Well, actually it’s not new. I’ve been doing this for the past six years, I’m just now noticing that I’m doing this.
I’ve been building an author platform for the past couple of years. In fact, I’ve helped others do the same thing, consulting on social media and asking blogging questions.
For too long, writers have been extremely dependent on others for marketing of their own novels and projects. In this age of social media and web publishing tools, it’s easier for the writer to control that part of their career. In fact, if a writer doesn’t take advantage of it, they are missing out on a big part of careers.
Editor’s Note: This post is part of a 28 day blogging challenge from Imperfectblogging.com. The goal is to develop your blogging voice. To learn more, click here.
Have you ever seen the movies where people confess to a crime right before something big happens? It’s one of those trademark things that always happens in big blockbuster movies with explosions and such.
Well, there’s a reason those confessions happen before the big BOOM. Confessions are BIG and SCARY and well, draped in all kinds of truth.
Yesterday, I wrote about truth in S.E.L.F as part of the 28 days of imperfect blogging. Today, I write about confessions and I tell you one of my secrets. Here goes…
I am afraid of success.
Shocked? When I came to that conclusion, I was as well. But it seems that I’ve always been afraid of success. Here’s a video of me talking about being accepted and about to start one of the best chapters of my life — grad school.
Yup. Fear. It was written all over my face at the time.
While some folks fear and run from failure, I embrace it. I love failing. That means there’s more work to do. But success? At one time, it meant suffocating. As a result, I’d sabotage myself in so many different little ways. I didn’t want that bomb to explode, I guess.
About three years ago, I got the best advice, however, from a business woman at a convention I was at. My fear of success wasn’t about the success part, she said. It is a deeper issue, something you need to meditate on.
She was right. I wasn’t afraid of success. I was afraid of being done. If I was wildly successful, then what? What do I do with myself? If I write a book that everyone LOVED, how can I write the next book?
As a writer, something like that can block your creative juices for a while. But I realized that success wasn’t about other people, it was about me. I determine what is successful and what it looks like. I determine what the next step to my path is.
Editor’s Note: This post is part of a 28 day blogging challenge from Imperfectblogging.com. The goal is to develop your blogging voice. To learn more, click here.
When you think about Shakespeare’s famous quote (the one in the picture above) what comes to mind. For me it means finding a place of authenticity within yourself and being okay with it.
As writers, journalists, or storytellers, this is crucial because that’s where stories come from, a place of untouchable authenticity. That’s step one to the story, to find its truth. Step two is to tell it.
For Dr. Maya Angelou, that place of authenticity within one’s self is the thing one must keep pristine, clear from anyone and everyone, including yourself. That’s that one place where no one can tell you about yourself, the core of the truest true and the purist pure. Your most authentic self.
So, what’s my truth? Now, that is a GOOD question.
Many times in my life, when people wanted to define who I was (and there have been many) I asked myself that question. Who am I? What’s my truth?
I am a writer. A sister. A daughter. I believe in the truth in all its forms. I believe words are a form of truth and that using them for anything else is blasphemy. I believe in empowering not only myself but others in any way I can, most especially when it comes to writing or storytelling. I am my father’s daughter, my grandmothers’ grandchild.
And I am complete.
My theme is called S.E.L.F
S: Self-acceptance, even when it’s hard.
E: Endless searching for the truth
L: Love in all its forms
F: Finding my path (no matter where it takes me).
What about you? What does Shakespeare’s quote mean to you?
I love reading other blogs. It’s just one of those things I like to do in my down time simply because learning what other people do gives me ideas for what to do with mine.
One of my favorites to read is Laura Simms, who is a life coach and loves helping people live their best life. She is super awesome and approachable and, frankly, her blog is stunning and inspiring. One of her recent blog posts about being an entrepreneur got me thinking — what have I done to become a writer, more specifically a writer who is and thinks like an entrepreneur?
That thought also got me thinking: am I an entrepreneur? Sure I am! All writers are. They have to be. They will eventually become sales people once their pieces are done.
So, what have I done to become a writer? Lots but here are three that have helped me the most.
I’ve admitted to it and understood what writing really is about.
But it took a while for me to really understand and to accept that I was, indeed, a writer. The reason was probably because of that romantic image everyone has about writers and writing. Some how, we’re supposed to be writing in an amazing apartment or house, living off of our advances, and going to book signings every weekend. Maybe that version of the writer existed at one point, however, that’s not the reality.
I wanted to be a writer long before I knew what it was. So, I had to find out what that meant in the modern era. When I finally found out what being a writer looked like, I realized that I was already living it and racing toward the next level of my dream — writing and publishing something my 13 year-old self wanted to do.
Editing video…it’s its own special thing.
I’ve learned and tried things not directly related to writing
Let’s talk about all the things writers need to know and learn to do for themselves. In addition to learning their craft, they need to learn how to:
Market themselves
Blog
Create and layout websites
Photography for blog posts
Social media
Those are just the basics. Now, if you’re really into the DIY, add creating and editing videos, creating your own book cover (make sure you do this well), and even self publishing.
When I first started, I didn’t want anything to do with most of the items on this list. I just wanted to write. Here’s the thing though, if you write it, it doesn’t mean they will come to read it.
Yes, writers need to create a platform and I find that empowering! I consider it an investment into my career and really, why would I want someone to do this for me.
So, I’ve had to learn all kinds of skills to add to my writer’s toolbox — at times begrudgingly. Definitely one of the best things I’ve done for my writing.
With the poetess, Kate Bickham
I’ve networked with others because it’s fun.
Repeat after me: writers can not work in a vacuum all the time. Trust me. I’ve tried it. Not a good look.
Eventually, we’re going to have to speak with people. Who else should you talk to but with other writers who know exactly what you’re going through.
I’ve had some great conversations with not only local writers (like the poet Kate Bickham) but also international writers like Joanna Penn. I love talking to them not only about craft but also about the writing business — publishing, literary journals to submit to, contests, etc.
In these conversations, I’ve learned so much about writing and have networked with others who can help me get to my goals. I also have helped other writers with their platform. Don’t underestimate this part of your writing life. By far, this has been the most fruitful for me as a writer.
Gotta say, one of my favorite freelance assignments so far.
So, what are they doing for Latinos this year? Lots with lots more planned in the future. The festival, essentially, put all their Latino programming together in order to highlight it. It’s a start and depending on this year’s reception, this thing, SxAmericas, will grow.
I’m having a ridiculous amount of fun at AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) in Seattle. I’m quickly working on getting the my to do list done and am excited to listen to fantastic speakers.
One theme that keeps coming up in panel and workshop discussions are book promotions and/or marketing.
Or how I’d like to think about it: You have this book now so what the heck are you supposed to do with it?
So far, I’ve been to two panels that touched this same topic in different ways, but over all the message is the same–interaction is king. It’s all about the long sale. For example, should you still do book readings even if you don’t sell very many books? Yes, because it’s about people seeing you and interacting with you. They may not buy now but they can and probably will later. Also, bookstore folks are great for helping to push out your book.
This, of course, was intriguing because I never thought to not do a reading when the time comes but, if you’re an indie writer and distributing your own stuff, how does the book reading help you, if at all?
Here’s some great quotes and thoughts I heard on this subject during the conference.
“The number one thing to keep books moving is personal connection.”
“As an author, you’re in the business of representing yourself.”
Tip: invite people to your reading personally. Take the time to write everyone you know or everyone on your list a personal note inviting them out.
Tip: Think about banning together with other authors to promote books.
“It’s not about broadcasting; it’s about connecting. ” (About promoting yourself and your book.)
“The best way to sell a book is to write a good book.”
“It’s about giving it legs in the long term.”
Tip: It’s about distribution and sharing
Tip: Invent new ways of bringing readers and writers together
Tip: 3 rules of dealing with book clubs: Be nice, don’t be defensive, don’t drink too much.
Tip: Indie bookstores and libraries are a great way to connect with book clubs.
“Be yourself.” (while promoting)
What did you think about these tips? Have more to share? Hit the comments below.
AWP. I can’t believe it’s finally here. Even as I write this, I’m sitting at the airport awaiting to board and have an adventure at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs.
For those who don’t know, AWP is an organization that is, well, for folks who like to write and teach writing. Each year they have a convention in some exotic place like Boston or Chicago and host panels by members of the organization that range from awesome way to write things to starting literary magazines to how to teach writing classes to what the heck to do after your MFA.
Last time, I HATED it. Hated everything about it except the train ride to get there. Too many people, no one talks to anyone and the pizza was OVER PRICED. But I realized that the conference isn’t your normal conference where folks network over many wines. That happens too, though. The conference is really about you, what you want to get out of it and how the panels can help you with your writing journey.
So this time, I’m looking forward to it. In fact, I’ve created a list of things I’m looking forward to. Wanna hear it, here it go!
5.) Seattle
This year, the convention is in Seattle. I went to grad school at the west coast campus of Goddard College so I am so use to flying in and out of SeaTac. We’re old friends that airport and me. And I love Seattle. Everything about it. If it weren’t for the dreary days…
4.) Reunion time
My grad school doesn’t have reunions every 10 years, so this is the closest I’m going to get. I am so looking forward to seeing my amazing, accomplished, and awesome (How’s that for style?) alumni. We’ve been talking for the past couple of months and although not everyone is going to the conference, most live in the Seattle area and for sure they’ll be stopping by the unofficial events of AWP.
3.) More reunion
I’m a sorority girl, did I ever tell you that? There’s a chapter of my sorority there and those women are a freakin’ BLAST. Can’t wait to see them.
2.) The actual panels
Okay, AWP you’ve out done yourself. There are more panels than there is time to see them. Pacing will be important. I may enlist a couple of friends in some tag teaming.
A couple of panels I’m looking forward to are actually about the teaching of writing. And then there’s this dude Sherman Alexie doing a reading….
1.) The book fair
Folks, it’s only February and I’ve already busted my book budget for the year. All. Ready. So, usually on the last day, folks at the book fair are giving away their stuff — literally and figuratively. And of course all the swag. I love swag. I’m a simple girl with simple needs.
This week, my latest commentary was published in The Guardian and boy did I open up a can of worms today.
As of right now (about 1:30 p.m central) there is more than 129 comments on my commentary. I haven’t read the comments yet but friends have said it’s pretty vicious. Frankly, I expect no less. I wrote somethings that probably set some people on fire.
But that’s the great thing about the Internet, no? It’s the opportunity to express opinions even if people don’t think that they’re valuable.
For Afro Latinos, the internet and more importantly, social media, has been a blessing. Because of social media’s purpose (the ability to connect people) I can join my fellow Afro Latinos on the east cost and in other parts of the world.
For someone who didn’t grow up with other people who looked, acted, or sounded like her, being able to reach out and talk to other Afro Latinos through Twitter or even this blog has been amazing.
So for my fellow Afro Latinos, I want to know…how has it been for you to connect with others through social media? What have you discovered through the Internet that you didn’t before?
Beginning writing students come to me with starts in their eyes. They want to be writers and are ready to work on craft and concept. They have this dream of going to their local bookstore and seeing their book on the shelves and that everyone is going to buy it.
I have the same dream, too. I get it.
But so much about being a writer has nothing to do with the big dream and everything to do will being stubborn.
I’ve been relearning that lesson for the past couple of weeks lately. Being diligent with your writing is something that every writer and those who study and teach writing tell everyone else. We also try to practice that, though sometimes it’s easier said than done.
However, another thing writers have to be diligent in is reviewing lessons learned. For me, there are four books with so many enough lessons about the craft, I have to continue reviewing them. So, here are my four favorites.
It’s one of my favorites and it’s one of two books that I read right before I start revising or editing. It’s not just your regular grammar book, it talks about style. How should your sentences look like? What about usage? What is active voice vs passive voice? All these questions are things that should be asked of your writing in the revision process and this book reminds me of that.
This book is a complement for The Elements of Style. This book concentrates more on non-fiction, however, most of the suggestions can be used in fiction writing. On Writing Well gives you thoughts on how to approach characters and place. It also hammers the point of clarity and simplicity in sentence, paragraph, and chapter structure. It’s one of my favorites and I can’t imagine going into the revision process on any project, fiction or nonfiction, without it
This book just happens to make it on everyone’s list of how-to writing books. There’s a reason for that–it’s that good. Part memoir, part how-to, Stephen King breaks it down the craft of writing in a way few people do or can’t. My favorite is the second half of the book when he gets down to business.
What this isn’t on people’s list I will never understand. This book is less about craft and more about creativity. Robert Olen Butler is a creative writing teacher at Florida International University, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and just a general all around great writer. This book talks about creativity and being a vessel for your writing. I recommend reading this book along side one of your favorite books, it’s opens up your perspective.
This morning Twitter has been buzz about this thing called an Amtrak Residency. Obviously, my interest was piqued about this concept because how much do I love trains? Open your arms wide. Really wide. Wider! That much. I love trains THAT MUCH. Especially for writing.
This is amazing. Everyone should write on a train. It really is one of the best places to write, I’ve found. How do I know that? Well, I’ve done my own #AmtrakResidency–twice.
Train station in Chicago
The first time was on my way to the AWP conference in Chicago. A 19 hour train ride on the way to a writers conference…what else would I do? It was literally the best thing I could have done. That’s how Lagniappe, my novel-in-progress grew legs. I met people there that reminded me of my characters and the plot started to unravel before me.
About a year later, my most recent research trip to Saint Louis, MO happened. I wrote something that I loved and helped Lagniappe find a soul! Other people did too because that little novel-in-progress was chosen by The Writer’s Hotel for their program this summer.
I love this idea. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I will definitely apply for an #AmtrakResidency when it comes up. Lagniappe needs some more work and I need to return to Saint Louis for more research. If you’re even curious about this, you should check it out.
Want to see how I approached my residency? Here are the blog posts from that time. Oh, and if Amtrak is reading this, I’ve got ideas. Contact me. We’ll talk.
Icess Fernandez Rojas 