Success!

As a writer, success can take on different meanings for each individual. For me, it's about positively influencing someone's life by conveying a unique perspective or emotion through words. The relationship between readers and writers is powerful, creating a synergy that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Being a successful writer also means understanding the importance of marketing your work. It can be intimidating at first, with thoughts like, "I know nothing about technology," or "No one will care about my writing." But it's crucial to remember that marketing your work is just another form of creative expression. Just as you pour your time and passion into writing, marketing requires specific skills and an understanding of how to connect with people.

My goal is to provide you with everything you need to effectively promote your work without compromising your integrity as an artist. In today's world, finding and connecting with readers is just as important as the act of writing itself. Whether you have a publisher backing you or are independently publishing, the responsibility of marketing falls mostly on your shoulders.

But don't let that overwhelm you. With the right strategies and mindset, promoting yourself and your work can be enjoyable and even result in increased success. I aim to show you authentic ways to reach new readers, while still leaving enough energy and creativity to continue producing great writing. Because at the end of the day, your voice and passion are what make you a whole artist - both in your writing and in your marketing efforts. Embrace them, have fun with them, and see where they take you in this journey as a writer.

With all that in mind, create a playlist for your book. It’s a fun way to get started bridging the gap between writing and marketing. 

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And now a fiction break:

Extras Wanted

A torn piece of paper, marked with industrial staples, flapped on the telephone pole. Ellis squinted at the vertically printed number and ripped it off, leaving behind a few jagged bits of paper. It was for an independent film shoot, looking for extras. The thought of free lunch made her stomach growl. She called the number.

A bored-sounding girl answered and asked Ellis about her age (38), ethnicity (white), and if she could show up at a coffee house in Silver Lake at 6:30 in the morning. They needed her to work until 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon. Lunch would be provided and she should dress like a writer and bring a change of clothes. And oh, it was non-union.

The idea of sleeping in was tempting, but Ellis had promised herself to be more open to opportunities. Plus, she could use some extra cash. She decided to wear jeans, Converse sneakers, her brother's old t-shirt, and an oversized cardigan - her go-to outfit for writing. She also packed a fancier version of the same outfit - black slacks, a white button-down shirt, ballet flats, and a fitted camel-colored cardigan - just in case.

Upon arrival at the Silver Lake location, Ellis was given a quick once-over by someone who seemed to be in charge. They allowed her to keep her "struggling writer" attire instead of changing into her more upscale clothes. She felt both relieved and nervous, as those clothes were a significant portion of her wardrobe.

The journal and pen given to Ellis were undeniably beautiful. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy towards the character she was playing, a writer who could afford such luxurious writing tools. It made her question her own identity as a writer. Was she someone who prioritized fancy accouterments over practical things like clothes? As she sat at the table with a lukewarm cup of coffee, she struggled to write anything meaningful. She started by making a list of all the items she had brought with her, afraid they might go missing during filming. 

Then it hit her. This was her chance to actually write, not just pretend to write. So she began to pour herself into the story of Ruth and Charles, a couple who had married young and believed their love would sustain them through any challenge. But even in their stability, there were flaws - primarily in their lack of communication about what it meant to be a husband or wife, let alone a father or mother. And when Ruth lost her pregnancy, everything changed. 

Just as Ellis was getting engrossed in her writing, the director yelled "Cut." Her journal and pen were brutally confiscated, leaving her feeling stripped of her voice and soul. The callous prop man showed no concern as she begged for its return, his apathy like a knife twisting in her gut. In the line for the bathroom, Ellis was torn between gratitude for the chance to perform and create, and mourning the theft of her story - a piece of herself that she feared she may never get back. Doubts about her own identity as a writer gnawed at her mind, threatening to devour her passion and purpose.