Inspiration and information about writing craft and author business. For independent creatives.
Writing the hard stuff, finding your author voice, and valuing creative satisfaction over book sales, plus the windowing strategy for book launches
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Hello Creatives, We're just back from a long weekend in Brussels and Bruges in Belgium where I did some much-needed book research. Photos above and more on Instagram and Facebook @jfpennauthor if you'd like a closer look. Also, do you know about the 'windowing' strategy for publishing? It's how I release my books now and might help you think about your next release. Basically, it means releasing your book in different formats and into different channels to different audiences over time, with the goal of maximising revenue, and/or reach. My Kickstarter for Bones of the Deep back in April was the first window, when super fans could buy the limited edition signed foiled hardback, as well as get early access to the other editions. Now it's time for Bones to go out into the world! If you'd like to try a thriller with teeth, you can buy it now from my store, or get the ebook in KU, or stream the audiobook, and the print editions are in the usual places. Buy Bones of the Deep from my store Buy Bones of the Deep elsewhere If you've read the story already, I'd really appreciate a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or my store. Thanks! Author voice mastery, and rebooting an author businessWhat happens to your creativity when you're in pain or sick, and can you ever get it back? How can you find and sharpen your author voice? J. Daniel Sawyer talks about voice mastery, writing with chronic pain, and building an eclectic author business. In the intro, leaning into your Strengths and deciding what you want to achieve by the end of the year. Click here to listen or read the transcript Writing the hard stuff: Turning difficult subjects into meaningful proseHow do you write about the most painful experiences of your life without being overwhelmed by them? How can timed writing and a braided story help you untangle your hardest stories? With Nicole Walker. In the intro, Self-Publishing Pop Up Books, and the solar sail theory of indie publishing. Click here to listen or read the transcript Creative satisfaction, and in-person print book salesWhat if the real secret to a lasting writing career isn't talent or luck, but learning to thrive in the mess? Why are in-person events worthwhile even if the maths doesn't add up? How do you protect your creativity when the machines never sleep and the community is at one another's throats? With Mark Leslie Lefebvre In the intro, Has AI Already Killed Non-Fiction by Tim Ferriss, and who do you serve? Click here to listen or read the transcript
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Joanna Penn, The Creative Penn
Inspiration and information about writing craft and author business. For independent creatives.
Hello Creatives, Thanks to everyone who backed my Kickstarter for Bones of the Deep! I had a wonderful signing day for the foiled hardbacks up at the BookVault printers, so all books should be with you soon. It will be out on the usual platforms over the summer. I was also in London last week for an author conference, having industry business meetings and catching up with writer friends. It's been a productive few weeks but a good reminder that the author life is not just sitting alone...
Hello Creatives, Can you believe it's June already?! I hope you have your creative projects for the year well underway. Click reply and let me know how it's going. I'm focused on finishing up the fulfilment for Bones of the Deep Kickstarter, and if you missed the campaign, the book will be out on the usual stores in August. I'm also writing the draft of my dissertation for my Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture, so that's my main project for the next few months, alongside a new story with...
Hello Creatives, I had a book research and social trip to London this week. It's always a treat to walk along South Bank, more pics here. My Kickstarter for Bones of the Deep also finished, so I will be moving into fulfilment next. Keep an eye out for an email if you backed the campaign, and the book will be out in the usual places later in the summer. I'm also busy putting the final touches to my AI-Assisted Artisan Author webinars coming up this weekend, Sat 16 May and then an advanced...