It’s there. In the upper left corner of the vision in your mind’s eye, the character waits. He’s a patient character, because he wants you to take the time you need to describe him just so. He wants to be described so definitively that all your readers will be able to see him clearly. He doesn’t want to be a ghost or a wisp of thought that changes shape for different people. He wants to be as concrete to them as he is to you.
If your character is still a bit of a ghost to you, sit down for a while and get to know him. Find out all his secrets, all his dreams, everything that makes him tick. Then find out more. You need to know everything about him, because if you don’t, how will you make your character real to your readers?
How Do Writers Bring Characters to Life?
First, they write down everything they know. Then, they think of more things, and write them down too. Perhaps they want the character to have a defining quirk. The author writes one down. Then another and another, until after several ideas, one of them comes to life. You’ll know you’ve hit upon the right ideas when your character becomes unforgettable. Here’s an example:
The old woman hunched over her rusty shopping cart, fishing through the black plastic bags as she stood on the street corner waiting for the red light to change. “Hah!” she yelled triumphantly and raised her hand in front of her face, gripping her prize. She slipped the dentures into the canyon of her gummy smile and smacked her lips around the porcelain. The streetlight switched to green and she trundled across the intersection, clicking her newly found teeth in rhythm with the shopping cart’s clackety wheels, ignoring the drivers watching her from behind the safety of their windshields.
In this example, you see several things that make this woman memorable. However, the technique used is action showing her quirks, rather than just telling about them. Use action to develop your characters, because as we all know, “actions speak louder than words.” This is just as true in writing as it is in day to day life.
The goldfinches squabbled on the plastic rung, causing the feeder it to swing and spin drunkenly as they battered against one another, until a screeching scrub jay swooped in, forcing the argumentative couple to flee for refuge in a nearby oak tree.
Most people would choose the second passage. Why? It’s a more enjoyable read because it has so many details readers can see a picture of the action. Notice the specific details:
Squabbling goldfinches
Screeching scrub jay
Feeder spinning drunkenly
An oak tree
This is a scene that takes place in my backyard every morning and every afternoon. When I talk about it, I simply say the birds fight. But when writing, we need to give the reader much more. The reader chooses to spend time with you as the author, and in return, the reader expects you to paint a vivid picture with your words. I’ve called it making words dance, or descriptive writing with the five senses.
Write with details and specifics
The success is in the details. That’s what draws the reader to you and keeps him reading. This is true in both fiction and creative nonfiction. We can’t use all five senses in every scene, but it’s helpful to remember all five senses as we write each scene. For example, let’s look at a situation and analyze all five senses.
Your boss just fired you.
Sight – You might notice the mustard stain on his tie from lunch, or the long hairs in his nose.
Sound – You might hear the ping of the elevator doors as they open outside his office, or the laughter of your co-workers outside the door.
Smell – Perhaps you break into a cold sweat and smell your own perspiration. Or is it that of your boss?
Taste – Bile rises in your throat and the acid burns the back of your tongue. Or your mouth goes dry and you taste the sands of the Sahara between your lips.
Feel – The ground wobbles beneath your feet. Your spine feels like rubber and your whole body shakes. You feel the prick of the torn pleather as you sit down in a cold chair across from his desk.
Put your character in the scene and imagine what he or she might see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Use as much detail as fits the scene.
Use concrete, specific terms in the details
Here’s an example I love from Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition, page 21. This book is my writing bible.
“Daissy and I in time found asylum in a small menagerie down by the railroad tracks. It belonged to a gentle ne’er do well, who did nothing all day long but drink bathtub gin in rickeys and play solitaire and smile to himself and talk to his animals. He had a little, stunted red vixen and a deodorized skunk, a parrot from Tahiti that spoke Parisian French…” from “The Zoo” a short story by Jean Stafford.
Notice the definite, specific details. There’s no mistake or misinterpretation because the details paint the picture. The parrot doesn’t just speak French, it speaks Parisian French. The skunk is deodorized. The alcoholic is gentle. This is a story that begs to be read.
Two key points to remember are:
Put your character in the scene and have her experience as many of the five senses as you can.
Use specific, descriptive words and verbs to send the message you intend.
Now you try it:
Let’s say you’re writing a scene which everyone can relate to.
Your character has just woken up, and is late for an important meeting. How would you write the scene?
Please share your masterpiece in the comments, because we can all learn from each other’s writing. Plus, they’ll be fun to read.
Here’s my try:
She bounds out of bed, slamming her fist on the offensive alarm clock, a frantic hippo charging into the closet, bellowing at her husband and children to stay out of her way. She flings clothes over her head, onto the door, the dresser, the floor, hair flying wild in a blizzard of blue and mauve rayon and black wool. She stubs her toe on the wooden door jamb and bellows again as a paroxysm of pain tortures her foot. She hobbles outside to her car cowering in the driveway. As she pulls her bejeweled keychain out of her Coach handbag, she remembers. The BMW is out of gas.
Amy Durham is a teacher, a writer, a mom, and a cook. I’m so happy she agreed to be part of the Writing Room Inspiration series. Thanks for being on the blog, Amy! From your description, you must be an expert juggler of all things.
Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of stories do you write?
I’m a wife, mom of 3 wild boys, a full-time teacher, and a wanna-be chef! I love books, of course, and I have a burning desire to travel the world and experience different cultures. If only time and finances would allow for that! I write light YA paranormals with a hefty dose of romance thrown in. I have long loved romance novels. I’ve also long loved the imagination and creativity of paranormal fiction. When I found my voice in YA fiction, I wanted to combine my love of both paranormal and romance into stories for young adults.
I don’t know how you keep up with everything! Do you have a schedule for writing?
I wish my life allowed for a schedule! With a full-time job and full-time kiddos, my life is hectic. My goal each week is to be intentional and MAKE time for my writing. Sometimes that time is on my lunch break. Other times, it’s after the kids are in bed. Whenever that time comes, I make it count!
Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?
No real rituals, though when the weather is pleasant, I LOVE to sit on my front porch, with my laptop, and enjoy the beautiful countryside while I write.
The outdoor writing spot looks fabulous! Who or what is your inspiration?
Life itself is my inspiration. Whether it’s joys or difficulties, the way human beings live life is fascinating, and a real inspiration for those of us who love to tell stories. My oldest son, Kelly, is also quite the inspiration. He’s old enough to realize that his mom has big dreams, and I never want to give up, because I hope my ambition and dreams will inspire him to do the same… Dream Big!
Could you tell us about your writer’s space?
Well, when it’s not the front porch, it’s usually my comfy living room chair. I’ve learned to tune out the TV and noisy kids and write in the midst of my loud, crazy family! When I need quiet, I’ll either pop in headphones or hide in my bedroom.
Headphones can be a blessing, can’t they? Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?
You mean besides deciding to write books?! I’ve not been a terribly crazy or rebellious person, but I did participate in a water balloon fight on the town square the week before my high school graduation. A cop broke up our “fun” and the friends I was with drove off from the square and up a big hill, in the dark, with no headlights, in order to avoid the reprimand we probably deserved!
Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?
First of all, I’d like to say THANK YOU so much for having me here at your blog today. I appreciate the hospitality, and the opportunity to reach new people! My first YA novel, a paranormal titled Once Again, is now available for download at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. It centers around Layla Bradford and Lucas Ellis, two high school students who discover they are the reincarnations of a couple from the 1800’s. Frightening visions lead them to believe that in their past lives they suffered a terrible tragedy at the hands of an evil madman, and it’s not long before they realize he’s targeting them again… in THIS life. They must uncover the truth in time to stop the same tragedy from unfolding once again.
Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?
I know it sounds trite, but NEVER GIVE UP! Write because you want to… because you love it. Let the writing give you that creative outlet that you need. Nurture it. Feed that creative side of yourself. And eventually it will all pay off!
Thank you, Amy!
The pleasure was all mine to have you on the blog! I can’t wait to read this story. I love mysterious romance books. Dear readers, if you want to know more about Amy and her books, you’ll find all her information at the end of this post. You can see her pictures of Sky Cove, the town setting for Once Again in Amy’s blog post here. You’ve gotta love those pics!
I’ve read many writers saying they just don’t have enough time for social media. I’ve read writers who say they hate it, but it’s a necessary evil. I’ve even heard people say it’s not worth it.
They still try to do their social media, but their feelings about it shine through. When you go to a party and you meet someone who obviously doesn’t want to be there and acts like it’s a chore, do you want to spend time with him or would you rather go talk to someone who’s having a good time? I thought so.
You’ve been invited to a party called social media! It’s not a party just for friends to get together, however. It’s a meet and greet networking party. But it can still be fun. Remember that first impressions are lasting. You want to make friends, grow a following, and get to know people as I mentioned in this post on building your network one person at a time.
What’s the point of Twitter?
Twitter is one terrific way to get to know people. In just a few words, you can find out things you have in common, tweet about anything, then bump into someone else and have some more fun meeting another person. I think of Twitter as a crowded cocktail party where people don’t sit down, they move around and talk with everyone. What happens to the guy pushing his business cards on everyone and only talking about his business? No one wants to spend much time with him. So don’t go on Twitter to only push your product. Open up to people and be entertaining.
I’m in a bookclub. Why should I join Goodreads?
I’ve just started on Goodreads, and oh my, what a fun place that is. Now you’ve gone from the cocktail party to a party with people who have common interests with you. All you bookish types know how wonderful it is to talk to other readers. I’m a teacher, and even with educated people around me all day, it’s hard to find people with whom to talk about books. Goodreads and other reading sites fill that need, plus you get to know even more people. You get to read their blog feeds, and their thoughts in longer than 140 characters.
Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and MySpace
Facebook, Google+, and similar social media sites are like a buffet dinner. You know the people, you invite more people, and you all share something with others. You might even get invited to a private party where you can sit down with closer friends and have a great time. They all are slightly different and fill different needs. See which ones work best for you.
Will anyone read my blog?
Blogging and commenting is a huge time commitment, but this is how you really get into the conversations on the web. I’ve made many friendships through blogs I visit. I comment, they comment, we run into each other somewhere else, and we pick up a new conversation. I see people visiting my blog that arrive here from a link in a comment I’ve made somewhere else. These are people I probably wouldn’t have met any other way. Blogging and commenting is a two way conversation, just like in personal contacts. It’s rewarding and entertaining.
What should I wear to the social media party?
Just remember that in all social media, you have to put your best face forward. You wouldn’t show up to a party without taking a shower, dressed in your old clothes you like to paint or garden in, would you? Probably not. (I hope not.) Likewise, online you need to present yourself in an attractive manner. Don’t have a headshot that looks like you just rolled out of bed with a hangover.
Don’t go online and grouse about having the runs, (TMI), cuss out the neighbor’s dog, or complain about clients or coworkers. No one wants to hear that. If all you write about is misery, you’ll be unfollowed and defriended faster than you can get another complaint out.
That doesn’t mean you can’t speak up, speak out, and even spark a bit of controversy about things that interest you. It makes you memorable. Just remember to do it tactfully, as you would in person.
Why bother with social media? I just want to write.
Networks created online are the lifeblood of writers. Word of mouth is what sells books, more than anything else. How else will you get the buzz going about your writing if you don’t put yourself out there and make friends? It takes time, but not too much time. A few minutes every day will do, if that’s all the time you have. Start with one social media site, and then gradually add others as you feel comfortable. Surround yourself with a core group that will encourage you and that you enjoy spending time with. Then it won’t feel like a chore. After making all these online friends, think how much fun it will be to meet up with them at a conference or some other face to face event? Go for it, and have fun!
We’ve all heard about storyboards. If you use novel writing software, it probably has a storyboard in it. But how many writers actually use them and how useful are they?
Some writers find them tedious, some find them confusing, and some just want to let the story flow without planning. I admire pantsers. It takes a tremendous amount of talent to make up a story as one goes along, adding twists and deep characterization in the process.
I’m the type of person who always needs to know where she’s going. In the car, I’m an annoying back seat driver, and on a train I’m constantly looking out to see where we are. During last summer’s trip to China, I constantly watched the animated map of our flight to see where in the Pacific our airplane was located at any particular time.
When it comes to my writing, I’m the same way. So a few years ago I began using colored index cards and a storyboard made out of a science fair presentation board. It helps me get the first draft written. After that, any changes can happen, but along the way to the first draft, I want to know where the story is headed. The storyboard I use is portable, I can easily move things around and change things, and it’s simple to add notes.
A different color card for each main character
I begin the first planning of the plot problems and subplots on cards, as I wrote in this article on plotting. Then I move on to scene notes. For the story I’m working on now, scenes with the heroine’s POV have yellow cards, the hero’s scenes have pink cards, and a subplot is covered with green cards. This can also be done on white cards. Just use a marker or highlighter to draw a line that indicates who or what the card belongs to.
I write out a very short summary of each scene in the planning stage. Once I have most of my story planned, I lay out the cards in order on my presentation board.
Using a three-act structure with the storyboard
I always plan with a three-act structure, so the first ¼ of the board is Act 1, the middle half of the board is Act 2, and the last ¼ of the board is Act 3. I don’t attach or tape the cards, I just lay them on the board. Now, at a glance, I can see where my turning points are and where I may have plot holes.
It's messy, but it gives you the general idea of my storyboard.
After examining the cards in light of my three-act structure, I fill in gaps, holes, deepen characterization, and play with the plot. For each card, I ask, “What if?” and try to come up with original reactions.
It’s easy to move things around, discard ideas that don’t work, and insert new plot points. Once I’ve settled on how the story should go, I tape the cards onto the board. If I think of questions or twists during writing, I just jot my notes on the cards.
Another option I’ve heard of is using a large whiteboard. Writers can draw the scenes on the board using different colors of dry erase markers. The notes are easy to erase and change.
Storyboarding the novel takes time
Some might feel that I’m wasting my time playing with cards. In actuality, I’m playing and replaying the different possible scenarios for my novel, and working out problems before I’ve written too many words. Once I’ve finished my storyboard, I’m ready to write. I stand the storyboard up next to my computer and get busy typing. At that point, things flow, and if I have time off work, such as in the summer or winter breaks, I can write a very rough draft of a first novel in two to three weeks. However, I’ve spent days or weeks ahead of time working it all out on the storyboard.
Once I have the first draft written, the cards come off the board, I file them away, and the storyboard goes back into the closet until I need it for the next novel.
This is a method that works for me. To me, it’s much easier than writing several thousand words and later having to toss them in the bin because of painting the character into an inescapable plot corner. Plus, I love being able to tote my storyboard from room to room with me, depending on where I want to write.
How do you plan a story? Do you have any tricks or tips to share? I’d love to read your comments.
When Ellie James visited the TeacherWriter blog, she totally inspired me. One thing she mentioned at the end of her interview was Notes from the Universe. I took her advice, looked it up on Google, and found a site that sends personalized notes to subscribers every day. These notes are words of encouragement to keep us in tune with the Universe and help us realize the fulfillment of our goals and the best things we can enjoy in our lives.
I’m all about inspiration. In a world filled with pain and bad news, I don’t want to read more of the same. I tend to seek out the happy news, the good things that happen to people. Likewise, in my writing, I want my characters to be happy, which doesn’t make for the most exciting plot. So after I create whatever devastating plot problems I can think of for my characters, I give them a happy ending, the traditional HEA.
Notes from the Universe makes it easy for us to focus on the positive. I’ve signed up so that in 2012 each day will begin with a positive thought, hopefully one that will give me the gusto to get to my goals.
How about you? Are you doing anything new in 2012?
Today on the Writing Room Inspiration blog, we have multi-published author Ellie James. Yay! Her latest book, Shattered Dreams, was released in early December 2011. She’s inspiring with her positive outlook, she’s a busy mom, and she’s done some outright crazy stunts in her life. All I can say is keep her away from cliffs and castles, and hide your duct tape from her!
TeacherWriter: Ellie, I’m hoping for this to be a fun and friendly way for readers and writers to get to know a little more about you. So let your hair down and have fun answering the questions!
Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?
One of the best pieces of writing advice I ever received was to write what you love—what intrigues you, fascinates, terrifies you, melts you, etc. That way you’ll always be excited about diving into your story world. For me, that’s a mix of mystery, suspense adventure, and strong relationships, whether they be romantic, friendships, or family-oriented. One of the best ways to describe myself is as a LOST girl. I absolutely loved everything about that show, even the fact that, often, I had no idea what was going on! The unexplained THRILLS me. And THAT vibe is exactly what I pursue with my own writing, whether it be Adult or Young Adult!!!
Do you have a schedule for writing?
Yes! And it’s far more structured than I’d like, I’m afraid! I’d love to wait for those divine lightning bolts to strike, however, with two young kids, my writing schedule revolves around school, carpool, and soccer games! Typically I’m hunkered down in my office by 9:45 in the morning, and I stay there until 1:45 in the afternoon. Instead of daily I have weekly page count goals, so if I don’t hit that goal M-F, I finish up on the weekends!
Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?
I’m all about rituals, from the orange/vanilla-scented candle to the music playing in the background (each book has its own playlist) and the cup of warm tea. I always warm up by reading what I wrote the day before to draw me back into the story, allow myself a little editing time, then dive into what comes next. Another piece of great advice from early on was to never stop writing at the end of a scene, because facing a brand new scene cold can often make it much tougher to get going.
Could you tell us about your writer’s space?
Most of the time I work from my office space in the upstairs of our house, with a big east facing window to my left and a door to the rest of the house to my right. Initially, I had my workspace situated so that my back was to the door, but I HATED that. I just never felt comfortable, kinda like I never feel comfortable in a restaurant if I’m not sitting with my back to a wall. I think maybe in a former life I was a warrior who met a grim fate through a sneak-attack from behind!
Anyway, I have to have my back to the wall—and I really, really prefer a neat and tidy workspace: for me, clutter in my office= clutter in my mind. However, with young kids, I’m constantly relocated stuffed animals and race cars!!!
Here’s what the floor of my office looked like as I approached the deadline for FRAGILE DARKNESS earlier this month!! Sometimes it really helps to sit down and spread everything out!
When planning my workspace, I consulted Feng Shui for paint color and ended up with a blue-green that is supposed to stimulate creativity. I also have an entire wall dedicated to inspirational sayings, such as Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars and Don’t believe everything you think!, as well as a display of my books.
And of course, there’s all the fun knick-knacks, such as the necklace on the cover of my YA novels and a replica of the Flat Iron building in NYC, where my publisher is located!!!
I love the your idea of the inspiration wall and keeping your knick-knacks out! The dragonfly necklace is gorgeous. Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?
LOL!! Ummm….I have this problem. It’s called a Moon in Gemini, and it renders me completely incapable of making choices. I. Just. Can’t. (And trust me, my editor is well aware of this!!!!) There are sooo many crazy, zany things I’ve done, from breaking into a Scottish castle after hours to jumping off a 35-foot cliff, duct-taping my hands and feet together and jumping into a swimming pool to see if there was anyway to stay afloat (there WAS!) to…breaking into an abandoned amusement park. TWO of those four things were done in the name of book research—but I’m not saying which two!!!! And probably the funniest thing is…I’m a wimp. A total, stop at a stop sign in the middle of the night, middle of nowhere West Texas, wimp. But somehow, I still end up jumping off cliffs. Literally.
You certainly have a go-for-the-gusto side to your personality! Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?
About three years ago, while I was sleep-deprived from caring for my preemie son (1 lb, 13oz at birth!!!!), I pulled myself from that hazy place between sleep and wakefulness, and would have sworn I’d just been watching a movie. Everything was so crisp and clear and vivid, the characters (a group of teens) and the setting (a haunted mansion in the historic Garden District of New Orleans), even the game the kids were playing (truth or dare). It was all just…THERE. I’d been writing adult romantic suspense for ten years (as Jenna Mills), so I was familiar with “seeing” scenes, but not only was that “movie in my mind” (MIMM) the most vivid I’d ever had, it was also the first time it featured teenagers!
Over the next week or so, I transferred that MIMM to paper, and the Midnight Dragonfly Series was born.
The ensuing weeks and months and years have been a journey I neither planned nor anticipated, but stepping into the world of my sixteen year old psychic heroine Trinity Monsour, and exploring her dreams and nightmares—dreams and nightmares that come true—has been the most thrilling, rewarding, and, yes, nerve-wracking experience of my writing career. I could not be happier, and can’t wait to see what comes next!!!!
That’s amazing how with everything else going on in your life, you had the inspiration for this series. Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?
LOL! I’m a writer—and a mom! I’m all about advice. But, essentially, the bottom line is to be you. That is more important than anything. You’re the only you there is, and only you can write your book. Sure, every story can be written an infinite number of ways, and given the exact same beginning, middle, and ending, every writer would come up with something different. That’s what makes the world-and fiction—so special. The individuality.
I’ll conclude with this. Every morning I receive, via email, a Note From the Universe (Google it and SIGN up!!!) This morning’s note was this: Do it your way, Ellie. That’s what you’re here for.
And that’s what I’d say to every other writer out there: Do it your way. That’s what you’re here for.
Thanks so much for all your good advice, and for sharing your pictures, Ellie. I’m really excited to read Shattered Dreams. If the heroine is anything like you, it’s sure to be a wild read! Readers, here’s the book trailer for Shattered Dreams. It’s a fabulous video!
Find out more about Ellie James and her books at her awesomesauce author website.
Writing fiction is an art form, no less admirable than painting, sculpting, carving, weaving, or any other artistic media. We paint word pictures, we sculpt new worlds, we carve out words, we weave story threads together into a beautiful creation, and we make words dance.
As writers, we owe it to ourselves to produce the most moving words possible. Whether we’re writing to persuade, to remember, to do homage to someone or something, or just to have a creative outlet, we are participating in an artistic endeavor. In order to write well, we need to stay creatively refreshed.
I sometimes get sidetracked, lost in the goals of word count, page count, or editing. But my end goal, no matter how fast or slow I get there, is to produce something that creates change in the reader.
The best writing, like any other art, creates an emotional response in a person. I would like my writing to be such that readers come away having discovered new insights and discoveries within themselves or the world around them. This can’t be forced.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith, was the first book to create a shift in my worldview. Many books have had an effect on me over the years, but I remember that one because I was very young when I read it, and it gave me a perspective on an entirely different lifestyle from my own. That’s what art can do for a person.
Going into 2012, some of my writing goals will be to respect my art and others’ art, nurture my inner creativity, and to be open to new possibilities. Last year I had a goal of being open to change and it gave me new opportunities I might not have accepted otherwise. I’ve decided to keep that goal for the coming year. My three words to remember for next year will be:
Respect
Nurture
Openness
These three things came to me after a thoughtful post by Charlotte Rains Dixon. Let’s keep what she started going. What three words will you choose for 2012?
“Burger, Burritos, and Pastrami,” reads the sign in front of a newly opened restaurant in my town.
It’s a bit confusing. What do burgers, burritos, and pastrami have in common? What can we expect when we walk into this restaurant? In an interview, the owner said he wants to offer a little bit of everything to make everyone happy.
Certainly these are lofty goals. But are they practical? Probably not.
Create a Focused Author Brand
It’s the same with author branding, which I’ve written about on this blog from time to time. It’s important to know who our customers are, and cater to their tastes. There’s truth to the old adage, “You can’t please everyone all of the time.” Likewise the other adage, “Jack of all trades, master of none.”
In other words, we need to decide who our audience is. Then we need to remember the first rule of writing: Write to the audience. If we write willy-nilly in many different genres, even though we might be tremendously talented, we might not be as successful as we’d be if we concentrated on one genre at a time.
Successful authors have a brand. They find a genre they’re good at, write in it, and write in it again and again to build customer loyalty. Think of Stephen King, Harlan Coben, and Norah Roberts. Do their genres come to mind upon hearing their names?
Once an author is successful in one genre, his name becomes synonymous with his brand. When an author chooses to write in another genre, he or she often uses a pen name. When Norah Roberts writes suspenseful mystery instead of romance, she uses the name J. D. Robb, a name synonymous with that genre.
How to Choose a Brand
In her book, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Christina Katz, aka WriterMama, gives solid advice on finding our own personal brands. She has a series of questions to answer to help zero in on what we want to be known for in our writing. It’s a discovery process that digs deep into who we are and what we are most passionate about.
In my early years of writing, I had no idea what brand I wanted. I was experimenting, trying out many different genres. My writing was burgers, burritos, and pastrami. Now at this point in my career, I’ve honed in on two things: academic writing and YA fiction. Since I have two areas I write in, I use two names. Suzanne Pitner is for the academic writing and educational articles, and Suzanne Lilly is for my fiction. TeacherWriter covers both facets of my writing personality.
It takes time to find a brand. It might even take years. It’s not something to rush, simply because it’s expected. As writers, we don’t have to make everyone happy all of the time. We only have to keep ourselves happy and our audiences happy so they’ll come back and buy another one of our books. Then the happiness circles back around as our sales trajectory points upward, not downward.
How about you? Have you decided on your brand? Would you like to share it in the comments?
In this evolving publishing landscape, writers are encouraged daily to:
Build a platform!
Market books!
Create a brand!
I’m using exclamation marks because the message has begun to sound like carnival workers hawking their wares. “Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! Be amazed! Come one, come all!”
But we’re not carnival workers, and our social networks aren’t one night stands. Lasting reader and writer relationships are based on the interests of our audiences.
This may seem daunting, especially when looking at other writers who have tremendous followings that rival those of a Hollywood star. It can be discouraging to look at a small following.
Image by Photostock at freedigitalphotos.net
The mistake in that kind of thinking is that we’re lumping everyone into a nebulous “following.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be thought of as a “following.” That sounds like something out of a science fiction novel. I want to be thought of as the person I am, the person who loves family, food, teaching, and writing. How about you? Are you more than a number?
The key word in social networks is social. The key to social lives is people. Let’s not forget our social networks are made up of people, individuals with feelings, hopes, dreams, and desires. These are people just like you and me. People all want similar things, and for most people, one of those things is to be noticed and acknowledged in a positive way.
I’ve come up with a few guidelines for building a social network based on what people desire. Yes, it’s touchy-feely, but that’s the kind of gal I am.
Remember that each follower is a person, not a number. When someone follows you or “likes” you, take a moment to thank them. Don’t use a generic thank you. See who they are, what they represent, read a few of their tweets or posts, and write a thoughtful note of appreciation or post a thoughtful note on their blog. This makes a big difference in people’s perception of you.
Be social and reach out to others. Visit other people’s blogs and pages. This can be managed through a reader. I use Google reader and it helps to keep the posts organized, but there are other readers to use. When a person opts into your social network, or comments on your blog, take the time to find out about them. Follow them if you like what you see. Check out other people who comment on blogs you read. This will extend your network.
Each person is valuable, even if they are small. Some people don’t follow a person back unless he or she has a huge following. But we don’t know what a person has to offer just by looking at numbers. Look at what that person is doing. Consider who he or she is, not just how many other people follow their blog or Twitter account.
Budget time to spend socializing regularly. It doesn’t have to be a large amount of time. Some people say they spend about 15-20 minutes per day. For those of us working full time, that may be all we can manage. Yet even small amounts of time, managed daily, will add up to big results. A novel isn’t written in a day. Social communities aren’t built in a day either.
Start small. Everything starts small. Steve Jobs started small. Walt Disney started small. They had a vision for what they wanted to do, and they did it, one piece at a time. Every little piece counts, like a brick in a wall. Every brick is valuable. Every person in your network is an important individual.
The golden rule in social networking is to give more than you receive. When you communicate, don’t talk at people, talk with them. Get to know them. No one likes to have ads blasted at them all the time. When we take a personal interest in people, chatting with them and engaging in conversations, it’s more likely we’ll have a meaningful network of friends and followers. A few loyal friends online is more valuable than thousands of nameless followers shouting ads at one another, don’t you think?
Did you like this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
