Brief, compelling and oh so quickly digestible writing tips for people with short attention spans...
I previously mentioned my writing mentors have been putting me through my paces writing shorts. If you can do approximately 10,000 to 30,000 words you too may want to try writing a Kindle Single.
When I told you to go forth and monetize your blog it did not mean sending me whiney e-mails about not knowing what to write. That's just some of you making procrastination excuses... That's also some of you being scared that no one will buy it... Go do a Localism post damn it and write about what you know Mr and Mrs Real Estate Neighborhood Expert. Write about what ever really interests you... I do that every single time I open my silly little virtual blogger's mouth in this forum (and get decent numbers for fooling around in cyberspace whether serious, silly or facetious - LOL).
Just make sure you research and write something original people. Original content is King. The people using search engines don't give a crap about what our names are, they Google what they are interested in. That's how they discover us daily.
Did the light-bulb go off yet? Did I tempt you to try? Don't know what a Kindle Single is? Hmmm... Kindle Singles are brief, compelling and oh so quickly digestible articles for people with short attention spans or peeps who want to cut to the chase on a particular topic; sort of like calling a spade a spade without stubbing your toe on one. Here are lots of Kindle Single examples to make you go HMMMMMM...
Amazon refers to them as "Compelling Ideas Expressed at Their Natural Length." How can that description not inspire you to try writing something useful to share? It is not impossible. You can really do this:
Remember my previous little publishing/writing adventures? On May 20th I told you guys how to purchase your ISBN numbers... I also chatted with you guys about your graphics and copyrights on that same date. Prior to that on May 18th I explained how to get started with Kindle Direct Publishing.
I have been creating book covers and writing drafts of all sorts of stuff ever since. I just haven't released them yet. My mentors are stretching and correcting me while teaching me about agents, marketing and angel investors. My poor patient editor is sitting in AZ waiting for something viable to polish so I actually sound better than what I have managed to create so far. The re-writes are kinda brutal but mad fun because I get to banter on a weekly basis with amazing minds that are intellectually drop dead gorgeous.
Cheeky geeks are the best literary pals to cultivate so if you don't have any smart, talented friends you need to go out of your current social media sphere of influence and get some (LOL). I did that here and was more than slightly annoying when I eventually got my mentors (LOL). Good advice really is is hard to find. ;-)
I know my daily fooling around in the Kim-Stream has got some of you a wee bit confused because you have an expectation of completely random musings from my usual blogging habits and I'm starting to get a bit consistent with my visits over there. Kim Harrison is play time for me. I am enjoying a lot of Facebook chats with her readers and sharing stuff with one of my fave authors. I am also learning a lot while watching the YouTubes of her interviews and book signings, thus my Kimi moments are kinda educational too...
FYI: In case you didn't notice because you probably never bothered to check out her blogs and pages - Kimi chats back with us and publicly says thank you almost every day to the people who love her books and bother to have a conversation on her wall. That takes mad discipline and dedication because there are a lot of us chatting on Kim Harrison's Facebook page (37,000 plus people = virtual mob scene - LOL).
There is a very good reason why she's the third ranking top selling e-book female author on the Forbes list with Dead Witch Walking. Harrison is very talented and her fans are loyal. She inspires our loyalty and affection by the care she takes with the little things like sharing her day and answering our questions. We can't wait for the next bit of creativity and her clever use of social media builds our anticipation because we actually get to participate in the fun contests and give-aways.
You should have fun when you write and you should also learn from the people who have went before you. She is a great example of a successful author who works very hard at her craft but still manages to take time out of her busy schedule to chill on-line and say HEY! to her readers. We respect and appreciate that.
When you are a fan and a writer you get to see both sides of the fence and realize you should never rush your work but give people something to ponder, debate and/or enjoy. You also should try to answer people who take the time to speak with you if you can because it creates more word of mouth buzz. Sharing a common interest that you enjoy makes it easy to talk with others that are new, curious or knowledgeable about you and/or your subject. If you are going to write something then make whatever it is worth the while of the people seated on both sides of the fence.
Start by initiating a conversation... Even your subconscious has a communication strategy when you write.
Is your blog uncomplicated but full of cutting-edge communication strategies to achieve peak synergies with your readers like Kimi's? It's the access to the actual author that drives her fans there multiple times a day. She is the main attraction. She is the gateway to the truths surrounding her writing. We are not tripping over secretaries or being asked by Harper Collins who we are or whether we have an appointment. We have the real Dawn Cook whose nom de plume is Kim Harrison, not a talking soundbite.
THAT. IS. PRICELESS. It keeps us respectful, in awe and very happy campers.
If you want to write you need to start where you are. Right here. Right now. In the platforms that you use and the medium of your choice... Be like Dawn Cook/Kim Harrison and simply decide that today is the first day of your attempt to be a writer... ;-)
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