Blogging From The Heart

Dani K. Lamb asked me to join the Blogging from the Heart “tour”, and being the great new E friend that I am...I gladly accepted.  Dani is a wonderful new author to the Indy world. Her work can be found on Amazon.  She recently updated her illustrations, and has created a bright star with her Dani P. Mysteries.                                                     

Visit her blog at  http://www.authorklamb.blogspot.com. Also like her facebook page at www.dannipmystery.com

I know, I know the same ol’ questions come around during these blog hops, but if you really do want to get to know someone, really read them...each time...bet cha’ there is a new work in progress, release date or a change in the latitude and longitude of the what or how they write.

What I am working on?

I am always working on something.  Lately it seems that I am working on a circular path, as I keep wandering in circles trying to get to the next step in a new children’s book concept.  Well, the concept is not new, I mean we were all afraid to go to school at one time or another. However, the chicks in this book...well, let’s just say that they are afraid of Brooding School.(get it?)  I am done with my part...just waiting on those elusive illustrations...I hope you will be as excited as me to get a peek at them.

How does my work differ from others?

That is an easy question to answer. I am a writing genius. Was just seeing if you were paying attention or not.  If you went by sales, my work differs in that well, let’s just say a marketing plan might not be a bad idea.  However, I guess I would have to say no major differences, just a matter of style...simplicity and sweetness is what I do.  I have to assume that every writer of children’s books are writing with a passion for kids.  I know that when I put pen to paper, or fingers to a keyboard, that what I am writing has been in a passionate vault waiting for something special to trigger the lock and let the words flow.  

Why do I write?

The pure joy of it.  There are millions upon millions of words and thoughts that bang around in my brain.  If you looked in there and could actually see the workings, it may just frighten even the sturdiest of folk.  But, man, once it gets to a point where not one more synapse will fire, my pen starts working.  I don’t know, it just feels good to write.

What is my writing process?

My process usually involves hearing a story, or wondering about something for a long time, then jotting it all down.  I come up with characters in my mind about who solves what or does what in the story.  A spark will ignite something I have had in my mind for a while, and a story will unfold.

As always, you can like my author page at On.Fb.me/VW1Rsq. Follow me on twitter @robbinswilly, and last but not least visit Amazon to pick up your copy of my sweet picture book “In My Closet”. Amzn.to/1qV6Jac

Where do you need to go next?  Well, visit anytime at some of the following blogs of some great authors:

Lisa Medley and her grim reapers at http://lisa-medley.com/

Tierney James and her Unlikely Heros at www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com

Meaghan Fisher and all of her lovely friends at www.meaghanfisher.com

Cat Michaels for her books for the young and young at heart www.catmichaelswriter.com

Promote, Promote, Promote

So, you have that book written, you have typed "The End" what now? That is/was my big question, so I set out to see what the most common steps are to Indy publishing marketing. 

1.  Promote Early.

During all stages of our books, we make contacts along the way. Keep track of who has helped you research your book. Use them as a constant support through out your writing journey. If they have a great interest in your book, due to their vested time, shoot them an email or tweet updating them on progress. Celebrate each milestone you reach and have a party, including all those involved from the beginning. Everyone loves a promotion party.

2.  Use the Web.

This seems like a no-brainer, but one we need to access heavily for promoting. find communities and forums that support your research or book ideas. Ask questions, contribute to others, get advice, and give it. We are all experts in something and novices at others. Don't be afraid to reach out. Make sure you add your links to your emails or web page. 

3. Blog, Blog, Start a Blog.

Create that spot where you jot your process of your book down. Promote others on your blog as well as self promote. Create interviews, have fun... show off! It's yours. 

4. Don't Stop at The End.

Do you have 25 wonderful, amazing reviews of your book? No? Well, that's ok, keep working on it until your friends, experts and significant others say "Wow, best book ever!" Then, ask them to do the real review on places you will have your book, like Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Goodreads. Speaking of reviews, have you reviewed my book? Here is the link to buy it and leave an amazing review. 

Amzn.to/1qV6JaC

5.  Media Kits.

Invest a bit of your money, since you have already invested your time, Ina nice head shot, some nice business cards ( not the ones you print yourself, you are a professional now) a glossy bio card with your book cover on one side and you and your information on the other side.

6. Have fun.

Go into the promotional part of your book with a positive attitude. It is necessary, as books won't sell themselves. Even James Patterson is out there shamelessly peddling his wares!