Kern Carter's Blog, page 163
November 11, 2019
Freelancers, you have to keep learning — here are some resources
The thing about being a freelancer is that you can’t stop learning. We are our most profitable asset and our business starts and ends with our ability to deliver at a high level.
There are different ways to go about your education. Some platforms offer free learning. Hubspot is great for learning about marketing and creating content strategies. You’ll have to create a free account and sign in to Hubspot Academy.
For paid platforms, Study.com was something I used. I took an editing course and paid a monthly fee, which gave me access to several other courses. I’d definitely recommend giving them a try.
For more involved courses, why not try a local college. This past year, I took a creative writing course and it helped improve my novel writing more than anything else I’ve ever done. I got so much out of it that I’m taking a more advanced course this January.
Toronto has a very lively literary community. Between readings, book launches, author talks and workshops, there’s always something happening. I’d suggest you immerse yourself in your literary community. You learn so much from other’s experiences and it’s great for building relationships and gaining support from other writers.
CRY
Did you know CRY has an Instagram account? Follow us @wecrydeep
Freelancers, you have to keep learning — here are some resources was originally published in C.R.Y on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
November 8, 2019
People are still reading for pleasure
65% of US consumers have read at least one print book in the last year. When asked why they read, reading for pleasure was the top choice. Only about 25% say they’ve read an ebook, which is not as surprising when you consider the rise of audiobooks. Adults are also spending just over $100 on reading each year.
Why is this important?
Because understanding reader habits are key to reaching them. As writers, we need to meet readers where they are and understand their motivations for picking up a book. Right now, reading for pleasure is still a big thing and print is still important.
CRY
MORE FROM CRYHae you read Thoughts of a Fractured Soul? It’s my first novel and still my most popular. Check it out.
People are still reading for pleasure was originally published in C.R.Y on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
November 7, 2019
November 5, 2019
November 4, 2019
There are now over 1 million self-published titles each year
The self-publishing industry is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. There are now over 1 million self-published titles in the US alone. What does that mean?
Two things:
More opportunity: Not only is self-publishing growing, but the way readers are consuming books is diversifying. Audiobooks are on a similar upward path as self-publishing and I already told you what’s happening in the podcast world.
More competition: With more opportunity inevitably comes more competition. It’s now easier than ever to self-publish a book but harder than ever to stand out from the crowd. You’ll have to get creative in how you market and promote your books.
CRY
There are now over 1 million self-published titles each year was originally published in C.R.Y on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
November 1, 2019
I Was Ghosted by Ryan Holiday
After working with an editor of Daily Stoic for weeks, I never heard from them again.
October 31, 2019
Simple ways to introduce collaboration into your writing process
Writers misinterpret what it means to write effectively. Collaboration is important and a significant part of the writing process if you allow it to be. The concept of locking yourself in a room and never letting anyone see your work till you’re three drafts in is outdated. I’m actually not sure it ever existed.
How can you be more collaborative? Try this out:
Do book readings when you’re still constructing your manuscript. Most cities or towns will have “open mics” where they give you five minutes to read an excerpt from your book. Get up on stage and read the parts you think are most appealing and gauge the reaction. If you can’t gauge it, ask people what they thought after the reading is over.Have an ideation session. I love the story of Mary Shelley, Percy B. Shelley and Lord Byron getting rained in for three days in a rented Geneva summer house back in 1816. Those three days produced two literary classics in Frankenstein and The Vampyre. Writers are often hesitant to let other people into the idea stage of their writing, but if you find people you trust and who you know are creative, why not bring them together and see what you get out of it.Join a writing group. This helped me tremendously with my second novel. My writing group gave me solid direction but most importantly gave me the confidence to take a risk and tell a story from a female perspective.It’s almost 2020. Technology has made collaborating easier than ever. You technically don’t even have to be in the same country as someone to do two of the three things I suggested. Open your mind and let down your guards. Collaborating with peers is a good thing.
CRY
MORE FROM CRYDon’t forget to grab a copy of my novel BEAUTY SCARS.
Simple ways to introduce collaboration into your writing process was originally published in C.R.Y on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
October 30, 2019
If I regret pieces I’ve written, what should I do?
Dealing with the contradictions in my writing and growth in my thinking.
