by Carlos Cooper |
A couple months ago I wanted to try something new, mix things up a bit. My wife suggested I write my next novel in real-time, for all the world to see. Grammar trolls be damned. After a day to think about it, I said I’d do it.
I was a little scared before I started, and humbled when it began, but in one more day I’ll be done with the first draft and I’ve harvested some great lessons along the way. Here’s what I’ve learned from writing a novel “LIVE”, and why you might want to try it too.
by Joe Bunting |
As I’m writing this, it’s a cloudy morning in Georgia. The sticky heat of summer has finally let off. The crickets are still going away and the trees look marvelous. That’s one thing you don’t get in California, at least the part of California I grew up, huge, green trees everywhere.
And as I’m looking at them, sipping my coffee, I asked myself, when was the last time you noticed those trees? When was the last time you were this grateful just to be alive?
It’s been my experience that all my best writing—and most satisfying writing time—comes out of this place of gratefulness, this rootedness in the moment.
However, I’m in the process of launching a book right now, and I don’t have time to look at trees or even write very much. All I have time to do, it seems, is market. Of course, nearly every author today is struggling with the same thing. We all have to market our books. We all have to hustle if we want our words to spread. Which leads me and others to the question:
Is it possible to write and market your books at the same time? And on a larger scale, is today’s publishing reality keeping us from creating our best art?
by Emily Wenstrom |
You may not know it, but if you’re a writer trying to build a readership, you’re building a brand—and every piece of work you put out there is marketing. I know marketing can make writers cringe, but don’t write me off quite yet. With the right mindset, you can learn to love—and give your reader some love at the same time. Consider these four marketing tips:
by Carlos Cooper |
Are you having a hard time building your writing platform, your precious brand? Does every day seem like an uphill battle? You work hard but never seem to make any headway, your books aren’t selling. Three stumbles back instead of one step forward.
As a writer, no two months are ever the same. Sales up one and then down the next. Frustrating, right?
by Joe Bunting |
Through the Story Cartel Course, I’ve always wanted to create a community combining my passion for the writing craft with everything I’ve learned about publishing through Story Cartel.
I wasn’t sure it would work, and while it’s too early to tell if the course is a success yet, after working with over 200 writers, the signs are promising.
by Monica M. Clark |
Recently I was shocked to discover that I am a finalist for a writers contest. Are you considering entering a writing contest? Here are some things to consider that I learned from entering writing contests.
