A few days ago, I came across an apologetic, half-embarrassed social media post by an author for yet again sharing news of her recently-published book. Now, this was the first time I’d personally come across one of her posts.
So it’s good to remember that, in the deluge of information that pours over us each day, what seems to you to be cringe-worthy repetition about your book, is in reality, often not even noticed by others.
Tip #1 Talk about your book as often as you like.
And because I know the author, I know she’s been working on this book for years. This book that she is now apologising for on social media. I also know it will be a great read for new readers who are looking for an escape, a break from all the grown up things that beset us.
Tip #2 Reframe it.
You’ve used your precious time to write this story, to work on it and craft it until it’s as good as it can be. And, in spite of the loneliness, the self-doubt, the probable lack of financial recompense commensurate with the time you’ve poured into it, you’ve stayed true to your story. You’ve kept the faith and kept showing up.
This - sharing your creativity with the world - is such an act of hope. It’s a reminder to all of us that we are creative beings, and meaning-seekers, meaning-makers.
In this world full of jagged corners that can so easily snag on the soft skin of our dreams, it’s a brave act to choose the creative path. To choose to believe that we are more than our daily routine, that our world is bigger than the hamster wheel we may feel we’re on just to pay the bills.
What a gift this is to give to the world.
So each time your self-doubting voice starts in on you, each time you hesitate before pressing ‘Post’ on your latest social media content…
Tip #3 Remind yourself of the truth of your story.
Remind yourself of those late nights and early mornings, working on your words, crafting your sentences, dreaming of your characters. Remember the fiery warmth in your chest as you worked to bring your story out and put it onto the page.
Your story, your book, is an act of generosity.
Offer it to the world with love and pride.
Free Webinar this Thursday 4th April, 6 - 7pm.
One hour.
Four authors.
TONS of tips on how to get your story out into the world and into the hands of readers.
I can’t wait to chat to these writers about the unique ways they’ve handled the sharing and promotion of their books:
Terry Angelos (her memoir, White Trash, was a national bestseller)
Sven Axelrad (his debut novel, Buried Treasure, is the book that book clubs all over SA are buzzing about)
Debi Thomas Hawkins (her collection of memoir essays about Becoming a Mermaid Sister, has seen loads of copies eagerly passed from one cold water swimmer to another at various beaches across the Cape)
Tanya Meeson (her speculative fiction novels The Fulcrum and The Akashic Records of The Last People as Written by Neko, are testament to an author staying true to her creative vision)
AND I’ll be giving away one copy of each of these books to 4 lucky webinar attendees.
Hope to see you there!
Lastly, watch this space for the announcement of my next Shift from Storyteller to Story Seller six-week online course, starting soon!
Looking forward to meeting the rest of the gang!
Found this very encouraging Cathy ❤️