A new writer started an online platform. She established a website, a presence on facebook and twitter, wrote a weekly blog post that showed her expertise and passion, and asked open-ended questions. She followed the experts and generally prioritized readers by focusing on transparency while practicing professionalism.
She believed as her platform grew, she’d reach more people and eventually her sales would increase.
This writer belonged to a writer’s group whose membership ranged from beginning writers to those with NYT bestseller status. At the close of a meeting, a new writer posed a question to all in attendance about where she should begin in the process of branding.
- The NYT bestselling writer left the meeting, walking past the new writer who had a question. The NYT writer clearly had things to do of more value than wasting time with a new writer.
- A published writer who often taught at writer conferences also left the meeting and didn’t give the new writer a second glance. The published writer had a deadline to meet.
- Our writer who was building her own platform texted her husband and let him know she’d be late. Her goal was to help the new writer as best she could. She understood her natural abilities had been given to her for a spiritual purpose. The writing and publishing business wasn’t all about her.
What about each of you? Do you look at each other as rivals? Or are you filled with compassion for those who struggle with what you already know? Are you inspired to climb higher in your career by gripping the power of engagement?
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannmills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
The Conversation
Thanks for this timely blog. I recently came home from my writer’s fellowship feeling discouraged. Your words convicted me. If I expect support from others, I must reach out to those who are also struggling!