Since I’ve returned from the 2011 ACFW conference, I’ve tried to share some tips that you might find helpful. I know what it’s like to be on a journey that can, at times, be very lonely, and to hunger for bread crumbs of information about the craft (the ministry) that we love so much. I’ve found that journeys never really end; we …
Blending In or Standing Out? (A Word about Author Branding)
For newer authors just starting out, we may get so caught up in the whirlwind moments of writing that we neglect the one thing that will set us apart from other writers–our brand. Recently, I was privileged to hear Shannon Vannatter speak at a branding and marketing workshop while at the 2011 ACFW conference. Shannon is a talented inspirational romance author whose …
Make It Hard to Say "No": Media Coverage and What Writers Must Do.
For many writers, especially if we’re just getting our feet wet in the networking game, “tooting our own horn” can seem a bit self-indulgent and somewhat off-putting. We’re afraid that if we talk about ourselves and what it is we do that somehow this will make us appear less than humble. We’re afraid of others’ perceptions. We’re afraid of stumbling. We’re afraid of …
Gobbling Up the Eye Candy
In today’s world we’re very visually motivated. Because of savvy marketing gimmicks, we often make decisions based on eye appeal rather than performance. Bells and whistles and cross-the-heart promises sell us everything from dressed-up paperweights to lighter-than-air feather dusters–and usually, all for a mere $19.95. From cleaning supplies, food, clothing, make-up, and countless everyday products to the more costly things such …