IWSG: So You Wanna Be a Rock Star...What's New Pussycat?

If you want to be a rock star, you need a platform so everyone can see you, especially if you're not very big yet, like the little guy to the left.

Though we're talking about being a writer instead of a singer, just another art form, you still need a platform. You need an author platform. 

In a previous blog, I talked about creating your author brand.  Now I want to talk about expanding that brand and using it as the foundation for your author platform. Before you understand how to create or strengthen your author platform, it will be helpful to break it down into parts, especially for those authors just starting out.

I have broken it down into four parts, and borrowed some memorable branding to keep it from getting too overwhelming. 

1. You Rock, for Dummies.
2. Hello, can you hear me now?
3. Soylent Green and Social Media are people.
4. Just do it!

YOU ROCK FOR DUMMIES

This section answers the question of why you write what you write. They tell you to write what you know, but we all know a lot of things. How did you decide what to write about? It's probably something you know a lot about, or at least something you were interested in learning more about. By the time you finished your project I'll bet you were an expert. For me it was a classical education with a strong focus in Western Civ, ancient and medieval history, mythology and literature, and the heart of a true romantic. So of course I rock in Paranormal Romance! I write what a know and love! What could be more fun?

HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

Since I love fantasy/paranormal/horror (think fairy tales!), I gravitate to those reads, readers, writers, and already knew quite a few of them before I retired from teaching and found time to write my own stories. Once I became a published author, I needed to expand that community, and slowly but surely continue to grow my list of contacts. 

One of the best ways for a writer to do this is to Google search your genre, find review sites, book clubs, writer groups in and/or out of Goodreads, blog and follow back blogs to expand your circle, and continue to grow your group of fans and favorites. 

Soylent Green and Social Media Are People

For those of the younger generations (okay, most of you!), Soylent Green is an old Charlston Heston movie in which old folks go to a center where they find "rest" from a world they can no longer abide. What they and the rest of the population don't know is that they are turned into these little green wafers the population uses to get all their nutrition. But, you guessed it, Soylent Green is people! LOL! 

Well, as amusing as that may be, it sometimes seems like many folks who use social media don't realize that it's people too! To let them know you understand that, you need to chat with them once in a while, like their witty posts and adorable babies and establish human contact in this often too inhuman world. 

And don't forget library readings, and bookstore signings and podcast interviews or tv and radio! They still print newspapers, in case you didn't realize that!  Use every opportunity you can work into your schedule.

Always remember to have fun whenever you can too. I have friends who get a gang of gals together for large booksignings and they just love it! 

Just Do IT!

The key is consistency, as any frazzled parent or teacher or coach can tell you! Can you keep up with every social media out there? It's not likely if you still have a full time job, kids, etc. ...you know, a life! 

So what is the solution? Pick only as many social media types as you can handle. Be choosy, cheerful, and consistent! Don't just self-promote. No one likes a bragger, or nonstop spam! Develop an audience that likes to hear from you, and then by all means the occasional promotion is fine. 

If all you have time for is fb and Twitter, so be it. If you like to browse and pin pictures, then by all means use Pinterest. Whatever works for you. That means whatever you can post something to at least every other day. On Twitter, you should really post at least one a day if possible. 

Don't beat yourself up about this. Just do your best, try to develop some good habits, and stick to them. You might like to notice on fb when you reach the most people. There are peak online times, and if you are going to post less frequently it's important to find and use them. Don't forget to use those blabbermouths you know and love either! Come on, every family has one, every circle of friends...  Write on! Rock Star!

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The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Twitter hashtag is #IWSG 

IWSG awesome co-hosts for the June 3 posting will beM. Pax, Tracy Jo, Patricia Lynne, Rachna Chhabria,Feather Stone, and Randi Lee!
This is a Blog Hop!