Here's my IWSG concern this month:How often do you share good news about your books? And how often is too often?
I get so excited when I hit a milestone, but I always feel a little guilty sharing my news. It feels like bragging and self-promotion. Oh, no. Tara's talking about her books again... Then I think, my books are like my kids! I'm very proud of them and want to share my joy. Not to mention, writing is what I do with my free time - my life these days, after kids and family stuff.
And thus I share my insecurities with you all. Thanks to our mighty manager Alex C and his host of hosts! Does anyone else feel this way? What do you do about it?
On to the News:
- It's that time of year again! Many bloggers are participating in the A to Z challenge. And while I'm taking a break here, I'm joining our group effort at the Really Real Housewives! And it happens to be my week (C & D days). Stop by for some domestic advice and fun!
- My Quarterly Newsletter is out. I'm excited to be getting out to events again - yay for Spring!
And I was very excited to receive my small order of Jolissa novellas in PRINT! I'll be selling them at my events AND I'm giving one away along with 4 ebooks and a $10 gift card - sign up below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
22 comments:
I struggle with that. It's why I don't mention my books or what I'm doing writer-wise often. I think as long as it's only an occasional post (outside of when a book is released and you're on tour) then that's all right.
I'll be honest with you. This is a newer subject for me and one I know I'll struggle with. I'm not sure. I always hear "five non-writing promos to one writing one - (one including promoting for other authors.)" But I'm not sure. I think it's all about balance.
I am struggling with the same, although mine is about my soon to be published book. I feel like I should be shouting it from the roof tops, but then I think, the neighbors already know. As for you, I love hearing your milestones.
I don't think I've ever gone to someone's blog and thought that they promote their books too much. I like hearing about that stuff. I know if I was publishing books I'd be freaking out and posting about it all the time!
I'm the same way. I don't like to be seen as pushy or bragging, but we do have to market out books. It's tough to walk that line. Yay for Jolissa! It looks fantastic. :)
I'm walking that line right now, and feel damned if I do, and damned if I don't. LOL
It's funny when you step away, the stats go down, and what used to work is no longer allowed. There is no winning when the game changes faster than the weather.
Good luck with everything, and it's your blog, so brag away too!
Happy April 4th!
There are some people in my life with whom my writing news falls on deaf ears. They're just not interested. It bothers me, but I'm getting better at sharing news with people who truly care, and also being proud of myself and my work no matter what the reaction. :)
Outside of my blog, I generally try not to talk about my books because it does feel like bragging and self-promotion. I was in my current writers group for about eight months before I even admitted to writing a book. Maybe in another eight months, I might tell them what it's called.
I don't want anyone to think that I'm forcing my book on them! Or saying "YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK" or anything like that.
Speaking of Jolissa, thank you for the mention in the acknowledgments. That was a very pleasant surprise!
That is a true challenge, Tara. We need to tell about our work, but we don't want to risk annoying our readers. I think we all twist in the wind on this issue.
I struggle with that, too. Especially when a new book comes out. Yes, I want people to know about it, but I don't want them to feel like I'm jamming it down their throats. I guess you have to find a balance. That's not always easy.
As long as you don't cause people to choke on posts just about you and your writing you should be fine. I think.
I think this needs to be carefully handled. A blog should attract readers, and even if your readers are also your fans, there can be too much talking about writing and books. I've learned that very few of the people who read my blog also read my books, so I try to keep an eclectic approach. There's plenty on my sidebar about my books if anyone is interested, adding bits to every post as well is overkill imho.
I read you should give your readers what they want. Make it about your readers not you per say. Your readers want to hear about your books but other things too. I know as a reader I enjoy reading about the available books and if someone I love reading when the next new one will be available, so not sure there can be too much. The focus all about me can be annoying but if handled right you never notice because you engage the reader.
If it's in a world I love I like hearing tidbits about its creation and inspirations etc... The Characters. I enjoy engaging with the author through comments if they allow them on their site or messages--not all authors do.
I recently wrote to an all time fave author I have followed for years on her site to tell her how much I enjoyed her books, Maggie Shayne, and WOW, she wrote me back a long response. I was thrilled. We have exchanged a couple now. That was so cool, so I think readers like that kind of thing too being acknowledge and recognized and treated like they are a real single entity not some large group in a mass of readership. Anyway, I am off point moving forward...
I say I read because I can't speak from experience yet, so I read about it and my experience as a reader because I am an expert reader.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
HI, Tara!
GREAT NEWS!!!! How exciting.... You should let us all know about your wonderful writing (still waiting patiently for Cradle Rock! Let me know...)
Sharing good book news is always a tricky balancing act.
Yvonne
Honestly, I've never really felt guilty sharing good news. Maybe it's because I don't have it often, so it doesn't feel like bragging.
I also struggle with that. I've been hitting some milestones and want to shout them out, but then I do feel like I'm rubbing it in, and I don't like that. I just read a blog about envy of another writer's accomplishments, but in a good way. I'm so used to rejections and downfalls and writer's block, those seem easy to expound upon. Perhaps a little here and a little there. Balancing act.
I don't have any good news to share about my books, since I'm still seeing that depressing flat line. Maybe I'll suck it up and go ahead with the release I've been putting on hold for too long, and see if that helps to turn the tide.
Hehe love it "anti-princess" novella! :P
x Joy (The Joyous Living)
I appreciate all the comments, advice, and support, you guys! Thanks!
Oh my gosh! I have NO idea!!! I always wonder too . . . I want to share/promote my books, but then I get turned off by people who overdo it. Finding that balance is hard, though to be honest, I think it's mostly in our heads. I think you do a good mix, based on your social media.
Yay for Jolissa!!! I loved the first chapter! Can't wait to read the novella!!! :)
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