This illustration of ‘Horse and Clouds’ by Kenneth Leon Roberts is an illustration that depicts the wonders and marvels of dreams. In life, you can survive anything and you can do anything if you allow yourself to dream. It is in our dreams that we find the inspiration to excel and move beyond what is an ordinary life to something that is breath-taking. Expand your world and situation by following your dreams.
As an author, goal setting becomes very
important. It is used in the writing process and well as the marketing phase
afterwards. The whole process of selling books is a process of setting and
meeting one goal after another. If you do not have goals, you will not do the
hundreds of little things that an author needs to do to be successful. Setting
goals right is important. Here is the simple, well known, and well used method
that works. SMART goals. A smart goal is:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
A SMART goal must have each of the above
elements as well as when the tasks are to be performed; where, how and by whom.
If you set your goals, write them down, and achieve them, you will be successful as a writer.
This illustration ‘All Things Are Possible’ is a fantasy picture of hope. All things are possible to those that believe. In a world of endless possibilities, it is the belief that ‘Life is your oyster’ that the illustrator Kenneth Leon Roberts lives by. If it can happen to anyone, it can happen to you. Reach for the moon and life will reward you.
There are a few things to remember when
marketing your book.
You must write an exceptional book. If you feel your book is inferior, you will not be able to market it effectively. Great sales always start with a great product. Write something you can believe in when you sell it.
Change people’s perception of your work. People are usually curious but cautious. When you do your marketing, make sure you address the perception you want people to conceive about your work. Remember – In marketing perception is everything!
Don’t just tell people how great your work is that you have written. Show how it can help them. People really don’t care how great you are unless you can help them.
Show value in your work. There needs to be value in the person taking the time to read your work. If you don’t communicate value to the person, they probably will have better things to do.
Give them something to remember about your work. If they don’t remember the marketing, they will find other things to do.
Writing is a discipline like any other
art. Great writers take time to develop
their skills. There are a lot of skills that need developing. One of the
greatest skills I believe a writer can develop is the skill of indifferent
objectivity.
Most writers write from a place of knowing.
They have their opinions and they use their writing to share them. Their
writing is great for a book or two. Then it is rehash. They don’t objectively
look at things outside their personal point of view.
An accomplished writer looks at things,
opinions, and ideas as tools and not personal crusades. They explore the
possibilities and limits of things other than just their personal beliefs. This
brings a depth and an insight into their writing that new writers have not yet
developed.
When I think of some of the greatest
stories ever written, I am always reminded of two worlds or beliefs that
collide. It is the conflict between the two that make the story great. Whether
right or wrong, an accomplished writer can present both sides equally with a
solid viewpoint for each. This balancing brings a depth and quality to the
story.
I noticed the difference in this principle
from my earlier writings to my later writings. Stories can only stand with the
introduction of differing viewpoints. I look forward to my upcoming books
because I feel they will have greater depth.
Remember, one of the greatest skills a
writer can develop is the skill of indifferent objectivity.
As an artist, I was asked this question the
other morning. What role does artists have in society? In pondering the answer
to the question, I came back to my traditional viewpoint. Artist’s can make
statements on society and how we live without stepping on people’s toes. If a
person spouts out political or lifestyle viewpoints, they can cause a lot of
animosity and controversial behavior. It can really be “in your face.”
An artist can portray ideas and viewpoints
in a way that the observer stands back and looks at them and evaluates them in
a safe environment. They can look at different sides of the issue, in different
lights.
That
makes an artist role very significant in society. They can establish questions
and answers to societal roles and issues.
As an artist, I always try to make my
audience look at the world through the eyes of a child. I try to bring hope,
peace, joy, and understanding back to our lives in the form of simple values.
Values, whether time honored or progressive, brings stability and structure to
a life. That makes people feel secure.
As an artist, I feel I have a significant
role in society.
As an author of 2 novels and 15 children’s
books, I am often asked the question – What does success as an author mean to
you? It is certainly something I have thought long and hard about.
I do not believe that success means selling
a million books or writing the next “Great American Novel.” Rather I feel
success to me is in the process that took place in the writing. It was the
overcoming of the personal challenges of writing. The putting of thoughts on a
paper and trying to make them legible. The personal triumph of my 20th
edit and the challenge of it still not being right. The realization that I had
100 revisions planned by the time the 3rd edition was printed. The
constant striving to re-work the ideas.
My books are not anywhere near to being
perfect or correct but they represent to me challenges overcome.
I
define my success but these events. I may never be successful in anyone else’s
eyes, but in mine eyes I have found author’s success by doing the work.
As an artist, I tend to get into a rut with
my art. I go through times when I am excited to create and times when it is
hard. I know that is part of life, but it can be reality most of the time.
Keeping a normal workflow is hard for me. One thing that helps me keep on track
is providing challenges into my work. One way to do this is by entering art
contests. There are many contests offered by major brands, advertising
agencies, or art enthusiasts. Each contest has a set of criteria that must be
met. This offers challenge. I do not expect to win every contest and I
certainly do not do it for the money. I do it for the personal challenge. By
pushing myself into strange new situations, I advance my art.
If you are looking for new ways to improve
your current art attainment, try entering a couple of contests. You will be
challenged.
Remember, do it for the personal benefit and nothing else. You will not be disappointed.
