Blog - WeGrowMedia

A window or a gateway? (10/7/2022) - I recently rewatched the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window. I can’t help but feel as though it is a lens into the challenges that writers face in navigating social media. Today I want to talk about how the movie is a metaphor for these challenges. If you are unfamiliar the movie, it takes place … Continue reading "A window or a gateway?"
What does “just be authentic” on social media mean? (9/30/2022) - As a writer or creator, I’m sure you have read that you should connect directly with your potential readers on social media, a newsletter, and elsewhere online. And when you ask “Um, what exactly do I share? How — specifically — do I do this?” You may have heard the advice of: “Just be authentic!” … Continue reading "What does “just be authentic” on social media mean?"
Great marketing is giving people something they WANT to share (podcast) (9/28/2022) - There are many writers and creators who think that marketing is the act of getting in someone’s way. Of tricking someone to subscribe to a newsletter by giving them a freebie; using a hashtag to game the social media algorithm to share your work; or posting a random meme to social media to get any … Continue reading "Great marketing is giving people something they WANT to share (podcast)"
Great marketing is giving people something they WANT to share (9/22/2022) - There are many writers and creators who think that marketing is the act of getting in someone’s way. Of tricking someone to subscribe to a newsletter by giving them a freebie; using a hashtag to game the social media algorithm to share your work; or posting a random meme to social media to get any … Continue reading "Great marketing is giving people something they WANT to share"
Why should writers worry about marketing at all? (podcast) (9/20/2022) - Isn’t it enough just to create a great book or work of art? Why would a writer ever have to feel responsible for marketing their own book? Shouldn’t that be the job of the publisher? Let’s dig into this topic. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places: … Continue reading "Why should writers worry about marketing at all? (podcast)"
Why should writers worry about marketing at all? (9/15/2022) - Isn’t it enough just to create a great book or work of art? Why would a writer ever have to feel responsible for marketing their own book? Shouldn’t that be the job of the publisher? Many people share questions like these with me, and I have empathy for them. I grew up as an artist, … Continue reading "Why should writers worry about marketing at all?"
Prepare your author platform earlier than you think (podcast) (9/13/2022) - Regardless of the publishing path you choose, I encourage you to prepare your author platform for sharing your writing or publishing a book way before you think you need it. Like, years before. Today I want to talk about why that is. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the … Continue reading "Prepare your author platform earlier than you think (podcast)"
Prepare your author platform earlier than you think (9/9/2022) - Regardless of the publishing path you choose, I encourage you to prepare your author platform for sharing your writing or publishing a book way before you think you need it. Like, years before. Today I want to talk about why that is. Preparation is great when you consider this from a business standpoint: how to … Continue reading "Prepare your author platform earlier than you think"
Generosity should be your platform, part 2 (podcast) (9/2/2022) - Are a writer or creator who feels that you one day want your work to be read/seen? Or you worry you just don’t have the network — the access — to others who create, who engage your ideal readers, and to your ideal readers themselves? Then I want to tell you about this truly incredible resource … Continue reading "Generosity should be your platform, part 2 (podcast)"
Generosity should be your platform, part 2 (9/2/2022) - If you are a writer or creator who feels: You one day want your work to be read/seen You worry you just don’t have the network — the access — to others who create, who engage your ideal readers, and to your ideal readers themselves Then I want to tell you about this truly incredible … Continue reading "Generosity should be your platform, part 2"
Does physical media matter? (8/26/2022) - When you look at photos of people in public years ago, you see them looking at books, magazines, and newspapers. They are reading in the spare moments. Here is a photo by Danny Lyon from 1979: The procurement, consumption, and maintenance of physical media used to be such a big part of our lives. … Continue reading "Does physical media matter?"
How we share is a craft (8/19/2022) - Today I want to talk about how I have evolved how I work with writers. For more than 12 years, my full-time focus has been to help writers feel they can effectively share their work in a manner that is meaningful and strategic. For some, that is developing an author platform, or identifying how to … Continue reading "How we share is a craft"
Why you should have a newsletter (8/12/2022) - If you are a writer hoping to develop your author platform or prepare for a book launch, newsletters are still a primary channel you should consider using. The reasons are the same now as they were years ago: a newsletter list gives you direct access to the people most likely to support your work. This … Continue reading "Why you should have a newsletter"
Don’t fit in (8/5/2022) - So I’m listening to this book about Elvis. In total, it is is over 50 hours of listening, or more than 1,300 pages if read. Honestly, I didn’t have any particular interest in Elvis before author Jasmin Darznik recommended it, but I really admire her taste in things. So this is a good example of … Continue reading "Don’t fit in"
Knowing what to say to your readers (7/29/2022) - When I’m working with a writer, we often begin by defining two things: what they want to say, and who they hope to reach. I have processes that we collaborate on to get a sense of total clarity. Today I want to discuss why these two things are meaningful if you are hoping to develop … Continue reading "Knowing what to say to your readers"
How you share should be an immersive experience (7/22/2022) - So many writers are hoping to engage readers, and in doing so, they look to social media. For example, perhaps you’ve heard TikTok is leading to loads of sales of books, so you are either: Terrified to even look at TikTok. Exploring how you can become active on TikTok in the least socially embarrassing way. … Continue reading "How you share should be an immersive experience"
Anxiety and Sharing (Podcast) (7/21/2022) - Today I want to talk about the anxiety we feel when we share. So much of the work that I do is to help writers feel a sense of purpose and strategy in sharing their books, their writing, and their mission. But there are often hidden emotions and psychology which stops us from sharing, delays … Continue reading "Anxiety and Sharing (Podcast)"
Rejection is a normal part of the creative journey (7/15/2022) - Rejection is a normal part of the creative journey Author Fleur Bradley shared this recently: “I would say I have at least 1,000 rejections, though I stopped counting long ago.” Today I want to talk about why rejection is a common part of the creative journey, and how that should empower you to choose your … Continue reading "Rejection is a normal part of the creative journey"
Anxiety and sharing (7/15/2022) - Today I want to talk about the anxiety we feel when we share. So much of the work that I do is to help writers feel a sense of purpose and strategy in sharing their books, their writing, and their mission. But there are often hidden emotions and psychology which stops us from sharing, delays … Continue reading "Anxiety and sharing"
“I have at least 1,000 rejections…” (7/8/2022) - Author Fleur Bradley shared this recently: “I would say I have at least 1,000 rejections, though I stopped counting long ago. My advice: surround yourself with fellow writers at the same stage as you. Successful writers have a clan, to keep their spirits up.” Fleur’s advice came in response to Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s question on … Continue reading "“I have at least 1,000 rejections…”"
Can an introvert get good at marketing? (podcast) (7/6/2022) - Boundaries actually make better art, and help you get better at sharing what you create. We all have boundaries. We all have preferences that feel like they are rules set in stone. The one I run into most often is this: “I have a hard time sharing because I’m an introvert. Marketing just isn’t for … Continue reading "Can an introvert get good at marketing? (podcast)"
Ever feel like the creative process is a total mess? (7/1/2022) - Sometimes the creative process can feel like a total mess. So can your efforts to share your writing with others. Today I want to share a case study about that, with the hopes that it gives you a sense of permission to keep going, even if you feel that how you create and share lacks … Continue reading "Ever feel like the creative process is a total mess?"
Can an introvert get good at marketing? (6/24/2022) - Today I want to discuss the value of embracing your creative boundaries. And how boundaries actually make better art, and help you get better at sharing what you create. Let’s dig in… Limits Help Art I’m reading Keith Richards’ autobiography, and when he discusses making the Rolling Stones’ most successful albums, he talks about how … Continue reading "Can an introvert get good at marketing?"
The marketing advice few writers want to hear (podcast) (6/21/2022) - I’ve asked this question to writers many many times: “Would you prefer people you know buy your book, or strangers.” Their face lights up with unquestioning certainty: “STRANGERS!” But what I often find is that to build momentum in how your creative work is shared, it starts with those you already have a connection with. … Continue reading "The marketing advice few writers want to hear (podcast)"
The marketing advice few writers want to hear (6/17/2022) - I was watching a video from a gardener the other day who has 56,000 subscribers on YouTube, and 11,200 subscribers on Instagram when she dropped a huge piece of marketing advice. She was putting out bouquets of flowers to sell at her farm stand, when she said: “I take a picture of all my flowers, … Continue reading "The marketing advice few writers want to hear"
Generosity should be your platform (podcast) (6/15/2022) - Instead of just recommending a book here and there, instead of just doing a #FollowFriday on Twitter, instead of just linking to someone, what if you gushed about them? What if you celebrated them in a big way? What if you honored what they create? What if you took on the role of someone who shares … Continue reading "Generosity should be your platform (podcast)"
Generosity should be your platform (6/10/2022) - Next week I’m teaching a class that Jane Friedman is hosting! The title: “I Hate Social Media–Now What? How to develop word-of-mouth marketing, and get the publicity you want, with or without social media.” There is a $25 fee, and it will be a fun class. I prepared a brand new presentation just for this … Continue reading "Generosity should be your platform"
To engage readers: be consistent & delight them (podcast) (6/7/2022) - Today I want to discuss two strategies for effectively marketing your writing that may seem to conflict with each other. Yet, both are essential. Here they are: #1 Consistency Matters. #2 Delight and Surprise Your Audience. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Stitcher … Continue reading "To engage readers: be consistent & delight them (podcast)"
To engage readers: be consistent & delight them (6/3/2022) - Today I want to discuss two strategies for effectively marketing your writing that may seem to conflict with each other. Yet, both are essential. Here they are: Consistency Matters Delight and Surprise Your Audience Let’s look at an example. This is a chart showing the growth in subscribers to an email newsletter. It’s similar to … Continue reading "To engage readers: be consistent & delight them"
4 critical steps to growing your audience (podcast) (6/1/2022) - Today I want to talk about how to reach your goals as a writer. That may be book sales, or book reviews, or appearances, or getting essays published, or developing a following, or so much else. I will cover four key areas from a marketing perspective: 1. Proximity Matters 2. Focus on Conversion 3. Understand … Continue reading "4 critical steps to growing your audience (podcast)"
4 critical steps to growing your audience (5/27/2022) - Today I want to talk about how to reach your goals as a writer. That may be book sales, or book reviews, or appearances, or getting essays published, or developing a following, or so much else. I will cover four key areas from a marketing perspective: Proximity Matters Focus on Conversion Understand The Marketing Funnel … Continue reading "4 critical steps to growing your audience"
Creativity is work (5/20/2022) - Join me on Wednesday May 25th for a free online event with Jennie Nash: “How to Get People to Care About Your Writing.” We will dig deep into the topic, plus celebrate the launch of her new book: Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book! Register here. Onto today’s message… I said something in a workshop for … Continue reading "Creativity is work"
“I’m so happy to be writing, I feel like this is where I was meant to end up,” with Corie Adjmi (5/18/2022) - Growing up, Corie Adjmi was always experimenting with creativity, but grew up in a house full of athletes: “In the bookcase in my house, there were very few books, but a lot of trophies. But they always gave me the opportunity to take classes.” That support translated into a life of dance, art, and then… … Continue reading "“I’m so happy to be writing, I feel like this is where I was meant to end up,” with Corie Adjmi"
Why we write and share (5/12/2022) - Join me for two events: Today: Join me at 1pm ET for an online workshop where we will discuss finding joy and purpose in how you share. Register here. Wednesday May 25th: Join me and Jennie Nash for a free online event: “How to Get People to Care About Your Writing.” We will dig deep … Continue reading "Why we write and share"
Finding joy and purpose in how you share (5/6/2022) - I want to invite you to an online workshop with me next Friday May 13th at 1pm ET . We will discuss finding joy and purpose in how you share. Register here. Okay, onto today’s message: So many writers I speak to (including two writers I met this week) tell me about how overwhelmed they … Continue reading "Finding joy and purpose in how you share"
What to do a year before book launch (4/29/2022) - I want to invite you to an online workshop with me this Tuesday May 3rd at 1pm ET. We will discuss what to do a year (or more) before your book launch. Register here. Okay, onto today’s message: In the past couple weeks in this newsletter, I have explored defining your creative voice and creating … Continue reading "What to do a year before book launch"
Create a Sharing System (Podcast) (4/28/2022) - Many writers and artists who consider how others will find their work look to the common channels: social media, email newsletters, and the like. But right away, they are confronted with challenges: “Um what do I share? And how often do I have to do that? And why will anyone care? And… shouldn’t I be … Continue reading "Create a Sharing System (Podcast)"
Create a sharing system (4/22/2022) - Many writers and artists who consider how others will find their work look to the common channels: social media, email newsletters, and the like. But right away, they are confronted with challenges: “Um what do I share? And how often do I have to do that? And why will anyone care? And… shouldn’t I be … Continue reading "Create a sharing system"
“I don’t create great work if I’m trying to figure out what trends to follow.” My interview with Mary Laura Philpott (4/20/2022) - I’m so excited to welcome author Mary Laura Philpott onto the podcast. We discuss how she developed her career as a writer, transitioned from a traditional job office job to freelance work, and how she got her first big bylines in major publications. She tells the amazing story of how a sharing on social media … Continue reading "“I don’t create great work if I’m trying to figure out what trends to follow.” My interview with Mary Laura Philpott"
Define Your Creative Voice (podcast) (4/18/2022) - Have you struggled to develop the platform you want as a writer? I encourage you to hone the most powerful tool in your entire presence as a writer: Defining your voice. Embracing your voice. Sharing your voice. You can listen to the podcast by clicking ‘play’ below, or in the following places: Apple Podcasts Spotify … Continue reading "Define Your Creative Voice (podcast)"
Define your creative voice (4/15/2022) - I want to invite you to an online workshop with me this Tuesday April 19th at 1pm ET. We will dive deep into what it means to define your creative voice. Register here. Many writers and creators I speak with struggle to understand how they can build a presence in a crowded marketplace. I’ve worked … Continue reading "Define your creative voice"
What Great Design Teaches Us About Building an Effective Author Platform (Podcast) (4/11/2022) - So many writers strive to get more followers for their writing. Today I want to discuss how to design an experience for how you engage with your readers, and develop your author platform. One that is thoughtful, focuses on engagement, and helps you view your platform as a craft, not an obligation. My friend Lori … Continue reading "What Great Design Teaches Us About Building an Effective Author Platform (Podcast)"
What great design teaches us about building an effective author platform (4/8/2022) - So many writers strive to get more followers for their writing. Today I want to discuss how to design an experience for how you engage with your readers, and develop your author platform. One that is thoughtful, focuses on engagement, and helps you view your platform as a craft, not an obligation. Too often, when … Continue reading "What great design teaches us about building an effective author platform"
How You Share Is a Craft (4/7/2022) - Today I want to talk about how you share is a craft. Learning how to do so is akin to developing a new literacy. So many writers and creators consider “author platform” or social media as an overwhelming obligation. What if you flipped that perspective, and instead considered it an opportunity to create deeply meaningful … Continue reading "How You Share Is a Craft"
Is being on social media worth it for writers? (4/1/2022) - If you are like many writers and creators, you wonder if you should be using social media at all, or if you should be using it differently than you already are. This debate can happen in your brain on a minute-by-minute basis, as you try to balance your very limited resources of time and attention, … Continue reading "Is being on social media worth it for writers?"
Preserve what you create (3/25/2022) - A couple of weeks back, my website went down, the result of “malware,” a term I didn’t really know much about. My website hosts more than 10 years of my blog archives, plus my entire business. What happens with malware is that the software is designed to break in to a website and then they … Continue reading "Preserve what you create"
Flipping marketing from fear to joy (3/18/2022) - Join me this Tuesday for a live workshop on Zoom, where we will discuss flipping marketing from fear to joy. Register here. (If you can’t make the live event, register anyway and you will receive a recording.) Okay, on to today’s message…. Often, when an author considers asking a reader to pick up a book, … Continue reading "Flipping marketing from fear to joy"
Thank you writers (3/4/2022) - It is a difficult thing that writers and creators do. Not just the craft of writing, but the way it ties into who we are and how we relate to others. For the novelists I work with, their stories tend to reflect an entire universe that they see in their mind. So many times I … Continue reading "Thank you writers"
Your connection with readers is a journey (2/24/2022) - I recently received an email from a writer who shared a compelling story of the power of a single reader. This is what she said: “I’ve done lots of book signings and I often hear from other authors that it “isn’t worth their effort” to do a signing where they only sell a dozen books. … Continue reading "Your connection with readers is a journey"
Finding Joy in Sharing Your Writing (Podcast) (2/21/2022) - Today I want to share a case study of the work I did with author and artist Meera Lee Patel. She is the author of four books which have sold more than a million copies in total. She has more than 50,000 followers on Instagram, and a thriving career as an artist and writer. I … Continue reading "Finding Joy in Sharing Your Writing (Podcast)"