I’m teaching a workshop on Blogging and Social Media for Writers at Red Oak Writing this Saturday. The powerpoint slides are ready, I have notes in hand, and the computer is all juiced up.
Even though I’ve gone through my stack of articles gathered over the last several months, I’m still coming across new ones of note. This is a hot topic: balancing writing with author platform, figuring out if we should or when we could or how to begin.
There are still seats available for the workshop. Email me through my contact page if you’d like to join us to talk pros and cons of blogging, strategies and etiquette of social media, and which digital outlets might serve writers best.
If you can’t make it Saturday, because you live states away or you’ve recently moved to the Caribbean (I’m thinking of you, Julie, basking in that tropical sun), here are three links to articles that hit on some of what we’ll discuss.
1. How to Write a Great Author Blog AND Avoid Huge Ships
Blogging is THE most resilient form of social media and one of the best tools to build an author platform. Why? Readers read blogs. Perfect snare for readers.
Kristen Lamb talks right brain, left brain, and how you can use your muse for blogging as you do for your fiction.
2. Finding a Balance Between Writing and Marketing
The one thing no one ever told me before my first book got published was how much time I’d spend on non-writing related work. Even if you’re a traditionally published author, you have to engage your audience, which often means using social media.
Joshua Graham says even bestselling authors have to engage in social media while writing their next book, and he gives six tips for balancing between “your creative and business life.”
3. 50 Simple Ways to Build Your Platform in 5 Minutes a Day
Writing rules. Self-promotion drools. Isn’t this how most writers think?
Christina Katz reminds writers that we can’t just stick to pen and paper in the 21st century and assume our art–alone–will lead to success. We’ve got to take ourselves online, and she gives us 50 quick tips for taking it one step at a time.
See you Saturday or see you online!
Thank you so much for thinking of me! (I’m glad someone does). I highly recommend the moving to the Caribbean and any sun basking you can do. It won’t necessarily do a thing for your blogging and social media presence but for your general state of mind it is wonderful. I must admit I am, however, still trying to determine the reason for my blog, is it platform, is it information, or is it just filling my own personal need to communicate?
Miss you and still hope you’ll come to visit and enjoy basking in the sun while you write.
I’m sure you’re a great teacher! Sounds like a really good class.
So looking forward to this, Christi!
Hope the class went well, Christi!