With my first novel (YA, The Pull of Gravity, FSG) coming out next spring, I've decided to be brave and push buttons.
On my computer screen, I mean.
The thing is, in order to sell my book, I've got to not only get myself out there, but get other people's stuff out there. You know, a one hand washes the other type of thing. Plus, it's fun (and hard). The deal is, you're trying to create a presence. For a girl (ahem) of 45, a lot of this stuff is still futuristic and a little bit scary feeling. How do I do this? Will it work? Am I sending this out to one person, fifty people, the universe? Three years ago, I didn't even know how to upload a photo or post on a forum, or that w00t should be written with zeros. IDK if any of these things are even valid anymore.
But you know what? Sometimes, you just gotta be brave, cross your fingers, push buttons and hope for the best.
*Hits "share" and closes eyes and waits to see if computer explodes.*
It's true. Learning sometimes sucks because you feel like a bumbling fool, but there are things that are necessary, and shockingly, will soon feel like they are second nature.
ReplyDeleteA few of the writer's in my sidebar are PROs at it (I particularly recommend Mystery Writing is Murder and Straight from Hel (along with the agent blogs)--Elizabeth and Helen though, both make a point of being resources and Elizabeth is the QUEEN of social networking. (yesterday or the day before she had a list of the minimum things you needed to really push a book.)
Congrats on the coming book, and GOOD LUCK!
I love your fish at the top. Good luck with the novel. And relax, enjoy the blogging. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a challenge to figure out whether you're trying to attract authors or readers (of your book). Of course, sometimes these overlap! But this has been the biggest challenge for me. I think right now, it's nice to have other writers supporting you -- and then once your book is out, you can concentrate more on appealing to your readers.
ReplyDeleteWish I'd known you started a blog. It's so much easier to stalk you online that way. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging regularly for probably 8 years now. It's a great way to make new contacts and connections. It's also fabulous when you want to write something and not have to use Facebook's inane interface.
So now that you have a blog, you know you're back on the SGSS list for mine. ;)
Great blog Gae. It's scary isn't it? Jumping in and pushing buttons. But these days writers have to have a presence on the net. It's mandatory. It's the best way to get your book (and others) out to the massses, to get readers, to get fans.
ReplyDeleteYou doing all the right things Gae. Good luck to you (and you know I'm here to help in any way I can ;)
Oh, and I love your labels. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm too stubborn to spell woot with zeroes. Otherwise, I agree with you entirely! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm excited that I found your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post - I feel the same way. The online/promotional world can be intimidating!
But you've taught me something new - I had no idea that w00t should be spelled with zeros. You're way ahead of me with online slang! I need to catch up!
thanks guys, and, Megan, hah! forgot I was being silly with my labels. That's gonna be my new thing (nobody steal it). I'm just going to randomly label... think how much attention I'll get when someone is googling how to properly cut open a pineapple.
ReplyDeleteNow, I realize it's already time to blog and push buttons again. Who can keep up?
w00t! ?