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Don't let #Doubt extinguish your #Sparks. Find the #Sparks you need to ignite your stories, dreams, and life.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Give Me Your Questions! / IWSG



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ASK ME!
Do you have writing-related questions?

Editing questions?
Marketing questions?

I don’t claim to be an expert, but I love to share what I know and have learned, so please pose any questions you can think of in the comment section. I’ll do something with them later. :D

****

Contract:  I signed the contact for Flaming Crimes (Disaster Crimes #4) last month! YAY!!! 
LOGO: I have an author logo! The concept is a spark with the letter C acting as a fish hook, using a heart as bait. ;) It goes with my author tagline: Thrilling and Romantic with Heroines of Steel.


Insecuritiessss: I've been posting marketing videos on YouTube to help me get over my fears of public speaking and being seen as Chrys Fey.

Current videos since the last IWSG Day:
Marketing Spark 4: Goodreads
Marketing Spark 5: Author Websites
Marketing Spark 6: Social Media
Marketing Spark 7: Blogging
All of this was to prepare me for something I'm doing for the IWSG:
On August 24th at 2:00 pm EST, I'll be participating in a LIVE YouTube interview with Evan Carmichael, an entrepreneur who I'll be interviewing about his book Your One Word and getting some great advice for authors and IWSG members.

 You'll be able to watch the interview live HERE. Afterward, it'll be featured in the August 30th IWSG newsletter. 

I'm nervous! 

But with my own YouTube videos and an over-the-phone radio chat I'll be doing on August 11th with Yvonne Mason, I hope I'll be ready.

****

BOOK CLUB:

For August/September, the IWSG Book Club on Goodreads is reading:

Marketing for Writers who Hate Marketing by James Scott Bell


Not selling books and marketing were the #1 and #3 biggest insecurities of our members in a poll we did on Goodreads, so we hope this book will ease your mind and give you ideas.

Author Interview: If you join our book club, you'll be able to pose a question to James Scott Bell about marketing. The best 10 questions will be sent to him.


****
Personal Announcement: 

 Due to personal reasons, I am stepping down as an IWSG admin. BUT I will be a partner, so the book club will continue and I'll be able to support the IWSG whenever they need me.

My last IWSG newsletter will be the August issue coming out on the 30th. After that, I'll be passing on the IWSG newsletter to Christine Rains, the newest admin. Congrats, Christine! And good luck! :)
Have a great IWSG Day!
COMMENT: Give me all of your writing/editing/marketing questions!
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114 comments:

  1. We're going to really miss you.

    Just think of it as another interview/talk. No pressure.

    ReplyDelete

  2. Congrats on the contract!

    Looking forward to reading Mr. Bell's book for the IWSG book club. Already started it. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks!

      I hope you enjoy his book. Be sure to join the chat in September.

      Delete

  3. Congrats on the contract!

    Just chat away when the interview comes to play. If you get stuck, rhyme, always works lol at least for the cat. But we're nuts anyway.

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    1. Thanks!

      I think I'd be hard-pressed to come up with a rhyme on the spot. lol

      Delete

  4. Looks like you'll busy enough without being an administrator. Follow your heart. ;-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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    1. I am. I'm a little regretting agreeing to do both of these things this month. Oh well.

      Delete

  5. Fantastic logo!! You'll be missed as an IWSG admin, but I'm glad to see you'll be continuing forward with the book club. We're back in the States now with decent internet, so I'm hoping I can join in on the Aug/Sept discussion.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks!

      We'd love to have you join us for the next discussion. :)

      Delete

  6. Congrats on your contract. I'm reading the James Bell marketing book now. Looking forward to your interview.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks!

      I hope his books has good info for you. :)

      Delete

  7. Congrats!! It feels so good to get a contract. I'm going to have to read up on James Bell. I didn't know he had a marketing book! I've read his Writing from the Middle book. Excellent.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks!

      He's written so many books that it's hard to keep up. ;)

      Delete

  8. Congratulations for signing the contract for Flaming Crimes. Will miss you. But we understand that sometimes we have to cut down on some activities.

    ReplyDelete

  9. Awesome on the contract! Glad you're staying on with the Goodreads club. Someone commented today that they just signed up for it.
    Yeah, where else can I go to promote my books online?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thanks, Alex!

      And thanks for the questions. That's something I'm sure a lot of people would like to know.

      Delete

  10. Congrats on getting the contract!

    The YouTube videos are scary. I've done 2 and both times they made me nervous. I'm not a fan of pictures in general and really don't like public speaking. Good luck with all that you have planned in August.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you, Meka!

      I slowly got a little more confident doing the YouTube Videos. I did two a day for 5 days. By the time I was halfway through, I was able to do the videos without pausing due to a mistake. It takes practice.

      Delete

  11. Your logo is fan-TAB-u-lous!!! Heck, you've kinda got your own "brand" now, girl. That's sooo cool. Congrats on the new contract.

    I haven't started reading the next book club selection yet, but it's next in line. Sorry I didn't participate with "The Secret Garden." That was one of my favorite books when I was young, and I read it out loud to all of my kids when they were growing up... they loved it, too... but I didn't have time to read it again. I'm glad so many others enjoyed it.

    Good luck with your Youtube interview. (Although you don't need luck... you're gonna knock it outta the park...)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you! I've been working on my brand. ;)

      You can still chime in for the Secret Garden discussion. It's still there. You can answer a few questions from what you recall. :)

      Thank you!!!!

      Delete

  12. Oh my gosh! SO much exciting stuff happening. Congrats :) Good for you for doing all the video live stuff. I get SO nervous about it too. Maybe I should be brave and do more. Go you!!
    www.jessicatherrien.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Doing more is a great way to get more confident in it. :)

      Delete

  13. I love your new logo, Chrys! I definitely need that marketing book. It's so hard to marketing without feeling like your spamming everyone.

    Thanks for all you do for us, Chrys!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Marketing is tricky. His books sounds like a great one for those who struggle with the idea of marketing.

      Thanks, Gwen!

      Delete

  14. Congrats on the contract and thanks for all you've done as admin of the group. Have fun with the video interview!

    ReplyDelete

  15. You'll be ready!! Public speaking is scary - until you've done it a few times, then it's only intimidating... or at least, that's the way it is for me :)
    I'll check out the videos!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I'm doing my best to get over the scary part. ;)

      Delete

  16. You are one busy lady. Miss you in critique but totally get why you can't do that anymore. Or will you come back?
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Unfortunately, it's hard for me to critique now that I do freelance editing and edit for Dancing Lemur Press.

      Delete

  17. Congratulations on signing the contract, that's awesome and I love that logo, very eye catching. Lots of new things coming your way by the sounds of it. Wishing you all the best with the interview too.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you, Suzanne! I am doing my best to do more things for my author career. :)

      Delete

  18. So happy for you for signing a new contract! YAY is right! From what I've seen, you are a lady who goes for what she wants and I know you'll do brilliantly with the interview. Practice does make perfect, and you are already posting videos in front of the camera.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you, Michael! I am doing my best. :) I'm taking baby steps, hoping I'll be ready for the bigger things I have planned.

      Delete

  19. All kinds of great things to congratulate you on. I look forward to hearing more and that interview.

    ReplyDelete

  20. Congratulations! You have so much to celebrate and it's important to take care of you. I wish you luck with the interview :)

    ReplyDelete

  21. Adventures and excitement abound! I'll be thinking of my questions, then ask them in a rapid fire manner until you block me forever. Gosh, that's a good plan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Please, send me whatever questions you have. I've only received one so far and thought I'd have more.

      Delete

  22. Congratulations, and good luck with everything!

    I'm curious to know what your own particular approach is to considering and making changes suggested by your editor and critique partners. Some writers think they have to make every single change suggested, which leads to "writing by committee," while others take time to think about all the comments and then make the changes they feel are most merited. Other writers have still other styles. Where would you say you fall?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Carrie! And thanks for the question. That's a good one. I'd explain it now but...that would defeat the purpose of why I'm asking for questions. lol

      Delete

  23. Congratulations and good luck Chrys.

    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete

  24. That marketing book has the best title. I definitely need a copy. Good luck with your upcoming interview. I'll be looking forward to it!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Isn't it a great title. It's sure to grab many writers' attentions.

      Delete

  25. Hi Chrys – well done on the contract – excellent news – your disaster crime series. That logo looks amazing – your video was fine – and I’m sure the interview with Evan will be really professional … you were – just enjoy – cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete

  26. Wow, lots going on. Good luck with all of it.

    ReplyDelete

  27. Congrats, you are inspiring. Will miss seeing you in the newsletter, but we love Christine too. Wishing you much success. Hugs.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

    ReplyDelete

  28. Yay for new contracts. Congratulations. I've watched a couple of your videos and think you did a great job. Thanks for all you do. You are amazing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thank you! It's still weird to think I have YouTube videos. Haha

      Delete

  29. Really good logo, Chrys. It connects everything. Bravo on the contract! I'm sure you will indeed be missed in your admin position here at IWSG; however, I'm just as sure Christine will be able to step in and keep things going well.

    One big question I have at the moment is: why should I pay for a website if I don't have any books to sell? I'm having trouble getting followers to my blogs; how would I ever get followers for a website? Plus, writing new content takes me so much time already. I need to be writing short stories or working on my memoir about attending college as a mother of five.

    Thanks for all you do, Chrys, to assist your fellow writers. Bravo again for all you've accomplished.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thanks, Victoria!

      Christine will be splendid!

      That's a good question. A lot of other writers have wondered the same.

      Delete

  30. Great logo, Chrys. Congrats on your new contract and good luck with your new endeavors. I look forward to your YouTube interview.

    ReplyDelete

  31. Wow, Chrys--you're so busy! Congrats on the contract! Good luck with your interview and your author tube. I'll watch your videos when I get a chance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I hope you enjoy my videos. :) Thanks, Michelle!

      Delete

  32. As so many others said, I hate to see you go, Sis. Congrats on the contract. Thank you, again and again, for all you do. You're aces.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I won't be going too far. ;)

      Thanks, Elias!

      Delete

  33. Chrys, you've done a phenomenal job with the newsletter, and way to go with YouTube! I love that you're challenging yourself and getting out there in new ways. See, that's what all of us should be doing. Lead by example, eh?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you so much, Crystal. I appreciate that. As for getting myself out there, I figured I had to do something about my fears, and by something I mean SQUASH them. ;)

      Delete

  34. Way to push your own boundaries! Congratulations. @mirymom1 from
    Balancing Act

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thanks, Samantha! I guess pushing my own boundaries is my new goal. ;)

      Delete

  35. I'm so happy that you found a home for Flaming Crimes. I love the series. I'll miss you as an admin, but we all should know our limits and bow out when we take on too much. You will do fine with the interview. With your experience on uTube, relax. Best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Things changed for me, so it was necessary to steep down. I'll still be around. And I'll help the IWSG when they need it. Thanks, Diane!

      Delete

  36. Many congrats on your contract and new logo.

    Your posts are always helpful. I've recently started incorporating one of your check lists--are parts thereof--into each new scene.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Sandra!

      That's great! I hope it helps your scenes. :)

      Delete

  37. How do paper back vs. e-book sales compare? Just wondering on your experience in marketing both or is it only one format that you choose? Cool logo, Chrys!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. That would vary from person to person, so yes, I'll answer that based on my preference and experience. Thanks for the question! Stay tuned. I'll share what it's for later.

      Delete

  38. I think it's wonderful that you're stepping out in audio, and Yvonne Mason is a great interviewer! Have fun and don't over prepare!
    Here's a question for you:
    Can a writer make a success of his or her books without social media?

    I think I already know the answer but I'm curious about whether anyone in this day and age has?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I have no idea how to even prepare. LOL! She said she's handle it all. I'm going to listen to her other radio interviews to get a feel for them.

      I like that question!

      Delete

  39. You are amazing, Chrys, and juggle so many things. I like how you so bravely try new things. Thanks for doing the newsletter. It's terrific.

    ReplyDelete

  40. Congrats on gathering up your courage to create those videos. You have a lot to be nervous about, but kudos to you for jumping in and just doing it!! What program do you use to make your videos? You have a great IWSG day too!
    JQ Rose

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    Replies

    1. I have a lot to be nervous about, eh? Yikes. LOL! I just use the Microsoft video editing software that is automatically on most computers.

      Delete

  41. Congratulations on the contract! My one word is Persevere.

    ReplyDelete

  42. Congrats on the contract! Can't wait to check out that interview. You'll do great!
    Ok, this took me forever to think of, but here's my question: How do you maintain tension throughout a whole novel? (this came to mind because a beta reader once told me that the tension at the beginning of my story was great but towards the end it was lacking, and so the story wasn't as interesting). Hope that works!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Thanks!

      That question may be good for something else I want to do. ;)

      Delete

  43. Congratulations on the contract! I'm off to see your youtube videos. All the best!

    ReplyDelete

  44. Congrats on the contract and good luck with the interview! You've rocked summer o '17. No limits. ;)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you! I'm trying to do more. You're right. No limits. :)

      Delete

  45. Congratulations on signing the contract, Chrys. And that author logo is wonderful and catchy. Will be a stand out. Sorry to hear you're stepping down from the IWSG team, but you're going from strength to strength with your youtube channel. Go girl!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, Denise! I'm pretty excited about having a logo now. :)

      Delete

  46. Congratulations! And you'll do wonderfully with the interview. :) I'll do my very best to keep up the great work you've done with the newsletter. Love your author logo. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks!

      I have complete confidence in you. :)

      Delete

  47. Sounds like you've prepared yourself well for the interview. Good luck. I'd be nervous too.

    ReplyDelete

  48. Thanks for all you've done for the IWSG! Best to you as you work on all these projects.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I was happy to be a part of the IWSG.

      Thanks, Rebecca!

      Delete

  49. I sometimes feel I talk too much in public... But, I have watched two of your videos and you have nothing to be ashamed of, you appear confident. By the way, if you don't have a few butterflies in your stomach before speaking in public, something is wrong!

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    1. I will definitely have a few butterflies. :)

      Delete

  50. Congratulations on the contract and you designed a good logo. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us all.

    ReplyDelete

  51. Love the logo, and I'm all signed up to your YouTube channel - at least, I think I am, I'll just go and check... :-)

    ReplyDelete

  52. That logo is cool. So much going on for you. Your talents will be well appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you! I appreciate the vote of confidence. :)

      Delete

  53. So much to be proud and thankful for, well done you and best wishes with everything going forward. Greetings!

    ReplyDelete

  54. Hi, Chris! Your post is just full of sparking energy. Thanks for all you have done as an IWSG administrator and with the newsletter! I'm a member of the bookclub, but I haven't taken the time yet to figure out how it all works. I did read "The Secret Garden" and I have James Scott Bell's book, so I'm working my way into the club. good look with all the positive things that you have happening right now!

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Fundy! It made me feel good. :) I am glad you're working your way into the book club. Feel free to join the book discussions and submit marketing questions for consideration for James Scott Bell's interview. :)

      Delete

  55. Congrats on your contract and I just love the logo! I am so impressed with all you have done on youtube. I know you will rock this interview!!
    Good luck and looking forward to watching it.
    Sorry to hear you are stepping down but glad you will still be around. Take care!

    ReplyDelete

  56. Congrats! I've also set a reminder to watch you YT interview.
    A for a question (for a future post), what are the advantages/disadvantages of writing under a pseudonym/pen name?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks for the question. That's a different one that would be fun to answer. :)

      Delete

  57. Sorry you're no longer an admin, but happy you're still with us via Goodreads.

    ReplyDelete

Please tell me what you think. I love to chat! :)

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