Keeping the Wind at Your Back

In navigation, the wind at your back is both a blessing and a given. That’s not to say you shouldn’t keep a pair of oars handy for when staid market trends have your book drifting lifelessly toward the beach like a 500-page whale. If something – the same old thing – isn’t working, change direction. Keep rowing.

If you find yourself wondering which direction to row, you’re not alone. You might even say we’re all in luck because IWSG has ideas, solutions and resources for everybody!  In addition to monthly meetings like this, conducted every first Wednesday; when we’re all encouraged to join the conversation, IWSG shares golden nuggets of wisdom like this one by guest-blogger Michael Sullivan via IWSG’s own Susan Gourley/Kelley. Michael makes getting reviews seem like rolling into Paradise Island on a custom-made wave - I might just learn to surf! And his advice on flexibility probably can’t be stressed enough.

For instance, at a recent (local) writer’s meeting, an author lamented the “lifeless” summer months when schools are closed, and readings and signings can’t be scheduled. Another author quickly offered that since most kids (these days) have to go somewhere, go where they are. Many summer programs are actually conducted at school facilities. Others, such as YMCA offer courses and/or reading events to which author/writers are largely welcome as guests or for research. 

I love research. Sometimes, I even get carried away. I learned all I’d ever want to know about the “Father of the Sunday Comic Strip,” Richard Felton Outcault, and his iconic Buster Brown strip by researching the timeless classic Mary Jane shoes that Flamenco dancers wear! True, I ended up way off course, but it was fascinating. And what better way to stay afloat than by researching for your next project while you’re ah, drifting?

And speaking of drifting, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP) there’s a reason we might feel that way; as recent data shows Audiobooks sailing easily passed E-books and hardbacks (Paperbacks are holding their own) in sales from all of the ‘Big Five’ publishers. However, this data is collected from traditional publishing houses, and doesn’t pertain to Indie-authors; whose sales (Quartz) are actually flourishing!

Lastly, though certainly not least (wink), is the engaging new element added to our monthly IWSG postings is to answer one question. The question this month is:

What is the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

That I “paint beautiful word pictures”.  Gosh, coming from an author I deeply respect, that really made my day week year!

Just one more thing:

What do you suppose your favorite author reads? What if it’s your book?