Unlocking the Joy of Writing: How to Make Your Author Journey Fun
Dear fellow wordsmiths and literary adventurers,
Let’s face it: writing can sometimes feel like a chore. The blank page stares back at you, and your muse seems to have taken an extended vacation to Bermuda without inviting you. But what if I told you that writing could be an absolute blast? After all, as the saying goes, “The more fun you have writing, the more fun your readers will tend to have reading.”
This fantastic piece of wisdom was imparted to me by one of my literary gurus, the one and only Ian Stanley. While I won’t sugarcoat it and claim that every moment of writing is sunshine and rainbows for me, I do believe that if it becomes an unending grind, something needs to change — for your sake and, importantly, for your readers’ sake.
The same principle applies to the daunting realm of marketing. Picture this: instead of dreading the idea of marketing your book, what if you found joy in the process? Let’s explore how you can infuse your marketing efforts with the same enthusiasm you have for your writing.
1. Host Your Dream Author Interviews
Imagine sitting down with your favorite authors, picking their brains, and having insightful conversations about the craft of writing. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn’t have to remain a fantasy. Consider starting a podcast or hosting a virtual summit where you can interview authors who inspire you. Not only will this be a thrilling experience for you, but it will also be a fantastic way to market yourself and connect with your audience.
2. Transform Your Adventures into Content
Do you ever daydream about the settings in your book or potential locations for future stories? Why not turn those daydreams into reality and document your adventures? Share your experiences, whether it’s visiting places featured in your books or exploring locales that could inspire future tales. Your fans will love following your adventures, and you’ll be creating captivating content that markets itself.
3. Turn Movies into Writing Lessons
Even your downtime can contribute to your business. The next time you watch a movie, don’t just veg out on the couch. Instead, put on your author hat and think, “How could I use a scene from this movie as a lesson for authors?” This way, your entertainment becomes a valuable resource for your writing journey. You’ll be surprised how many valuable insights you can glean from your favorite films.
This idea of injecting more fun into your writing and marketing journey is a work in progress. I owe my gratitude to Ian Stanley and another of my mentors, Troy Broussard, who sparked this thought. Now, I extend an invitation to you:
How can you make your author journey even more enjoyable?
Imagine, for a moment, that you had to find joy in writing and selling books. What might you do differently? How would you approach your craft and your audience? The possibilities are as boundless as your imagination.
So, fellow authors, embark on this adventure to discover the fun side of your literary pursuits. When you stumble upon brilliant ideas or uncover hidden gems of enjoyment, share them with the world. After all, what’s better than turning your passion into a fun-filled journey that both you and your readers can relish?
Happy writing and marketing, dear wordsmiths!
Yours humorously,
Eric G. Reid
Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Skinny Brown Dog Media
