Karen Brown Tyson

Author: Karen

3 Helpful Strategies on How to Deal with Writer’s Block
Your deadline is approaching, but you are out of ideas. You are staring at a blank page, and you can’t seem to write another word. You’re trying to start or finish a chapter in your book, but the words are not flowing. More than likely, it’s writer’s block.

Defined as a brain state or a psychological inhibition that stops your creative flow and hinders your writing process, the subject of writer’s block has been widely discussed forever. While there are no direct studies on writer’s block, it can be associated with the brain sections that help in language development, brainstorming, and critical thinking.

According to an article in Seattle Central College, writer’s block is actually ‘creative block’—a biological inhibition that stops the brain from making connections and writing creatively.

But here’s the thing, writer’s block is nothing new. Nor is it impossible to overcome. There are millions of creative works in the world to prove writer’s block can be defeated. As a writer who has faced writer’s block more than a few times, I want to share the 3 easy strategies I use to deal with writer’s block. Feel free to share what works for you in the comment section.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Understanding Writer’s Block

In his book titled, The Daily Writer: 366 Meditations to Cultivate a Productive and Meaningful Writer’s Life, Fred White outlines five different types of writer’s block, which include:
1. Procedural: This type of block causes the writer to say, “What do I do now? Where do I go from here?” For fiction writing, this may mean not knowing how a character should move forward. Nonfiction writers (see also ‘What Is Narrative Nonfiction?‘) working on a memoir may get stuck trying to figure out the level of detail they want to include.
2. Creativity: When it seems like you have run out of ideas, you may be facing a creativity block. All types of writers are subject to face this block.
3. Psychological: All of the times when negative self-talk, like you’re not good enough to be a writer, crept into your writing session.
4. Distraction: Allowing normal tasks — phone calls, laundry, email, housekeeping — to get in the way of writing.
5. Procrastination: Suddenly, everything is more important than writing, and you promise yourself you will write again once everything is under control.
If you have experienced one or more of the blocks from this list, keep reading to find out the 3 easy go-to strategies I use to deal with writer’s block

3 Helpful Strategies on How to Deal with Writer’s Block

#1 – Analyze Your Creative Climate

Whether helping clients or students solve problems, I encourage everyone to analyze their situation. Finding a solution to deal with writer’s block requires the same level of attention.

First, think back to when you had a great writing session where you accomplished your goal and your creative flow was high. What were the conditions like?
- What time of day were you writing?
- How long were you working?
- What was your environment like?
- Were you on an internal or external deadline?
- What else do you remember?
Next, think about a time when you experienced a block while writing. What was your creative climate like during that time?
- What interrupted your writing?
- How long did it take to start writing again?
- Did you have a goal for your writing session?
- Did you stop writing to do research?
- What else do you remember?
Compare both lists. Can you identify the type of writer’s block you deal with most often? For me, the distraction block is my biggest problem. Therefore, I try to reduce distractions before I start writing, like moving my phone across the room. Come up with a list of solutions for each type of writer’s block you deal with so you can go back to the time when you’re most productive during your writing session.

“What I try to do is write. I may write for two weeks ‘the cat sat on the mat, that is that, not a rat.’ And it might be just the most boring and awful stuff. But I try. When I’m writing, I write. And then it’s as if the muse is convinced that I’m serious and says, ‘Okay. Okay. I’ll come.’”

Maya Angelou

#2 – Create a When-Then Plan

If you deal with the procrastination block, create a when-then plan to get back to writing. A when-then plan helps you associate your desire to write with an action. Here are a few examples:
- When you write for 30 minutes, then you will go for a walk.
- When you finish the laundry, then you will write for 15 minutes.
- When you get up at 5 a.m., then you will spend 45 minutes writing a blog post.
Before you start writing, be specific about what you want to accomplish with each writing session. Use regular tasks that are already part of your normal day as your trigger. However, if your ‘when’ doesn’t happen because something unexpected comes up, decide on the time and place to write the next day.

#3. Find Creativity through Non-Writing Activities

Many other creative activities can help you get your creative flow back. Try painting, crafting, cooking, or driving—anything that helps you feel relaxed and stay focused. Some people also like to listen to music to ease their anxiety and feel more energetic. Learn other ways to find creativity when you feel uninspired.

When you return to your writing session, allow the non-writing activity you experienced to influence your creativity. For example, to inspire my creativity, I like watching the shows like Chopped and Project Runway. Watching the contestants on both shows make something out of a few ingredients or materials is fascinating to me. Here are a few more tips on how to find inspiration.

“I don’t believe in writer’s block. Think about it—when you were blocked in college and had to write a paper, didn’t it always manage to fix itself the night before the paper was due? Writer’s block is having too much time on your hands. If you have a limited amount of time to write, you just sit down and do it. You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”

Jodi Picoult

In Summary

Another way to deal with writer’s block is to keep writing. Set small goals for yourself. For example, give yourself the target to write 50, 100, 300, or 500 words on a topic or just one page of the chapter. Once you get there, reward yourself. If you have time, push yourself a little more and keep writing. The more you write, the more motivated you will feel to complete your writing project. For more tips on how to beat writer’s block, check out these 11 awesome tips.
February 9, 2021
How to Reach Your Goals with a Powerful Writing Routine

“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually, you get better at it.

That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”

― Octavia E. Butler

Whether you are a part-time writer or a full-time author, it can be challenging to find time to write.

You need more than a pen and paper to write.

You need motivation, ideas, determination, and most importantly, you need time.

It is not easy to create a consistent and productive writing routine. It takes discipline and persistence. This article will share actionable steps on how to design a powerful writing routine.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

But first, let’s take a look at:

5 Reasons Why You Need a Writing Routine

As a professional communicator and a part-time writer, I have learned the benefits of a writing routine. A writing habit will help you to:

Identify as a writer

Becoming a writer doesn’t come with a title. When you dedicate time to your writing through a regular routine, you feel like a writer. Once my students establish a regular writing routine, I encourage them to embrace their identity as a writer.

Stop waiting for motivation.

By creating a schedule where you write at a specific time or in a particular place, you can stop waiting for inspiration. Instead, a writing routine is designed to send a signal to your brain that it’s time to write. The more you write, the more you feel motivated.

Avoid procrastinating

Without a scheduled writing time, you will likely push off writing until another time. However, if you schedule your writing sessions, you will feel more compelled to write, even if you only have 10, 15, or 30 minutes.

Improve your writing skills

When you write regularly, your writing skills will improve, and you will become a better writer. When I was in graduate school, I had to write research papers weekly. Although I did not write every day, the practice helped me improve my writing over time.

Exercise your creative muscles

Last year, I read about James Altucher’s approach to capturing ideas. He writes ten ideas every day. Altucher believes if you make a list of ten ideas each day, you will become an idea machine. I love this idea, so as part of my writing routine, I take time to write ideas before I start writing.

5 Actionable Ways You Can Build a Writing Routine

Here are a few ways that will help you establish a writing routine that works for you.

1. Establish a Set Time and Space for Writing

Dedicate a specific time for each writing session. Choose a time that fits your work schedule and family commitments. Some people feel more creative in the mornings; others find it easier to focus at night. Whatever time you choose, make sure that you write at the same time each time you sit down to write.

Where you write has a significant impact on how you write. Therefore, dedicate a space for writing where you feel comfortable. Having a writing space will help you get into a writing mood and enhance focus.

Setting a time and space for writing is crucial for designing a powerful writing routine.

2. Determine your Writing Goals

The first step is to have clear goals of what you want to accomplish during your weekly, monthly, and yearly writing sessions.

Are you trying to write the first chapter of your book?

Are you trying to write a specific amount of pages or words?

Is this an editing session?

Write your one goal for each writing session and write down how you will define having achieved this goal. Setting a goal will help you focus on one thing at a time.

For example, you can set goals like:

I will write for at least 15 minutes.

I will write at least 500 words.

I will finish one chapter.

I will write at least one page.

I use small goals all the time, especially while writing my latest book. Having goals, no matter how small, will keep you motivated and productive during your writing session.

Also, you can include monthly and yearly goals as part of your writing routine. For example, as part of my monthly writing routine, I join other writers during online webinars or writing sprints.

3. Track Your Habits

When you record your scheduled routine for the day, it plays a vital role in bringing you even closer to your goals. Most successful writers use a calendar or journal to write their plans and their to-do lists for the day.

Keeping a journal will help you in tracking your writing habits and create a roadmap for your goals.

4. Identify your writing and non-writing tasks

As part of your writing session, divide your tasks into two groups — writing and non-writing. Writing tasks involve blog posts, articles, brochures, books, etc. Non-writing tasks are everything you must complete to support your writing tasks. For example, the research you need to write your book or blog post.

During your writing session, focus on one task at a time. Resist the temptation of working on both writing and non-writing tasks at the same time. For example, don’t research and write your book at the same time.

5. Join a Writer’s Community

In a regular office job, you meet your employers, your co-workers, and your friends. The human connection not only keeps you energetic but also makes you feel accountable.

As a writer, you can join communities where you can mingle with other writers. These meetings will bring more inspiration, more motivation, and more opportunities. You can join Facebook groups and paid communities for writers.

In Summary

Ready to use your new writing routine? Don’t wait for tomorrow. Start now!

It is easy for people to feel inspired by something, make plans to take action, and forget about them the next day. Your life is busy. Your days are packed with work and appointments. And, there are so many important things that you need to do first.

But, trust me, there is no better time to start than right now. Take your first step towards building a powerful writing routine today.

Looking for ideas? Find some here

February 4, 2021
8 Absolutely Achievable Mindset Shifts You Need as a Writer
“Many people fail not so much because of their mistakes; they fail because they are afraid to try.”

George Foreman

As a writer, you fight. You fight procrastination. You fight writer’s block. You fight with the fear of failure and the fear of success.

Your writing career may not be too different than a boxing ring, and the way your mind works will determine how the fight goes. The good news is that you can win every fight by changing your mindset.

For years, I wanted to write books but always fell short of my goal. Until I decided to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset to write my first book, Time to Refresh.

A growth mindset will help you look beyond the obstacles and find opportunities to take you closer to your writing dreams. For that reason, here’s a list of eight absolutely achievable mindset shifts you need as a writer.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

[bctt tweet=”Your writing career may not be too different than a boxing ring, and the way your mind works will determine how the fight goes. The good news is that you can win every fight by changing your mindset.” username=”KBTWrites”]

Building a Growth Mindset—The Problem

When you look at best-selling authors, famous writers, and successful bloggers, you feel intimidated by their expertise and accomplishments. Looking at their masterpieces, reading their ravishing reviews, and seeing their name everywhere makes you doubt your abilities.

The more you question your skills, the less you grow.

Remember: Your mindset determines your failures. Your mindset determines your success. A mindset shift is important in reaching your goal.

Building a Growth Mindset—8 Absolutely Achievable Mindset Shifts, You Need to Write

1. Inspiration instead of Intimidation

Imagine you are a thirty-year-old guy or girl, sitting in a lonely room, reading about best-selling authors who wrote their debut novels when they were in high school or an author who has won dozens of awards.

You may feel envy and intimidation.

Let every success story you read inspire you. No matter how late or early you start your writing career, your beginning and your circumstances are different from others. Likewise, your failures and successes will be different from others.

2. Action instead of Procrastination

Procrastination is every writer’s enemy. When it comes to procrastination, most people associate it with poor time management. However, it is a deep-rooted problem that triggers several psychological, neurophysiological, and social factors. Twenty percent of Americans deal with procrastination.

You cannot fully get rid of it; however, you can see a visible difference when you make actionable plans and set sustainable writing routines. Keeping track of your progress also helps in dealing with procrastination.

3. Persistence instead of Exhilaration

You were happy today, and in your excitement, you finished writing two chapters. Good? Yes and No!

You can indeed work more when you feel happier and more energetic. But, this can slow you down in the long run. There will be days when you don’t feel exhilarated or inspired. Depending on your mood and feelings will limit your progress.

To make your writing dreams come true, you need persistence instead of exhilaration. Make writing a routine you follow irrespective of what happens around you.

4. Change instead of Disappointment

If you cannot follow the routine you made or cannot complete your assigned tasks, don’t be hard on yourself. Most people feel disappointed and start doubting their attitude or abilities.

It would be best if you accepted these little failures as reminders, motivating you to change. A mindset shift involves making changes as needed.

5. Lesson instead of Fear

The fear of failure can stop you from trying. Likewise, the fear of success can make you self-sabotage your success.

Your fears can bring anxiety, feelings of guilt, and depression.

Don’t let your fears control you. Fight them. Learn lessons from your failures and don’t deviate from your path. Stop beating yourself up for your mistakes and find ways to overcome the obstacles.

6. Self-Affirmation instead of Self-Doubt

Don’t rely solely on receiving affirmation from others. As part of your mindset shift, practice self-affirmation by writing positive reminders or statements to encourage or motivate yourself.

Here are a few affirmations you can use on your journey. Use the ones that resonate with you or write your own to support your current writing project.
1. I am confident in my ability to write.
2. I permit myself to learn more about writing as I go.
3. I give myself time and space to write.
4. I am proud of myself when I finish writing, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
5. I allow myself to grow into the writer I want to be.
6. I will not judge my writing or myself harshly.
7. I will not hold on to feelings of doubt or fear.
8. I take time to love and care for myself as a writer.
9. My mind is full of creative and bright ideas to support my writing.
10. I am at peace with who I am as a writer.
7. Credit instead of Criticism

When you work as a writer, be prepared to receive criticism from others. The truth is no one likes negative comments. However, different people react to critique in different ways.

When you are still struggling to be a writer or failing to write as well as you imagined, negative feedback can make you feel disheartened and want to give up. It may also lead to Imposter Syndrome. Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern that makes you doubt your abilities and think of yourself as a fraud.

As part of your mindset shift, think of criticism as feedback to help you work harder, write better, and become more successful.

8. Now instead of Later

The biggest growth mindset shift you need is to take action. Now.

It is not easy to change your mindset. It takes time and effort. Take small steps to move away from things that discourage you. So you can move closer to the things that inspire you. When you stay focused on your goal, you can overlook your failures and start a successful journey with a growth mindset.

In Summary

I hope this post inspires you to apply these eight absolutely achievable mindset shifts you need as a writer. More importantly, I hope you see you are not alone in your struggles with mindset. I used to let my mindset hold me back from accomplishing my writing goals. Until one day, I made a mindset shift. One I did, I never looked back. This week, I’m proud to say that I launched my second book, Time to Reset: A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Sidelined, Disappointed, or Knocked Off Course. And, as I tell my students, ‘If I can do it, so can you.’
February 2, 2021
Five Easy Ways to Envision Your Life as a Writer in 2021
2021 is here. Will this be the year when you realize your dreams of becoming a writer?

Most people who aspire to become writers don’t know where and how to start their writing life.

Well, the first step to becoming a writer is to envision yourself as a writer. It’s important to visualize the things you will do and how you will progress this year. Doing so will help you create a roadmap that will take you to your dream writing life.

If 2021 is finally the year you decide to pursue your dream of becoming a writer; then it’s time to envision your life as a writer.

So, let’s get started.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

― Maya Angelou

Step 1 — Set Goals to Reach your Writing Life Dreams in 2021

When you are just starting, it may seem unreal to think about your big dreams. However, now is the best time to dream when you are fully motivated and committed to step into your writing life. That’s why this is the best time to write your goals.

You cannot plan your life and envision yourself as a writer in one day (see also ‘How To Plan For The Next Chapter Of Your Life‘). Instead, dedicate a few days to complete these steps.

Start by writing your big goals.

Ask yourself:
- Do you want to become a best-selling author?
- Do you want to write and publish two books in XYZ time?
- Do you need to earn xxx dollars this year?
Your answers will help you determine your long-term goals.

Step 2 — Draw a Roadmap to Determine your Next Steps

Now that you know your end goal let your dreams show you direction.

Start researching the steps you need to take to start your journey. Whether you plan to self-publish your book or look for ways to begin writing, your research will help you determine your next step and draw a roadmap.

Step 3 — Write on Subjects that Inspire You

This is where the fun begins; this is where you start writing. When you start, write about topics that you enjoy. Most importantly, choose topics that you already know. This will minimize your research time, and you will be able to write more.

Once you get into the habit of writing, you can shift to more challenging subjects. If you look around, you will find topics everywhere.

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

― Sylvia Plath

Step 4 — Don’t Focus on Perfection

Dreams to become a writer come true, but the dreams to become a perfect writer never do. No matter how great you are, you will make mistakes. There will be times when you will feel short of ideas, or your writing will seem unengaging and boring to you.

Don’t be hard on yourself. There is nothing like a perfect writer or perfect writing. The best writers read and edit their works after writing. If you cannot do that, you can hire someone to check and edit your work for you.

“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then, gradually, you get better at it.

That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”

― Octavia E. Butler

Step 5 — Get an Accountability Buddy

Making new year’s resolutions and setting goals can help you feel motivated. However, as time passes, you can lose track of your goals and forget your dreams of starting a writing life.

Join communities where you can connect with other writers. Pair up with a fellow writer and make them your accountability buddy.

This will help you in staying focused on your goals and working towards them every day.

“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”

― Jodi Picoult

Start writing.

If you need a little more help to envision your life as a writer, download a free copy of, How to Start Writing Today.
January 11, 2021
How Writers Can Post Stuff on Social Media Readers Will Love
Let’s talk about social media. One of the most common challenges that writers have is knowing what stuff to post on social media that readers will love.

As a writer, I can tell you I understand how you feel.

If you’re a writer who wants to connect with readers, then it’s time to learn how to build and manage your social media presence.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Let’s Deal with the Elephant in the Room

Before we go too far, I think we need to address the elephant in the room. Whether I’m at a conference or in a meeting with other writers, I often hear writers say, “I hate social media.”

If this is you, I think you should take a few minutes to understand why you don’t like using social media. Make a list and be honest with yourself.

If you cannot find any good reason for being on social media or don’t think it will help you build your writer platform, don’t do it. Give yourself permission to stay away from social media. Don’t torture yourself, and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your decision.

If you decide to move forward, identify what you will and will not do in building your social media presence.

Find at Least One Social Media Platform

One mistake people often make is trying to post content on every social media platform. Please don’t do it. My advice for writing students is to start with one social media channel. Just one. Once you master one, add another site to your plan.

The social media channel you choose should:
- Align with your target audience;
- Fit with your goals and values; and
- Help you deliver content that is relevant to your audience.
Therefore, if you’re wondering which social media site is right for you, here’s a list to consider.

The Facts about Social Media Followers

If you are on social media, you want to have followers. But don’t try to take shortcuts. Avoid those ads promising 5,000 followers for $100. You do not need to buy followers.

But don’t drive yourself crazy by only focusing on how many followers you have or if every follower will buy your books or products.

Whether you have 25 or 250,000 followers, the most important thing to focus on is being informative and helpful to anyone who visits your social media platform.

Focus on connecting people with information that helps them be more informed about your niche, genre, or writing community.

Here are Ten Tips on How Writers can use Social Media

Create a social media schedule

While managing your social media account doesn’t have to take hours, you should schedule a time to distribute content your readers will love. HubSpot offers a social media calendar template for free.

Post consistently

Based on your schedule, post consistently. According to HubSpot, here’s a complete list of the Best Time to Post on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, & Pinterest

Promote other articles/information in your niche/genre

As you come across interesting articles, blog posts, and videos, share this information with your followers. Only post information you think is relevant to your audience.

Follow people

If you are building your brand for your writing business, follow other writers, authors, agents, or publishers. Look for opportunities to connect with some of your followers or collaborate on writing projects.

Use eye-catching photos

Include an image in your posts. The image is what helps people stop scrolling to take a closer look. I like to use vibrant, high-quality, colorful images for my posts. But you should use images that represent your brand.

Captions

When writing captions, you have to strike the right balance between sharing too much information and sharing enough to pique the reader’s interest. Write strong captions that tell stories, ask questions, or offer quotes that draw the reader into your post. Captions should be easy to read and should include white space, which offers a better reading experience.

Hashtags

Hashtags allow social media users to connect to other people commenting on the same topics. For example, a lot of writers use the hashtag #amwriting. If you include #amwriting as part of your post on Twitter, your post will show up in the #amwritingcommunity. Some popular hashtags for writers include: #books #bookstagram #author #booksandcoffee #booksandwine #booksandcats #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #amwriting #amreading #tbr #galleygrab #stacksonstacks #bookhaul #bookclub

Use automated tools

I like to batch my content and schedule my posts at the start of each week. This helps me to avoid posting multiple times per day. To do this, I use tools like CoSchedule, Buffer, and Tailwind. You can include this step as part of your plan.

Dealing with haters

Social media comes with pros and cons. One of the cons is dealing with unpleasant people. If you post something that angers someone, there are a few things you can do.
1. Decide whether you should address the comments. Lots of LinkedIn posts are full of people expressing their likes or dislikes on topics related to politics, discrimination, social injustice, and religion. But not every comment deserves a response from you.
2. If you decide to respond, offer a positive response using messaging you would like to direct to your target audience.
3. Don’t repeat the negative comments.
4. Don’t share the attacker’s messages.
5. If the attacker has a problem with a purchase they made from your writing business, try to take the discussion offline and deal with the complaint according to your refund policy.
Don’t be afraid to outsource

If you find social media challenging or you need to focus on finishing your next book, you can hire a social media specialist. Check out Fiverr or UpWork for help.

Stuff Authors Can Post on Social Media

So, what kind of stuff can authors post on social media? Here are a few ideas to consider.
- Offer your followers a glimpse of your writing process. Post information on how you brainstorm new ideas for your books or manage your time when writing.
- Run a LIVE Q&A session with fans. Schedule a live session with your followers to answer questions about your latest book or your writing routine.
- Show photos or videos that reveal your personal side. Allow your followers to see photos or videos of you doing things other than writing, like cooking, sightseeing, or playing with your pet.
If you’re looking for additional ideas, download a copy of 30 Content Ideas for Authors here.

In Summary

There are many ways to promote your book and promote yourself as a writer. Social media sites serve as additional channels to help writers and authors connect with readers, the publishing community, and other writers. If you are currently using social media, please share how you connect with your followers in the comments section.
November 13, 2020
3 Great Ways to Promote Yourself as a Writer
3 Great Ways to Promote Yourself As a Writer

I am so happy to present today’s guest blog post from Mike O’Mary on three great ways to promote yourself as a writer. Mike and Kathleen Meyer are Co-Founders of LitNuts, an e-newsletter that brings the “Best of the Indies” to booklovers. Mike is also an author and owner of Dream of Things, an indie press that published 13 books from 2009 to 2016, including two titles that sold more than 20,000 copies, 3 NYT Bestsellers, 3 Hoffer Award winners, and one book that was optioned for a film. I hope you enjoy it. Please share your thoughts in the comments.

[bctt tweet=”You’ve written a book. Now what? Here are three ideas to consider.” username=”KBTWrites”]

You’ve written a book. Now what?

Ideally, you’ve thought about the “now what” before and during writing the book. That’s because most publishers will want to know about your “platform” when you inquire about publishing your book with them.

Your platform is your following — on your website, blog, social media — maybe even some people you know!

If you’re a “subject matter expert” who decided to write a book, chances are you already have a platform or a following that you can leverage to help promote your new book. If not, you’re going to need to do some work.

I’m not going to talk here about the usual things. You can read elsewhere about creating a website and blog, and social media accounts. I’m going to focus instead on some “surround” efforts you can pursue to help round out and promote your platform.

Writers Groups

If you’re not in a writers group, find one and join it. The Authors Marketing Guild has a good list of writers groups. If you’re already in one, make the most of it.

I joined the Chicago Writers Association many years ago and have reaped the rewards ever since. The benefits include everything from something as simple as being able to network with other writers to publication opportunities, a review service, and more. Here’s a complete list of benefits from the CWA website:
- A personal user-friendly webpage on CWA’s official website to promote your writings and happenings
- Access to CWA’s official e-group where members share publishing, writing, and marketing information
- Opportunity to participate in CWA author reading and book signing events and industry expo booths, including the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair and our own, Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference.
- Opportunity to participate in our Speakers Bureau.
- Opportunity to participate in our book review service, Windy City Reviews.
- Opportunity to enter your book in our Books of the Year Contest.
- Opportunity to enter our members-only writing contests.
- Opportunity to be published in our Write City e-zine and Windy City Writers blog.
- Interaction with other writers.
Even though it’s a Chicago-based group, you can join CWA from anywhere. But you should also see what’s available in your area. The California Writers Club, for example, has 2,000 members and 22 chapters spread across the state. So if you happen to be in California, you should be able to find a chapter near you.

Offer Something of Value

I love creative writing, but until I retired earlier this year, I also did executive communications (speeches, presentations, annual reports, etc.) to pay the bills.

One of the things I learned in the business world is the concept of providing “something of value” (SOV) as a way to cultivate relationships with clients. It could be as elaborate as organizing a free conference for clients, but it could also be as simple as finding and sending an insightful article to prospects.

As an author, you can do the same. What can you provide that will be of value to your “clients and prospects” (i.e., people who might buy your book now or sometime in the future)? Chances are you’re a “subject matter expert” on something! Or again, maybe you share interesting information with clients. Here’s an example:

Kathleen Meyer, Co-Founder of LitNuts

Kathleen Meyer and I currently publish LitNuts three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The focus is mainly on indie books, and we don’t want to detract from that. But we always include a brief introduction to:
- announce the winner of that day’s prize drawing
- share a literary quote, and
- offer something of value.
Most recently, I came across an article about 12 ways to cope during stressful times. It didn’t tie directly to books (although reading a good book is a great way to reduce stress!). Still, I felt it might provide some value to our subscribers – and maybe also simultaneously strengthen and deepen our relationships with them.

Mike O’Mary, Co-Founder of LitNuts

Use Blog Tours and Guest Blog Posts to Promote Your Platform

A blog tour is a great way to promote your book and yourself as an author. I’ve used several blog tour services, and I believe a WOW! Blog Tour is one of the best values and most effective marketing tools you will find to promote yourself as an author.

You can also reach out directly to book bloggers and offer to write a guest blog post as a one-off. That’s where “something of value” comes into play again. It’s not just about promoting your book; it’s about providing something of value to people who might later decide to do business with you in the form of buying your book. (Full disclosure: That’s exactly what I’m trying to do right now! I’m hoping that by providing you with something of value – in this case, suggestions on how to promote yourself as a writer – then you might later say to yourself, “Hey, that Mike O’Mary guy is all right. Maybe I’ll give his newsletter a try.”)

Tip of the Iceberg

We can all agree on how important it is to pursue your writing dreams. Once you do, the things I’ve talked about today represent just the tip of the iceberg on how to promote yourself as a writer and should be strategies you consider for your overall marketing plan. Good luck!

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November 5, 2020