Monday, September 26, 2016

Rah! Rah! Zisboombah!



Today I’m taking on the role of cheerleader. We go through a lot when we write a book, and too often there’s someone on the sidelines going, “Tsk tsk. He/she is making an awful big deal out of nothing.” How many times has someone referred to your writing as your “hobby?” Couldn’t you just throw something? Don’t do it. Prove them wrong.

What you need is someone saying, “Go for it! You can do it!” That would be me.

Is your back hurting from sitting at a computer for so long? Do you have a headache? Have you been unable to take a deep breath and let it out while you wait to see what happens to your book?

Forget it! You’ve done the best you can and it’s time to bask in your accomplishment. If no one, other than family and friends, reads your book, at least you accomplished something that so many don’t. This is huge! You’ve honest-to-goodness written a book, and you’re an author. A real author!

When I finish a book, or even while I’m writing it, I often have thoughts about whether people will want to read it and whether they’ll enjoy it if they do read it. I know I’m not alone in this because authors talk amongst themselves. Surprise! Surprise! Yes, we do talk to each other.

So I’m here to say, quit worrying. Get out and promote your book any way you can. Don’t wait to see what happens. Stay busy.

I take a break between books. I clean house, run long overdue errands, and try to socialize a little. I have to admit that I’ll mention my books to anyone who’ll listen – the checker at the grocery store, the saleslady at the mall, the mailman, and even my doctor and his assistant.

Yesterday a woman sat next to me at a meeting (not book related). By the time we left she was on her way to buy one of my books. It was a casual conversation. I asked her if she enjoyed reading and that started the ball rolling.

Don’t be pushy. Keep it casual. If someone isn’t interested, don’t belabor the point. Move on to the next casual encounter.

I’ve read a number of good books lately and I’m sorry to say I haven’t put up reviews yet. I need to let readers know I’ve read a good book, and the author needs to know he or she was appreciated, too.

I can even be a cheerleader for readers. There are scads of new authors out there just waiting to be discovered. Give a few a try. If you find you’re not enjoying a book, set it aside and move on to another new author. You’ll probably find a few that make you want to read more of their work.

You’ve just written your first book? Or your third? Either one is a major accomplishment.

I don’t know about you, but the word promotion has almost become a dirty word to me. It can give a writer the shivers, although I know others who revel in it. Not all of us have a big budget to work with, so we have to do the best we can on little money. Word-of-mouth, talking to the delivery or repair guy, sucking it up and asking for a little help from our friends – these are ways to get the word out there and they don’t cost a cent.

Offer to help others, but don’t overextend yourself. You can only do so much before it takes its toll. Inviting someone to be a guest on your blog can’t hurt.

I honestly believe that we get back what we give out. In other words, what goes around, comes around. How many more ways can I say that?

So while I’m cheering for you, why don’t you cheer for someone else? Keep it going.
Rah! Rah! Zisboombah! Okay, I’m not dating myself. That’s from before my time. However, feel free to picture me waving pompoms in the air.

“Go for it! You can do it!”

Until next time, I wish both writers and readers the best. Go for it! Write a book. Read a book. And share through word-of-mouth.

CLICK HERE to visit Marja McGraw’s website
CLICK HERE for a quick trip to Amazon.com

Coming soon – watch for it: Having a Great Crime – Wish You Were Here – A Sandi Webster Mystery.
Preview of the new book cover

17 comments:

  1. Thanks for the pep talk, well-timed. :)

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    1. You're welcome! If it helps, I'm happy and hopefully, so are you. Thank you so much for commenting.

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  2. Marja,
    One of my favorite things about being a writer is the friendships I've made along the way. So many of us support one another, offering encouragement and suggestions and, as you wrote, we all need that.

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    1. It helps to have friendships with people who understand what we're go through. You're one of those. Thank you so much for commenting!

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  3. I like your buoyant spirit, Marja. Thanks for your friendship and the cheering.

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    1. You're welcome, Jack! Sometimes we have to think Up instead of Down, and it seems that those moments are coming more and more often. Thank you so much for commenting!

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  4. Great post, as usual, Marja! I needed it today especially, with a deadline looming at the end of the week and a book that needs LOTS (read: really, really a lot) of revisions. Anytime you want to be on my blog, you know you're welcome and I'll cheer you on, too!

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  5. Thank you, Amy, and I'll take you up on your offer. Soon. :)I'm also in the middle of revisions, and I guess I needed to spur myself on a bit, too. You'll do it. All of a sudden it'll all come together. Thank you so much for commenting!

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  6. Great advice, Marja. I'm happy to have you as one of my writer friends, and am always willing to pass on advice to fledglings, if they ask.

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    1. P.S. I look forward to hosting you and the new book at my Mysterious Writers blog.

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    2. I count you as a friend, too, and thank you for the offer. I'll take you up on it. I also know you're very generous with advice, and it's much appreciated. Thank you so much for commenting!

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  7. Thanks Marja. This is just the boost I need to finish my manuscript. Love the title of your new Sandi Webster mystery. Can't wait to read it.

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    1. Thank you, Evelyn! I count you among my friends. I'm always glad to be able to give someone a boost. I can't wait for your book, too. Thank you so much for commenting!

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  8. Another thank you, Marja! Just what I needed to hear today. Great post, as usual.

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    1. Glad I could help, Madeline! Rah! Rah! We need a new book from you. : ) Thank you so much for commenting!

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  9. Will try to do more for promotion of books I like. Always going full steam for you will now try to broaden horizon. Thanks for push.

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    1. Thank you, Jake! You're a one in a million. I'll try to broaden my horizons, too. Thank you so much for commenting!

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