When I first began this writing gig, it seemed a perfect fit for my personality. I’m a bit of an odd-one-out, an introvert. I don’t much like crowds, or noisy parties, or even busy shopping centres. I’d rather be out in the bush, or talking to the animals … or writing. Writing is a solitary profession, and most writers are to a greater or lesser extent, loners. It can be no other way and this suits me just fine.
Then I became published, and read the endless advice all over the internet about the key to writing success. Publisher publicity wasn’t enough apparently. No, I had to become an authorpreneur, a juggernaut of self-promotion. I needed thousands of Twitter followers and 5,000 Facebook friends. I needed to strategically comment on high-traffic websites that targeted my audience, organise mega-blog tours, approach book stores and libraries, juggle daily posts on every form of social media. That’s when the collywobbles set in. The idea of flagging down readers and pushing my work on them was about as appealing as a kick in the head.
But do you know what? I discovered that, as with all things in life, there is a balance. You don’t need to be loud and flashy, with a sales pitch set at full volume, to succeed as an author. But you also shouldn’t be reluctant to join in the conversation, to link with other writers and experience that gorgeous sense of literary community that’s out there. I’ve discovered that I like Twitter and Facebook. I enjoy talking occasionally about my work, and most of all, I love connecting with readers.
So I’d like to remind all of the shy, self-contained writers (including my niece!), not to be discouraged. There are plenty of quiet literary achievers out there. I’ve met them. Frenzied self-promotion is not the only path to success. First write an amazing book, one that says something important, one that showcases the vivid world living within your own imagination. Next, find the level of engagement that suits you, and be open to new people and experiences. It can be fun! Lastly, allow your genuine passions to shine through. Folk tales, science fiction, conservation, children’s literacy – it doesn’t matter, as long as the subject is close to your heart. Be authentic, and people will engage with you. It’s true!
P.S. Can’t wait to reveal the cover of Currawong Creek – coming soon …
A lovely post, Jennifer, and a timely reminder that writing brings its own joy without the giant authorpreneur juggernaut. Thank you.
You Helene, are a fine example of a successful author who doesn’t try too hard. Loved your Miss Innocence act at the conference by the way … hysterical!
Well said, Jen. Totally agree.
Thanks Jenn 🙂
This really resonates with me. I find the whole self promo aspect difficult to deal with, but there has to be a comfortable level at which we can engage with readers and still remain ‘private’. A thoughtful post, Jennifer.
Yes, we all have to find our own level where we can enjoy connecting with people. Just like talking to you! And It’s cumulative of course. A steady, regular reaching out …
Great post Jennifer. I’ll never enjoy Facebook, but I’ve reconciled myself to Twitter, and that will have to do. Fame and fortune [-rolls eyes-] may come more slowly but I intend to enjoy the process, not just the goal. I’m so glad you’ve found your niche in the marketing madness.
Are you on Twitter? Whats your name? I’ll follow you! I’ll also look for you on FB
You can find me as @acflory on Twitter. I /think/ I’m also ACFlory on Facebook but I can’t quite remember. What is your Twitter handle?
@pilyara … I’ll find you on FB and send you a friend request
Okay. 🙂 It’ll be nice to have some more literary friends to chat to!
Good post, Jennifer. I’ve grown to like Facebook, but Twitter is a mystery to me.
Thanks Claire. Have a go at Twitter. It’s actually quite fun and I’ve connected with a lot of lovely authors and readers that way.