Where Oh Where Can Your Work Be Found?

Oh my goodness, I love The Kinks!

And I bring them up today because when I was thinking about writing this blog post, I was also thinking about all the other blog posts I had to write today, which has turned out to be at least 4, plus the social media to go with it. It reminded me of this Kinks’ classic:

Give it a listen because: The Kinks.

And so that you get the tune, which is important to this post.

My blogging and posting activity made me think of this song because it aligns with my thoughts: She posts it here; she posts it there: on Instagram, and everywhere! She will just keep posting ’till her fingertips go numb ’cause she’s a dedicated marketer of books. Oh yes she is! Oh yes she is! Oh yes she is! Oh yes she is!

Sing it with me.

Are you posting here, and there?

I hope you don’t mind if I remind you of the three Ps of posting: personality, process, and product. You want to sell your books, but you have to find people who know about your book: people in Poughkeepsie, Peoria, and Portland. Have you thought of it that way? Imagine a 25 mile readius (hah! Gotcha! Radius!) around you: that’s probably where people are going to know you enough to buy your book. Imagine your social tree: your family, your friends, friends of your family, and friends of your friends, your co-workers, and your fellow attendees at church or hobbies or etc. Of those people, how many will buy a book? Of the people who buy it, how many will read it? How good is your elevator pitch to tell people about it? How “clean” is your book in terms of proofreading, editing, font choice and size, plot holes? And if you do not live in Poughkeepsie, Peoria, or Portland, how will anyone who does find out about your book and become intersted in it?

With my deepest apologies, you have to post. You have to blog. You blog the most about you, the human, you blog next about the process and proceedures of you, the writer, and lastly you make an open, not subtle, appeal on your product: “You will enjoy this book because….”

Let’s imagine a 30 day grid.

Luckily, with most websites, and certainly with WordPress, you can post them all on the same day if you like, and schedule them to go out.

Friends, if you are unknown, there is no other way to get your book out there. There is no other way.

Most of us are doing the, “La la la la I can’t hear you!” thing when I say this. But, tell me, how else does that reader in Peoria find you?

I interacted with a young author the other day whose horror novel won some book award. I asked her, “Have you posted that on the FB horror reading groups?”

“No,” she replied to me in the women’s writers group. “Those groups are fake, so I don’t waste my time.”

They most certianly are not fake, and if you’re writing horror, you oughta be on them. If you’re writing poetry or short form, are you looking for groups where people are reading those books? And the people in the women’s writers group are not buying her book, because they want to sell their book, not buy hers, but all of them are pitching to the wrong damn audience.

I am so very sorry to need to be the one who tells you Santa ain’t real.

In my experience coaching and attempting to help so many authors, from the ones I taught in college to the ones in that womens’ group, to the ones I publish in Instant Noodles, and on up, authors spend their free time writing their next book or story or poem, and then work their jobs, interact with their families, have some down time, etc. But small business owners never stop. They ask you to buy their newest T-shirt, or their revolutionary toilet paper, or come into their small shop, every single day, and they work overtime if they need to, to get it done.

If you’re a hobbiest writer, enjoy! If you want to go pro… you need to put in the practice hours, which, for this, are posting.

So sing it with me!

I post it here; I post it there: on Instagram, and everywhere! I promise I’ll keep posting ’till my fingertips go numb ’cause I’m a dedicated author of my books. Oh yes I is! Oh yes I is! Oh yes I is! Oh yes I is! And nothing can stop me, and my blog will not go mum ’cause I’m a dedicted author of my books. ‘Cause I’m a dedicted author of my books. ‘Cause I’m a dedicted author of my books!!! Ba-da-da!

🙂

Keep posting! You can do it!

Discover Meaning in ~Break the Field~ by Ellis Elliott

The cover of Break in the Field by Ellis Elliott: cover is the interior of a dollhouse.

In a world overflowing with books, it’s not easy to choose what to read next. But if you’re looking for a captivating journey that promises to inspire, enlighten, and entertain, look no further than Break in the Field by Ellis Elliott. Why would you add this book to your reading list?

A Fresh Perspective on Life: Break in the Field offers refreshing insights into resilience, determination, and the pursuit of meaningful family life. Elliott’s storytelling has a unique ability to make you see your own life in a new way.

Relatable Stories: All poems are also stories, and stories in Break in the Field are relatable and well-developed. You’ll find yourself emotionally invested in this engaging and immersive read.

Inspirational Themes: One of the standout qualities of Break in the Field is its ability to tackle complex and thought-provoking themes like the nature and limitations of parenting, and the importance of community and self-discovery, weaving a rich tapestry of ideas and experiences that, while very intimate, will resonate with readers from all walks of life. Elliott’s writing style is both elegant and accessible. The book flows effortlessly, making it easy to immerse yourself in the poems. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to literature, you’ll appreciate the skillful storytelling and vivid descriptions found within the pages of this book.

“This gripping, heart wrenching exploration of her inner most thoughts and feelings while caring for her extreme needs stepson, “[whose] brain vessels shattered at birth into a million stars,” are so raw, so deeply forthright, from a place of such compassion, tenderness, and introspection that I found myself tearful many times.”
KARI GUNTER-SEYMOUR Ohio Poet Laureate and author of
ALONE IN THE HOUSE OF MY HEART

Support for a Talented Author: By purchasing Break in the Field you’re supporting a talented poet on her literary journey. Discovering and promoting new voices in literature is essential to the vibrant world of storytelling, and your purchase contributes to this endeavor.

Break in the Field, by Ellis Elliott, is more than just a collection of poetry; it’s an immersive experience that will challenge, inspire, and move you. With relatable characters, unexpected twists, and a narrative that delves deep into the human experience, this book is a valuable addition to any rlibrary. Purchase your copy here and embark on an unforgettable literary adventure.