Book Blogger Hop

What is your favorite social media and why? (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver’s Reviews)

I am on Twitter, Facebook and I blog. I have given Instagram a go but I find it a tad clunky with Windows and do not have a iPad. I must admit I’m a bit behind about new social media sites and maybe I’ll learn something from the participants of this Book Blogger Hop.

Why I like Blogging?

I love the way it challenges me to write regularly; learning all the time to be selective of my words, to edit on the hop and to choose themes which I think might resonate. I enjoy posts where I get a response but for me this may be an email, a tweet or even a comment on Facebook. It does not have to be in the comments box because I find it often puts people off who do not have a WordPress site themselves. I sometimes get emails months or years later, if I have used my tags and categories correctly. Now, that’s a real pleasure. I also make links and ‘friends’ with the WordPress community who are mutually supportive.

www.dianamj.wordpress.com

Why I like Twitter?

Twitter is more intransigent; here one minute and gone the next. I love the banter and the real conversations. The photos and wildlife are fab and make me smile; as do the jokes, sometimes! There are real connections to be made; groups of extremely supportive authors who give you encouragement and support in your journey. The spam does annoy me sometimes; the white noise of constant book ads, but then how else do we writers get out books seen by new readers. I try to keep mine to a minimum. When other authors support you, there is nothing like the reassurance that your book has been recommended and endorsed by others and I do try to read books that I RT if I can.

Author Diana Jackson @Riduna on Twitter

Why I like Facebook?

I like keeping in touch with friends, colleagues and family on Facebook most of all. They can be my readers too, but not always. As an author I like the way you can announce an event, both real and on line and that you can invite people to join you. I feel less comfortable when writing posts solely to promote my books on my own page, of which I have three; a private and personal page (where I extremely rarely mention my writing);

a page Diana Jackson Author

https://en-gb.facebook.com/DianaJacksonauthor

and an author page which is more geared to businesses I feel. I’m not sure if I really need both. What do you think?

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDianaJackson/

Which social media platform do I like the best as an author?

Going back to the original question, all in all I probably enjoy blogging most, although I go on Twitter most frequently. It is the best platform to relax and enjoy. I am on Linkedin too, but am not very good at using it all that often.

Thanks to Elizabeth @ Silver’s Reviews for the question.

If you’d like to know more about Book Blogger Hop you can follow this link.

Which platform do you prefer?

What do successful indie authors say about achieving success?

During the month of August I interviewed five successful Indie authors on this blog. You can click on them down the sidebar.

Here is a summary of of their advice to writer’s and similarities about their approach:

BE DILIGENT

~ Treat Writing Like work

It was clear from all of the authors interviewed that they took all aspects of writing novels, marketing and the publishing world seriously. Although many of us may not aspire to the dizzy heights of employing staff like Adam Croft ~ most of us commission people to do the cover art, formatting and editing. We aim for a professional product our readers expect of us.

I’ll let you into a little secret here. I met Adam when he was promoting his first ever crime novel, giving it away free on Amazon through Smashwords ~ and so there’s nothing wrong with aspirations of grandeur! (and possibilities)

Writing seriously IS HARD WORK!

BE CONSISTENT

~ Build your audience by expectation

Although many authors dabble in different genre and some are successful doing that, it is the consistency of publishing in a certain genre, an awareness of your audience and regular releases of books in a series that appears to build success. It may take time, but patience is then rewarded.

(If you click on the links below they will take you to the author pages on Amazon)

I know if I buy an Anne Allen book that it will be some kind of mystery, reflect a period in history and be set on the island of Guernsey, usually in at least two time periods.

Tony Riches writes historical fiction, researching characters in history who are less well known and it is obvious from his books that he has explored the places and well as also the lives of the people.

Margaret Skea is also a  competent historical fiction writer, often with some mystery adding a different dimension.

Adam Croft writes crime. His plots are quirky and increasingly complex, but all of his books are ‘a good read.’

Maggie Anderson writes Regency Romance which has a great following and are easy to identify.

Skimming over their author pages gives a clear picture of what to expect if buying their books.

BE CREATIVE AND AHEAD OF THE GAME

Adam Croft was into Audio Books well before they ‘took off.’ Margaret Skea has taken the opportunity during lock down of launching her books on audio too. With audio increasingly popular and profitable, why are more of us not taking up this opportunity? (note to self!) At first Audio books were mainly in the realms of libraries but not anymore.

Many of us are glad we ignored the doomsayers about e books and have always diversified into both paperback and e book. This is vital in today’s odd world.

BY GIVING YOU RECEIVE ~ IN MARKETING

I am a great believer in this message. No author is an island unto themselves. (a Diana mis-quote!)

Avenues for marketing are limited these days for those of us who were used to speaking to an audience, having stalls at craft fairs and book signing. There’s a plethora of different ways though, to promote your books on line. Margaret Skea, author of Historical Fiction, gives the good advice that it is essential to ‘give as much or more than you take’ when marketing on Social Media.

Help other authors out and they are more willing to support you.

I certainly feel the same. Author Tony Riches is always promoting other people’s work and because I love his books I trust his choice of books he promotes. It’s a win win situation. He has also given me tips along the way and pointed me in the direction of marketing opportunities, such as The Coffee Book Club Tour.

Maggi Anderson mentions the importance of a newsletter ~ so important and often overlooked.

… and finally just get writing!

If you would like to do a guest blog between now and Christmas on this blog then please read:

Throw a Dice for Memories of a Character in your novel

Then leave your contact details as a comment on my blog or email diana@dianamaryjackson.co.uk

Internet Free Fortnight ~ That’s two weeks for those over the pond!

Kinghorn Fife

I’ve just enjoyed an internet free break staying with friends in Kinghorn, Fife, where we lived for a year. At first it was difficult. On our first trip to the nearest wee toon, Kirkcaldy, (pronouced Kirkawdy) I hinted popping into M & S or Costa for a coffee so that I could just have a peep – only to check my emails – you understand. My hubby peered at me knowingly. He didn’t have to say ‘you promised.’ It was written all over his face. I did sneak into WH Smith’s though, to pick up a copy of Writers’ Forum, but strangely enough I did not open it until I got home.

The magic of Kinghorn and Pettycur worked its wonders. The weather helped since the sun shone at some point almost every day and on many mornings the sun greeted us over the estuary as we awoke.

On the first day I was left to my own devices. Hubby went to have a golf lesson with a friend over in Inverkeithing. For me it was just like being back on retreat. I stopped to have a cuppa and chat at the Wee Shoppe, then ambled up the Braes and down to Pettycur, breathing in the oh so unforgettable view from the tiny harbour. Then I walked up the cliff steps, just to prove I could and was proud that I only paused to catch my breath once. At the top it was well worth it. The view over towards The Forth Rail Bridge was stunning.

A stranger sat next to me and we had a wee blether, as you do. It was so refreshing to share our stories as to why we loved that spot.

I must admit having a wee wobble in the afternoon when I glanced at the opening times of the library. I could have just popped on to Facebook and Twitter. No-one would have known – but it was Monday and the library was closed that afternoon. Saved!

I was so upset to hear that Kinghorn Library faces closure. While living up there I often popped in and still am a member. It is central to community life, attached to the thriving community centre. It has good access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, lots of safe parking and is a vital resource for young and the elderly and the access to computers is also vital for those seeking work so that they do not have to pay bus fares into Kirkcaldy.

Why, why, why? What a waste and a sad day for British history. I feel as if we are denying future generations their birthright – easy access to good literature – particularly distressing for the folks of Kinghorn. I wish them every luck in their campaign against the closure.

Well Kinghorn and Pettycur, I thank you for your warm welcome, your humour and good cheer. We felt truly blessed!

……..

Do you ever have internet free days, weeks …?

How do you get on?

Now what have I got to do next. I’ve written a blog post, popped on to Twitter and read a few posts on Facebook. Now to catch up on Goodreads, Linkedin and my various email address … bfn