7 Ways for #Writers to Get Noticed

Hope everyone is well!
If you're cooped up, it's a great time to write, right?


Last week, I talked about the lonely, secluded life of a writer. This week, I'm telling you to face your fears and get out there and show the world your stuff! If you want your stories to be read, you're going to have to take some risks.

7 Ways for Writers to Get Noticed...

1. Make Connections - whether virtually or face-to-face, you have to say something if you want to get noticed. Go to a conference and meet other writers and readers. Comment on tweets, follow folks who say stuff you can relate to. See what you have in common and be open to what you don't. You never know who you'll meet!
2. Come up with a Gimmick - Some people have natural charisma or charm, others have to create something that draws people to them. It doesn't have to be something dumb or fake--it should represent you and your books. Like that guy on tik tok who rides a unicycle all the time - have you seen the one where he takes down a Star Wars AT-AT Walker? It's great! I haven't found mine yet, but I keep trying...
3. Give Stuff Away - Raffles, Giveaways, Sales, Prizes, Contests... People like free stuff and some of them will notice you when they enter for free stuff.
4. Post Pithy Prose on the Socials - There are a few twitter peeps I love reading. Some of them come up with great quotes or funny pics or thought-provoking questions. They have tons of followers. That's the way to do it! Unfortunately, I usually come up with my funny stuff while I'm at school away from my phone... (sure, that's it)
5. Try New Avenues - Find your readers. Where do they hang out? IRL and online. Create videos, pin stuff, make stuff and post pics of your success and/or failure. The more you do, the better.
6. Give and you will Receive - Guest posts, interviews, reviews, a street team. All great ways you can help other writers and they will help you in return!
7. Don't be afraid to look Silly! In fact, the sillier the better! But it has to be authentic. Sing, dance, recite, dress up, act something out. As long as nobody gets hurt, go nuts.

Even if you only get noticed by a few dozen people, that's a dozen more than knew you before. Maybe they'll pass along the great story about you to others. You never know... If you don't try, you'll never be noticed. Keep at it!

Speaking of getting noticed, I'm almost done with my Taking Back Beast World campaign. It's going pretty well! I've seen interest, made new connections, and republished. Always more to do, but very happy with how it's going. (Still making my rounds to commenters on my guest posts--a good problem to have!)

Today, I'm guest posting at Juneta's wonderful Writer's Gambit blog talking about self-publishing joys and woes, plus a surprise. And my buddy Christine Rains is giving me a super duper review shout out. Hope you can stop by!

And need some hand sanitizer? I'm doing my part with FREE E-books this week, plus Discounted paper books with a free hand sanitizer with each order! Here's the FORM

What advice do you have for getting noticed?

Ever meet someone who turned out to be a great contact?

Happy Writing!

and Wash your hands =)

How to Stand OUT!

Welcome IWSG-ers!

Are you outstanding in a field? or just out standing in a field?

my grandparents' Maplevale Farm--yes, that's a plane!

I think more often I feel like the latter... lost in a sea of hay fever. But seriously, have you seen how many books are out there? It's very hard to get noticed when you're five-foot-three in a forest of Amazons (ha ha) So what's a shorty to do? How can we get our books noticed?

Not that I'm a pro at this, but I do have some suggestions:

1. Have an incredible, impeccable COVER - it has to be eye candy, but not too detailed or busy. The title has to shine and the font/graphics should give readers a feel for the genre. It's hard to be unique, but not impossible - and worth a pro.
2. Be more SOCIAL - I'm not good at this. I don't want to post too often for fear of being obnoxious. But I've noticed people who are posting regularly and as long as it's not "buy my book" twenty times a day, it's good press. If what you say is funny and relatable, you'll get noticed and retweeted. I just wish I had more time to think up cool things to say... But that's where scheduling tweets and posts comes in handy. When I do get some spare time, I prepare several tweets/posts and spread them out over a week or two. I'm working up to more postings, but I still have that nagging - don't nag! feeling!
3. Be more VISIBLE - This one, I do. And I talk about it a lot because it's where I connect with the most readers and sell the most books. Get out there! Whether it's a book event, genre-con, or even a craft/vendor show, people want to meet the author! I just did an event this past weekend - see my NEWSLETTER for pics and details!
4. Reach out for Reviews and online Guest Appearances - This can be difficult, but you are your own publicist. There are many review websites, but most are clogged with a backlog of books to review, so ask early as you can. Other people to ask: people who liked your other books or that are friends with you on Goodreads. 
5. SALES and GIVEAWAYS - I've had good response on Goodreads and Amazon with raffles/giveaways and putting books on sale, but less so with giveaways on the blogs. This is something that needs constant promotion and outreach to get people to sign up... Hit or miss, but if done once in a while, worth a shot! The best way is to do a group giveaway, then there's cross-promotion!

If you have any thoughts or additional ideas - fire away!

And now for the results of our little #writerslife survey 16

Have you ever won a writing contest?

How many paper books do you own?

How many ebooks are on your device right now?

What percentage of your books/ebooks are unread?

How many story ideas do you have waiting to be written?

What is your go-to book/movie/place when you need inspiration (of any kind)?

• Harry Potter - still popuar with multiple entrants!
• Music, music, and more music - my guitar, or music that jives, but sometimes sad music
• My mind - Brain space!
• By accident
• The Prince of Persia, plus Star Wars, & Kevin Costner movies!
• Youtube
• Barnes and Noble
• Nature!

Some results were surprising, some were not, but all were fun to tally!

This month's survey will be about MARKETING - and to boost responses, I'm adding a GIVEAWAY for all participants! Look for it on April 16.

Lastly, I mentioned my Newsletter earlier, but it also has a sneak peek of the PRINCESS B cover. I finally found the perfect illustrator to represent her...

Got any outstanding advice? Can you relate to the survey results?

Enjoy the Spring! Happy Writing!
And Happy A to Z Blogging Month!! Tell me your theme if you're playing!

#WritersLife Survey 6 - Inside a Writer's Head

Hoppy Easter!
Hope your spring is in full swing. Here in the Midwest, we are enjoying flowers and baseball and warmer temps!

I also got to go to Ohioana again, my fourth time, with my book event buddy, Julie Flanders! We didn't get to sit together, but we still found time to chat. I know we'll do another event together soon.

And now, here's the latest Writer's Life Survey #6


I wondered how that "character" question might come across.
Here's my answer: I associate most with Monica Gellar (Courtney Cox) fiesty and loud, thinks she's right and a total geek, and rubs some people the wrong way... but I definitely don't cook!

How to reach your audience & #WritersLife Survey Results

Hey Guys. It's March. In like a lion, right?

Welcome to my Insecure Writers Support Group post...
Thanks to Alex and his team of hosts this month and every month.

Can you tell I'm in a ho hum mood? It could be the winter blahs. Or it could be I'm in a rut. I guess that's what happens when you don't seem to be making any leaps and bounds progress. With the slow, tedious, time-consuming, snail's pace of the writing process, I often wonder how I ever became a writer! I'm more of a make-it-happen-right-now! person. I've never been one to wait for things to happen to me. If I want something, I have to go for it - and that's' not the greatest trait for some things. So maybe that's why I'm here - to grow my patience, even though I'm a pretty old dog.

So for IWSG this month, I'm going to share some tips on How to Wrangle Up Your Readers! Because sitting on your duff waiting for fans to come to you isn't how it works anymore. You must wave your arms, whisper sweet nothings, or tackle them - and all by using your words!

How to Reach Your Audience:

Step 1: Identify your audience - What age group or type of reader will enjoy your book? - and don't kid yourself by saying EVERYONE! Narrow it down, sweetie.

Step 2: Understand your audience - Now that you're being realistic, what else does your audience like to do? What are the interests of your target age group? What's their latest fad? Do a little research about these prospective readers.

Step 3: Find your audience - Where do they hang out? THIS IS IMPORTANT!

• Bookfairs are the best.
• Schools are great too, if you can get in.
• Conferences are hit or miss, depending on the genre and location and many other considerations.
• Bookstores are also hit or miss depending on the traffic, genre-again, and advertising.
• Niche stores are questionable, I've only heard one or two success stories...

Step 4: Perform for your audience - Now, you should have enough material to put together a presentation and go share it! Easier said than done, I know. I will elaborate on Step 4 next month with a whole post on Presentations. It's not as bad as it sounds and it gets easier the more you do them.

Step 5: Appreciate your audience - Don't break the bank, but do bring something that you won't mind if they throw away, because that's usually what happens to bookmarks, book cards, and other small swag - it genuinely is the thought that counts

And now, here are the results from my Writers Life Survey #4 - Getting Creative!

What Writers are Working On...

Here are a few choice words about their WIPs!

Four in Darkness... the Vampire, the Alien, the Lycan, and the Shark

Alex O’Hara is up to her ears in mysteries, investigating potential boyfriends, and following philandering spouses - what a job!

Eszter, Marie, and Caterina feel very lucky they escaped, as they return to the world of the living, traveling and relearning how to do basic things, but there are holes in their hearts for those who didn’t escape with them.

Paranormal murder mystery set in alternate 1959

When Farmer Brown and his family neglect their chores, chickens take matters into their own wings.

How Writers Improve Their Craft

Do you have a Daily Word Count Goal?

And here are a few teasers... It was a dark and stormy night...

“Ah, you’re awake.” The voice came from a white-haired bearded man who stepped within her line of vision, but he didn’t look old.

“Who are you?”

“Ezra Merlin at your service.” I thought you might sleep through it, but you are just in time to see Atlantis rise.”

The man threw his head back and cried out, his back arching off the bed. He collapsed. His chest heaved with each breath. Waves of white energy rippled off his body.

“A little help here,” I called out from the dressing room while holding up the front of the most beautiful dress I’d ever tried on.

“Here, let me—” Ellie burst into the dressing room. “Oh. My. God. Alex, you are gorgeous.”

I wasn’t so sure about gorgeous, but I looked pretty darn good in the emerald satin strapless gown with a side slit that showed way too much of my thigh. Thank God for all the running I did almost every day.

Days like this, Kinley had no strength left to hold herself together.

Mme. Druillet could only give her back material items, and Officer Sauveterre could only promise to try to regain more material items. They were unable to give back any live people, any meaningful links to the past. As the train sped back to Paris the next afternoon, Marie cradled the fur coat in her arms, feeling her last spark of hope going out.

"But they won’t do any good, he’s dead already. I know. I killed him."

November thought she just might be happy for the first time ever.

Pulling off normal was harder than it looked.

They shook their heads and said, "Lazy chickens!"

I really enjoyed these lines and blurbs! I hope you did too. Next month I'll be asking "Where do writers LIVE?" Hope you'll join in!

Are you ready for some READING?!

Insecure Writer Support Group Question of the Month: When do you know your story is ready?

I used to wonder about that and asked myself and others the same question. Now I know. So here are some answers you might relate to:

1) When you've read it so much you can't stand it anymore.

2) When you read it and it flows so well, you forget you're supposed to be polishing it!

3) When the deadline rears its ugly head.

4) When your beta reader/CP/editor says it is.

5) When you start nit-picking and second-guessing.

6) When you're ready to start the next one.

7) When you catch yourself telling a non-writer friend it's done.

8) When you realize it will never be perfect -- you will always find a flaw if you keep looking.

9) When your characters stop speaking to you.

10) You just know.


And don't forget to whip up a story for the next Insecure Writers Support Group anthology contest. I've got a good story and I'm trying again! If I can squeeze in some writing time!

I also wanted to share a couple of pics from this past weekend. Had a lovely time at the Sci Fi Central con for kids at the Science Central children's museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was especially awesome to meet my long time friend, Christine Rains in person! And her cute family =) Yay!

Had fun, met some nice people, and sold a few books! Got another one coming up this weekend. Nice and close to where I live in Ohio. And I'll be doing a solo talk about Anti-Princesses - It's not about the tiara!

I'd love to meet you at an event - tell me where you'll be!

Happy October!

ps - did anyone else lose their blog list?? I had to redo my top tabs too - something fishy going on in blogosphere...

Subscribe to Tara Tyler's Newsletter 

Author Branding Rebel!

I'm very excited to have Tyrean Martinson here today! She's turned the tables and written a "5 Reasons" post of her own...

Author Branding: When an author writes only one brand/style of fiction or non-fiction so that fans will “know” exactly what they are getting when they pick up that author’s books. A brand is meant to communicate the purpose of the author and to gain a steady, constant readership. None of this sounds bad, exactly, but I find myself squirming when I hear that I “must” have an author brand.

5 Reasons Why I Rebel Against Branding

1. I’m a natural, left-handed rebel. In kindergarten, my teacher told me that I must choose which hand to write with. I chose to write with my left-hand because I knew that would irritate her. I struggle with the urge to rebel every time someone says I “must” do something.
2. I fear that author branding means that I have to write the same kind of story over and over again.
3. I don’t want to create several pseudonyms to cover all the genres I want to write. Can you imagine keeping up a social media presence for several names?
4. I read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. All of those books influence my writing. My earliest influences included: the Bible, a book of fairy tales and nursery rhymes that I read until the cover fell off, Where the Wild Things Are, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, Star Wars, Star Trek, Scooby Doo, my mom’s nursing books, my dad’s airplane magazines, National Geographic, Zane Gray, my grandmother’s real-life bed-times stories, and Shakespeare. (And guess what? With my favorite authors, I love to read outside my “normal” genres.)
5. I want to take a walk in a variety of character’s shoes. I love that sensation of stepping into a new world with a new character and not knowing what kinds of twists and turns stand between the character and the top of the story mountain ahead. When my mom used to say, “Take a walk in someone else’s shoes,” to remind me to have empathy for others, I daydreamed about what that would be like.

Photo Credit: Tyrean Martinson, Shoes from Martinson family members.
Can you guess which ones are mine? (Hint: I have teen daughters.)

What shoes would you choose? And, would you want to take the same walk every day in the same shoes?

Tyrean Martinson is an everyday writer, believer, and daydreamer who lives within a mile of the Puget Sound but who can’t see the water from her house (unless she climbs a tall cedar tree in her backyard). 

Her latest book reflects her love of taking a walk in a variety of character shoes.

Flicker: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry includes most of the short works Tyrean Martinson wrote between the fall of 2013 and December 2015. These short works range from extremely short in length, from haiku and hint fiction to flash fiction and short fiction. Forty-eight of these works found publication in magazines before becoming a part of this collection, and forty-two new works reside in these pages, as well. Flicker contains an eclectic mix of types of writing, as well as subject matter, from light to dark, from real world to speculative worlds.

Currently, Flicker: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry is on sale for 99 cents June 11th thru June 21st for Kindle and Smashwords readers. 

I enjoyed Tyrean's post and feel like a genre rebel myself! I'm so happy for her latest release!

Finally as promised, here's a picture from the Sci Fi Valley Con I went to this weekend - I had a fun and successful time!

My costume was pretty tame compared to some of the wild and elaborate outfits that paraded through the aisles - fun people-watching! and it was great to meet new readers!

Getting ready for a #sci fi #Conference @SciFiValleyCon !

Since I'm getting ready for this fun event, I thought I'd share my checklist with you. This is what I bring to an event:

• Display - I get lots of compliments on my table, but sometimes I wonder if it's too much - the point is to sell books, not just look pretty... but it does catch their attention. For purely book events I bring less, but for this sci fi con, I'm going all out!
• Banner(s) - and for this event I'm bringing my photo props!
  
• Black Tablecloth
• Book stands or rack, depends on how much room I have.
• Candy dish, Card holder, Jewelry stands
• Figures - dragon, mermaid, etc, depending on room
• Newsletter signup clipboard
• Raffle bag - depends on the crowd
• Swag - Free stuff with my name & books on it. Hopefully they'll look at it one more time before they toss it... (so don't spend much money on this stuff unless it's useful!)

• Bookmarks - a staple, and I put one series on each side to save on cost
• Postcards - I use postcards to advertise future books or anthologies, and I don't print a ton, it doesn't hurt!
• Author cards - a must, connections are imperative!
• Candy - I attach stickers with my name/books when possible. Candy brings traffic to the table
• Pens - useful, have my name on them, not too expensive
• Magnets - new for this event, they were reasonable and they're useful!
• Bracelets, notepads - these are not free! But I display them to get attention and give them away with the books, helps seal the deal sometimes!
• Gift Bags - I put labels on gift bags for people to carry their purchases from me and I also offer bags if someone is heavy laden - free advertising!
• Me and My Books!
• What to wear - I'm always comfortable, but I do like to add a little flair...
• For bookfairs, I dress business casual, plus add a little glitter in the hair or extra eye makeup
• For Cons like this one, I'll be going dragon - with bigger eye makeup, wings, and possibly a tail if I get around to finishing it!
• the BOOKS!
• I inventory my supply early in case I have to order more
• I bring a box and a half of books, not too many but enough. I've never sold out, but I do sell more every time I go somewhere, so that's positive. This is a bigger event, but most folks are coming for the art, comics, and celebrities. I keep it reasonable and light.

Well, that gives you an idea of how I get ready for a book event. If you have any suggestions or questions - I'm all ears! I'd love to hear about an event you've done or are planning for.

I'm only bringing one extra box of books, not all of them!

Wish me luck!

I'm back baby! Last days for #giveaway and #GOTseason6 hmm

I've had an awakening! I finally came out of my long winter slumber and participated in a book event!

Ohioana was my first and favorite book event and I look forward to it every year. I always love hanging out with author friends and meeting new awesome people. I love doing panels - you know how I love to talk.

It also felt great to interact with readers. Some even told me how much they liked my books! And I was invited to a couple of other events while I was there.

me and my buddy Terri-Lynne Smiles

I had an awesome weekend and I'm looking forward to more, sooner! I encourage everyone of you to go do a book event, or if you aren't published yet, go visit one (I did and it's worth it for the experience to see what it's all about) I just need to take more pictures!

I'd also like to say a big THANK YOU to those visiting me. I know tons of folks are participating in the A to Z Challenge. Good luck! You're in the homestretch!

And one last mention for my Jolissa giveaway contest...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PS - Did anyone watch Game of Thrones? Do you think it's still George RR Martin caliber? I'm not so sure... I feel like they're rushing it and making things happen. Hmm.

Zat's All Folks!

For A to Z 2015, I WUZ

ALL ABOUT THAT PLACE

I highlighted ZILLIONS of Blogger Friends' Places

(well, maybe not ZILLIONS)
and

I offered up a ZOO of Book Event Tips

I have no Z blogs to share, but I have ZOME ZIPPY Blogfests I heard about during ZEE challenge!! ZAVOR them!

SHARON BAYLISS came up with the WRITER MAMA (& PAPA) BLOGHOP! MAY 4th
We blog about how we find time to write among our other many life's responsibilities. I'm looking forward to hearing how others handle ZEE stress!

ALEX J CAVANAUGH & HEATHER M GARDNER are teaming up to host BLOOD, BOOBS, & CARNAGE - MAY 18. Gee, I wonder what I'll post about (AZ if, you can probably guess my favorite series that fits this description!!) Join the BLITZ!

T B MARKINSON is hosting a monthly ebook giveaway at her blog, MAKING MY MARK. By the way, if you don't have Broken Branch Falls or Pop Travel, they're part of the giveaways in May and June respectively - ZOUNDZ like a wonderful idea!

ZOWIE! I almost forgot to mention the A TO Z REFLECTIONS HOP! This is where I put up my STATZ of the challenge. I didn't ZOOM over there in time to be on the list, but I'm posting one anyway...how ZILLY of them to close it before the challenge WUZ over! But you know where to find me! (ZOINKS! My bad people! That link is for last year's reflections - I guess they haven't put up this year's yet?? I'm in process of getting that info!)

And Zo, I leave you with a final Book Event Tip:

These events take a lot out of you - whether you get a hotel room or drive home, you'll be exhausted. Don't plan any other activities. You'll need time to ZONK! And you deserve it!

I hope you enjoyed my tips! And I'm always looking for a good event. Pass me a line if you hear of any!

Xciting Xertions

For A to Z 2015 I'm

ALL ABOUT THAT PLACE

I'll be highlighting Blogger Friends' Places

and

I'll be giving Book Event Tips

My favorite X blog is XCEPTIONAL!

XKCD - hilarious COMIX about science, math, and relationships! If you've never seen them, worth the XCURSION!

Here's an XAMPLE

And one XTRA

And don't XIT yet! I have XTENDED Book Event Tips!

Keep your XPECTATIONS reasonable.
I hate to burst your bubble, but don't XPECT to sell a case of books at an event. The only time I've sold that many was at my release parties with all my local friends, neighbors and family - which is awesome! And I'm very appreciative! But at festivals and events, the average is not high. And that's okay!

I'm not even XPECTING to sell as many at my future parties as I did at the first two - I'm not new and XCITING anymmore...

But at the last event I went to, I sold a lot more than I XPECTED! And that was XCITING! So the more we write, the more we sell, and the more fans we will have.

We Want What We Want!

For A to Z 2015 I'm

ALL ABOUT THAT PLACE

I'll be highlighting Blogger Friends' Places
and

I'll be giving Book Event Tips

WAIT no longer for WONDERFUL Bloggers!

WEAVING A TALE - Donna Weaver is WAY cool. She's sweet and funny and a hard WORKER. She keeps me grounded WHEN I'm WEARY.

WAVY LINES - Laura Marcella has fallen by the WAYSIDE, and that happens sometimes in this WACKY life. But I always enjoyed her WORDS of WISDOM WEEKLY quotes!

WISTFUL NEBULAE - WHAT can I say about Mary Pax? Mary, Mary quite extraordinary! How does your garden grow? WITH stars and planets and WISTFUL magic - and speculative fiction books in a row!

CR WARD - Carol has been a long-time blog friend. I WAS fortunate to read one of her first elemental series on her blog as she WROTE it WEEKLY - an intense, magical, romanciful journey!

And here WE be with Book Event Tips (WITH bonus pictures from my latest on Saturday!)

WHAT better time to WRITE or WHIP up a new idea for a WIP, than WHEN you're sitting at your table WAITING for the next surge of readers!

Bring paper or a device to WRITE down your ideas. My latest table partner came up WITH a great new story idea based on the patronage. I know he's do WELL WITH it!

Sometimes I sketch out scenes or WRITE poetry WHILE I WAIT.

WATCHING others interact can give an author the break she might need to WORK through a block or spark a new WIP.

A WRITER WRITES everywhere! Be ready for the WEAPON of opportunity to strike and tame it!

And WE WOWED the readers at the Ohioana Book Festival! There were so many visitors, I barely had time to run across the hall and say HI to Julie! Stupendous turnout! And my presentation at the kids' corner was awesome as WELL! I just WISH I had felt better to go to the after party - rain and cold made me WANT to curl up in bed, so I did. Oh WELL, I'll definitely be there again next year!

my half of the table =)

I got to meet THE Margaret Haddix! 
She was at the table next to me!

A cute pixie!
My photo props were a huge hit!

got to meet fellow CQ author Vicki Leigh!

Virile VIP!

For A to Z 2015 I'm

ALL ABOUT THAT PLACE

I'll be highlighting Blogger Friends' Places
and

I'll be giving Book Event Tips

Pump up the VOLUME on this VIRTUOUS Blogger!


VIKLIT - My VERY special friend from across the pond. I'm happy to claim her as my top VORACIOUS reading CP! And she founded a VISION of encouraging other bloggers in the form of "Celebrate the Small Things" - every Friday. Yay VIKKI!

A VERY important Book Event Tip:

Choose a prime VANTAGE point!
Sometimes you are assigned a table, but if you can pick your spot...

• You want a VIABLE spot where you will be seen.
• Choose a VENDOR table closer to the entrance rather than the exit - by the end, buyers probably have all the books they can handle and may not be able to add yours to their stack!
• Being close to others in your genre can also be a good VARIABLE to consider, bringing readers who enjoy it.
• And having a friend nearby is a comfort in a VERITABLE sea of strangers.