June 22, 2009

How do you make good use of the notes and information gleaned at a writer’s workshop or conference?

A woman in my weekly critique group spent last week in Honesdale at one of the Highlights Foundation Founders Workshops on novel writing. The rest of our group was “pea-green with envy,” as Scarlett O’Hara said. From the enthusiastic email we received from her, she learned as much as she’d hoped and came home greatly encouraged. This Thursday at our critique meeting, we are setting aside an hour or more for her to share with all of us what she learned last week.

The book Networking at Writer’s Conferences: From Contacts to Contracts (Spratt and Spratt) has a section about what to do after the conference is over. In a chapter called “Where Do You Go from Here?”, the authors talk about returning from the world of the conference to your world of day jobs and the outside world clamoring for your attention. Before you get caught up in it again, how can you retain what you learned from your conference? I hope our friend’s mini-presentation at group on Thursday will do just that.

“Before you file them away [the conference notes]  for the future, review them (and your postconference evaluation) for new ideas, new information, and new possibilities gleaned from your conference…If your notes contain any gems dropped by conference speakers, post the most encouraging statements in your office or writing area where you will see them often–preferably every time you sit down to write.”

Share the Value

When our writing friend gives her talk to us on Thursday, I think it will help all of us. It will certainly be a treat for those of us who couldn’t attend the workshop to learn some “members only” insider tips and insights and techniques for writing deeper. I think the sharing process will also help my friend “cement” her revision ideas and talk through her critique suggestions.

I will also make sure she posts those very encouraging comments from the workshop leaders on her writing wall beside her computer. She will need the reminders as she delves into her four-week revision process.

 

Conferences are expensive and time-consuming to attend. So be sure you are well prepared beforehand, work hard during the conference, and take the necessary time to follow up when you get home. Sharing your new-found insights with other writers is one (generous) way to do this!

What thing(s) do YOU do when you get home from a conference or workshop so that you retain what you learned? Share some ideas!

June 12, 2009

Do you need to market your book, but speeches make your knees quake? Is some of your “fear of success” wrapped up in the marketing and promotion you might be expected to do? If so, don’t overlook the power of the Internet. Promoting your book via the Internet can be done from the comfort of your home. I gave it a try recently with this video book trailer.

Preview of Coming Attractions

Book trailers, like movie trailers, are to spark interest in your product. In the coming week, I’ll be doing a variety of things with this trailer (created by Misty Taggart, a very talented lady.) Book trailers can be used to promote your book (fiction or nonfiction, adult or juvenile, single title or series) in the following FREE ways and places:

• posted on your personal website and blog
• posted on your Amazon Author Connect page
• added to your email signature
• added on your Facebook author page
• added to your publisher’s website
• burn DVDs and CDs for give-aways at book signings and elsewhere
• send to anyone who will/has reviewed your book
• and many other uses!

Don’t let a fear of public speaking stop you from pursuing your publication dreams. Book trailers are only one way to promote your books. What are some other ways you’ve seen (or done) that don’t require a public performance? Let’s share some ideas!