New project on the way...

Working on a new book. Check back in the new year...

Guest Post: Nick Thacker: Build A Platform the Right Way: How to Be A Blogging Writer

Build A Platform the Right Way: How to Be A Blogging Writer

Not all writers are created equal. Similarly, not all writing styles are created equal.

For that reason, many writers today are relying on more than just their own skill to get noticed and start selling books. For some, that “more” is something like a combination of Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads giveaways, and in-store appearances.

And while there’s nothing wrong with those mediums (hey – they’re essentially free, easy-to-implement marketing!), there’s a better way to handle the long-term plan of becoming a well-known, selling writer: becoming a blogging writer.

First: What exactly is a “blogging writer?”

It’s pretty obvious that a blogging writer is just a writer who blogs. But there’s more to it, like what to blog about, and why.

Most blogging writers like me are blogging for two big reasons:

1.      To help other people

2.      To help themselves

I blog at LiveHacked.com because I want to create a blossoming community of writers who love helping one another, teach each other to market their books, and of course learn — from the blog, books, and community.

That part of it is the “to help other people” part, but there’s an equally important reason I blog:

I want to teach other people, to help myself better understand this world of writing, marketing, and creating art. By blogging consistently, I’m held accountable by my community, and I’m constantly learning new things along the way.

Of course, some writers may not be interested in (or need) either of those things, so there’s a third reason to blog: to journal.

Arguably, this is still part of the “to help themselves” goal, but it’s usually strictly to keep track of what the writer has done, is interested in, to keep them motivated, or a myriad of other personal reasons. Essentially, it’s the “to help themselves” reason, without the accountability. There’s nothing at all wrong with this particular choice, either – it’s just not as common.

Second: Why writers should blog

“Don’t writers already write enough?”

“If we have time to blog, shouldn’t we be writing more books?”

These are both questions I’ve heard plenty of times before, and to both, I answer:

Yes.

Writers certainly write enough, but here’s the deal: if you’re not already being published by a Big-6 publisher with massive marketing clout, what are you doing to differentiate yourself from every other author?

It’s not enough anymore to just write great books – that’s the price of entry. Now, we’re expected to be marketers as well. Blogging, as it turns out, is a fantastic way to market your work.

To the second question I answer: Yes. You should always be focusing on providing more to your readers and fans (even if you don’t know who they are just yet), but don’t forget about the non-book-related things they’re into as well.

For example, I find that I’m interested in my favorite authors’ blogs because they’re not just websites set up to sell more books. They’re actually little portals into the author’s world – facts, trivia, tidbits of writing advice, etc. For that reason alone, I’m glad they don’t focus only on writing books.

Finally, it seems that the quickest way to go from “unknown” to “renowned” as a writer is by being a contributing member of modern society. Since publishing companies are running out of marketing dollars, they’re looking for authors who are not only backed by a fan base, but that are adored by their readers as well. They want writers who “get” marketing, blogging, and social media, and aren’t afraid of a little self-promotion, for one simple reason:

They can’t afford to create your hype for you anymore.

Now, more than ever, publishers are looking to partner with authors and writers on getting a book to market, and the bigger your author platform is (Home Base), the more opportunity you’ll have to make a living doing what you love!

What do you think? What are some reasons authors should be blogging? Leave a comment below, and let us know!

If you want free book-writing tips, check out Nick Thacker's FREE 20-week novel-writing course. Also, check out the self-publishing blog and resource site www.LiveHacked.com.

TTiS Episode - 24: Blame Game

Derrick:

I was mildly annoyed with the doctor completely ignoring me and the situation at hand, but when he introduced me this Katie chick, I found my own mind wandering. She was as pretty as any Spaceforce member I had ever seen, her face was like porcelain and her body was like... well let's put it this way, no three breasted martian Marla could compare with who was standing right in front of me. I looked up into her eyes and immediately knew I was gonna' make some time to spend with Katie over here, once this whole interplanetary crisis was over with. I quickly pushed my lust aside and stood to introduce myself.

"Sergeant Derrick Thomas. I work for AR... I work for an agency back on Earth" I began, but she quickly interrupted me; "Yes Sgt., I know who you are. Your reputation is well known at the Spaceforce academy. You seem to have a nose for trouble I hear, and judging from your wounds and the situation you are in the midst of, I can certainly attest to that rumor. Now what I want to know Sgt. Thomas is, what is the Advanced Research and Command Authority doing sending a hotshot like you on a mission where delicate diplomacy is certainly needed?"

"I know right, he is all fists and plasma blades, and I'm all like..." Jerry began to interject.

"Uh, Dr. Waldman?" she barely looked his way when addressing him.

"Yes Katie?"

"With all due respect doctor, please shut the hell up and let me finish speaking with Sgt. Thomas."

"Uh, uh... well, I mean, I was just trying to say..." Jerry's voice quickly trailed off as she gave him a quick glare. I have no idea who this woman is, but if she could get the doctor to shut up simply by looking at him, I was in-love already!

 

(Read the rest of Episode 24 and catch on previous episodes here) 

 

 

Tag Team in Space going more interactive...

For those followers who don't already know, I and author J. Naomi Ay have been intertwined in a collaborative blog saga named: Tag Team in Space (TTiS).

This is the story of Dr. Jerry Waldman (The Two Moon of Rehnor) and Sgt. Derrick Thomas (Dark Side of the Moon) and their epic struggle to protect Earth from aliens and diabolical devices.

To this point, the task of entertaining has been solely divided between J. Naomi and myself (be that a good thing or not).

For the first time ever, we are opening up our story to new writers. 

If you are out there, interested, and between WIPs, please contact us and we will see if there is a good fit there.

This can be a great way to work on your craft, gain new followers, and self-promote by leading readers to your other works.

We are looking to bring in a new author(s) every 3-4 weeks to add new characters and situations to the story.

If you are interested you can email me at: ahmad (at) ahmadtaylor.com or J. Naomi at: NaomiSweets (at) gmail.com.

Join in the fun and gain some new exposure.
Join TTiS!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authors! Do you want to join the Tag Team in Space? We are looking for new contributors and new characters to keep the story going.
Requirements: 300 - 500+ words in first person that tie into and expand the story line with any character of your choosing every 3 - 4 weeks.
Compensation: Features on this blog, facebook and other places.
Interested? Send Naomi an email at naomisweets at gmail.com.

Amazon's Daily Deal

I usually ignore the constant onslaught of marketing emails from Amazon, trying to sell me a new age crock pot or overpriced toaster, but after yesterday's "Daily Deals" email I think they are finally getting it right... 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Tag Team in Space: Episode 12: Derrick

Tag Team in Space: Episode 12: Derrick is now LIVE on the official TTiS Blog

Derrick:
 
I can't believe I'm being dragged up by this Martian freak with his weird extendable arms. This was exactly the last thing I imagined would be happening at this point in the day when I woke up this morning.

Fogwat finally hauled us up into the conduit and I asked doc to pull out his torch so we could gain our bearings. 

Suddenly I heard some voices; "Hey shut that damn thing off now! Turn it off!" I whispered intently, slapping Jerry's hand down to try and get the light out.

"Wait, what? What the hell..." he began, but I quickly threw my hand over his mouth.

"Shhhh. Shut the hell up Jerry. Just be quiet, please!" I looked over to the Big Head, "Hey, dim that dome of yours right now, and keep your trap shut!"

Fogwat looked confused, but Jerry gave him a nod to obey, and the glow from his huge head went out.

"You two stay right here, and don't make a sound" I commanded as I began crawling along the conduit toward the noises I heard...

(See the full Episode as well as all the previous and future Episode Here)

Author Interview with Raynetta Stocks: The Grim

Today as a treat we have Raynetta Stocks, a friend, and author of The Grim.

How you doing today Raynetta?

Doing great Ahmad, thanks for having me here.

My pleasure of course. Been looking forward to sharing you with my readers for awhile now.

Tell us about your latest novel in 20 words or less:

Jaycee must recall a murder she doesn’t remember committing to be released from incarceration at a psychiatric hospital.  Wait, is that 20 words…?

No worries, we’re moderately flexible here.

What has been the most exciting part of being a published author?

The best part of authorship is seeing your work in print.  When the first copies of my book arrived on my doorstep, and I held my masterpiece in my hands, it was that surreal, “silver lining” moment when the heavens part and a golden beam of sunlight hits your face.  Suddenly, everything I went through to get here was worth it.  And I’d do it all again.

How poetic.

And we all hope you will do it again as well.

What do you do to prepare for a writing session?

For me, I need peace and quiet in a cool, well-aerated place.  I need serenity, so that I can watch the movie playing out in my head.  Then I take what I see in that movie and put it to words.

Great description for our readers.

Does writing get easier with each project?

Yes, the writing does get easier, because with each project, I learn a bit more about my craft and my own writing style.  I get giddy with each work; I don’t waste time writing stories I’m not passionate about.  So that excitement is a catalyst to finish the book and have the reader share in what had me so excited in the first place.

You have some interesting posts on your blog. Tell us how you come up with your ideas.

Blogging is hard.  You’re like a magazine: your subscribers are looking for consistency, but it’s difficult coming up with topics so I concentrated my efforts.  What do I like, and how can I translate that to readership?

I created three features: Soapbox Spotlight, Book to Movie Classics, and Author Tips.  Soapbox Spotlight airs every Wednesday and features fellow indie authors looking for exposure and an audience for their work.  I’ve met a lot of really interesting people and been introduced to awesome books, some of which I’ve reviewed.  Book to Movie Classics is a last Friday of the month feature where I compare a movie to its novel inspiration and rate each on different points.  Author Tips is a post I do, usually around the first Monday of the month to talk about things I’ve learned in authorship.  I have an occasional piece called “When Inspired” that I write whenever something moves me.  Of course, I try to keep up with National Poetry Month, National Reading Month, and Black History Month every year as well.

What books have influenced your writing?

There are really too many to count.  I read a bit of everything; there’s no genre unrepresented on my bookshelf.  My favorite books, however, are The Color Purple by Alice Walker, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander and The Young Landlords by Walter Mosley.

Are you currently working on any other projects?

Actually, I’m in the process of writing Books One and Two of my new young adult series, The Lova Chronicles.  It’s about a set of fraternal twins who find they are endowed with the power of the gods and are expected to use them to defeat an evil overlord and prevent a miniature Armageddon.  The series is tentatively outlined, and I don’t have titles on the first two books yet, but One and Two should hit the market circa May or June of 2013.

We’re excited!

What is the last thing you read?  Did you like it, hate it?

The last thing I read was Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales and Scars of a Memoir by Marni Mann.  Both were fantastic!  They are gritty and passionate, even with all the dark elements that make you want to hide your face from the horror of it all.  She is a brilliant writer.

I’ve heard great things about her. I will have to check her works out.

What was the last movie you watched?  Did you like it, hate it?

The last movie I watched was Think Like a Man, based on Steve Harvey’s book Act Like a Woman, Think Like a Man.  It is my October Book to Movie Classics piece so check it out on my blog on October 26^th!

Where can readers find your works and follow you (links)?

Everything about me and my books can be found at http://www.raynettastocks.com.  Links to my books, blog, and social media accounts are located on my navigation bar.

Thanks for having me, Ahmad!

Loved it. Hope you will come back soon and catch us up.