share that Samantha March, founder of Chick Lit Plus and the fabulous Books & Beauty channel on YouTube, just shared this video review of Center of Gravity!

Samantha’s Books & Beauty YouTube channel is divine…she’s a charming hostess… and I highly recommend subscribing so that you can watch all of her great reviews!

NOTE:  If you’d like to check out the wonderful novels that Samantha has written, visit her Amazon Author page!

Hope you enjoy Samantha’s review!

xx, Laura

 

Watch the WSFA-TV Center of Gravity Interview

As promised, here’s my WSFA – TV interview with Montgomery anchor Tonya Terry. We chatted about books, the news business, story ideas, and upcoming author events. Here goes:

I’m working on getting my WBRC – TV (Birmingham, Ala.) interview up on the site as well!

Later this week, I’ll post notes from the ACFW Conference on  “Do’s and Don’ts for Debut Authors.” Next, Friday, Sept. 25th, I’ll be talking about books and all things author on Valley Happenings WYAM – TV 51.

Happy Monday!

xx,

Laura  

FOX10 News Interview – Center of Gravity

I thought that it might be fun to share my FOX10 News interview with Mobile, Alabama reporter Chastity Byrd. The FOX10 News Team gave me such a warm welcome, were so interested in Center of Gravity, and invited me to come back when Sister Dear is released in April of 2016!

I’m working on getting my WBRC and WSFA interviews up on the site as well! I’ll be at the ACFW Conference on Saturday speaking about “Do’s and Don’ts for Debut Authors” with fellow author and friend,  Kristy Cambron. After that, it’s off to Huntsville, Alabama next Friday, Sept. 25th to speak on Valley Happenings WYAM – TV 51.

Here’s to a glorious weekend!

xx,

Laura  

 

 

Book Tour & Conference Updates

Hey everyone! It’s been such a whirlwind these past few weeks! I wanted to share some photos from my recent book tour stops and tell you about my appearance at the ACFW Conference in Dallas!

WSFA- TV Montgomery, Ala.

I had a wonderful time on set with Tonya Terry during Alabama Live! on September 4th.

We talked about everything from the idea for Center of Gravity, down to the characters, and my next book, Sister Dear, coming out in April 2016!

ALSO – both of us began our Alabama television careers in the same place – WTVY News 4 in Dothan.

Decatur Book Festival, Georgia

I spent a lovely Saturday (September 5th) in Decatur, Georgia with thousands of book enthusiasts.

I spoke about Center of Gravity and Sister Dear in the Emerging Writers Tent.

Later in the day, I attended a few talks and met up with authors Lisa Wingate and Kimberly Belle, as well as hung out with blogger Jencey Gortney and the Book Logix girls, Angela and Jessica.

What a fabulous day!

Book signing in Roswell, Ga. at Bookmiser Book Store

What a fun evening I spent September 11th in Roswell, Ga. with Lisa Wingate and about two dozen guests.

Lisa spoke about her new release and I talked about Center of Gravity and Sister Dear to the two dozen readers in attendance.

We were given such a warm welcome and I can’t wait to go back and hang out with the owners of this fabulous book store in April 2016 when Sister Dear hits the shelves!

Southern Writers Festival, Birmingham, Ala.

I was honored to finally meet up with Lora Campbell Roberts, a long-time Facebook friends and fan of my Lauren Clark books (Southern women’s fiction – you can find them all on Amazon!)

We had seven authors and a steady crowd of readers from 1 pm until 3 o’clock that afternoon.

What a glorious event put on by the Barnes and Noble store at the Birmingham Summit Mall location!

Upcoming… this Saturday, September 19th, I’ll be flying to Dallas, Texas for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers Association)’s annual conference. I’ll b speaking with Kristy Cambron and some other authors about Do’s and Don’t for 1st-time authors!

Come one, come all – there is walk-in registration! We’d love to have you in the audience and hear your questions!

I’ll post about it after the event! A good time is sure to be had by all!

xx,

Laura

September Events & August Gift Pack Winner

Congratulations to my August 2015 Gift Pack winner…

Shelly Hammond of Forest City PA!

Shelly wins a Center of Gravity Audiobook, a key chain, bookmark (Thank you Loving the Book Launch girls), and a pair of adorable Library Card Socks that I found in LiftBridge Books, an indie bookstore in Brockport, New York!

Shelly loves coffee and books as much as I do (check out her Facebook page!) and is enjoying the summer in Eastern PA.

Upcoming Events
Friday, Sept. 4 – WFSA-TV (NBC) –  Alabama Live!   Montgomery, Ala.

Saturday, Sept. 5 – Decatur Book Festival Signing – Decatur, Ga.  11:30 am – 11:50 am 

Friday, Sept. 11 – Signing – Bookmiser Book Store, Roswell, Ga.

Sunday, Sept. 13 – Southern Writers’ Festival – Barnes & Noble Summit, Birmingham, Ala.

Saturday, Sept. 19th – ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Convention – Panel Presentation: Your First Year: Dos and Don’ts, Dallas, Texas, 3:30 – 4:30 pm

I would love to see you out at any of these events – please stop by and say hello!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!  xx, Laura