Posts Tagged ‘simon rose’

27
Jan

I Need to Do More

   Posted by: Michell    in Irreverent Muse

I came to a realization the other day: despite everything I am doing right now, I need to do more. A LOT more.

How is that for an obscure opening statement? Do I mean I need to walk more, eat more or watch more television? No.

I need to do more to get my name out there in the writing world. Sure, I’m blogging, podcasting, tweeting and facebooking. I’m querying and submitting to contests and publishers (and soon to agents). It’s not enough.

I’ve got to start writing articles and short stories for various markets. I’ve got to get onto forums and special interest groups. Why? Because I can NEVER get my name out into enough places.

OK, I think that’s clear enough, but what brought me to this realization?

My friend and self-proclaimed mentor, Simon Rose (www.Simon-Rose.com) did it without even realizing he was teaching me another lesson (that’s at least one more beer that I owe you Simon). Simon was my guest for the 1-year anniversary episode of ‘Get Published’. As soon as the episode was posted (and before I had a chance to tell him it was available) he had already begun to spread the word about it. I have absolutely no idea where all he posted about it. All I know is I saw an immediate spike in activity on my site.

For those of you who have been listening to ‘Get Published’, you know that I’ve had some pretty well-known (at least in the podisphere) guests. When those interviews were posted I usually saw a bit of a spike of activity. Nothing like this though.

If you haven’t listened to the show, Simon is a Science Fiction/Fantasy author who writes primarily for Middle Grade and YA Audiences. He also holds workshops, teaches classes for various organizations, does school visits and a plethora of other things that would take me quite a while to cover. He has a good-sized fan base and I expected his interview to garner some interest.

What I didn’t expect was his interview to CRUSH every other one I’ve had.

I don’t say this to make any of my previous (or future) guests feel bad or self-conscious. I merely say it to prove that having one’s name out in a variety of places (and mediums) is a powerful thing. One I severely underestimated.

I am taking steps to change that.

Thanks for the lesson, Simon. I’m looking forward to the next one.

Personal Update

As I just said (above), I’m looking to increase the areas where I place my writing. I’m already looking at sending some of my writing to some non-paying (but highly read) magazines. Beyond that, I’m going to continue looking for opportunities to write for others as well. If you know of such an opportunity, please let me know.

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24
Jan

Get Published Episode 23 – A Chat with author Simon Rose

   Posted by: Michell    in Get Published (Podcast)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Repeat after me: “Happy Anniversary, Get Published!” Say it everywhere you go. Shout it from the rooftops. If anyone asks what the heck you’re talking about, send them here.

Sound like a plan?

Well, maybe not, but I’m certainly pleased to tell you that this is my one-year anniversary episode. I’m even happier to have my friend, Simon Rose as my guest. Simon is an author with six YA Science Fiction and Fantasy novels currently in print. He is a tireless worker (OK, maybe he DOES get tired, but he still works hard) at promoting himself and his books. He is involved in several different capacities within writing and he has a lot of interesting things to say.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

-Michell

Show Notes

00:00 — Opening – Get Published, Episode 23 – A Chat with author Simon Rose

  • Everything has to start somewhere and this is the start of “Get Published”

0:14 — Introduction – Get Published, Episode 23 – A Chat with author Simon Rose

Welcome to the show.

01:59 — Promos: Tale Chasing

http://www.talechasing.com

03:07 — Feedback – Get Published, Episode 23 – A Chat with author Simon Rose (continued)

  • What is the most important lesson we have learned in the past year?
  • Email feedback at getpublishedpodcast dot com with your comments or call the voiceline at (206) 203-2031

06:32 — Promos: Digital Magic

http://www.digitalmagicnovel.com

07:30 — Get Published, Episode 23 – A Chat with author Simon Rose  (continued)

Mike talks to author Simon Rose about his road to getting six (and counting) books published

51:34 — Promos: Bird House Rules

http://www.imaginethatstudios.com/twitter/

52:26 — Closing

Let me know what you think and definitely use the voicemail line to your heart’s content!

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29
Apr

The Value of Community

   Posted by: Michell    in About Writing, Irreverent Muse, Promoting Your Book

The craft of writing can be a solitary one, but it doesn’t have to be.  The Internet provides a means to always be connected to friends, family and colleagues.  It can also be an enormous time-sink but that is a conversation for another time.

I want to talk about the availability of community, both writing and otherwise through the Internet and daily life.  Is community really important?

I know of writers who prefer to be alone and separated from their writing peers at work and in everyday life and I respect that.  I also think those people are missing out on something; the ability to talk the craft and exchange ideas.

“What kind of ideas?” you may ask.  Well, speaking as an amateur writer I have questions about many aspects of writing as both a craft and a business.  Things like “How should I submit to Publishers and/or agents?” and “what is the publishing process like?’ just to name two but there are scores of others that I have asked and will ask in the future.

Questions that I couldn’t ask if I didn’t spend time around other writers.

This topic has particular relevance for me right now.  I’ve been a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) for a little over a year now.  Until this week I had never met another member (knowingly).  Our regional coordinator, Simon Rose, put a meeting together of some local SCBWI’s this week which I attended.

Some of the members were published and some weren’t.  Everyone had something interesting and useful to say.  Whether the topic was how to handle a school visit or how to prepare for a signing, I left with information I didn’t have before.  I also left knowing that there are others out there with similar interests and frustrations to mine.

It was well worth the 2 hour time commitment.

There were a few people who didn’t come claiming that they cannot make “Meetings” of any kind.  I cannot help but feel that they are missing out on an important aspect of their SCBWI membership.

Naturally, this idea of community extends beyond SCBWI and writing in general.  I look at the podcasting community and marvel at the level of support everyone is willing to extend to even the greenest member (like me).  I’ve learned so much already in the four months of podcasting and I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has lent a hand.

You can extend the concept of community as far as you like.  Regardless of how far you go, there are benefits available.  In the end only you and your level of participation will tell how far you can go.

Personal Update

Nothing new to report on the book front.  My manuscript is still in front of a publisher.  I need to spend some time and ready my other story to send out.

Episode 4 of ‘Get Published’ has been a very interesting experience.  The interview was great and I learned a lot.  Expect more interviews in the future.  The challenge now will be to live up to the success of that episode.

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