Michelle Worthington's Blog, page 30

So You Think You Can Write - Veggie Patch

So You Think You Can Write - Marketing Exercise

Cuppa and a Catch Up with Lynne Stringer

When did you start writing?I started writing books when I was eight years old. I wrote a little story called Goldie the Pony, complete with illustrations, and presented it to my parents. Sadly, I didn’t keep it.
What is your favourite place and time to write?I don’t really have a favourite place. My favourite time is when the inspiration is in my head, forcing me to sit down and write it! Of course, that can be any time on the clock. 
What writing groups do you belong to?I belong to a science fiction/fantasy group and a Christian writers’ group, both on Facebook.
Why did you/do you want to become an author?I wanted to become an author because there were stories in my head I had to get out. Becoming a published author was a different thing. I didn’t think my stories would necessarily entertain anyone else, but I gave a copy of The Heir (my debut novel, and the first book in the Verindon trilogy) to some friends to read. They were ecstatic and encouraged me to try and get it published. I dedicated the book to them as a thank you.

What are you currently reading?I have just finished Divergent by Veronica Roth and I’m just about to start on Insurgent, its sequel.
Who are your favorite authors?I love the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Baroness Orczy, Stephenie Meyer, and I think I’m about to add Veronica Roth to that list!
What is your current project?The Crown, which is the sequel to The Heir, will be released in November, so I’ve been doing a lot of proofing on that up until now. The final book in my trilogy, The Reign, will be out in May, so I guess I’ll soon be editing that one.

Do you write with a visual image of the illustrations for your book?My books don’t have illustrations, but I do picture the action in my head.
If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be?Hm, that’s a very hard question. I would probably say Edward Cullen, as he would be fascinating to talk to, but only if he was self-controlled as he is in the books!
Where do you get your inspiration from?Other books, my own imagination, things I see on TV and at the movies. It all comes together to make something new.
Do you/Would you do all the marketing of your books or do you/would you have someone supporting you in that role?I do some of my marketing, while some is done by my publishers. I find marketing difficult. If they could take it over and do it all for me, I would be happy!
What do you want your legacy to be?I would like to think that I wrote stories that ordinary people enjoyed. I do try to slip a little bit of a message in my writing, but it’s not a huge priority for me. I’d rather take my readers to another world and give them a bit of escapism. If I am remembered for that, I will be satisfied.
You can learn more about Lynne at her website http://www.lynnestringer.com/

Cuppa and a Catch Up with Guest Author - Jaquelyn Muller

Jaquelyn Muller - Author of I Love You 5 Lollipops
When did you start writing? I have been daydreaming for years, but documenting them for about 4. 
What is your favourite place and time to write? Whenever and wherever I can.  You can imagine the perplexed looks I receive when I am tapping away in my car out the front of my daughter’s dance studio. I am sure people must think I am on a stakeout. How exciting! 
What writing groups do you belong to? I currently don’t, I run my own business and like most mums I am constantly under a mountain of cupcake mix and paperwork. I love the idea of doing weekend-long writing retreats. It would be wonderful to be somewhere peaceful and secluded so I can write about how guilty I feel about being somewhere peaceful and secluded. 
Why did you/do you want to become an author? Because my family were sick of my singing! 

What are you currently reading? ‘Profiles in Courage’ by John F. Kennedy. Written before he became President, it is an analysis of 8 Senators from American history that JFK felt displayed particular courage in their actions to do what they thought was right, despite heavy ridicule and alienation from their colleagues, family and friends….. Not too different from how some people celebrate Christmas! 
Who are your favorite authors? I don’t tend to have favourites. I love any book that leaves me appreciative of the time I spent with the characters regardless of who writes it. However, if I had to pick an author merely because I have read more of their work than anyone else’s, it would have to be Jane Austen. The language and her ability to communicate such rich characters in a time of such rigidity was sublime. And who doesn’t love a corset? 
What is your current project? There is the next book in the series of ‘I Love You 5 Lollipops’ with the central character, Elizabeth Rose. You’ll meet more characters from the circus with the timeless vintage feel created in the first book. The other picture book is for mid-primary readers and will be a little edgier. I am very excited about both projects; it will be a race to see which launches first! I am also working with the early literacy program, Let’s Read. They are a community based program designed to educate families and communities on the importance of reading to children from birth using a variety of strategies. Lots of fabulous tools and resources can be found on their site www.letsread.com.au  
Do you write with a visual image of the illustrations for your book?  Despite being completely talentless in the drawing department I do see images as I write. As the tone of the story, characters and setting develops, a colour palate starts to form. I create mood boards for stories which allows me to share the vision with my creative partners.  
If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be? The Cat in the Hat…..and he can bring Thing 1 and Thing 2 with him! 
Where do you get your inspiration from? My girls inspire me every day and through that I observe and listen as much as I can for clues that will set me off. Mind you, this is unlikely in the morning while I am trying to shepherd everyone out the door with school bags flying and the dog going off. Usually all I am seeing at this point is a double espresso with my name on it! 
Do you/Would you do all the marketing of your books or do you/would you have someone supporting you in that role? I do all the marketing myself which I really enjoy, however it does take up a lot of time.  My girls love helping out. They love making launch party decorations, activity sheets and putting together press packs. It really is a family endeavor! 
What do you want your legacy to be? That as a singer, I made a better writer. Jaquelyn's blog address is www.jmullerbooks.com and you can find out more aboutwhere to buy the book from http://www.jmullerbooks.com/books/

Cuppa and a Catch up with Guest Author - Nicola Connelly

Nicola Connelly - Young Australian Author


When did you start writing? I officially started writing a few years ago, however, only seriously starting putting my ideas on the page about a year ago.  
What is your favourite place and time to write? I write everywhere and anywhere. I write all my ideas in dropbox on my phone and later follow up these ideas on my computer.  
What writing groups do you belong to? I am currently a member of the Queensland Writing Centre and the Australian Society of Authors.  
Why did you/do you want to become an author? As a Primary School Teacher I’ve always loved reading stories especially rich children’s literature.  After reading multiple children’s books I started to think of stories that I would like to read to my children and began writing.  
What are you currently reading? Lots!! I have been reading lots of children’s books at the moment in class with a focus on cultural significance.  
Who are your favorite authors? I have lots of favourites.  Let’s think: Jackie French, Mem Fox, Pamela Allen, Michelle Worthington, Mo Willems, Anthony Browne, J.K Rowling and the list goes on. 
What is your current project? I have just recently signed the contract to my first children’s book to be published, called ‘My Dad is a Bear’, which will be released next year August/September just in time for Father’s Day 2014. 
Do you write with a visual image of the illustrations for your book?  I do write with images in mind. I believe that it is really the illustrations that tell the story and the words are guiding the story along.  I am always thinking of the illustrations and writing to them. 
If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be? WILLY WONKA! I would do anything to go to his chocolate factory.  
Where do you get your inspiration from? As a primary school teacher I get lots of inspiration from the kids that I work with. I also find inspiration from my family, especially my two young and active nephews.  
Do you/Would you do all the marketing of your books or do you/would you have someone supporting you in that role? I haven’t quite come across that stage yet in the process, I’d imagine that I would like to do a lot of marketing myself.  
What do you want your legacy to be? I want children to smile and laugh when they read my stories. I want to encourage children to enjoy reading and become lifelong readers. The value of reading to me is very important and I aim to instill this in children from a young age, through the experiences of reading them rich children’s literature. 
[image error] Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NicolaConnellyAuthor Instagram: www.instagram.com/healthyeaterchildrensteacher Twitter: www.twitter.com/NConnellyAuthor Email: nicolar_g@hotmail.com

So You Think You Can Write - Reluctant Readers

Happy Daffodil Day

Happy Daffodil Day from our very own little daffodil,Ava, from Yellow Dress Day.Support cancer research by buying the fund raising merchandise.http://daffodilday.com.au/

Is there a glass ceiling in the Australian kids books market?

For a long time, the same Australian authors have dominated the children's and YA market.

For the third year in a row, books by Mem Fox, Andy Griffiths and John Marsden have topped the Australian picture book, children’s fiction and YA bestsellers charts for July 2012 to June 2013, according to figures from Nielsen BookScan.In the picture book category, Mem Fox and Judy Horacek’s Where is the Green Sheep? (Penguin) topped the chart with 46,000 copies in 2012-13, down from 56,000 copies in 2011-12 and 63,000 copies in 2010-11.In children’s fiction, Andy Griffiths’ The 26-Storey Treehouse (illus by Terry Denton, Pan) sold 110,000 copies in 2012-13, considerably more than the bestselling children’s fiction title in 2011-12—Griffiths’ The 13-Storey Treehouse (illus by Terry Denton, Pan), which sold 60,000 copies—and the bestselling children’s fiction title in 2010-11—Griffiths’ The Very Bad Book (illus by Terry Denton, Pan), which sold 38,000 copies.In YA, John Marsden’s Tomorrow, When the War Began (Pan) sold 16,000 copies in 2012-13, down from 19,000 copies in 2011-12 and 94,000 copies in 2010-11, when the film adaptation was released.
As bookshops struggle to stay financially viable, it is understandable that they stock their shelves with books that 'sell'. Where does this leave the next generation of children's authors?Australia is not known for its support of creative endeavours or literary personalities. First time or emerging authors are already facing an uphill battle. Until our local, state and federal government supports the arts as much as it does other interests, it is going to be very difficult to uncover new talent, let alone nurture and foster it.Every time you buy a book direct from the author, or order a book through your local bookstore for a title that is no stocked on the shelves, you are helping to change the face of Australian literacy and break the glass ceiling that has kept amazing authors from sharing their stories on a wider scale. I long for the day when the top Australian authors number more than 3. What we need is a glass elevator, not a glass ceiling.

So you think you can write - Magic Beans

Ok, I have got my book published...what next???

A little known side effect of getting your book publishing is having to learn how to market yourself as an author, as well as selling your book.  Publicists have limited time and budget when it comes to promotion, especially for a new author. A successful author is also a sales person, an accountant, an administration officer, a graphic designer and a self-promotion guru.
As an author marketing your book locally, it is definitely a case of “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”  Use the contacts you already have, such as your children, grandchildren or friends schools to get your first storytelling visits. Ask for a minimal fee or do it free until you feel you are giving them value for money and always ask for the opportunity to sell you books by pre-order or post-order form and on the day.
Create your own book launch until your name is known or ask to be included in events that suit your book and marketing plan. Local women’s groups, seniors groups and interest groups that your book relates to are often happy to have you set up a trade table in exchange for the cost of admission and a lucky door prize. Have a short speech prepared in case you are asked to say something about yourself and your journey to getting your book published. Your local council website will list events in your area that you may be able to participate in.

Approach your local book store and library as they will already have time set aside for story telling and are always in need of new people and new books. Libraries also have rooms that are available to hire for your book launch or event.  Your aim is to draw a crowd, and book stores love a captive audience. Have a photographer friend take photos and offer them to the book store to put on their website.
Make sure you book are booked up with events that fit your individual schedule for 4 weeks in advance, to give you enough time to get new engagements if some cancel. Don’t take on more than you can handle and always be professional, when it comes to your marketing material, your phone manner and what you wear on the day. If your book has a theme, kids love dress ups and interactive play, so let your imagination run wild!
Register for writer’s festivals and conferences to learn from others about how they market their book, as well as making friendships with other local authors and illustrators. Join local Writers Groups and Member organisations that allow members to promote their book and book launch on their facebook, newsletter and website at little or no cost. Network with other authors, illustrators and publishers via facebook, LinkedIn, an author fan page or a website. Remember that if you can help others, they may be in a position to help you in return.

The biggest hurdle new author’s face in marketing their book is their own inhibitions. Don’t be afraid to ask. The worst thing they can say is “no”.

If you would like to find out more about marketing, promotion and what is happening on my journey to be a successful published author, sign up for my newsletter atwww.michelleworthington.com