Happy Industry Friday!
Today I wanted to share with you some advice that was originally presented by a successful novelist/screenwriter/game designer and blogger at the writer’s conference I attended last month. His name was Chuck Wendig and this is his awesome website! www.terribleminds.com
25 Ways to Earn Your Audience:
- It’s all about STORY. No matter what you’re writing about, good content rules the day.
- ABW – Always Be Writing. Think of the world as a one big pond and your writing as creating “ripples” – the more you write, the more “ripples” you make.
- Diversity is good. Book, blog, Twitter, Facebook, film etc. – multiple roads that dead end at YOU.
- Sharing is caring. Give and promote others with enthusiasm.
- Value at reality. Don’t be afraid to put something out there for free or cheap (especially in the beginning of your career).
- Build a sandbox. Another way of looking at #3 is you are building a creative sandbox where you and others can play.
- Don’t close the door. Opportunities to connect, share, learn and/or collaborate are good.
- Be the best version of you. You are the hub and you are human (not a brand) so be authentic.
- Social Media = a Worldwide Water Cooler. It’s where people go to share stories and ideas.
- Screw the numbers. It’s not about how many people “follow” you or how many “friends” you have. It’s about content. (See #1)
- Don’t be a dick. It’s okay to disagree but don’t be mean. Negativity breeds negativity.
- Be a fountain, not a drain. Talk about what you love, not what you hate.
- You can and should have opinions. They create rapport and connection with others.
- Be passionate. Passion connects us to readers and each other.
- Don’t forget about Real Life. Go to book signings, conferences, etc. Meet people in person.
- Share knowledge, share data, always be open and honest.
- Ask for help when you need it. Be prepared to help others when you’re asked.
- Reward your audience – free books, swag, etc.
- Embrace feedback and don’t respond to negative reviews.
- Be generous with your audience – answer questions, give interviews, etc.
- Share the world with other authors and share others authors with the world.
- Practice your presentation.
- Don’t be something that you’re not. Being clumsy and inauthentic will not help you.
- Take your time and be patient.
- Have FUN!
Remember: For every story there is a listener and for every author there is an audience.
Happy creating!
Riding Bitch 