Improving Writing...

One way to improve on your writing is by reading more. Like Stephen King once said "Read a lot and write a lot." Although this is a fairly easy thing to do, not everyone does this and not everyone has time for it either.

Personally, I take time out of my day to do one or another because I know my writing improves little by little just by doing this. 

You don't even have to read books from the same genre you write. You could probably learn a thing or two by reading something different. I have also learned that while this is not my favorite thing to do, I always give things a try first. 

So you if you're looking for a way to improve your writing then you should read! 

On another note, I am currently reading MIchael Hanson and the Desolate Woods by E. L. Ervin. 

So far, I am liking the story and I will be blogging about and talking about on social media soon!!! -S.R.

Steany Rattles

Author

http://stefanyrattles.wix.com/strlnggry

Learning Marketing

Marketing...

What is marketing?

Marketing means to promote. Sell a product or services that includes advertising. 

For many people marketing is not an easy task. I must say that I am one of those people. Recently, I have come to realize that it is not easy to get your name out there.

 

Whether you are an author or not, marketing can be a pain in the ass (I mean that both figuratively and literally). What I have also come to realize is that this is something that you HAVE TO DO. No, it is not an option to skip. If you don't get yourself out there (or hire someone to do it), you will not be able to sell your product no matter how how good it is. 

 

I speak from experience when I say this. Right now I have 3 publishedStefany Rattles books and a short story. It is my fault that they have not done as good as I had hoped all because I didn't know how important it was to start the marketing process BEFORE you write your book. 

 

Now, I am doing anything I can so that I am successful even if that takes me a long time. Upon doing some research I came across a few helpful ideas that I want to share with everyone.

1- 10 Proven Steps to Snag a Guest Post on an A-List Blog.http://www.copyblogger.com/guest-posts/

2- The Best Incentives Authors Can Use to Build an Email List.http://www.standoutbooks.com/5-best-i...

3- Is there such a thing as a good book trailer? http://www.standoutbooks.com/good-boo...

 

These are just some ideas that you may already know but you can never have too much info. Of course, I'm going to put some of these ideas to use myself.

Hope this helps!
XOXO- S.R.

 

Stefany Rattles

Author

 http://stefanyrattles.wix.com/strlnggry

New Author Struggles #1

Today I want to talk about how hard it can be getting a fan.

From my personal experience so far, I have learned that you get what you put into your work. Of course you would think that is something that's obvious and kind of a no brainer.

But I didn't know how much more work other than writing your own novel, you had to do. Even more when you're self-publishing.

Keeping up with all of the social media sites and trying to build a fan base, I think is one of the hardest parts of the process.

And when you're starting from scratch?

It's like trying to build a house with just some nails and a hammer...

Seriously.

After realizing how hard it can be, I have set some goals for myself that I would like to accomplish each month.

The most important one being:
Stay Positive

Always do your best and stay positive.

If you have had similar difficulties, share them and tell us what you did to overcome it.

-S.R.

Stefany Rattles

Author

http://stefanyrattles.wix.com/strlnggry