Author: Elizabeth Spann Craig

I’ve had a couple of questions lately from writers who are just starting to dip their toes into social media promoting.

They asked me which social medium I recommended. I think they were hoping that there was one main application that would cover everything that they needed to do for promo.

But I don’t think there is one application or platform that is The One. I think it depends on what each writer feels comfortable with.

If we don’t enjoy something, we’re not going to be in any hurry to use it.

Here are some popular ways to network and build a platform online.

Blogging. Blogging is a great way to become part of the writing community. It’s a good way to find support and information, too. Plus, it’s a way to build a daily writing habit/warm-up into your writing routine. There is definitely some work that goes into it, though. You’ll need to be prepared to post on a regular basis and visit other blogs to build readership and forge online friendships.

Facebook. Many writers find Facebook very addictive (which can be a downside.) But it’s a good way to interact, on a more casual basis, with other writers…and there are plenty of readers on Facebook, too. Consider having 2 accounts—a personal and professional one. That way old high school friends can’t post pictures of you on your professional account’s wall.

Twitter. Twitter, for me, is all about sharing resources and information and links to interesting posts. Some people do use Twitter to hang out and interact—but to me, this isn’t its strong suit, since the conversations are so fragmented there, as opposed to seeing a whole conversation on a ‘wall,’ like Facebook. Some writers have mentioned to me that they found Twitter difficult to learn.

Google Plus. Google+ is a new application that’s a lot like Facebook. One reason I’d recommend that everyone spend at least a little time on Google+ is to claim your name there. Google will make sure that their listing for your name is near the top of any search engine results (an easy way for readers to find you and your books online.)

But please—don’t force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. There are so many different applications you could try, instead.

Got one type of promo you favor over others?

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month here in the States.

I remember my first library card…I felt like such a grown-up. And I knew it was opening up a whole world of reading to me.

I’ve spent much of my life in a library—reading and writing. It’s pained me recently to see libraries fall victim to budget cuts. In honor of libraries and what they’ve given me, I’m re-running my library post on how writers can gain from using their public library.

15 Reasons for Writers to Love Libraries

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to become a better writer. That’s a good thing because most writers don’t have a ton of money to throw around.

The library has all the resources a writer needs. It’s always been one of my favorite places on Earth. Here are the reasons why libraries are writers’ best friends:

Research

*Researching your book: Libraries have computers with internet capabilities. They have books and periodicals on a multitude of different subjects. They also have research librarians/information specialists who can help you with research and find reference materials to help you in your search.

*Researching your genre: You can easily check out a dozen recently-published books in your genre. It’s a quick way to see what publishers are looking for.

*Need help with grammar and writing style? The library will have reference books to help you. My favorite style book is Elements of Style by Strunk and White. It’s been around for ages.

*Books on the writing craft? Different libraries have different books, but there are some that will be in nearly every branch: like On Writing by Stephen King, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and On Writing Well by William Zinsser.

*Some libraries will have subscriptions to helpful periodicals like Writer’s Digest.

*For writers, reading is not only fun—it’s essential. Sometimes, though, we might struggle to find time to fit it into our day. The library can help with this. With a library card, you can check out books on tape and “read” in the car during a commute. Or download audio files to an mp3 player to read while doing housework.

A Place to Write

*Has your house gotten crazy? Kids/spouse driving you nuts? Is a coffeehouse too expensive? The public library is a great place to write.

Help With the Submission Process

*Looking for an agent? Look at the acknowledgements page in one of the recent releases in your genre. Agents are nearly always thanked.

*Another great way to find agent and editor names is by using Writer’s Market and Literary Market Place. Using these books at the library means saving lots of money—these books are expensive.

*Need help quickly summing up your book in a query letter? Look at back cover copy of novels in your genre.

*Don’t have email and you need to email some queries? You can set up a Gmail or Hotmail account that can be accessed from a computer at your local library.

Promotion

*Libraries are major book purchasers. Find out which libraries have your book. Go to WorldCat.org, which searches libraries for content worldwide. You just plug in your book’s name, hit the search button, and find the results. For a listing of public libraries, go to Public Libraries.com. You’ll get physical addresses, phone numbers, and websites (from which you can get the library’s email address).Send the acquisitions librarian an email or postcard with your cover photo, ISBN number, title of the book, publisher’s name, your name, release date, short summary, and any good review snippets.

*The librarians at my local branch are my friends, too. They’ve been incredibly supportive—my book is nearly always checked out of the library or on request because of their generous recommendations of my book to patrons. They’ve also put my book on a display with other regional authors.

*If you’re looking for a place to give a writing workshop or talk, your library usually has a meeting room that’s perfect for your event. Many of them will allow you to sell your book as well (it’s nice to give a donation to their Friends of the Library program if your signing is for-profit.)

*Libraries also provide locations for writing groups and book clubs to gather. For some writers, meeting with other writers and readers is a great way to network and find support and encouragement.

There are many expensive paths a writer can take toward professional development. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Writing shouldn’t have to cost more than the pen and paper you’re writing on.

Do you remember your first library card? How have you enjoyed your library over the years?

Please join me in welcoming my friend Deb Sharp to Mystery Writing is Murder today. I’m a fan of Deb’s Mace Bauer mysteries and can’t wait to see what Mama is up to next in her latest release, Mama Sees Stars.

When my first mystery came out four years ago, I was terrified. I
wasn’t as nervous about how the book would do as I was about how I
would do. My fear was one shared by legions of other authors. Nope,
not stingy, foodstamp-worthy royalties. Public speaking.

Before I share how I managed to tame that fear, I want to thank
Elizabeth for inviting me to Mystery Writing is Murder. I’ve learned a
lot from this terrific blog, and I’m grateful to be asked to
contribute. I know she’s spotlighted public speaking here before. My
take is a bit different, though. And the terror remains pervasive.
Many surveys show it as No. 1 on the list of human fears, followed by
death at No. 2. Jerry Seinfeld did a bit about the ranking: ”This
means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off
in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

In the weeks and months leading up to the 2008 release of MAMA DOES
TIME, I obsessed about having to talk about the book. Solitary,
introverted, I was well-suited to my former career as a newspaper
reporter. A crusty old editor told me early on to keep my eyes and
ears open and my mouth shut. Sounded like the perfect job description
to me.

”What if I forgot what I was going to say about the book?” I fretted
to my husband. ”What if I blather on and on and make no sense? What
if I open my mouth and nothing comes out?”

He poured me a glass of water and handed me a Xanax. Just kidding. It
was a glass of wine. ”Don’t worry,” he said. ”You’re over-thinking.
Just wing it.”

Wing it? That strategy may come naturally to my husband, a TV reporter
for NBC and a born ham. He’s the life of the party to my wallflower;
Mr. Loquacious to my Mrs. Laconic; the razzle to my dearth of dazzle.
But after 22 years together, he still doesn’t know that ”wing it”
are not words found in the vocabulary of his control-freak wife?

So, instead of winging it, I signed up for Toastmasters (
http://www.toastmasters.org/ ) I spent the three months leading up to
my release date learning how not to be afraid. The key to public
speaking is confidence, which can actually be learned through
practice. Who knew? The 87-year-old organization may not suit
everyone, but it definitely served my purpose. Many Toastmasters go on
to hold office within the group, polishing leadership skills and
pursuing networking opportunities. Not being much of a joiner or
networker, my intent was simply to practice through Toastmasters’
speaking exercises and competitions. I wanted to learn as much as I
could in a short period of time to vanquish my fear. For me, it
worked.

So much so that I invited a Toastmasters representative to come preach
the gospel to my fellow introverts at Mystery Writers of
America/Florida Chapter. The crowd we drew was among the largest for
any luncheon program this year. Here are five public speaking tips I
learned through Toastmasters, modified a bit for issues specific to
authors doing signings or appearances:

1. Arrive early and mingle, introducing yourself to strangers. Once
you start to speak, seeing those now-familiar faces in the audience
will help. They’ll be rooting for you.

2. Memorize an opening line and practice, practice it. It will get you
off to a good start and build your confidence.

3. Ask questions of the audience. It not only engages them, it makes
you feel less ”on display.” A safe one is ”How many other writers
are here today?” because lots of hands usually go up. You can then
introduce any other published authors in the crowd, because it’s a
nice thing to do … and it also takes the spotlight off you.

4. Unless you’re Meryl Streep or Al Pacino, resist the urge to read
long passages from your book. Even if you feel comfortable and your
delivery is lively — good eye contact, lots of pauses, audible
projection — still keep it short. A few passages, maybe three or
four pages. Any more, and you’re likely to hear snoring.

5. A few deep breaths before speaking will steady your voice. S-L-O-W
down. Rushing is a common beginner’s mistake. Drinking water is great,
but small sips are best. I learned the hard way that a giant swallow
may lead to a burp. Over the microphone.

Bonus Tip: No need to be fancy, but do dress presentably. Just because
we write in our pajamas, doesn’t mean we show up in our pajamas.

How about you? Any public speaking nightmares to share? Any successes?

Deborah Sharp writes the funny Mace Bauer Mysteries, set in a sweet-tea-and-barbecue slice of her native Florida. MAMA SEES STARS (September 2011, Midnight Ink) is the series’ fourth book, each featuring Mace’s wacky mama. Deborah has been interviewed on the Today Show, where she managed to string together some coherent sentences while not throwing up on Al Roker — major accomplishments for a formerly fearful public speaker. You can read an excerpt from Mama Sees Stars here:

http://mamaseesstars.com/

Below are the writing-related links I tweeted last week.

The Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine, designed by software engineer and writer Mike Fleming, makes all these links searchable—try it for searches on plotting, characterization, querying, book promo, and more. Sign up for the free monthly WKB newsletter for the web’s best links and interviews: http://bit.ly/gx7hg1 . .

I released an ebook recently. Progressive Dinner Deadly is a Myrtle Clover mystery and is available for $2.99 on Kindle and Nook. Hope you’ll mention it to any friends who enjoy mysteries.

There is a book published every 10 seconds. How to stand out in the crowd: http://bit.ly/orHgz4 @Mommy_Authors

Pacing Your Novel Correctly: http://bit.ly/qopUEm

How To Build A List Of Readers For Your Next Book Launch: http://bit.ly/mX0lSy @thecreativepenn

10 Principles of Writing for the Web: http://bit.ly/n14HBS

Writing to read aloud: http://bit.ly/prLljT

Telling Important Stories Through Apps, Not Books: http://bit.ly/okfMJN @janefriedman

Why we need more space adventures: http://on.io9.com/o2m5Ef

Think Outside the Book Cover for Promotional Ideas: http://bit.ly/o2Xb1N

Unexpected gold in self-help books: http://bit.ly/oh0296

Don’t lose your story’s uniqueness when you’re revising: http://bit.ly/nusAxX @BTMargins

On “littering book pages on @Amazon with 1-star reviews.” @Penenberg http://ow.ly/6kGtQ via @JaneFriedman RT @Porter_Anderson

Tips for writing bible studies: http://bit.ly/oxERpM

Tips for learning something new–without info overload: http://bit.ly/n2Z8Te

Need help with pacing? http://bit.ly/gbXFZH

Romance–the calm before the storm: http://bit.ly/rdBRQ4

10 Tools for Author Success: #4, Understand Your Market: http://bit.ly/r976wv @SaschaIllyvich

Revealing info about your protagonist through interactions w/ other characters: http://bit.ly/nFtImG @HP4Writers

52 Types of Blog Posts that Are Proven to Work: http://bit.ly/qC59zP

10 Tricks To Motivate Yourself To Write: http://bit.ly/r5Q2bb

Creativity Tweets of the Week: http://bit.ly/oLjrf7 @on_creativity

Tips for making time for your writing: http://bit.ly/nS5adm

5 Questions to Consider When Writing for Children: http://bit.ly/qihNri

Hiring a freelance editor: http://bit.ly/oFxTkb

101 of the Best Fiction Writing Tips, Part 4: http://bit.ly/paKK0m s @writeitsideways

The Procrastinator’s Guide to Starting Your Writing Career: http://bit.ly/oRJbJj

Writing lessons 1 writer took from a recent read: http://bit.ly/noBy3K @juliemusil

Self-Publishing–The “American Idol” of the Publishing World: http://bit.ly/pUlmNw

An agent reminds us that our books should be good from the beginning: http://bit.ly/oFTA1W

Joe Konrath tells writers to develop thick skins: http://bit.ly/o0uWVD

Sprinklers and Vacuums: Two Types of Social Media Users: http://bit.ly/pNZFKD

An agent says the querying process is like looking for a job: http://bit.ly/n3ZT52

It’s Still Not New (Literary Genre Fiction — Pah!): http://bit.ly/qJFPzb @shaunduke

5 Ways to Make Our Stories Different & Unique: http://bit.ly/q1bQPe @JodyHedlund

Beware of the Self-Publishing Predators: http://bit.ly/mRoM3s @mybookshepherd

The Ongoing Dilemma of Ebook Pricing: http://bit.ly/njy6JN

By the Time A Self-Published Author Hits it Big, Do They Really Need a Publisher? http://bit.ly/oavXSJ

When to keep your distance: why you don’t always want the reader in the thick of the action: http://bit.ly/qMcrgY @dirtywhitecandy

13 Ways Not to Start a Novel: http://bit.ly/pgHDSm @annerallen

5 Time-Saving Tools to Add to Your Twitter Tool Belt: http://bit.ly/pYfkTK

Tips for using multiple POV characters: http://bit.ly/oG90F0 @authorterryo

Successful character traits of writers: http://bit.ly/r6Q60A

Is the Digital Revolution Saving the Novella / Short Story? http://bit.ly/pg4XGk

5 ways to get more Amazon reviews: http://bit.ly/nrBjZK @KMWeiland

8 tips for treating your writing like a business: http://bit.ly/nrBjZK @BookMarketer

10 tips for a successful book signing: http://bit.ly/q476Q8 @JodyHedlund

How some authors paid the bills before they made it big (via @JaneFriedman): http://bit.ly/qMyDOU

How to Reinvent a Book with a New Book Cover: http://bit.ly/rrdqeO

Literary pets: http://bit.ly/pTjCk9

Need tips for handling backstory? http://bit.ly/ol1ycT

A Case Study of Science in Science Fiction: http://bit.ly/qkLsOD

1 writer’s reasons for writing have changed: http://bit.ly/pHnbIZ @agent139

25 Things To Know About Self-Publishing (Or, “How To Sell A Bazillionty Books In 17 Minutes”): http://bit.ly/pgreiR @ChuckWendig

The Art And Craft Of Writing And The Dilemma Of Self-Publishing: http://bit.ly/qAeK9Z @thecreativepenn

Building Your Web Presence for Authors: Finding the Best Keywords for Your Website: http://bit.ly/pTFpaD @curiosityquills

The Race to the Bottom: Are low ebook prices hurting writers? http://bit.ly/p2tasU @woodwardkaren

What have you got to lose by starting your 1st draft? http://bit.ly/oCbzRG

The Research Plan: Putting History into Your Historical Fiction: http://bit.ly/qaO3lZ @hartjohnson

Deadly Sin of Writing #6–Drifting in the Doldrums: http://bit.ly/mZ8sAJ

How 1 writer has naturally gravitated toward different genres: http://bit.ly/mOVwPc @JudyAlter

4 Creative Ways to Attract More Visitors to Your Website: http://bit.ly/qF8fpM

Why 1 writer is rethinking her social media habits: http://bit.ly/mOvOzV @inkyelbows

10 Ways to Create Vivid, Compelling Characters: http://bit.ly/pJusv3

New ways to sell short stories: http://bit.ly/oVG8FY

Go back to the basics to promote, advises 1 writer: http://bit.ly/o36LhU @junglereds

Promo–there’s hope for shrinking violets: http://bit.ly/qU1itb

What writers can learn from spam: http://bit.ly/ratyya @JamiGold

3 tips for co-authoring a novel: http://bit.ly/o74qRK @LTWFblog

Why Amazon’s tablet will challenge Apple in a way that Google can’t (Guardian) http://bit.ly/poRLTK

An Agent on Rethinking Pseudonyms: http://bit.ly/rqweiT

A helpful roundup of last week’s agent advice, via @HeatherMcCorkle : http://bit.ly/r4fA40

Read YA or don’t bother writing it: http://bit.ly/qDQMkF @RoniLoren

How to Capture Ideas Faster Using Evernote: http://bit.ly/nAA2p7 @JeffGoins

Tips for an effective author photo: http://bit.ly/q6Yfnt

Typomania – Higher Consciousness or Curse? http://bit.ly/omyS4Y @PassiveVoiceBlg

An agent reminds us that we don’t have to accept an offered contract: http://bit.ly/nLAtQs @greyhausagency

How to Add a Newsletter to Your Blog or Website: http://bit.ly/mTcQhz

For literary inspiration follow @AdviceToWriters. Jon Winokur dispenses writerly wisdom of the ages. http://bit.ly/kaOOvq

Difficulties Superheroes Would Face in the Real World: http://bit.ly/pnOIhZ

Tips for naming your book: http://bit.ly/qsncBa @woodwardkaren

Linear Writing vs. the Scattergun Approach – Which Are You? http://bit.ly/pbAT46 @PBRWriter

1 liberating factor of e-publishing: http://bit.ly/p98eEX @TheresaStevens

Dorte Jakobsen’s generous review of my $2.99 ebook. :) http://bit.ly/pmRjDl (on sale here: http://amzn.to/rp41hP )

How to begin querying: http://bit.ly/rt0DZ0 @QueryTracker

Search my tweets– http://dld.bz/KPgS

How to Choose Between “Into” or “Onto” and Their 2-Word Forms: http://bit.ly/ogex8M

10 lessons for writers: http://bit.ly/qwOCrm @elspethwrites

The Perils of Writing the Indefinable, Genre-Crossing Novel: http://bit.ly/oPSrTJ @BTMargins

How to speak publisher – D is for dummy: http://bit.ly/q36V7w @annerooney

Productivity: Not About Making Every Minute Count: http://bit.ly/ntr13J @camillelaguire

Managing Feedback that Hurts: http://bit.ly/oOecxP

Become a Better Writer by Practicing Gratitude: http://bit.ly/pgBNd2 @writeitsideways

Internal and External Inspirations: http://bit.ly/nrmZFL

Details bring life to a scene, but generalities connect with readers: http://bit.ly/qSeHkz @4kidlit

There’s room for all in #publishing, says an editorial director–it shouldn’t be us vs. you: http://bit.ly/n5XdPO

Juggling social media & : http://bit.ly/qGYEwb

5 Ways to Make Your Dialogue Flow: http://bit.ly/nW4emb

Tips for eating at conventions: http://bit.ly/oPeoLe

An Argument Against Agent-Publishers: http://bit.ly/nEAHPL @pubperspectives

A Solution for Pantsers with Plotter Envy: http://bit.ly/nSdPpj @RoniLoren

Dialogue – It’s Not Just Talking: http://bit.ly/rhg6M1 @greyhausagency

The problem of kids and science fiction: http://bit.ly/qXuGJv @bookviewcafe

Why 1 writer is glad he made a book trailer: http://bit.ly/p3IUPz @BlurbIsAVerb

10 Deadline Tricks to Boost Productivity: http://bit.ly/n9Wm8G @CherylRWrites

Assigning Depth of Field: http://bit.ly/n88BKh @RavenRequiem13

The character-building of Peter V. Brett: http://bit.ly/qDlUGK @FantasyFaction

Links to help you write better dialogue: http://bit.ly/ocD8y0 @EmilyCaseysMuse

Necessary Doesn’t Mean Productive (and Vice Versa): http://bit.ly/o3via9 @camillelaguire

Crime fiction murders that bring some characters together: http://bit.ly/pll6Pz @mkinberg

Contradictions in writing advice: http://bit.ly/q4BXzP @LauraPauling

Save My Writing: Focus for the Focus-Challenged: http://bit.ly/nWwetF @fuelyourwriting

Successful character traits of writers: http://bit.ly/nlMHQt

Start Now on Google Plus: http://bit.ly/qfXT90

How To Write Fight Scenes: http://bit.ly/peTHef @TheCreativePenn

When agents edit: http://bit.ly/nbqU9d @rachellegardner

A thoughtful roundup on @JaneFriedman ‘s blog by industry follower & journalist @Porter_Anderson: http://bit.ly/qeFAFn

On ebook prices: http://bit.ly/oDSXef @DeanWesleySmith

Asking For Amazon Reviews: How Far is Too Far? http://bit.ly/nYpxOn @JodyHedlund

Trends in publishing: http://bit.ly/p2oGzO @40kbooks

15 Frequently Confused Pairs of Nouns: http://bit.ly/q2O3vA

The 3 lives of a writer: http://bit.ly/p2hQIr

30 Ways to Use Your Library Card: http://bit.ly/qvBv3d

Metaphors as tools for worldbuilding and brevity: http://bit.ly/nvaATt @JulietteWade

Use surprises for high-impact storytelling: http://bit.ly/oRIFU4

The Scoop On Then & And Then Sentences: http://bit.ly/o7hOxI

Zen and the Business of Fiction Writing: http://bit.ly/qKg4KI

Perfectionism and Productivity: http://bit.ly/nl8Plo

WKB–now with over 10,000 links to help writers find resources: http://bit.ly/dYRayA

Non-Linear Writing – Focus On Your Story’s DNA: Non-Linear Writing – Focus On Your Story’s DNA @jhansenwrites

Make Time to Write: http://bit.ly/nR7Yta @Christi_Craig

Coauthoring A Novel: Part 2: http://bit.ly/o5HZxh

For writing-related quotes and inspiration: @Quotes4Writers

Errors and the Dreaded Stigma of Self-Publishing: http://bit.ly/r8vW6X

Making readers care about the products of our imagination is a profound & complex task: http://bit.ly/r14Lnq @CoryDoctorow

How do objects inform storytelling? http://bit.ly/nLJgPP @BTMargins

An agent with advice for agents: http://bit.ly/n4dfys @RachelleGardner

Joe Konrath goes digital and culls 300 paper books: http://bit.ly/qpWyqx

An agent reminds us that authors have the power to influence sales–we just need to get started: http://bit.ly/oQxFVm @jennybent

Writing is all about giving ourselves permission: http://bit.ly/nGIGVz @JamiGold

E-reader and Tablet Ownership Grows Among Women and Over 55s: http://bit.ly/oufGIP

The movie outline—for your novel: http://bit.ly/pptQBy @ajackwriting

Second Book Syndrome: http://bit.ly/pKeaTy

Initial thoughts on ebook challenges: http://bit.ly/n4Cuh0

Building a Following: The 4 Types of Bloggers: http://bit.ly/pJz8x7 @RoniLoren

Best Articles This Week for Writers 9/9/11: http://bit.ly/qSzBHQ @4kidlit

Why 1 publisher won’t settle for just a book’s physical rights: http://bit.ly/ntv70y

5 things the writing experts won’t tell you: http://bit.ly/rlxcj9 @jammer0501

What 1 screenwriter wishes she’d known & what she’s now doing differently: http://bit.ly/qYqVLf

5 Tips For Getting Back Into The Writing Groove: http://bit.ly/otHc9c @ProcrastWriter

8 things to consider when choosing character names: http://bit.ly/nteoRL @carrieryan

Why 1 agent doesn’t send rejection letters: http://bit.ly/onc0Vx

7 legal tasks authors should complete to prepare for their death: http://bit.ly/oZvVm2 @PassiveVoiceBlg

How an agent learns craft: http://bit.ly/pKBbWF

7 Tips to Increase Your Blog Comments: http://bit.ly/nTd6Kx

The dos and don’ts of the 99 cent price point: http://bit.ly/oWCb6s @ChuckWendig

Alternate History at the Personal Level: http://bit.ly/p2oGzO

The Power of Online Retail: Amazon Could Beat the California Taxman: http://rww.to/nhek3T @ReadWriteWeb

25 Things You Should Know About Queries, Synopses, Treatments: http://bit.ly/pzLLDW @ChuckWendig

Fantasy and science-fiction in anime and manga: http://bit.ly/qTdkRG

7 steps to thinking big: http://bit.ly/p8Jcs7 @michaelhyatt

Critique group anxiety: Why’s everybody always picking on me? http://bit.ly/nzE6eZ @flawritersconf

A 12-Step Process for Submitting Copy for a Professional Edit or Critique: http://bit.ly/n7IXu8

Write what you think will sell to the *readers*, not to the publishers: http://bit.ly/oUBBGC @sarahahoyt

Don’t be afraid to write a bad book: http://bit.ly/mVKcdI

How to format block quotations: http://bit.ly/n7S5Dr

How to research your book (besides using Google): http://bit.ly/qN68P3

3 schools of thought on ebook pricing: http://bit.ly/q74xbe via @PassiveVoiceBlg

You Still Have A Long Way To Go – Revisions: http://bit.ly/qcN5u8 @greyhausagency

1 writer’s plotting process: http://bit.ly/pVCsIq

3 Ways to Determine if Your Writing is Crap: http://bit.ly/p8DeOx @JodyHedlund

How to survive the edit letter: http://bit.ly/n0qTxK @ShariLArnold

I hope y’all will bear with me as I explore yet another productivity-related post this week (yes, I really am obsessed.) It’s on my mind a lot right now. :)

A couple of times this week I was reminded about the importance of writing-related tasks. Not writing…but either preparing to write (research, sketching out a mini-outline, scheduling time on the calendar to write), doing promo, learning how to do something that results in finding readers (a social media application, self-publishing information, etc.)

Once was during a conversation with another mom about the number of hours our sons were spending practicing their instruments for marching band. This week is a record 15 hours (of actual playing.)

The other mom asked me if I spend that much time writing in a week (she was thinking, in general, of the arts and practicing skills).

I told her that ordinarily I don’t write 15 hours in a week (although I’ve been under deadline crunches where I’ve written 6 hours a day. But fortunately, those don’t happen often.)

That wasn’t really completely true, though. I’m not usually putting text on a page for 15 hours a week usually, but I’m spending far more time than that on writing-related tasks—sketching out ideas, making lists of where I’d like to take a story, promoting books that are out, writing blog posts and guest posts, scheduling tweets while building my author platform, learning the ropes of e-publishing, etc.

Those are all important things. Although they’re not writing.

I’m definitely streamlining my writing-related tasks, as I mentioned in my post on Wednesday. I’ve got to keep my online time under control so that I can write as much as possible.

But, even streamlined, these writing-related tasks are still important and necessary.

Writer Camille LaGuire had an interesting post on necessary vs. productive on her blog, The Daring Novelist, this week. She defined necessary as:

…tasks which are necessary but not productive: Creating to do lists, dealing with email, research, studying, learning, practice, eating, sleeping, reading, sharpening pencils, shopping, filling out paperwork…. these are all necessary things. Some of them very necessary, and even immediately relevant to the task at hand. But they are not the task itself.

Camille goes on to say:

What’s necessary is necessary. Leave enough room for it. And leave slack in both the necessary and the productive parts of your schedule so that you have elbow room to work.

Although I know that no writing-related tasks are necessary if there’s not , at some point, some writing done, it still made me feel better to think that there is value in what I’m doing in the promo, the research into platforms and social media, etc. It supplements the writing. And, although I’m streamlining it all as much as I possibly can, it’s okay for me to realize its value and make time for it…and schedule some buffer time between it and other tasks.

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I don’t think we can shut off social media or industry research, etc., cold turkey…not for very long, anyway. Because they’re necessary to our writing, too.

What necessary tasks are a part of your writing day? Are you giving yourself enough time to do them? Do you feel guilty when you do them…even though they’re necessary?