Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Suzy Henderson on August 2, 2012 at 7:02pm

Hi Penny. I'm in  a similar position -writing my first novel right now also. To begin with, I already had a blog site, although an inactive one. So, 2 months ago I started to blog. I have my own facebook page for all things writing etc (seperate prof page), I tweet about my writing, books I read; books I review. I'm on pinterest and google +. I think that by increasing your usage of social media, especially on your own site, is a requirement. Join other online groups also. Here is great for many different reasons but there are sites dedicated to authors, book reviews, author interviews etc. It all helps with promotion, especially if you decide to self publish. Bookblogs is a great site for this. Facebook use networked blogs where there are literally hundreds of blogs by writers/authors -you can follow them and leave comments on their sites. It's all about networking. Perhaps if you ever attend writing events,study days etc, especially if they have agents/publishers giving a talk. You'll get the chance to network there also.

I hope this helps a bit. How far on is your novel? I'm only up to ch.6, having revised already because something wasn't working well. Trial and error all the way!

Permalink Reply by Penny Lane on August 2, 2012 at 7:14pm

I actually have the bones of my novel completed. I am now going back through and adding more detail and dialogue to the different chapters. It is a 27 chapter book, and I am finished (for now) with 9 of those chapters plus an intro. Of course once I am finished with all of that I will have someone (or someones) read through and critique it.

I have started trying to get more active on social networks. I have a goodreads page as well as my blog. The blog is not dedicated to my writing though. I will check out bookblogs as well. Thank you for the tips. I know there is a discussion going on about writing conferences, so maybe I will check out some of those. I'm not neccesarily afraid of technology, but I'm not really sure where to start. It is hard to get your name out there if you don't already have some contacts.

Permalink Reply by Vicki Batman on August 3, 2012 at 5:03am

It's nice to generate interest in the book, but readers come back because they like your work. Therefore, the interest should be about you, featuring your work. I have a blogsite, tweet, fb, pinterest, and various other things. More importantly, is find groups to join where readers are. Do speaking engagements. And when your book comes out, feature it. At RWA, over and over I heard the readers want to know you. They know you can write. So write about something, but not always about writing. Tie that in very delicately. Help?

Permalink Reply by Suzy Henderson on August 3, 2012 at 8:33am

Hi Penny, it is hard to get your name out there as you say but it sounds as though you are on track. My blog is not about what book I'm writing either -I sometimes blog about how its going but mainly its about books, reviews, life, IT problems, anything really. Writing in general is discussed. Just by joining social networks and blogging and finding the blogs of other published writers and making comments on their posts, I have made contact with fellow writers. I'm in the uk and I know I can join local writers groups. They have dedicated writing tutors (published authors) who teach workshops weekly/monthly and they create anthologies which are published and also go to literary events. There's all sorts out there if you're able to get out there. Sometimes attending a course is useful, especially if you get the chance to network. Hope this helps. Fellow bloggers over at Bookblogs would love you to join and post when your book is ready because they'll be lining up to help you promote it. All the best.

Permalink Reply by Penny Lane on August 3, 2012 at 7:40pm

I have a blogsite and I'm on pinterest. I also have a goodreads account. Right now I only have my personal facebook account, and I have not done anything on twitter. I keep hearing how great twitter is though. My blog has many different aspects, most not having anything to do with my fiction writing. How would one get involved in speaking engagements? That's not something I would have even considered since I'm not yet published.

Permalink Reply by Suzy Henderson on August 4, 2012 at 1:19am

Speaking engagements? I have no idea as you're not published yet. I'm with you on that one. I'm in the UK and I don't think anyone would be interested in me unless i was (a) published or (b) a creative writing tutor with an MA. On saying that, I don't really know but opportunities for speaking don't just crop up. You have to be asked/invited and so need to network in the first instance.

Possibilities might include a small scale talk in schools perhaps, about benefits of reading and this could lead on to writing/poetry, whatever. Or libraries? Again, you wouldn't be invited, would you -you'd have to make enquiries I'd assume. Personally, I'd get your book done, published or with the publisher who will then take the pressure off a little as they'll be marketing. Again, a site like bookblogs is excellent for marketing and they seem to be dominant in America/Canada -more members there. I go on the site daily and there's always a new author being illustrated. They do author chats/interviews/book tours etc. Have you looked at the indie exchange online -for indie publishers. Might be worth a view. Have a look at facebook pages of other authors -you can set up another account and get your own author page or you can create a seperate page from your present account strictly for your writing/author status. There are many writing groups on Facebook -there's also the option to join networked blogs -you get a link added to facebook page. There's hundreds of writers/authors on there also, so if you market yourself on FB, you'll get noticed. You join them, they'll join you. Also with your blog, visit book reviewers, readers, writers. Comment on their blog posts, you'll gain followers that way. It's all marketing. This is what you have to do if you want to be noticed; you have to have the presence and the followers -your audience. So I'd suggest FB authors page.

Permalink Reply by Vicki Batman on August 4, 2012 at 5:28am

Sure you can do speaking engagements. Libraries, book clubs--those are where you will find the people who are interested in your work. They don't expect glamour. They want to know you. Read from a work in progress. Tell how you got the idea. Have art work? Show them your cover and tell about it's development. Pair up with a couple of other writers. Take it from me, the original shy child, if I can, you can.

Permalink Reply by Sheri L. Swift on August 4, 2012 at 11:52am

Definitely with Twitter, FB and Pinterest.  The blog is important also, but I wouldn't give too much away, especially if you haven't sent it for copyright.  You've already joined this group, but you should also join another at least; it helps with your writing, but also to keep you in perspective of varying opinions.  In the end, just be yourself and get into the discussion!  ;)

Permalink Reply by Penny Lane on August 4, 2012 at 12:00pm

Thanks for the comments, and the friend request :). I have only shared my intro on my blog, just to get a feel of how it will be received. The intro doesn't really give a whole lot away as it is a dream, but it gives an idea of my writing style. I guess I will have to break down and get a twitter account. I joined book blogs as well at the suggestion of Suzy. Thanks to everyone who have shared their suggestions.