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

To Market To Market...

I researched, looked, surfed and pondered the marketing world in self publishing. There are already some great blogs, how-to sites, about.com sites that talk about the world of Indy marketing that anything I could say would seem trite. However, the top commonality is this one thing...

1.  Believe in your book. 

If you believe in your book and your words, then you already have a head start on the competition who is under a contract with a publishing company. You are under contract with your self. You know it's a great product, a reflection of you, so all that social media, finding your own venues for signings, submitting and spending your own money for awards or reviews, are part of the game. Guess what? It will work. Keep it up! Nose to your personal grindstone! Top seller list here you come!

This is a short little blog, but believe me when I say I spent hours reading other sites.

Here are a few that I read that may be of interest to you.

www.thebookdesigner.com/marketing-your-book/

www.writersstore.com/15-do-it-yourself-tools-to-promote-your-book/

www.publishersweekly.com › Home › Authors › PW Select

The book I believe in 

Amzn.to/1qV6JaC

Ready, Set...Draw!

Being new to the children's lit world, the biggest concern I had/have is finding an illustrator. A friend turned me on to the person I chose, and she did a great job. But I know how daunting it is to start. A great place is the Society of Children's Book Illustrators. I didn't know about this wonderful society, but there is someone in that group that will fit your idea and budget.

Speaking of budget, the hiring of an illustrator is one of the greatest expenses I incurred while publishing. However, they are artists too, and deserve to be paid as such. If you have a finite budget, you can still have wonderful illustrations, just as if you had oodles of money to spend. Be realistic about your budget for that illustrator. I wanted this one illustrator, I won't name names, but her reality was 400 a picture, my reality was, well let's just say I live and write on a teacher's salary. Oh what I wouldn't have given for her work...again, reality. 

Once you find that illustrator that trips the light fantastic for your words, let them create the final dream. Oh yes, you have your ideas to shoot at them, but if you can, let them have as much vision as you can muster...worst case, you sell 1000 books...best case...you are now a star and are appearing on the Today show on their author segment.

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!

Reluctant Reader...What?.

"I hate to read." " Do I have to read?" " It's booooring." These are quotes from actual students, year after year, it's the samething, when it comes to reading class. Especially the classes that I teach...6th grade reading. There will be a special place in heaven for 6th grade teachers, and Homeschool moms that have this age group. Reading, is the last thing on many of these kiddos minds. However, I have a soft spot for them, and know that I can open up a world full of books for them by the time they leave my class.  I always say, you might not love to read when you leave my class, but you will love to appreciate reading when I am done with you.

I have come up with a list of my favorite tips that you, parents, can help with if you have a young guy or gal that is a bit ehh, when it comes to the dreaded R word...reading.

Tip 1: Connect with their passion.
Watch what your kiddos are in to...skateboards, gardens, sports, pets, yodeling? There is a book for that!  Help them find some books that have their passion and focus.

Tip 2:  Books with funny pictures and silly stories.
Who doesn't like to laugh? Find some books that are silly and tickle your funny bone as well as theirs. Captain Underpants anyone?

Tip 3:  Series books are a good start. 
A great series of books is akin to a good television show, even better in most cases. Maze Runner, Hunger Games, Little House on the Praire...give em a try.

Tip 4:  Explore books that are not required to read in a classroom setting.
Sometimes finding a love for reading has to be cultivated in a library or bookstore. Try to encourage your child to foster reading for pure enjoyment and not a grade.

Tip 5:  Explore books with learning as a hidden gem.
Caring for pets, build a birdhouse, learn a magic trick, build a soda bottle rocket, just to spark an interest, have these books accidentally lying on your coffee table.

Tip 6:  Search Indy Authors.
Let me tell you, there are so many great books written by authors that don't have a big publisher behind them, but know what it takes to write a great book. A lot of books out there written specifically for reluctant reading kiddos.

Tip 7:  Model, Model, Model.
You can be reading's biggest advocate. Have books and magazines not only on your end tables, but hold them in your hands. Look at the words, smile while you read and...say "Hey Johnny, guess what I just read..."

I do want to mention some authors that have great books out there, of course I shamelessly plug myself.  Amzn.to/1qV6JaC

Mrs. D is a worthy picture book author with great stories and fun book trailers that hook kiddos. Meaghan Fisher, excellent lessons in her books. Laura Lee Scott, Cat Michaels are great ones to search. Tierney James sends you a zombie message with a twist...nutrition! K.Lamb sends you a fun mystery series starring Dani, kids love it! Tim Davis gives you a kindle copy when you purchase his book Sea Cutter.

Happy Reading.

Twitterpated

During the last blog, I was talking about how much time social media sucked out of my day. However, this author has decided that Twitter has become a time tool. I allow myself two full hours to work on this site. Sometimes a bit more, but it is working to get my name out there. 

I have made so many contacts in the last few days, that I know it is going to pay off. I hope that payoff is sooner rather than later. :)

My book In My Closet Amzn.to/1qV6JaC has been seen or mentioned in about 50 tweets. My name has been tweeted or mentioned in about double that. 

Currently, my WIP is my sequel, In My Backyard and a new concept, Brooding School...Melba the little chick is afraid of her first day at brooding school, and Bert the big bro is going to help. 

Speaking, or rather tweeting with so many Indy authors, as well as publishing house authors this last week has kept me inspired, and well...liked. I have gotten many compliments and really love working with these new "tweeps". 

Next week, I will be blogging about middle school reading tips. Until next time...happy reading!

The Great Time Suck

Social media perhaps started out as a way to connect with friends and family. I have to assume that is true, as I don't know the backstory of Facebook or Twitter. But I do know the afterword, at least for this author.

Social media is now a large cornerstone of marketing plans in all aspects of business. That being said, after talking with many of my new friends since publishing a children's story, I have asked them all what they are working on themselves, and the number one answer is not much but social marketing.

Everyone I see is beating the keys, sending out the pleas for the purchase of a book. A plea to read their blog. A plea for a good review, a pre-buy or a like for an author page...I must build my following so a publisher will notice me!  Is this a fun way to spend writing time for an author? They are writing... and no more than a 140 characters at a time, but writing none the less. Not much time left in the day after checking Google plus, Comments on the blog, e mail, tweets, Facebook contacts. Hence the "Time Suck" title.

Probably not the most positive of blogs, but I will perk back up, just a bit sloggy this Monday morning. I will spend my day reading blogs and e books and articles on ways to increase my audience through the world wide net. The bright spot I see in this day's plan, is I hope that a tweet, a Facebook post, or word of mouth marketing bug reaches one buyer of a sweet children's book that I have published. ( like that personal plug) Onward and upward my friends! 

Happy writing...happy social marketing!

P.s. Link to that sweet children's book. Amzn.to/1qV6JaC