My path to publication has been accomplished one baby step at a time. And I am still inching my way along.
But my path to "branding" is likely to occur in steps so tiny, I will need a microscope to measure them.
For one thing, I am not a sales person by nature. I am an introverted hermit. This is why I enjoy writing, alone. At the computer. In my pajamas.
For another, I have never been able to "toot" my own horn, no matter what my level of accomplishment. I know, self-esteem issues.
But lately all the craft workshops, chats, conferences, and writer's loops are a-buzz with "promotion" and "branding". Even the would-be author is supposed to be spending time on social media promoting themselves. And "branding"? I've never liked that word, reminds me of the poor cows getting fire-hot metal pressed into their flesh. I had better get over that visual, or I'll never be as recognizable as McDonalds.
But in my efforts to embrace the writing journey, I am taking teeny, tiny millipede steps toward author promotion.
Yesterday, I had my first public appearance as a published author - a school visit, reading my work to a very tough audience - 17 kindergarteners. Despite my nerves and promises to myself beforehand that "I would never, ever commit to such a thing again", the visit went well. The kids seemed to have fun. They laughed when they were supposed to. They asked so many questions. And they even asked me to come back.
So to any of you as afraid to do promotion as I am, it can be done, one eensy, teensy step at a time.
Feel free to comment on any of your promotion steps big or little.
Great post. Congrats on your public appearance, it sounds like fun. Looks like the baby steps are getting you to the goal.
ReplyDeleteDoree,
ReplyDeleteI was never much for baby steps. I always thought I needed the gigantic leap, but now I am content to take it a step at a time, no matter how small. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I checked out your blog and am following.
Great post. I know exactly how you feel. I think baby steps work for me too.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear other people use baby steps. Sometimes all the hype scares me off, but I am trying to take a more laid back approach.
DeleteI think yours is a common problem, Sue! Great post. I STILL have a hard time "promoting" myself (I share my work, I guess until I make money at it, the way I get around it is I SHARE my work and that's why we ultimately do what we do, RIGHT?!) I also share others work I find beautiful, interesting useful, etc., as I have this page to my Facebook wall. Hope you don't mind. I think many people are in the same boat of trying to get around these feelings and thoughts to the practicality of what we do. I'd love to hear how you psyched yourself or worked through your biggest apprehensions to this event, and I'm so happy you DID and you shared!
ReplyDeleteAgy Wilson
www.Yellapalooza.com
Thanks for stopping by and sharing my post. I checked out yellapalooza.com what a wonderful site. I can't wait to explore it more. What am amazing winding path your journey has taken you. As far as psyching myself up for the event, I wrote out my presentation, practiced on my husband and son and when still voicing my nervousness, my teenage son, offered these words of wisdom "Mom, they're 5, they aren't going to be judging you." That helped a lot.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Suzanne. Going out there isn't easy. It's just easier to sit on your corner and write. It's a whole other ball game to show the face behind the story. Love the pic
ReplyDeleteExactly! I would rather sit in the corner and write. Now I have a third grade class that wants me to come and read. Yikes!
DeleteHello, Suzanne, and congratulations on your live appearance. I was terribly shy when younger and learned as long as I don't say silly things, I'd never be embarrassed, and if I did, to have a huge laugh. With a live audience, more can happen and when it does, it's more fun. Contrast with blogging where there is very little interaction. I'd rather be live. Inch by inch!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting. What scares me the most are the dead spaces. On paper, or the computer I can fill those in as I think of the best way. I am not that adept at thinking on my feet. I had to have my whole presentation written out and highlighted for fear of those dreaded silences. And with kindergarteners I knew I had a short attention span, had to keep things moving.
DeleteOh Suzanne, I hear you! Even though I can toot me horn very easily, I get frustrated with the industries expectation that authors market themselves. We are writers, not advertisers. My degree is not in social media. And, the time I spend promoting myself, the less time I spend writing.
ReplyDeleteBut I have to admit, keeping up my blogs does force me out of my writing comfort zone.
Thanks for stopping by Holly. I like that "my degree is not in social media". I agree, blogging forcing me out of my comfort zone too.
DeletePS. Suzanne, I nominated you for Versatile blogger award. Check the details at my blog: http://wp.me/pw2nU-j7
ReplyDeleteI'd have tweeted it to you, but looks like you're not on Twitter
Thanks for the nomination. I know, no tweeter, yet. That's another of the steps I will be working on.
DeleteA wonderful thing to remember is that little steps do add up to quite a distance. Especially now, when anything you do on the Internet is there forever (scary, but helpful). BTW, my current blog post is on writers speaking with success. I've done tons of this stuff, but I still get nervous!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, the little steps do add up. I will check out your blog post, sounds like just what I need.
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