The Shy Writer Reborn: An Introverted Writer’s Wake-up Call

by C. Hope Clark

As an introvert and a writer, you feel stretched to choose between the lesser of two evils - marketing to people who'll most likely criticize you, or putting your writing on the back burner. Introverts have strengths that make them marketable, creative, and successful. Forget those people who tell you to change, to put on a different personality, to dance like a monkey before crowds. Here is the support to be a writer and remain who you care to be...genuine.

Genres: Writing

282 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2013

About the author

C. Hope Clark was born and reared in the South, from Mississippi to South Carolina with a few stints in Alabama and Georgia. The granddaughter of a Mississippi cotton farmer, Hope holds a B.S. in Agriculture with honors from Clemson University and 25 years’ experience with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to include awards for her management, all of which enable her to talk the talk of Carolina Slade, the protagonist in most of her novels. Her love of writing, however, carried her up the ranks to the ability to retire young, and she left USDA to pen her stories and freelance.

Lowcountry Bribe‘s won several awards to include finalist status of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense sponsored by Romance Writers of America. The novel enjoyed semi-finalist status (top 100 out of 10,000) in the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. The book went on to win the 2012 Silver Falchion Award for Crime Fiction and the 2013 EPIC E-book Award for Best Mystery.

Tidewater Murder and Palmetto Poison followed close on Lowcountry's heels in the Carolina Slade series. Hope's recently released a new series, beginning with Murder on Edisto, of the Edisto Island Mysteries, followed by Edisto Jinx, with Echoes of Edisto and Affairs of Edisto forthcoming in 2016 and 2017..

Hope is married to a 30-year veteran of federal law enforcement, a Senior Special Agent, now a contract investigator. They met on a bribery investigation within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the basis for the opening scene to Lowcountry Bribe. Hope and her special agent live on the rural banks of Lake Murray outside of Chapin, South Carolina, forever spinning tales on their back porch, bourbon and coke in hand, when not tending a loveable flock of Orpington and Dominiquer hens.

She also currently manages FundsforWriters.com, a weekly newsletter service she founded that reaches almost 35,000 writers to include university professors, professional journalists and published mystery authors. Writer’s Digest has recognized the site in its annual 101 Best Web Sites for Writers for 16 years.

She’s published in The Writer Magazine, Writer’s Digest, Chicken Soup, Next Step Magazine, College Bound Teen, Voices of Youth Advocates (VOYA), TURF Magazine, Landscape Management and other trade and online publications. She speaks at several writers’ conferences a year. Hope is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, EPIC, International Thriller Writers, SE Writers Assoc. and MENSA.

Reviews

[Carol March · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a short story writer and novelist, I’ve been struggling with how to deal with the demands of developing a platform, while still having time to read, write, research, teach, work with clients, and also, live my life.

Hope Clark’s book, The Shy Writer Reborn is full of optimistic, friendly, and eminently practical advice on how to balance the introvert’s need for seclusion with the need to market and promote oneself and one’s work.

I often teach about how to overcome the beliefs that hold people back from having the life they want, and I appreciated the upbeat suggestions Hope offers on how to address the many fears that can assail the freelancer: speaking in public, being rejected, sending out work, approaching editors, and pitching at a conference.

She covers how to work with all the major social media outlets, blogging, interviewing, publishing, conferences and working with groups. I particularly liked the discussion of niches and how to find yours, her insights on “promotional swag” and the many resources she includes.

It’s refreshing to hear the message that promotion has to fit the writer, and not the other way around. I highly recommend this book to any writer—introvert or extravert—seeking to hone their marketing and promotional skills.

[Carolyn McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as an e-book through Kobo. I am so very, very glad I did. I am not yet finished the book, but having just finished the chapter on social media, I want to tell you, that this book is worth every cent. I love writing, but if I could figure out a way to never leave home and still promote...which is what the chapter on social media does. Experts tell us to get familiar with social media, but most of them don't bother to tell us HOW.
Hope does. She even discusses how to use different social media to suit different purposes.
Hope shares her secrets for prioritizing, explains what platform is and how to build it. She explains voice and how to find it, guides us through the process of building a readership when it seems like the most overwhelming thing EVER, and even suggests ways to people watch like a writer!

Even extroverts can learn a ton from this book!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many wonderful pieces of advice in The Shy Writer Reborn! One of my favorite that Hope shares is that we don't have to change--that being genuine and authentic is the way to go. While this has been the route I've chosen as a writer and author, it still felt vulnerable sharing my work and can still feel that way. But Hope's thoughts on this come as such a relief--that being ourselves is truly the right thing to do.

I enjoyed hearing Hope's advice of taking advantage of social media, as well as what a blog can truly do for a shy writer, just to name a few. She also offers tips and advice for speaking in public, while at the same time if this is something an author feels they truly can't do, well, then don't do it. How fortunate we are as writer's these days to have so many other avenues in which we can share our writing and our message.

Should you decide to try public speaking Hope's advice on this is so down to earth--you can tell she has truly used each one of her tips. While a must have for her is a podium to put her at ease, I couldn't help but relate this to how having my dog beside me during my talks really helps me. It's okay to have a "vice" to help you be your best you.

I have no doubt this book will help motivate even the shyest of writer's and encourage them that they too can put their writing out into the world in a way that feels right for them. Thank you, Hope for writing this much needed book for every writer!

[Marci Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shy Writers unite! Beginning with defining the characteristics of introverts and extroverts, C. Hope Clark walks the reader through additionally identifying traits of Doers and Shakers and lays a roadmap to success. It is not about overcoming being an introvert, but instead using the natural strengths of your personality and tendencies to determine how to build a platform, write passionately for an audience, and navigate the branding and promotion waters. And here is the best part – I’ve figured out I am NOT a shy writer! The tips, experiences and suggestions she provides are so positive, uplifting and possible that any writer can benefit. My copy of the book is littered with flags of two different colors – things to do and things to go back to when I need advice and reminders of why I love not just writing, but findings ways to share it with the world. From freelancing to blogging, presentations and conferences, and facing fears of talking with agents and publishers, there is something in this book for every writer on the planet. Her best advice comes early and carries throughout this terrific resource: “Don’t try to become other writers. Try to become the best you.” Whether you are a Shy Writer, or a writer just trying to find your way, this book will help you make the plan and do the work to become the best you, just follow through!

[Linda Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shy Writer Reborn is just what I needed. It scares me silly to have to do a presentation, a book signing, or anything involving people, and this author gives thoughtful advice and specifics on what to do to chase away those fears.
Several times in the book I remember thinking, “I’m not alone.” The worth of that to us solitary authors is immeasurable. Don’t get me wrong, she doesn’t just commiserate with us and leave us there. She tells us our typical excuses for not fulfilling our full potential, then she pulls us out of the ditch.
I have at least 25 pages dog-eared and more text circled than any other book I own apart from my Bible. She covers every situation we might come across. I’m going to use this for reference, counseling, self-help, instruction, and when I need a push to get out there.
I would recommend this to every introvert who wants to push themselves to achieve more in the public arena.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of excellent tips about how a shy writer can learn to promote. She gives specific suggestions on how to pull your readers in on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr. There's an entire chapter devoted to blogging. I especially enjoyed Hope's stories from her own writing career. This is a book that I'll be returning to again and again.
Thank you C. Hope Clark! Now, I'm off to read the first of your mysteries!

[pianogal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is such an improvement over the first Shy Writer. I almost didn't read this one b/c I thought it was just a rehash of the older one, but I'm happy to report it isn't. I think that's a testimony to Hope's experience over the years as a speaker and freelancer. I liked this one so much, I'm going to check out her mystery series. Thanks Hope.

[David Surrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve done a fair amount of public speaking over the years, but still prefer the keyboard to the microphone. That’s just the way I’m hard-wired, to use a computer metaphor. The Shy Writer Reborn shows that many writers have that same feeling, and further shows it’s not the death nail for a fledgling (or veteran) writer, and it’s not wrong. One of the early statements in the book – “We prefer ideas to face-to-face exchange” – fits me to a tee.
Hope shows us that ‘introvert’ is a personality type, not a condition we must strive to change. Many writers are introverts, with our own unique strengths and weaknesses. Shy Writer Reborn goes into details on how to use our strengths and work with our weaknesses in the business of first writing, then marketing our work and ourselves.
I’ve read several books about the dos and don’ts of writing, by big-name authors such as Stephen King and Janet Evanovich, and while these books are helpful, the authors have long-since stopped facing challenges that confront most of us. In Shy Writer Reborn, Hope Clark is unique in targeting specific issues non-bestselling writers face and sometimes dread – interviews, self-promotion, blogging, social media, facing fears, and others. Hope shares personal examples of how she has faced these challenges, as well as many others. Each chapter concludes with great exercises designed to make the reader think about what they’ve just read and how to apply it. This book is full of inspiration, motivation, and instruction for all writers – extroverts as well as introverts, but is geared to the introvert, for which I am grateful.

[Anita Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Clark’s The Shy Writer Reborn is funny, charming and real. As writers, we read an awful lot of books on what we should do, how we should approach our careers, and the best way to promote our businesses and books. However, I’ve personally found many of these books to be a disappointment – lacking in real, practical information that can be used to achieve my writing goals.

Clark’s book is jam-packed with useful, practical tips and exercises that any writer could use to further their career. Through the use of personal experience and anecdotes, Hope seems to cover every possible situation a writer could find herself (or hope to find herself) in and how to handle it.

She covers social media, writer’s conferences, public speaking, marketing and promotion and everything in between. I can honestly say, that I could use this one book alone as a guide to further my career as a writer beyond what I thought was even possible.

But more than anything, what stands out about this book for me is that Hope has a true and abiding empathy for other writers and helping other writers is a profound mission for her.

Hope’s own words serves as the best description of her own driving force as a writer:

“That force to become better and dig down deep to find the tools and power to do it with, shows in a person and his product.”

If you’re a shy writer, or any kind of writer who wants practical guidance on how to accheive your goals as a professional, this book should be tops on your list.

[Colleen Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re an introvert and feeling the pressure to market your books, create a writer platform, and take up public speaking—and the idea of all these things leaves you shaking in your boots—this book is for you.

C. Hope Clark’s writing makes you feel like you are sitting across the table having a comfortable conversation (in a quiet setting that would suit an introvert’s sensitivities, of course). Rather than adding to your stress levels by telling you to get out there and act more extroverted, she helps you figure out just how to create a writing career that works for you, using your unique strengths.

You’ll find a treasure trove of ideas for how to get your name out there without having to go against your nature, with a number of helpful hints to help you get through those inevitable uncomfortable times—should you decide to do a signing or accept an invitation for a media interview, for example.

Best of all, she helps you realize that being an introvert doesn’t mean you have to change, or that you are somehow second best when it comes to marketing yourself. Instead, the key is to tune in to those things at which you are excellent, leverage the heck out of them, and join the many renowned writers and artists who’ve overcome the same challenges to enjoy well-deserved success.

[Mary Hosmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title caught my eye. Introvert – that’s what I am. This book is for me.
C. Hope Clark begins this helpful manual, for that’s what it is, by explaining that introvert and failure are not synonymous. An introvert can be extremely successful. The trick is to learn how to cope at your comfort level. And this book helps you find out.
Clark’s book is full of helpful hints as to how one can promote oneself with the least amount of personal contact. She has tips on how to overcome shyness and reluctance. Using some of her personal experiences, she encourages the reader by describing tactics which she has found helpful in facing a room full of people. Questions such as “what if. . .?” are practical and easy to do.
Each chapter deals with one aspect of being an introvert and concludes with helpful exercises. By following through on these, one learns to be more confident in public.
Although this book is primarily written for introverted writers, it contains many tips and suggestions which can be used by any introvert, writer or not.
It is a book which I will read more than once. As the need arises, I will revisit the pertinent chapters.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always hugged the wall at social gatherings and get very little out of the networking time at writers conferences due to my inability to initiate conversations. So, when Hope Clark asked for reviewers for her book, I jumped at the chance. Fortunately, it arrived just in time for me to read before attending another conference.

The Shy Writer Reborn is more than how to overcome shyness. Hope discusses how our shyness affects every aspect of our writing life. More than that, she gives us the tools we need to make a difference. This book is full of tricks for the person, like myself, who cannot face the crowd at the cocktail hour, as well as the ones presenting a workshop or signing books. She also discusses advance preparation, like having one-liners memorized or questions already in mind to ask that total stranger.

I returned last night from the conference feeling much better about the contacts I made and the folks I met than I ever have in the past. If you struggle with any aspect of shyness, I highly recommend Hope's book.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new version of a nine-year-old book designed to help introverted writers deal with the need to come out of the safe secluded place where they write and face the reading, publishing world. Many of us are uncomfortable networking, giving talks, pitching, selling, and all that stuff, but if we want to succeed as writers, we have to do it, just as Clark, founder of Funds for Writers, has done. Since the original book, social networking, e-books and self-publishing have gone viral. So much has changed that this needed to be a whole new book. Some of this edition ventures uncomfortably into pop psychology, and I’m already doing a lot of what Clark suggests, but the book is loaded with advice about how to plan and carry out a writing career in spite of being shy. Chapters include social networking, blogging, self-publishing, dealing with fear, how to handle interviewing and being interviewed, and much more.

[Roxanne Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for writers who are shy and for those wishing to understand the shy writer.

I am an introvert. Creating publicity for myself and my books is something that makes me cringe. I hate being in the spotlight. I shy away from events and conventions all the time even though I know I need to get out there for my books and my business.

But this book helps me tackle my issues one by one and gives advice and even exercises that help the shy writer break out and be able to be in the spotlight. Now that I've read the book I'm going to go back and use the exercises and work on my issues so I can stop being the shy writer and become the successul writer.

Chances are I'm still not going to enjoy the spotlight like an extrovert does but I think I can make it work for me and my books- and that's the most important thing.

I highly recommend this book to all the shy writers out there.

[Sharon Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started following C. Hope Clark a few years back through her newsletter, Funds for Writers, and find the advice she shares invaluable. The Shy Writer Reborn, expands on that, and while it is aimed at introverts, this book is for anyone who wants to pursue writing as a career. She covers the practice and business of being a writer, in a style that feels more like a personal conversation with a best friend. In fact, the advise can and should be applied to any business undertaking, as it's spot on. Filled with exercises, resources, and personal experience, The Shy Writer Reborn would be an invaluable addition to your office library.

And once you've finished reading it, check out C. Hope Clark's Carolina Slade mystery series, Lowcountry Bribe and Tidewater Murder for a demonstration of how all that advise can transfer into a successful writing career. She is fast at work on the third book in the series, and someone I intend to follow in the years ahead.

[Fiona Young-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

As writers, we are all bound to a certain extent by shyness. Writing is a solitary profession that attracts solitary types. And while this may work for our writing practice, it means we often fall short when it comes to marketing. Our shyness takes different forms. While I have learned to be completely comfortable talking off the cuff to a room of several hundred people, the thought of picking up a phone to call someone is often terrifying. Meanwhile, another writer can happily cold call but freezes up at the thought of public appearances. Fortunately, Hope Clark covers all bases in The Shy Writer Reborn. Sharing her own experiences and those of other successful writers, Clark offers tips and advice for coping with different fears head on, or for working around them, to ensure that our introversion does not have to mean commercial or financial failure as a writer. Even if you don't think of yourself as overly shy, this book offers something useful.

[Melissa Folini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came as in gift in many senses of the word. I was reading it as it seemed an interesting topic and learned more about myself by the time I finished the book than I had anticipated. I didn't read this because I was a "shy writer" and it turns out that's EXACTLY what I am. I always preferred email to phone calls, texts to in person conversations. I thought I had a self-esteem issue yet I could get up in front of people and speak or lead a Zumba class - however, there was the terror that pre-cedes both of those and the draining euphoria after they are over. I am in fact an introvert and had not a clue... and Hope's book gave me an outlet, an explanation, and a game-plan for how t,o not only continue to pursue my writing but my everyday life as well. Most helpful part is the Mantra chapter at the end, for me anyway. Thanks, Hope!

[Nancy H Vest · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shy Writer Reborn applies to every writer, not just the introverted ones. It is packed with the basics, plus details on some topics, too. The author talks the reader through setting up a writing plan (chapter 15) and reminds, too, about priorities and preparation (chapter 8). I especially liked the section on marketing yourself and the chapters on blogging (chapter 9) and writing bios, pitches and queries (chapter 12).

Novice writers will probably find more 'new' information than an experienced one, but worthwhile nuggets are there for everyone. If nothing else the author is personable and encouraging, and makes the reader believe being a published writer is an achievable goal.

[Jaden Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I learned that C. Hope Clark was updating The Shy Writer, I was a little skeptical. Having read the original version, I was hard-pressed to think of anything that could be done to improve it. I was pleasantly surprised, though. The Shy Writer Reborn is broader, deeper, and richer. The detailed information on creating an effective blog was worth the cost of the book, and the three tricks for getting through public appearances were invaluable. Once again, Clark has written a book that will not only inspire introverted writers but give them a detailed map to success.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't like big groups, and public speaking isn't for you, and you'd prefer email to phone calls? You might just be an introverted writer. Gleened some great tips from this book, and more importantly, it gives you permission to be yourself. This book doesn't berate you into suddenly becoming a bubbly talkative version of yourself--it's all about working within your own framework. Did an interview with the author on my blog after reading this.

[Linda]

The Shy Writer Reborn speaks to the heart and soul of every writer. It serves as a manual for all introverted writers for inspiration and encouragement. C. Hope Clark covers all aspects of the writing field from putting yourself out there to the nitty gritty of the business side. Whether you are just starting your writing career or need a boost to the next level in your career, The Shy Writer Reborn is a must read.
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[Sam Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to write but I am not much of a people person. This can present a huge barrier to an indie author such as myself. FIrst of al HOpe tell us this is okay and second she give some great advice for the artistic introverts like me. Hope has been a great inspiration to me as I struggle to reinvent myself asa n author in mid life.

[Jenn Greenleaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book arrived in my life exactly when I needed it most. I've marked up the pages, highlighted passages and did my homework. I love the personal stories throughout, as well as the informative tips. I've been a professional freelance writer since 1999, and Hope touched on so many of the issues I've struggled with for so long. I'll be posting a longer, more formal review on my blog.

[Jody Hanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference and motivator for the reluctant writer that would like to become more. Clark's easy writing style made for a comfortable read, and her anecdotes were interesting, entertaining, and relevent. The lessons in this book could also be applied to professions other than writing, and I found myself jotting down notes to incorporate into my current professional routine.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shy Writer Reborn is a thorough guide for introverts seeking the writing life. I'd recommend it primarily for shy writers who are just starting their research on self-publishing or book marketing -- it may be a little too familiar for more advanced marketers.