Sharing the Spotlight in Writers' Forum

I'm really thrilled to have an article published in the latest issue of Writers' Forum magazine which is all about being a speaker earlier this year at the Faversham Literary Festival with fellow pony book author Amanda Wills. Lots of useful info for any writers thinking about getting involved in a local lit fest - go to page 48!

Related post: https://janeayres.blogspot.com/2019/02/talking-pony-books-author-event-at.html

Pony tales past and future

Friday 30 December 2011.  The date of my first ever blog post. 
Since then, the blog has had 68,971 visitors.

My posts have diminished since the start. But I'm still here.

This time last year, I did my annual review of writing and other stuff  http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/trick-riding.html and it is helpful to look back and realise that despite everything, my productivity and achievements are, happily, better than I think.

I've managed to bring out 4 more of my backlist for kindle - after much editing and rewriting. In January 2016, Last Chance Horse, which remains popular, was followed in February by The Horse Who Dreamed of Home - which was an updated version of the first in my Wild Horse Island series.  In July,
Trick Riders 1 and 2, set in the world of equestrian vaulting, became available as one volume, in the English language for the first time. In July, I decided to bring out my emotional trilogy (Always in my Heart, Heartbreak Horse and Forever Horse) in one bumper volume, called Forever Horse, again for the first time in the English language. I do love the cover designs from the wonderful Klaus Hartleben.

I'm still awaiting print publication of my Western riding novella for children, Pony on the Trail, now due December 2016, and recently completed another for children - a spooky pony tale - which I hope will be available in Scandinavia in 2017.  I haven't tried Western riding yet. 

I've pitched ideas for publishers that haven't been taken up, I have not yet written those final 3 pony books,  and I completed a novella for adults that was rejected by a publisher, but had helpful feedback, so may yet be revisited in the future.

Time spent on marketing and promoting my titles has been considerably less, and this has impacted on sales, but I have adjusted my pricing strategy with Amazon, and this has definititely been a move forwards.

So how - and why - has my energy been diverted away from writing?  I've put a lot of mental energy into my part time job, and have also discovered that sitting at a desk writing for hours on end is not good for my health.  I now use a standing desk at work, and also do as much walking as I can.  Staying physically active is better for me, and I have rediscovered yoga, Pilates and pole fitness.  I hope I find a balance that will enable me to write more.  Until last year, my favoured writing method was to work in long time blocks, and in the past I have done 8 hour stints at the laptop.  This had to stop, and for my last pony novel, I experimented with shorter writing stints over a longer period of time, which was more successful.

I'm still putting in many voluntary hours to raise sponsorship for a major art and music project, which is a huge and ambitious undertaking. 

A new year looms....will I finally complete those yet unfinished and unwritten novels?  Or will I find other big projects to divert my energies?  Who knows what 2017 holds?

Trick Riding

Trick Riders

It's that time of the year, when I look back, reflect and then look forward.  In January 2015 I was hopeful - I was a full time writer, and had struggled to make a freelance living for the previous year or so.  (see http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/im-dreaming-of.html.)  By February, I was getting disillusioned, with the VAT changes and Amazon moving the goalposts for authors (again!), making it harder than ever to make a living. So I vowed to write just 3 more pony books to self publish by the end of 2015.  http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/the-last-pony-books.html

Did I achieve this?  Well, no unless I can write said books within the next 4 days.  So what have I done?  Not much blogging or book marketing.  I've been trying, voluntarily, to fundraise for a big arts project, and put on 2 concerts this year, which was a real learning curve and very tough but worthwhile. What else? I completed my MSc Science Communication and Society, with Merit.  I do love learning new things.  I eventually got another part time job to pay the bills. My 2 short novels, Trick Riders 1 and 2, set in the world of equestrian vaulting, have appeared in print in Norway, Sweden and Finland, and I thoroughly enjoyed researching the topic. I've had fun writing some short stories for Pony magazine, and recently finished a children's novel, Pony on the Trail, which had me researching Western riding and skateboarding, which was also fun. It will be published in summer 2016, in Norway, Sweden and Finland. Maybe I will get to try Western riding in 2016.

So I suppose 2015 has been mostly about learning.  Lots of learning.  Not succeeding in the goals I set myself but achieving other things instead.  And, to my surprise, after becoming disillusioned with my self publishing adventures, I now have a hunger to write those final pony books!  Roll on 2016....

Saturday 21 March Day School :How writers can stay visible

On Saturday 21 March I'm running a day school in Canterbury from 10am -4pm called The Business of Writing 2: Now you see me - how writers can stay visible .  This may be of special interest to indie and self published writers.

With more opportunities than ever before for writers to get their work out to a public readership, how do you stay visible? Is an author also a brand? And what does this mean for a writer? How do you promote yourself?

We will explore ways writers can stay visible, including author websites, book trailers, blogging and blog carnivals, social networking, book signings and launches, readings, interviews, visits, getting reviews, and ways to showcase your work. What is most effective?

We will also look at creating a personal promotion plan.
Cost is just £29.50 and you can book via the link below.
https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/cae/day-schools/spring-2015/the-business-of-writing-2.aspx

What previous students have said about my day schools:

“Jane is very knowledgeable and has a wealth of experience.”

“Fabulously engaging tutor, enthusiastic about her subject, spoke with passion and authority.”

“It was more than I imagined.  Very informative and interesting.”

“Knowledgeable about the topic.  Excellent to listen to. Inspiring.”

“Obvious sound knowledge base and good clear delivery.”

“Useful hand-outs with links that can provide even more information after the course.”

“Inspiring and informative.  Lots of ideas to work with now!”

 “Jane is clearly very experienced.  She has a good relaxed style and is very enthusiastic.”

“Very useful and clearly put across.”

“Excellent content.  Covered more than I expected.”

“Very clear information.  Very generous with the information. Helpful.”

“Very good at answering questions, very clear targets and direction, well prepared.”

 “It was excellent – very informative, well organised, encouraged questions. Engaging.”

I'm dreaming of........

When I was a horse-mad child, all I ever wanted was a pony.  I put it on my Christmas list every year and even though I knew deep down there was no way on earth my parents would ever afford to buy and keep a pony, I woke on Christmas morning hoping that a miracle would occur and my dream pony would be waiting for me in our tiny garden.

This was a dream that was never fulfilled.  As my dear late mum would say, it wasn't meant to be.
(And in the words of Joni Mitchell, "You don't know what you've got til its gone." I would give anything to have both my parents back, so I treasure every memory I have of a happy childhood).

So I started writing about pony-mad girls just like me - and in my stories, their wishes came true.

When I was a teenager, all I ever wanted was to be a full time writer.  In my head, it would be a glamorous lifestyle and I would be incredibly successful and probably famous. 

Half of my dream has come true - I am a full time writer, after 40 years of dreaming. 

Be careful what you wish for........

Related posts:
http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/different-chapter-same-book-power-of.html
http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/reflections-on-being-full-time-writer.html


I have also read a simply wonderful post by from Mariellen Ward on her blog Breathe, Dream, Go reflecting on dreams and ambitions.  Read it here: http://breathedreamgo.com/2014/12/stumbling-road-dreams/

Being a Writer in the 21st Century - 10 week course

I'm teaching on a 10 week short course from January 2015 in Canterbury - details below if you want to join us!  I will share everything I've learned about my many years (almost 40!) as a published writer. Great venue, and great atmosphere!

Course description

Being a writer in the digital age offers a wealth of unprecedented opportunities for authors – but to benefit from this exciting entrepreneurial climate, a writer has to become a new creature - an authorpreneur. This course explores the realities and practicalities of writing in the 21 ^st century, arming writers with essential tools and knowledge to avoid the pitfalls.  A comprehensive range of topics will be covered, including marketing, selling and promotion, earning income from writing, the role of agents, publishers, using social media, understanding contracts and payments, methods of working practice and managing your time.

Days and times: Monday 12 January 1-3pm, for 10 weeks
Cost: £89.50
Venue: Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK

What previous students have said about my day schools:

“Jane is very knowledgeable and has a wealth of experience.”

“Fabulously engaging tutor, enthusiastic about her subject, spoke with passion and authority.”

“It was more than I imagined.  Very informative and interesting.”

“Knowledgeable about the topic.  Excellent to listen to. Inspiring.”

“Obvious sound knowledge base and good clear delivery.”

“Useful hand-outs with links that can provide even more information after the course.”

“Inspiring and informative.  Lots of ideas to work with now!”

 “Jane is clearly very experienced.  She has a good relaxed style and is very enthusiastic.”

“Very useful and clearly put across.”

“Excellent content.  Covered more than I expected.”

“Very clear information.  Very generous with the information. Helpful.”

“Very good at answering questions, very clear targets and direction, well prepared.”

 “It was excellent – very informative, well organised, encouraged questions. Engaging.”

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW GO TO:
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/cae/short-courses/spring-2015/being-a-writer-in-the-21st-century.aspx

Saturday School for Writers: Making Words Work

I thoroughly enjoyed teaching my latest Business of Writing day school for Canterbury Christ Church about Self-publishing your e-book on Amazon, in which I shared my personal experiences - good and bad - in the hope of informing and encouraging other writers.  

My next Canterbury Saturday school, Making Words Work on April 26th, explores income streams for writers and ways of “monetizing your output” as a writer. I love teaching and sharing what I've learned, and the last 2 day schools had great feedback so if you fancy joining us (or know someone who might) I would be most grateful if you felt able to share. Thanks  See link for more info. 
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/community-arts-education/day-schools/summer-2014.asp

The Business of Writing 2: Making Words Work

Saturday 26 April, 2014.  10am-4pm at Canterbury Christ Church University

Unless you are writing for a hobby, it’s a business.  This has given rise to a new title: authorpreneur.

This day school explores and discusses income streams for writers and ways of“monetizing your output” as a writer, including competitions, residencies, workshops, talks, readings, speaking, copywriting, editing, and coaching. We will also look at organisations that exist to help authors, the role of an agent and issues such as contracts, fees and royalties, as well as pitching to agents and publishers.

Finally, we examine managing and costing your time, an essential aspect of being a successful freelance writer.  What are you worth? What are the time vampires and how do you combat them?  How do you stay motivated?  We will look at each of the following topics which address the reality of being freelance, such as working methods,  environment, deadlines, setting targets (financial and personal), the importance of forward planning, recycling work and pen names. The session will also cover building your writing portfolio and creating a marketing plan.   

All Day Schools cost £27.50.  To book please contact April Doyle via email to education.communityarts@canterbury.ac.uk or by phoning 01227 863451

Bearing Fruit at Words with JAM

Today you will find me once again over at the excellent writer resource that is Words with JAM, talking about the importance of being businesslike with your writing - and ensuring that you reap the rewards of the effort you put in.

"Any business, small or large, will regularly review and evaluate output and productivity.  What is selling?  What isn’t?  Is the reward commensurate with the time expended to produce it?  (Okay, this is a perennial issue for all creators, not just writers.  Creating can be hugely draining and time consuming; also frustrating and difficult, as well as spiritually satisfying.   And we aren’t supposed to be doing it for the money (!) But that is for another article….) Back to the topic.  So how many writers analyse their output in terms of volume and results?  For example, have you ever gone through your records detailing work sent out (you do keep records, don’t you?) to ascertain the ratio of work published to work submitted? "   (click link to read on....)

http://www.wordswithjam.co.uk/2014/03/bearing-fruit-by-jane-ayres.html

Day Schools for writers in Kent

I'm running 3 Saturday Schools for writers in Canterbury, the first on 29th March. Details and booking info below - only £27.50 each day school!  

Self-publishing your e-book on Amazon 

Saturday 29 March, 2014.  10am-4pm at Canterbury Christ Church University

Writers are self-publishing for a variety of reasons and this day school explores the basics of indie publishing; you create, produce, promote, sell: you are your own publisher.  In the past, writers created and publishers produced, promoted, distributed and sold your work, generally paying a small royalty and (less often now) an advance.   Publishers and agents were the gatekeepers. The major obstacle for independent publishing was access to distribution channels.  All that has changed and if you self-publish with Amazon, you can keep between 35% - 70% of your royalties. But many writers are intimidated or confused about how to do this – losing a wonderful opportunity to distribute their work to a global readership.

With inside information from an experienced professional writer who is both traditionally and indie published, this day school guides you through the process step by step, dealing with issues such as formatting, pricing, cover design, author pages and book blurb. Whether you want to publish for personal satisfaction or to earn income, this is a chance to find out what is involved so you can do it yourself.

The Business of Writing 2: Making Words Work

Saturday 26 April, 2014.  10am-4pm at Canterbury Christ Church University

Unless you are writing for a hobby, it’s a business.  This has given rise to a new title: authorpreneur.

This day school explores and discusses income streams for writers and ways of “monetizing your output” as a writer, including competitions, residencies, workshops, talks, readings, speaking, copywriting, editing, and coaching. We will also look at organisations that exist to help authors, the role of an agent and issues such as contracts, fees and royalties, as well as pitching to agents and publishers.

Finally, we examine managing and costing your time, an essential aspect of being a successful freelance writer.  What are you worth? What are the time vampires and how do you combat them?  How do you stay motivated?  We will look at each of the following topics which address the reality of being freelance, such as working methods,  environment, deadlines, setting targets (financial and personal), the importance of forward planning, recycling work and pen names. The session will also cover building your writing portfolio and creating a marketing plan.   

The Business of Writing 3: Now you see me – how writers can stay visible

Saturday 10 May, 2014.  10am-4pm at Canterbury Christ Church University

With more opportunities than ever before for writers to get their work out to a public readership, how do you stay visible? Is an author also a brand?  And what does this mean for a writer? How do you promote yourself?

We will explore ways writers can stay visible, including author websites, book trailers, blogging and blog carnivals, social networking, book signings and launches, readings, interviews, visits, getting reviews, and ways to showcase your work. What is most effective?

We will also look at creating a personal promotion plan.

About the tutor

Born in 1962, Jane had her first short story published in a UK magazine at age 14.  Since then, 30 novels for teenagers plus over 200 short stories, poems and articles have been published internationally and translated into 9 languages. An award-winning writer, Jane has given talks on radio and to writers groups and regularly delivers writing workshops to schools and adults. She is a member of the National Association of Writers in Education and a qualified writing coach.  For more information go to www.janeayres.blogspot.co.uk

All Day Schools cost £27.50.  To book please contact April Doyle via email to education.communityarts@canterbury.ac.uk or by phoning 01227 863451

The business of writing workshop

I’m teaching a workshop in Canterbury next year called The Business of Writing: Getting Published.  Details below.  The workshops get booked up fast!

Date: Saturday 1 March 2014 | 10am-4pm

Will 2014 be the year your novel or short stories are published? This day school offers tips and advice from a professional writer who shares her personal experiences of both being traditionally published and successfully going down the independent route of publishing e-books via Amazon. Marketing, selling, agents, publishers, blogging and social media are also discussed.

Cost: £27.50 | code: cccuds141

Canterbury Christchurch University

North Holmes Road,
Canterbury,
Kent. CT1 1QU

To book go to the link below and scroll down to the course.

http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/community-arts-education/day-schools/spring-2014.asp

Self-promotion, the ego and the creative

A while back, I listened to author Edna O’Brien on the radio, talking about the intense concentration needed to write, especially memoir, and how social media dilutes our focus and is so egotistical.

I agree about writing.  I agree that social media can be used as a tool for the ego. And I agree that it can definitely dilute our focus as writers. 

However, this got me thinking about writers promoting themselves.  When you are pursuing the indie route,  unless you pay someone else to do it for you, you have to promote yourself.  How is that different to a publisher doing your marketing and PR?  And if a third party is doing it on your behalf, they are still telling the world how great you are. So is it okay for someone else to big you up, but not okay for you to express this?  Perhaps it’s a symptom of our weird British modesty - a fear of blowing our own trumpet?  That it is somehow wrong to believe you are good, let alone voice that self-confidence? 

An indie writer is a business.  You have to promote a business to survive and no-one seems to object to this but again when it comes to a creative, somehow different standards apply.  How else are we supposed to do it?  Are we supposed to starve in garrets http://creatabot.co.uk/2012/11/01/garrets-and-gatekeepers-by-jane-ayres/ while we sit back and wait to be recognised and lifted from obscurity to the realms of fame?  The internet has provided us with unparalleled opportunities to bypass this old hierarchical system.   It doesn’t mean it’s easy (it’s very tough indeed!) but it does mean we don’t have to wait for approval; we can put ourselves and our work “out there” and wait for the recipients, be they readers, listeners, etc. to respond directly without the barrier of a gatekeeper. 

So why do we drown in pools of false modesty?  Maybe secretly we don’t really think we are worth it (sorry, L’Oreal).  Maybe, deep down, we just want to be “rescued” by a publisher in shining armour…….

Related posts:
http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-art-of-time-management.html
http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/publishing-writers-vanity-and-hypocrisy.html
http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/backtracking-lessons-in-indie.html

Marketing for Writers and Being an Authorpreneur

This week I've been thinking about marketing in relation to books and indie publishing, probably because I'm giving a talk in Canterbury next week on Wednesday 17th July which is called  Being a Writer Entrepreneur. 
If you want to find out more click on the link below. 

http://www.ekentwib.org.uk/event/author-jane-ayres/#more-648

I've also read a couple of excellent articles for writers.  The first, from the wonderful Joanna Penn, is all about marketing and the other is how to fund your work through Crowdfunding.  Great reads!

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/07/joanna-penn/

http://www.livewritethrive.com/2013/07/08/crowdsource-your-self-publishing-project-without-asking-for-money/

Related posts:

http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/the-business-of-writing-part-1.html

http://janefriedman.com/2013/04/21/how-to-publish-an-ebook/

Also:

http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/marketing

The Business of Writing: Part 1

Apparently, the majority of new businesses fail in the first year – something like 85%.  This can be a trifle discouraging if you have an entrepreneurial tendency.  
 

If, like so many writers,  you are going to self-publish, you are creating a commercial enterprise and you have to become a retail sales specialist and take all the steps needed to make it work.  For example:

·         product quality control

·         packaging

·         distribution

·         marketing

·         sales

·         customer support

You have to write a good book (product), make sure it has a great cover (packaging) and then make it visible so people know how to buy it. (marketing and promotion).

This all sounds surprisingly simple.  Which it is. But simple isn’t the same as easy.  Which it isn’t.

It helps if you enjoy every aspect of the process, because it is a lot of hard work.  But it can be fun and you will learn loads on the way.  I did.  And I’m still learning.

Six months ago I brought out my first backlist title: Matty and the Moonlight Horse.  I was so stunned that I had actually achieved this, I then became terrified to promote it in case everyone hated it.  Very silly indeed.  I didn’t tell anyone it was on Amazon for the first week, and therefore it never sold a single copy.  Then I started promoting actively, and gradually, over the next few months, sales began to build and continue to be steady.  Important, since I donate the royalties to Redwings Horse Sanctuary. 

By contrast, I recently brought out my 5^th backlist title for the kindle.  It’s called Beware of the Horse.  Within a few hours of it being on Amazon, I already sold one copy, which astonished me.  This was before I had even told my partner it was there, let alone anyone else!  So I feel I have made some progress and that the continued work is paying off. 

Note to self when motivation is flagging:  Amazon.com was founded in 1994 but did not show a profit (a tiny one) until late in 2001.

There are lots of brilliant blogs out there that provide invaluable information for anyone considering taking the indie route. I have listed a few below and will explore this topic further in a future post.

http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2012/09/25/1-year-author-entrepreneur/

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/01/matthew-turner/

http://joannegphillips.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/self-publishing-guide-step-2/

http://www.sandalpressonline.com/blog/2012/12/why-some-self-publishers-arent-indie/


Related posts to check out:

Blog Taking Stock reposted on Carnival of the Indies

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2012/09/self-publishing-carnival-of-the-indies-issue-24/

Blog Backtracking: Lessons in Indie Publishing Part 1 reposted on Carnival of the Indies
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2012/10/self-publishing-carnival-of-the-indies-issue-25/

Blog Backtracking: Lessons in Indie Publishing Part 2 – Cover Designs reposted on Carnival of the Indies

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2012/11/self-publishing-carnival-of-the-indies-issue-26-2/

Blog E-Books and Writing for Children reposted on Carnival of the Indies
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2012/12/self-publishing-carnival-of-the-indies-issue-27/

http://janeayres.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/publishing-writers-vanity-and-hypocrisy.html