Congrats, you’ve finished – now what? I suggest 10 steps to follow here. I entered into 2021 with a bold plan. I’d write and publish 6 novels this year. As of last week – all six are written. Yes, I finished each book that I planned to write this year. There was a mixed, bittersweet…
Tag: marketing
Finding the Sweet Spot
With any creative endeavor, there’s a sweet spot to be found. I have been writing fiction for almost 40 years now. Because I bought into multiple false narratives – you can’t make money in the arts, the concept of the starving artist, only a select few make it – I didn’t pursue this vocation for…
How Do You Get Noticed?
What does it take to get your brand noticed? While I have been writing for nearly 40 years, I didn’t get professionally published until I had the opportunity for a couple of short stories to be published in anthologies. That began in 2011 – ten years ago. I dipped my toe into the self-publishing waters…
Self-Publishing: It’s Not Just Writing
When it comes to being a brand, it’s not just writing that creates the whole package. In case I haven’t made this abundantly clear – I love writing. Even though I knew this at an early age, I listened to the messages and opinions of others. They looked like this: writing never pays, only a…
Why Should You Read My Stuff?
I would love for you to read my stuff. But how do I get you interested? I have been writing for most of my life. My first illustrated, sci-fi book was written when I was 9. The next, when I was 13. Then, on and off, I continued to write various fictions. In 1998, I…
Non-Creative Overwhelm
As a creative, the non-creative aspects of the business of writing can be overwhelming. I am passionate about my art. More than that, though, I have taken my art and turned it into my business. My brand is the writing I do on all the various levels where I get to do it. Though my…
Spending Money to Make Money
Spending money in the interest of making money is never comfortable. I recently wrote about art and money, and my realization that I need to hire someone to do marketing because I am not very good at selling myself and my work. This, of course, causes a walk outside of my comfort zone. To increase…
Nobody can Do it All
I can’t do it all. But that just means I need to delegate. When it comes to my brand as an artist, I am a creator. I’m a writer, editor, photographer, intermediate website builder, and ideas person. When it comes to creating new ideas and building worlds, I am damned good at what I do….
Self-Publishing is a DIY Challenge
Do-it-yourself (DIY) is a great means to an end – but is not without many challenges. I am a writer. If you are looking to have words wrestled into submission in one form or another, I am your guy. Along the way, I have also become an editor. I’ve spent time doing so professionally, and…
Pushing Past the Invisible Door
I can see what I want on the other side – but still haven’t figured out how to get through the invisible door. When I was asked if I wanted to contribute a short story about pirates and magic back in 2010, I was ecstatic. Finally, I was going to have a work of fiction…