Thanks a Million

by Gary Fearon, Creative Director, Southern Writers Magazine

It seems like just yesterday when Annette Cole Mastron, our Communications Director, notified us that Suite T was getting more than a thousand visitors a day.  Only a couple of months later, we got excited when that number doubled to over two thousand each day.  Having just checked the stats, I'm proud to report that your Southern Writers blog is now attracting between five and seven thousand views daily, a number that continues to grow weekly.

And here's the coolest part: This week you gave us our ONE MILLIONTH HIT on Suite T!

Besides reaching the marvelous milestone itself, this tells us a couple of things:

1) Social media works.
2) There are a ton of online users interested in the writing craft.
 
Sure, there are blogs with even more impressive numbers, but for a magazine that's only been in publication for three years, and one that relies largely on word-of-mouth and social media to generate buzz, we're mighty happy—and grateful to you—for those numbers.

So grateful are we, in fact, that we want to give you a free gift.  In honor of our millionth blog hit, we're giving you the complete set of all three anniversary issues of Southern Writers Magazine!

 Visit http://www.southernwritersmagazine.com/millionbonus.html to get your free online editions of our July 2012, July 2013, and July 2014 anniversary issues featuring interviews with best-selling authors Tamera Alexander, Karen White, DiAnn Mills, and many others. If you're a follower of the blog but have yet to see the magazine that spawned it, here's your chance to experience all of the interviews, insights and special features we pack into each issue for you.

Over a million pageviews represents a lot of writers coming to see what other writers have to say about their craft, but it includes a great many non-writing readers as well.  If you're an author, consider guest blogging on Suite T and connecting with thousands of fellow authors and potential new readers (submission info is found here under Guest Posting).

In my next post on Tuesday September 9th, I'll share some of the interesting observations we've made during these three years of blogging, along with which posts have gotten the most attention, and why.  Meanwhile, be sure to check out your three free issues of Southern Writers (for a limited time) at this link:

http://www.southernwritersmagazine.com/millionbonus.html

All of us at Southern Writers want to thank you for following Suite T and helping us reach this milestone.  We think you're one in a million!

The Trenches of Marketing

By J.P. Jones

Today authors are finding themselves in the trenches of marketing whether published with a large publishing house, a small vanity press, or going the route of self-publishing.Thanks to the world of advanced technology,  marketing doesn't have to dominate all our time. Here are 3 top tips to help get your marketing off on the right track.

1. Change the way you think about marketing. Marketing is not the enemy. It can be fun! Many people feel marketing is boasting or tooting their own horn. In reality, marketing is simply what you do to start conversations around your product. Think of marketing as a bridge that allows you to connect with people and find common ground.
Example: Recently at a family member's funeral, I met cousins and relatives I never really got to know. In conversation, one of the first things we do naturally is asking the other person what they do for a living. They answer, we reply in kind with our career story. That's marketing in a nutshell. You're telling someone what you do and why it's interesting to you. The same idea applies to anything you've written. For instance, while I was chatting with relatives, the subject of Facebook came up. I love that topic, because I can talk about my first book, “Market Yourself: A Beginner’s Guide to Social Media” and it’s a great segue for

me to mention my book. There we have a marketing bridge. When you change the way you think about marketing, you will see opportunities around you, even in daily routines.

2. Use tools you already have.

The best marketing strategies are created around something you're already doing. If you find yourself constantly sucked into Facebook, make sure you talk about your latest writing, editing frustrations, character development, or anything else related to what you do in your daily writing routines. It may sound simple, but I can't begin to tell you how many books I've sold from my personal Facebook account just because one day I'm venting about something related to my writing!

3. Take advantage of “Free” marketing.

Paid advertising is a wonderful marketing venue. Whether it's through catalogs, magazines or newspapers. I also encourage you to take advantage of free marketing venues.  I talk about that in my new book, 31 Days of Marketing. Each day we tackle a new marketing opportunity you can tap into— many are free! A couple of the best free opportunities out there are:

Social Media: Most social media outlets are free to join. Look into Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google Plus, LinkedIn, etc. Find other authors using them to garner ideas for promoting your own books!

Blogging/Guest Blogging: It doesn't cost anything to start a blog. Check out  Blogger or Wordpress. They allow you to get up and running with no fees. Write a guest post for other established blogs. It’s a great way to spread your name and showcase your writing. Be sure and check the guidelines for being a guest poster here on Suite T.

Digging your way out of the marketing trench, you’ll be amazed how quickly you turn your marketing efforts into book sales.

For more information visit www.lifeafterpublishing.com.

 _______________________________________________________________

JP Jones is the author of Market Yourself: A Beginner’s Guide to Social Media and 31 Days of Marketing to be released October 20. She is also one of the hosts of Life After Publishing, an event created to help authors learn how to market themselves—and get the recognition they deserve. Learn more at www.lifeafterpublishing.com

Blogging with the Stars

by Gary Fearon, Creative Director

If you're a regular visitor to Suite T, you already know that we frequently feature guest bloggers, who represent the cream of the Southern writing crop.  But today we want to introduce you to some other outstanding writers you'll want to meet.

Great writers create great blogs, and great blogs deserve great readers.  That's why we've added a new feature to Suite T this week, our Blog List.  You can get to the list anytime via the link above, just under the Suite T header.

Some names will be familiar to you.  You'll see a mix of bestselling authors, writers groups, instructional blogs, and a variety of other worthy wordsmiths.  What they all have in common is a love for writing and the desire to exchange thoughts with other writers.  And each has proudly declared themself a Southern Writer.

Visit their blogs, follow all those that interest you, and participate in them by leaving comments on their daily posts.  When you do, not only do you support and encourage your favorite blogs, you also increase your own internet ranking.  Everyone wins.

If you're an author, or have a blog for writers, and would like to be added to the Suite T Blog List, do this. Add the fashionable "I'm a Southern Writer" button to your site's HTML using the code shown in the right-hand column on this page. That will help us find you. Better still, once you've added the button, drop up a line at staff@southernwritersmag.com for a quicker response and a thank you.  If you need technical help you can write to us there too.

Check out the new list now, and join the party yourself.  We love Southern writers, and we're here to promote you!

Your Blog Strategy ... part 2

by guest blogger Rodney Page

Last month I wrote on the importance of developing a blog strategy. I hope you found the comments helpful, and thanks to you who provided feedback.

Several of you requested additional information regarding the “how’s” of creating awareness for your blog. I’ll share some ideas that that have been effective for me. But remember, your blogging objective, target audience and desired actions of your readers are unique.

Following is a recap of the major elements of a blog strategy for a non-fiction writer. Today we’re focusing on the third question.

• What is your objective? It will likely focus on establishing your expertise.
• Who do you want to read your blog?
• How do you make them aware of your blog?
• What do you want the readers to think or do after they’ve read your blog?

First, develop a comprehensive list of appropriate publications, websites and other related blogs

When blogging to promote a non-fiction work, this task isn’t quite as daunting as it may seem. You are likely already familiar with many of the specialty or trade publications and websites appropriate for your topic. To identify other bloggers, start with these blog list websites (…and there are many others):

• http://www.blogher.com/network  
• http://www.searchenginejournal.com/20-essential-blog-directories-to-submit-your-blog-to/5998/ 
• http://blogsitelist.com/dir/
• http://www.bloglisting.net/

Now, get creative with your Google search terms. Below are a few generic terms, applicable to almost any subject, to add to your topic search:

• Marketing
• Customers
• Media
• Articles
• Comment
• Editorial
• PR
• News
• Recent articles
• Experts
• Readers
• Books

Second, communicate with a person, not a blog, website, or publication

For the targeted blogs, websites, or publications you choose to target, identify the names and email addresses of living, breathing human beings. It sounds simple, but it seems to be getting more difficult as the ‘humans’ hide themselves behind website pre-formatted email templates…and when you fill out one of those, it’s the same as addressing a letter ‘To Whom it May Concern.’ If you’ve searched and searched and can’t find a name or email address, here’s a little trick: in the Google search window type @the organization’s website URL. You’ll be surprised how often names and email addresses turn up.

Third, learn something about the blogs, websites, or publications you will contact

For goodness sake, read a couple of blogs, scan recent press releases on the website, review the last couple issues of the magazine. Weaving a few pertinent facts into your message will work wonders. Doing so demonstrates you are familiar with and taken the interest and time to learn about them.

Lastly, realize that in order to get, you must also give

If you want another blogger to re-post your blog, will you reciprocate? If it would be a boon should a regional publication mention your blog, are you willing to highlight the magazine in your blog before you ask for their help? If a brief mention of you and your expertise on a prominent website would boost your book sales, will you take the time to contribute to the site’s online forum?

I hope you find these additional thoughts useful and, happy blogging!

___________________________________________________

Rodney Page is the author of the upcoming novel Powers Not Delegated. 

A native of Georgia, Rodney's business career includes a variety of senior management positions and consulting engagements in a broad range of industries, from startups to Fortune 500 firms. In 2005 Rodney co-authored Leading Your Business to the Next Level...the Six Core Disciplines of Sustained Profitable Growth. He lives in Atlanta. His passions include hiking, photography, reading, and, of course, University of Georgia football.

Website: www.powersnotdelegated.com

Blog: http://blog.powersnotdelegated.com

Have you gotten your free online copy of Southern Writers' anniversary issue yet? Get it now! www.southernwritersmagazine.com/july-gift.html 

Your Blog Strategy ... You Really Need One

by Rodney Page

You’ve signed all the paperwork, and your book is headed into preproduction. Now, everything you hear and read advises you to get busy on your premarketing, particularly writing a blog.

Well, okay. Sounds good, but what is your blog strategy, what do you write about, who do you want to read it, and how do you get them to do so?

I believe the key question in developing a blog strategy is answered easily: is your book fiction or nonfiction? If nonfiction, you’ll likely pursue a direct strategy. If fiction, your strategy will be indirect.

Direct Strategy for Nonfiction Authors

1.     What is your objective? It will likely focus on establishing your expertise. (Example answer: To be perceived as a top southeastern authority on growing dwarf azaleas.)

2.     Who do you want to read your blog? (Example answer: Amateur gardeners in the southeast.)

3.     How do you make them aware of your blog? (Example answer: Share blog content with appropriate publications, websites, radio shows, other blogs, etc.)

4.     What do you want the readers to think or do after they’ve read your blog? (Example answer: Believe you are an expert on dwarf azaleas; comment on and share your blog with others who need your expertise.)

Indirect Strategy for Fiction Authors

For fiction, the steps are the same, but the objective 1 is quite different. Instead of establishing expertise, the fiction writer will establish awareness of shared interests.

My book, Powers not Delegated, is a political thriller with a decidedly conservative slant. It is my first fiction work, and the target market and key influencers don’t know me from Adam’s house cat. Therefore, using my blog to tout my great writing and plot development skills would be futile. So, what can I do?

Perhaps the best way to illustrate my point is to answer the four questions for my own blog.

1. To create name (brand) awareness at the national level and be perceived as an astute observer of current political events; provide informed political commentary consistent with the readers’ point of view.
2. Target potential buyer subsegments, influential conservative media/editorial commentators, and conservative politicians.
3. Share blog content with appropriate publications, websites, radio shows, other blogs, etc.
4. “This guy knows what he’s talking about and shares my views”; “He writes well”; “I would consider buying his book”; “I (key influencer) would consider endorsing his book.” Comment on and share my blog with others who would enjoy my views.

Lastly, I suggest several “rules” for both fiction and nonfiction bloggers:

• Stick to your plan; the temptation arises to veer off course and post something that has nothing to do with your blog’s strategy. Don’t give in.
• Set quantitative and timing goals and stick with them. I write two blogs weekly and attempt to post them on Monday and Thursday mornings.
• Always respond to any comments quickly and courteously.

I hope these strategy ideas help you. If you’re left wondering how to reach these goals, that is a separate post that I’d be honored to address in a future Suite T. Blogging is made for us writers! Now, get to it. Strategize, write, and grow your following.

(read part 2 of Rodney Page's Blog Strategy advice here)

___________________________________________

Rodney Page is the author of the upcoming novel Powers Not Delegated. 

A native of Georgia, Rodney's business career includes a variety of senior management positions and consulting engagements in a broad range of industries, from startups to Fortune 500 firms. In 2005 Rodney co-authored Leading Your Business to the Next Level...the Six Core Disciplines of Sustained Profitable Growth. He lives in Atlanta. His passions include hiking, photography, reading, and, of course, University of Georgia football.

Website: www.powersnotdelegated.com

Blog: http://blog.powersnotdelegated.com

Why You Don't Have Time NOT To Social Network

by Melanie Moore

"I'm just too busy to social network. I simply don't have the time".

I hear this many times from writers, many who come to me to help them with a blog design. They are working hard, trying to build their writing platform, expand their reach, and broaden their audience... but are coming up frustrated.

I am going to share a little secret that I wish someone had told me sooner. I happened upon this truth quite by accident over the last year when I very grudgingly joined Twitter at the urging of a mentor.

You don't have time NOT to social network.

Attending conferences, visiting and commenting on other blogs, and researching ways to build a platform are all very important tasks. I certainly do not want to cast a negative light at all over these vital tasks. However, these tasks also take a great deal of time.

Social media, on the other hand, is a rapidly growing outreach that is a "hit and run" pace. It is also free publicity! You can grow your platform in only 10 minutes a day.

I promise.

10 minutes.

Go ahead.. set a timer. I will wait here.

Here are some tips for growing your platform in 10 minutes a day on a Social Network like Twitter:

1. Sign up for Twitter and follow as many people as possible that have interests common to you. For example, you could search for "Blogger", "Author", "Southern", etc. Most people will follow you back.

2. Jump in on the conversation! Take 10 minutes to respond to every tweet that interests you. Don't be shy! I know at first it feels like you are intruding on a private conversation between two other people, but all tweets are open for everyone to see... and to respond to. This is a great way to make friends!

3. Make Twitter "Lists" -- Lists are an easy way to organize your twitter followers and to get to know others who often reply to your tweets.

4. "Follow" most people back who "follow" you first. This is basic Twitter etiquette, and is a wonderful way to connect with others. However, be sure to check their Twitter profile first to make sure that they are not spammers or trying to sell you something.

I have only been on Twitter for one year, and in only 10 minutes a day, I have seen my Twitter followers grow to almost 3000 followers. My blog pageviews and subscribers have increased, and I am contacted with more amazing opportunities since my subscriber base has grown!

More importantly, I have made some really great friends and found others who share common interests, cheer me up with their funny tweets, and have even won tickets to an awesome conference just by attending Twitter parties!

Go ahead and give 10 minutes of social media a try today! When you do, tweet me and let me know you did! I'm on Twitter at @MelanieAnneTN.
__________________________________________

Melanie is a full-time industrial software developer and mom of two boys. She lives in the beautiful Appalachian mountains with her husband and children and writes at Only A Breath about faith, giveaways, family, budgeting, and resources and encouragement for women.

A Committed Relationship...With Writing

by Jeuron Dove

I can’t recall the exact date I fell in love with writing, but it’s safe to say that my relationship with writing has been a committed one for several years. Actually, it’s the one relationship that has lasted longer than any other! Through the good times and the bad, writing has always been there as my sole outlet of expression and creativity.

Some people are good with numbers while others are great at public speaking and athletics, but writing has always been my favorite hobby.

I’ve enjoyed writing since a young age. It was always the one subject I did best in at school. I truly believe that writing is the one thing I’ve always been good at. There is no better feeling than know you can do something better than anyone else and have people depend on you for it.

I love to blog. I think I can speak for every blogger when I say that the best part about blogging is when you realize you’ve written something than connects with your readers. Sure I’d love to have a huge following and have hundreds of people comment on each post I write. However, just knowing that one person has been affected by my writing is all the satisfaction I need to feel successful.

I’m deeply in love with writing and look forward to the many adventures and places it‘ll take me in life.

____________________________ 

Jeuron Dove graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in Journalism. He is an aspiring author and active blogger who enjoys writing about professional wrestling, the writing community and a variety of other topics in his spare time. He resides in Reidsville, NC. You can visit his blog at www.jeurondove.wordpress.com.

A Slice of Life Through the Camera Lens

by Suzette Mahoney


I have always been interested in taking photos. I was an avid scrapbooker back in the day. Fast forward to 2008. I found a blog and knew I must immediately jump on board. I love to tell a story. I believe an essential element to storytelling is the use of photos. It keeps your reader interested and gives them a glimpse into your world. 

Have you ever taken a walk through your neighborhood in the early evening and you see lamps on in a home and you think, “I wonder what that family is doing?” Well today, through blogging we get a peek, don’t we?

I do have a disclaimer...I am not nor will I ever be a professional photographer. I just snap the photos and hope for the best. I like to use my fancier, albeit non-professional camera, but I am certainly not above a cell phone photo. Whatever enhances the post and makes it come alive for the reader.

Here are a few of my tried and true tips. I always look for natural light. I am not a fan of flash photography.

I regularly have my photo set on the “P” or “Program” setting. This was simply trial and error and I would say some of my best shots have been when I set it to “P.”

Don’t be afraid to capture the action even if lighting isn’t the best case scenario and you have no idea what setting your camera is on. The secret is to capture what is happening. 

Don’t be afraid to get to close. I find some of my favorite shots are when I have gotten my camera as close as possible.

Don’t be afraid to back up. Sometimes you need all the details to really help tell the story. 


Take photos of yourself, even if you have to use a mirror or the self-timer. Having photos of yourself will be a treasure to your children and it really helps to establish a relationship with your readers.

Take a lot of photos. I mean A LOT! Then, delete most of them. Use your favorite ones to enhance your story. Don’t forget those “slice of life” photos. This will make your reader feel like they are peeking into your world and sharing your life. And really, that is exactly what you are doing. It is a wonderful excuse to take lots of photos and document all of those ordinary moments that really add up to the best moments of our life!

See more of my slice of life at The Frat Pack + Me. 
________________________________________________

Suzette Mahoney is a former teacher turned Mom of two teen boys. She began blogging in 2008 to keep track of the antics of her boys and to keep her family informed of their shenanigans. She is originally from Florida, but now resides in North Carolina by way of Texas. She is committed to her faith, family, photography and the consumption of cupcakes.

My Blog Blows

by Shannon Milholland, Social Media Director

My blog blows. Do you ever feel that way? You've followed all the design advice and your blog appearance is top notch. You provide excellent content. Everything about your blog says professional. The only problem is your reader list which is your mom, your great-aunt Martha and your first grade teacher, Mrs. Goldstein.

Before you turn in your Blogger badge and ride off into the sunset, consider trying these tips:

Hang with Your Hombres

You're blogging about gardening but spend your free time at an inner city roller derby rink. Chances are they don't know a petunia from a peony. Find places your audience congregates and mingle. Your mastery of the subject will naturally draw these acquaintances to your site.

Help a Hero

Find someone in your area of expertise whose blog you devour. Volunteer to help them by commenting on their blog or reposting their blogs on Twitter. You may be thanked with an opportunity to guest post or with a credible recommendation.

Host a Happy

Everybody likes getting something for nothing or practically nothing anyway. Fund a giveaway for your site that directly relates to your content. If you're blogging about beauty, aggregate a package of new product. If you're writing movie reviews, offer movie passes complete with popcorn and drinks. What do you ask in exchange? Ask them to follow your blog, mention it on Facebook or tweet about it. You'll be amazed how excited people can get over even a low-value prize.

Does your blog blow? Harness the wind by hanging with your hombres, helping a hero or hosting a happy. Soon your blog will blow hurricane style.

Corn Flakes or Lucky Charms: What's Your Brand?

by Rachel A. Snyder

The best advice I got when I planned my wedding was, “Pick a theme.”

And, yes, this does have something to do with being an author.

A friend of mine had her wedding in December, and everything was snowflakes. The decorations, the invitations, the confetti on the table. She told me that picking a theme made everything easier. She knew that whatever she chose had to have snowflakes. After that one big decision, all the little decisions were easier. When I planned my wedding, she told me to pick a theme first. 

So my husband and I picked a theme: music. We’re both musical, so it was a natural choice for us. Then I just had to stick with my theme. The confetti? Musical notes. The invitations? Concert tickets. Table numbers? We used band names instead. It was so much easier on my brain to know the answer to every décor question was simply “music.”

Now I’m going to do you a favor and give you some advice when it comes to your online persona:

Pick a theme.

Once you choose what you’re going to write, pick a theme that you can live with. And I mean long-term. When you create your blog or website, you’re building a brand; the title, the design, and even the smallest details should all tie into it.

Here are some things to think about: 

·       Choose something classic. Your title should be clever and catchy, but try not to make it too cutesy (which may turn people off) or too of-the-moment (or it will be out of date in no time). You want your ideas to last in this world of ever-changing media, so choose wisely. 

·       Design for your audience. If you want men and women reading your blog, you probably shouldn’t do pink with flowers. Just sayin’. Think about who you want reading your blog, and make sure the title and design with connect with those people. Consider graphics, colors, and even fonts. And please don’t use Comic Sans. Just as a personal favor to me.

·       Love it. And I mean LOVE it.  This may be the most important. While you want to attract the right audience, be sure you are in love with your title and design; you’ll need to stick with it for a while. You want your page to be recognizable to your audience, and it won’t be if you change your look every week.

·       Read other blogs. This is good advice for social media in general. Make sure you’re looking at other sites regularly to see what new design things people are doing or what buttons other people have. You need some way for readers to get to your social networking locations, as well as additional pages for information about you. Your choices may be limited with certain blogging programs, but do your best to keep up.

·       Carry your theme everywhere. This is another reason you need to love your theme: Every corner of your site should have something to do with your theme. Every heading in the sidebar, text on your additional pages, and even the sentence enticing people to comment should all tie in to your theme. Make it your e-mail address. Use the same fonts and graphics on your business cards. Use the same background on Twitter.  It’s all part of building your brand.

·       Hire help if you need it. If you’re going to be a full-time writer and you don’t have a background in design, there’s no shame in hiring a designer to spruce up your blog or website. While you’re blog-hopping, see who designs some of your favorite blogs (ask the blogger if it’s not listed). Designers are available in a wide variety of price points, and the very least you’ll pay is $50 for something very simple. Make sure you know the designer’s work, and understand that you get what you pay for.

Blogging can be a great avenue for getting published, promoting your book(s) or it can be quite fulfilling as its own endeavor. Whatever your plans, be intentional about creating your online brand. 

If you’d like some personal feedback on your blog theme, e-mail me at TheLazyChristian@yahoo.com.

_______________________

Rachel A. Snyder blogs at TheLazyChristian.com. She currently lives in Indianapolis with her husband and son, but is an honorary Virginian.

Even Bozo Gets a Red Nose...Occasionally

by Shannon Milholland, Social Media Director

The day I started my blog, I could barely spell the word. I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't even have the sense to read up on the proper way to start one. I subscribed the Nike theory and just did it.

About six months in someone who found out about my speaking and writing ministry asked me if I was similar to a well-known national speaker. "No," I replied, "She's an example of how to do things right, whereas, I am an example of how to not do things wrong."

My journey into blogging was no different. I made many blunders. Today you are the beneficiary. Here's what NOT to do when starting your blog:

Don't Comment Back

I felt weird when someone commented on my blog. It seemed like if I replied to their praise, I was being egotistical or egocentric. I didn't reply and they stopped commenting.

Don't Read Trade Articles

Despite my attempt at humility through lack of comments, I displayed a rare streak of egotism by not bothering to learn anything about blogging. When I finally started reading articles, like the ones found in Southern Writers Magazine (shameless self-promotion warning), I learned more in a few hours than I had in months of blogging.

Don't Partner with Others

Why in the world would I need to feature other people's work on my blog? How would I ever get read if I was busy highlighting someone else's work? I did all the blogging myself and quickly exhausted my sphere of influence. I had few documented readers I didn't have a personal relationship with.  When I began to network and partner with author bloggers, my readership grew exponentially.

Don't Read and Comment on Other Blogs

I barely had enough time to write my own blog. Why would I spend the precious moments I had browsing someone else's site?  I didn't read anyone else's blog and they didn't read mine. When I started reading other blogs, I got an excellent idea about once a week. It may be a layout enhancement or a social media utilization but ideas rapidly morphed into improvements.  Improvements led to more readers.

When I started blogging, I was a real Bozo. I fell on my face several times.  The result is several bloody noses. With each crash, I learned a lesson. Eventually this Bozo found a nose - a "read" one.