One of the most nerve-wrecking things about writing is the lost ideas!
These are the ideas that you tell yourself that you are doing to get back to or will writer down later.
There is no ‘I’ll write it down later.’ Later, like tomorrow, will never come. Write down the ideas on the backs of envelopes, voice record them, or on napkins! Write them down—they are evidence that something needs to be written. By you.
Being an independent author can be difficult. However, with the creative age you now inhabit, you have the added blessing of being about to put out posts as quickly as your mind can dream them up! With that said, in a visual data-rich society, you have to become comfortable with being visible.
There is no way around this.
Just like becoming a better writer only happens by writing, you get exposure for your work through social media!
Think of social media as an agent you can hire at-will.
But you have to work your platform. You have to work your work. In working your work, that includes social media. As I said before, it is the best use of your time to pick 1-2 platforms that you will or can consistently post on. And post to them.
Scheduling your posts can allow you to keep or modify your writing schedule. The goal is to write, and get your work seen by other people outside you personal fan sphere. The goal is to have work seen, commented on or shared. Becoming a writer on social media allows the unique opportunity to be seen an a professional capacity, while also being accessible to your particular audience or fan base.
Anne Rice has a Facebook page and she calls those at follow her page, ‘the People of The Page.’ On this page, she makes announcements, tells of special projects and book releases. Her assistant, Beckett, also sometimes posts for her as well! This allows those whom are fans of her work to have access to her, ask questions, while still being able to enjoy her work.
Facebook is used by more than half the world. So is Twitter and Instagram. Use all the tools at your disposal. Don’t let the world miss your genius because you forgot to post that you’re creating genius stuff!
Go forth and post!
It’s a new week!
This is a chance to put all the ideas you have mulled over during the course of the weekend down on paper. It doesn’t have to be a novel or the stuff of Hemingway—but it does need to be yours. The ideas, the passion, the emotion needs to come from you.
The blank page is your true love: receptive, encouraging and waiting your every command. And always wanting more of you.
So, be brave.
Write.
“Do not come soft to the blank page.” It is only a page. You have the authority to fill it or leave it blank. Your thoughts, your ideas are what will bring it’s mocking under subjection. Write. The pages demand it.
Happy Writing!
Don’t be afraid of your thoughts or where they may lead you. Your job this week is just to get what is in your head out. Everything else is secondary. You control the flow and are the master of its fate.
It’s official!
From the mind of my one-liners, I made it a graphic with one of my most famous one:
This tag line is an encouragement for the most seasoned writer to the most unsure amateur.
Consider it your starting pistol, or checkered flag!
So when you see this:
You know what to do.
Good luck,
JBHarris
As a writer, in the current climate, in order to be seen, you have to be willing to be seen.
Writing is not what it was a generation ago. There are more than one way to be noticed, to get an agent, and even to get published! With invention of social media, and the diverse platforms social media provides, there is more than one way to be noticed.
I’m an independent author, I get it. But the great thing about having and maintaining a social media presence is that you get to set it up! You dictate when you post, how often you post, and determine content. In setting everything up, it is best to have either 2-3 platforms you can manage. If all else fails, you may need to outsource or delegate (read: it is not a bad thing to delegate social media activity).
I know what you’re thinking. You’re job as a writer is to write. And you’re right. However, as an indie author, you will have to begin to craft an on-line presence; you gotta be seen. The quickest way to be seen is social media. The ultimate goal being visibility and attention; both as an author and for your work.
Here are three things you can do in short order:
Official Author Hub. This the page you have where all the announcements are made. This main page should have a nice picture of you and your contact information. This can be either be on Instagram or Facebook. But, there needs to be a place in the social media universe where someone can enter your name and you pop up!
Email lists. These are easy to set up through a dedicated email address. These lists announce new releases for your work, pre-order information, and even telling your followers ‘Happy Birthday!’ These lists provide engagement, contact and help to build your audience. Use all your tools!
Consistent Posting. Social media can be an ocean, and having consistent posting will keep you from drowning! This will require planning on your part and discipline. If you/your team post on Mondays and Thursdays, you need to post Mondays and Thursdays. This will produce reliability for your audience, as well as give those interested in your work consistent or fresh information.
The best part of being an indie author on social media is that you can craft your brand. The thing is, what do you want your brand to say?
