So this week has been a week of working on the whole "bring a writer" thing... While I'm spending my relaxation time reading lots of lovelies which I'm sure you'll all enjoy, I've spent quite a bit of time learning new tips and skills that seem to go along with being a self-published author. Who knew there was more to this than just writing a book you like and you think others will enjoy too.
Monday to Thursday (in between real-life activity), I've been indulging my muse and getting words on paper. The 2nd book in my Mountain Magic series is coming along nicely - I think you'll like Amber's story.
Friday I headed to the Yarra Valley for the afternoon. Books By the Bridge were taking over the Yarra Valley Lodge this weekend for their Melbourne convention. Now while I wasn't available to book dork/blog/attend the convention itself on Saturday, I was lucky enough to be able to attend their Authors Workshop on Friday afternoon. I'll admit that this was my first experience at a workshop being how new I am to this whole published writer thing and I have no idea what I would learn. BOY DID I LEARN A LOT!
The session on getting into the Write state of mind was interesting, what was more interesting was hearing how each of the different authors (who I was silently fangirling over) work, their writing "lair", perfect time/situation for writing, etc. Turns out I'm not so weird with my 3am while surrounded by noise inspirations. My muse really seems to be a night owl who thrives in chaos.
It was great to learn different marketing tips and tricks. Now marketing is like a foreign language to me and as a newbie writer, I really have no idea where to start with getting my books out and making readers aware that they exist. I have lots of paperwork to pour over in-depth but I now realise that word out mouth only goes so far (kind of worked that out but hoped I'd be a runaway hit that everyone wanted to talk about lol). So now I'm looking into educating myself on the various options and avenues to let all you lovely romance readers aware that JAKKI FRANCES exists.
Lastly was the session on FB marketing, and this was the one that seems to be the easiest and I've been able to play about and try some things out already. Now I'll admit that I came home positively buzzing with enthusiasm and have spent some time over the past 2 days playing about with various promos. They're my first attempts and I don't really know if they're any good but hey, I've never photoshopped, promo'd or tried anything even remotely creative on a computer. I was taught to type at 11y/o on a typewriter and have never learnt to do much other than data entry on a computer... YES I'M THAT PERSON - THE ONE WHO IS CLUELESS IN A DIGITAL WORLD.
So these are my first attempts, tell me what you think....
Other than writing, workshopping and photoshopping, I've also been finishing some swag bookmarks and ensuring I'm all prepared for ARR Melbourne next weekend. The Australian Romance Readers Romantic Rendezvous will be my first ever signing as an author and I'm equally excited and terrified... I'll let you know how it goes.
Or you can pop down to the Mantra Bell City Preston (if you're in Australia) next Saturday 14 March, say hi and get yourself a new read from myself or one of the other great local authors. Tickets are available at the door.
So there you have it, a week of being an author, writing, learning and of course, always reading... FYI I'm currently halfway through Refuse to Lose by Allison Mello - it's a great single mum story with a hot little league coach.
