Guest post: "Like a Virgin… Author," by Tanya Masse
My 10 year old daughter Lexie: “Mom? Why do you have to work SO HARD and SO
LONG just to write a book?”
Me: “Because
I don’t know what I’m doing!”
.jpg)
It’s true. I am
a virgin author and I really don’t know what I’m doing. Since the day I decided
to write and publish an entire book, I am reminded of this every. single. day. So
if you are at any stage of the writing, publishing or promoting process and you
are struggling because you really don’t know what you’re doing … it’s ok!
You’re not alone! Don’t give up and don’t let it discourage you. You will learn
and you can still be successful.
Writing is
something that has always come naturally to me. Although I did study business writing academically, people in
my circle of life would attest that writing is my true talent and my passion. While
I agree that academic skills are important, I think that talent and passion is
what ultimately makes a writer truly successful as a published author. You
really can’t fake that and readers will call you out on it if you try.
I write from my
mind, heart and soul. Because I have to. Because I want to share my knowledge
and contribute to the world in a positive way. I even prefer to communicate with
people in writing when I have something important to say or when my emotions
get in the way. <--- I know that makes me sound like I’m a poet. But I’m
definitely not even close! I am,
however, a digital cartoonist. And I stress “digital”. Please don’t ask me to
draw anything by hand because I suck. (heheh)
I will admit
that I’m not your average author. Being a digital cartoonist does add a unique
twist to my writing. I think that in this day and age when so many people are
writing and publishing books and literary works, it is SO important to make an
effort to stand out in some way.
I also think
that it’s equally important as a new author to build a name for yourself BEFORE
you embark on your real deal publishing journey. The World Wide Web makes this
possible and the best part is you no longer need to be a technology guru to
figure out how to publish a website or establish social media platforms. These
networking platforms are essential if you plan to promote your literary works
successfully. So if you have not yet embraced technology (tisk, tisk, tisk), I
highly suggest that you do so. And don’t you dare roll your eyes. I’m serious.
This is the key element to my writing and publishing journey that landed me a
book deal! I started with a Facebook
page and a blog. Twitter is also a very important platform to be on as an
author (I just figured this out recently).
Once you are on
the internet highway, need to entertain, educate, engage and network, network,
network with readers, bloggers, publishers and other authors! Networking and
making these connections is critical. You will realize this when you enter the
marketing and promotion phase of the book writing process. Even if you are with
a publisher, YOU still need to market and promote your own book!
My final advice
to any novice/virgin author is don’t let criticism or rejection prevent you
from getting that manuscript published! Listen, read and learn from the experts
and do whatever it takes to achieve success. If things don’t work out the way
you plan, try changing the plan before you change the goal! =)
Find out about Tanya's book on Amazon
-----------------------------------------------
“Internet famous” for her humorous
and inspirational self-syndicated webcomics about surviving the insanity of
life and parenthood, Tanya Masse, AKA: “Comic
Strip Mama” is a mama, a writer, a cartoonist and an entrepreneur who has faced
a tremendous amount of adversity throughout the challenges of her life and has
risen above it all!
Through her comics, award winning
blog, social media platforms and literary works, she entertains and encourages
others to:
Make the best of the busyness,
craziness, chaos, frustrations and challenges of life and parenthood!
Live on the AWESOME side!
STOP taking life SO SERIOUSLY!
Embrace the INSANITY!
Focus on the POSITIVE lessons!
Recognize the BLESSINGS!
Find the HUMOR whenever possible,
and
CELEBRATE LIFE!
Connect with Comic Strip Mama at:
"If things don’t work out the way you plan, try changing the plan before you change the goal! =)"
ReplyDeleteWhat a helpful point of view; applies to every goal in life.