What I learned about writing in 2009
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What I learned about writing in 2009 is books sell by word of mouth, and that you're responsible for your own publicity, no matter how good your publicist is (or if you have one at all.) Know your reading material, practice it. Plant a question in the audience for Q&A to get the ball rolling. Every time you travel, call the bookstores there to see if they have your book, and come by to sign stock. Make friends with bookstore owners. Write thank you notes. And blog, blog, blog. Toot your own horn.
And throughout all of this, keep writing. That's the hard part - promoting one book while nurturing a 2nd one. Make time to write at least 500 words a day. It's two pages. Even if only 50 words survive the first draft, lay the groundwork.
And love what you do!
http://www.jessicahandler.com
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I completely agree with the "readings are more than just readings" comment, as well as appreciating your network.
I agree with all of the above, though I don't have a clear idea of my next project, so I haven't done the new writing part. I also learned you can pitch radio shows yourself and that setting up book talks isn't as hard as it sounds. I also learned to appreciate my networks of writer friends, who are the only ones that truly understand.
Yay! ; )
Daphnne- more advice! I'm gearing up for the stage where I'll hopefully be able to use it so that means a lot. I just hope I remember...
Truer words were never spoken. I would add to that: don't just know your reading material, but write a chatty, thoughtful script for yourself so that your readings are more than just readings, but thoughtful entertaining -- dare I say it -- performances. Write a q&a with yourself and post it on your website, so that journalists who might be assigned to interview you, or bloggers who are looking for material, know what to write about you!
Christina, thanks. I'm going to read your blog and find out about China!
Great advice. Thanks for the post!
Diar, it IS hard, but I'm glad you love the process. Me, too. Thx for commenting.