I have heard how authors are doing book trailers for their works. It’s something I have not explored yet though am intrigued as it is a different way to promote our brand. Some fun stuff has been going on behind the scenes at my publisher’s office. They created a short video for their authors. This is one for Jasper.
And my new author page/interview on their site
http://www.fountainbluepublishing.com/sharon-williams.html
How do you define success as an author? When I first started writing a few years ago, my goal was to write a book for any future grandchildren. That was the scope of it. But that soon changed when I decided to throw my hat into the ring and make a go as a writer by trying to get my book published. My goals soon changed as I wanted my book picked up by a publisher, placed in libraries and book stores. A big dream indeed. I’ve always been a dreamer for as long as I can remember. The thoughts that constantly flow threw my brain would make some people dizzy.
But once my goal for my children’s book came to pass, all three have happened, I had to sit back and decide what was next. It was logical to write volume two which I have and it’s in its final edits. I am about forty percent done of volume three.
My book has sold in Egypt, India, England, Scotland and the US. I have had a number of interviews and Jasper has flown to quite a few places.
So would people consider this successful? Well it all depends on who you ask. A good portion of people will break it down to money and how much am I making from it. I have read it takes a new author two to three years to actually get to that point. If the cards falls right for them.
Do I consider myself successful? My goals have been met for my Jasper series down to the last line. Do I feel successful? In a way I don’t for I still have a long way to go but when I look at the grand scheme of things I have come a long way. A time from when people would roll their eyes when I said I was writing. When people were waiting for me to give up my writing hobby and move on. A time when I was not taken seriously so basically kept it to myself and other writers.
Now that I have written all of the above I pause as I think of how I feel on this topic. It is an accomplishment I am very proud off. It took a lot of time, effort and grief to get to this point. So how do I celebrate?
-I framed my writing contract
-I framed a copy of the cover to my book
-I framed a copy of the computer screen when my writing group, The Wonder Chicks, made the Amazon Best Sellers list
-I framed my first dollar earned.
I am slowly running out of space. But now it is time for new goals and dreams as I push forward. And for me to work at getting them accomplished. It’s tough being a dreamer. But it helps me strive forward and keeps me motivated.
The literary grant I received gave me the ability to join the SCWBI and the North Carolina Writers Network. With that comes opportunities. On March 3rd the NCWN gave me on their site two shout outs. One for my book, Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure and the other was for my winning a literary grant last November. These were free and part of being a member.
Even if I get no sales from this, so what? Seriously, so what? My name got shout out to the huge memberships of this organization. We as authors got to take advantage of any free publicity that is out there, regardless how small it is. Every bit helps.
In December of last year, the writing group I formed released an anthology. We are very proud of it. But it doesn’t end there. A local library will be hosting us on March 25th to talk about our book. But not only that. We will read excerpt from it and discuss topics on writing. I will be talking about traditional publishing versus self publishing. At the end of meeting, we will have an opportunity to sell our wares and any other books we may have written. I get to show off all my writings and all that is required is a few hours of my time. SCORE.
Again every bit helps. I am constantly trying to come up with ways to get my name and brand out. I don’t turn down an idea. I will mull it over in my head a million difference ways to see if it is doable. This is our lives as authors. If not, it should be. Baby steps lead to wonderful things. It is all about perspective.
If we let go of the small steps that can help us, the leap from one big thing to another may result in us falling between the steps. I don’t like to fall, so I will go with baby steps.
Sharon C. Williams-Author 
