Going Pro—Learning from a Master & Win a Chance to Be James Patterson’s Next Co-Author
Could THIS be your new writing partner?
Today I have something exciting to tell you guys about *bounces up and down like a kid*. Last week we talked about Going Pro and today I’d like to springboard off some of what we talked about. One of the reasons it is so vital for authors to take ourselves seriously, is it directly impacts how we operate. So long as we view what we do as “our little thing” or “a hobby” or we are “aspiring,” we are hesitant to do the activities that will truly matter. We will fail to commit.
We are just “shacking up” with our dream instead of putting a ring on it.
If we haven’t yet mentally “gone pro” often we won’t make our writing a priority. Everyone and everything comes first and if there is any time left over? Well, then we can write.
No.
We will also fail to invest in getting better. We might buy reference books and writing guides, but we are still relying on being self-taught. Nothing wrong with starting this way, but for most of us? It will make the journey harder and longer and we will make many more mistakes that will take even MORE time to fix.
There are SO many times I wish an author would have hired me to consult on a plot before writing a 100,000 word mess that can’t be repaired. Or hired me to help create a brand before they spent three years creating something that is a train wreck.
Many new writers fail to appreciate that one conference, one class or a couple of hours of training could be the very difference in failure and success. I know I practically had to donate plasma to afford my first conference, but I met and befriended New York Times Best-Selling Author Bob Mayer and that one meeting changed my life…literally.
Had I not gone to that conference and connected with that expert? I would probably be in rehab working in sales and this blog would not exist. W.A.N.A. would not exist and tens of thousands of writers who have benefited from my books and classes?
Well, who knows?
All I know is had I not met Bob, the world would never have seen my author picture on a panty liner. Okay, well Bob would probably prefer I not mention that…
Don’t Advertise, PADvertise! Get in your reader’s wallet AND her pants!
Bob actually changed my life in a number of ways. One major lesson he taught me was the value in seeking help from professionals. Many of us are trying to blaze our way to success on our own, but we really don’t have to go it all alone. He taught me to look for people who have already done what I want to do and learn from them. They already have a map, why not use it? He was a major inspiration in me creating W.A.N.A.
In writing, I hire pros all the time. I am not happy being good at what I do. I am committed to being the best.
Currently, I am taking James Patterson’s Masters Class. Since I blog about writing and teach writing and yes, I write mysteries and thrillers? Why not look to someone who has mastered what I want to do? James is a master at outlining, writing quickly, and also he is GREAT at plot twists.
So imagine my surprise when Patterson’s Master’s Class people contacted me and told me they loved my blog and asked me to share some information with you guys.
A quick caveat.
Anyone who’s followed my blog more than a minute knows I am not for sale. I will only ever promote what I love and believe in. If I think something is snake oil? Not enough money in the world for me to tie my name to it.
Truthfully, I probably would have promoted this class on my blog anyway but was wanting to finish the whole thing before putting up my thoughts.
But there is a contest and the deadline is March 22nd, so I am blogging early about it. Was also hesitant to mention the contest on my blog, because, HELLO??? I am entering and why do I want to tell you guys? :P
And that is bad and selfish and I since really do love y’all so it would be fantastic to connect one of you in just the right way at the right time to make you a legend.
Just please remember me when you are famous.
Anyway, like me, James Patterson also has a passion for helping writers get that big break. He’d been teaching the class for a while and was so impressed with the quality of student work, that he wanted to use the class to recruit a new co-author. Then everyone wins.
Patterson fans are almost cult-like in their passion and devotion and they want a lot of stories. James is good, but hey, after 70 mega-best-selling books or so, maybe fresh blood is a good thing. This helps James keep his stories new and exciting and also uses his brand and platform to launch an unknown into the next big deal.
Personally, I just know he is going to love my idea about a dirty mall cop dealing weaponized poodles. Can Fifi, the assistant manager of the Smoothie King stop him from unleashing his poodle stockpile before Black Friday is the blackest ever?
Unleash? Get it? I already have merchandising ideas.
NO ONE suspects him….
Kristen FOCUS.
Those who are taking the Master’s Class can enter. And seriously, the class is $9o for 22 lessons and over three HOURS of instruction. Plus there are all kinds of hands-on assignments. You can upload samples for critique, often by James himself. I have been really impressed with the class and have learned a handful of small things that I was all *face palm* Why didn’t I think of that?
I listen to lessons often when I am doing chores.
The contest being added to this is icing on the cake. Take the class and do the assignments you would do anyway but then enter your work by March 22nd and maybe win some cash or…OMG! Co-author a book with James FREAKING Patterson. Most contests have an entry fee and they sure don’t come with 22 lessons and three HOURS of instruction from the world’s top-selling author.
Anyway, there you have it. Since the deadline is SO close, it will be a lot of work to do this, but that’s part of going pro. Learning that sometimes opportunity requires us to hustle.
I wish everyone sudden writer’s block the best of luck!
Even if this class is not your thing, please take to heart what I said. Conferences, classes and consulting can be complete game-changers. Invest in yourself. Invest in your future and your dream?
Put a ring on it ;) .
What are your thoughts? No Patterson bashing. I get he is not everyone’s cup of tea, but not all of us are aspiring to write for a Pulitzer. Are you guilty of not committing to your dream, just kinda dating it? Are you bad about putting money into becoming better? Maybe you feel silly or selfish? Have you put money into a class or a conference and it very literally changed EVERYTHING?
I would love to hear your stories!
To prove it and show my love, for the month of MARCH, everyone who leaves a comment I will put your name in a hat. If you comment and link back to my blog on your blog, you get your name in the hat twice. What do you win? The unvarnished truth from yours truly. I will pick a winner once a month and it will be a critique of the first 20 pages of your novel.
For those who need help building a platform and keeping it SIMPLE, pick up a copy of my latest social media/branding book Rise of the Machines—Human Authors in a Digital World on AMAZON, iBooks, or Nook.
Also if Patterson’s classes are not a good fit? Check out my THREE NEW CLASSES :D
Branding for Authors Learn how to create your own unique brand, a brand powerful enough to drive BOOK SALES.
Your Story in a Sentence–Crafting Your Log-Line Can you tell us what your story is about in ONE sentence? Anyone who is pitching an agent NEEDS THIS CLASS. First ten sign-ups get me shredding and fixing their log-line for FREE.
Speaking of FREE…
Making Money with FREE! This class is going to teach you when, where, how to use FREE as a larger strategy to MAKE MONEY. We should never give our work away unless it serves a greater professional goal.
