Building Your Author Platform: Connecting with Your Audience

When it comes to selling more books, understanding your target audience is the first step. However, having a strong platform is equally essential. Your platform serves as the space where you engage with your fans and sell your work. It could be a social media site, a podcast, a local newspaper column, or even a following on platforms like Wattpad or Instagram. In this blog post, we will explore how to develop your preferred platform and effectively connect with your audience.

Developing Your Platform:

1. Identify your preferred platform: Choose the platform that aligns best with your style and where your target audience is most likely to be found. It could be a popular social media site, a podcast channel, or any other medium that suits your writing and connects with your readers.
2. Engage with your fans: When fans reach out to you, whether through messages or by liking your posts, take the time to engage with them. Respond to their messages, acknowledge their comments, and show genuine interest in their support. By building this connection, you transform followers into fans.
3. Create a white list: As fans become more engaged and show consistent interest in your work, add them to your white list. This ensures that they are not unfollowed, and you can dedicate time to visit their profiles, like or comment on their posts, and further strengthen your relationship with them.

Nurturing Your Fans:

1. Differentiate between followers and fans: Understand that there is a distinction between mere followers and true fans. Followers may passively follow your updates, but fans actively engage with your content, showing enthusiasm and support.
2. Engage with your fans as a fan: Treat your fans as valuable individuals by reciprocating their support. When you have a book launch or request reviews, you can count on your engaged fans to support you. Encourage them to spread the word among their friends and family.

Building a loyal fan base takes time and effort. To gain people's investment in your work, you must also invest your time in cultivating genuine connections with fans. By understanding your audience, developing your platform, and nurturing your fans, you set yourself up for success in book sales, reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
​
Best wishes,
​Vix

 Production Company Option:

1. Multiple actors, music, and sound effects: ACX.com offers the option to choose a production company that can provide multiple actors and actresses, along with music and sound effects. While this can be more expensive, it's worth considering if you prefer a more elaborate production. ACX.com provides this option, or you can find your own production company.

Recording and Approval Process:

1. Chapter-by-chapter recording: Once the actress or actor is selected, they will record your script chapter by chapter. As the chapters come in, you can listen to them and approve the recordings. ACX.com ensures there are time deadlines for the process, and all communication and payment arrangements are done securely through their portal.

Payment Options:

1. Royalties and payment: ACX.com offers two payment options. You can choose to pay the actor in full and keep all the royalties, or opt for a 50/50 split of the audiobook royalties without any upfront payment. I personally chose to pay the actor in full and keep all the royalties, but the split royalties option can be a good choice if you don't have the funds upfront.

Developing my audiobook with ACX.com was an enjoyable experience, and I highly recommend their services. However, it's worth mentioning that there are other companies available as well. I encourage you to research and find the best fit for your needs. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. For more writing advice, you can follow me on Instagram @VixBrowneAuthor and check out my videos under my bio. Good luck and have fun creating your own audiobook!
​
Note: This blog post is based on my personal experience, and your journey may vary.
  

When all the Girls Have Gone –by Jayne Ann Krentz
​

Six Tinder Weeks - by Bena Roberts
Reckless Treasure – by Cecily Wolfe
​

As a writer, one of my constant challenges is spotting typos in my work. Fortunately, I recently came across an app that has significantly improved my proofreading process. Being dyslexic, I greatly appreciate any assistance I can get in this regard. In this video, I share how this app has made my life easier, both in my professional and personal endeavors. I invite you to watch the video and share your thoughts by commenting below or on my YouTube channel. Don't forget to hit those all-important like buttons as well!

The app I've been using is called Speechify, and it has been a game-changer for me. You can find more about it at their website: https://getspeechify.com/. Additionally, make sure to check out their Facebook page for updates and more information: https://www.facebook.com/getspeechify/.

In my quest to improve my proofreading skills, the Speechify app has been a valuable tool. As a writer, I'm always on the lookout for ways to enhance my writing process, and this app has provided much-needed support. I encourage you to explore Speechify and see if it can benefit you as well. Let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments section or on my YouTube video. Your feedback is highly appreciated!

Note: This video and recommendation are based on my personal experience, and individual results may vary.

There was a time when I worried that reading other books while writing would strip away my identity and make me sound like someone else. However, I soon discovered that my unique writer's fingerprint always shines through, regardless of the authors I read. Surprisingly, I also found that listening to audiobooks serves as a great source of inspiration. I vividly recall mornings spent pounding the treadmill, immersed in a captivating story, only to return home with an irresistible urge to grab my laptop and write.

Inspiration can be found in unexpected places, including films and TV shows. Whether it's a heartwarming chick flick or a gripping drama, these stories often ignite my creativity, particularly in character building. Recently, while engrossed in Criminal Minds, a show far from the usual chick flick genre, the beautifully portrayed friendship between Penelope Garcia and Derek Morgan captivated me. It resembled the nuanced character development found in novels, leaving a lasting impression.

Every situation we encounter, whether joyful or challenging, holds the potential for inspiration. Think back to the loss of your first pet—did you quietly shed tears into your pillow or sob uncontrollably, desperately hoping it wasn't true? Every moment in life possesses its own unique inspiration. Even the people we encounter unknowingly contribute to our creative wellspring. Observe their mannerisms, listen to their idiosyncrasies, and use them as the raw material that enriches your writing. The Nigerian lady at the reception desk who clicks her tongue when frustrated, the neighbor upstairs whose cooking aromas drive you mad—these observations can breathe life into your characters.

Many believe that writing is easy and that they could do it if only they had the time. However, it's not the act of writing itself that poses the challenge. It's the art of harnessing inspiration, maintaining momentum, committing to the process, and persevering through creative boundaries. Writing requires dedication and perseverance. Yet, there's no greater reward than holding the final proof copy of your book in your hands, knowing that your hard work has paid off.

As writers, we have an abundance of sources from which to draw inspiration. Whether it's immersing ourselves in books, finding motivation in audiobooks, or observing the world around us, each experience shapes our unique writing journey. Remember, writing is more than words on a page—it's a commitment, a creative exploration, and a labor of love. So, keep writing, harness your inspiration, and may the final proof copy of your book be a testament to the fulfillment that comes with hard work.

Best of luck on your writing endeavors!

Feel free to leave a comment below.
​
This blog post reflects my personal experience as a writer, and individual results may vary.

In 2012, I had an idea for two short stories. However, with my focus on writing my previous novels, it took me five years to finally bring one of them to life.

'Slip' is a poignant tale loosely based on a true story involving my mother and one of her sisters. The idea for 'Slip' had always resided within me, waiting for the right moment to emerge. I vividly remembered a lingering unresolved issue between my mum and her sister, who lived in Canada. Intrigued, I reached out to my mother, seeking to understand what had transpired.

During my aunt's last visit, my mother confided in me, expressing apprehension. Like so many of us, years had passed with unsaid words and unaddressed tensions. Prior to her sister's arrival, my mother had composed a heartfelt letter, pouring out her thoughts and feelings, which she promptly sent to Canada.

Although my aunt's visit was brief, it left an indelible mark. Our entire family came together, creating cherished memories. My mother, as the eldest, had two younger sisters and a brother, and that day became a treasured memory for me. All our cousins and their children joined the gathering, and joy permeated the atmosphere.

Despite the pleasant day, my mother remained unsettled after my aunt's departure. It turned out that the letter had arrived late, and my aunt was unaware of its existence during her visit. The delayed revelation saddened my mother. However, a week later, my auntie called, and they engaged in a heartfelt conversation. They finally expressed sentiments that had remained unspoken since the 1940s.

This series of events sparked a profound realization within me. What if my mother's letter had arrived before my aunt's departure? Would she have allotted more time to be with us? Could the day have been even more remarkable? Or what if they had picked up the phone and addressed their issues years ago? These reflections inspired me to write 'Slip,' urging others not to let time slip away without resolution.

When my editor returned the final draft, she expressed her desire for a copy once it was published, intending to share it with her own sister. Additionally, I sent a proof copy of 'Slip' to my best friend, and her response deeply touched me. After reading the story, she reached out to her own sister, resolving a small issue that had been weighing on them. That heartfelt connection reaffirmed that I had indeed written a story with soul.

'Slip' will be available in November 2017, carrying with it a message of seizing the present moment and reconciling with loved ones. In this blog update, I express my gratitude to all those who have joined me on this journey, sharing my mother's backstory and finding inspiration within its pages.

If 'Slip' resonated with you, I would be delighted to read your thoughts in a review. Thank you for your support and for being a part of this meaningful exploration.

The story of 'Slip' is a work of fiction inspired by real-life experiences. Names, places, and events have been altered for narrative purposes.

Dyslexia can be a challenging disability for a creative writer, as the vocabulary in one's mind may not align with spelling abilities. This discrepancy often leads to substituting words on paper, inadvertently diminishing the impact of the writing on the reader. However, with determination and resilience, one can navigate this journey and discover their true potential.
​
 At the age of twenty, I found myself exploring various genres and writing styles, delving into erotica poetry and general philosophy. Reflecting on this phase, I now see the natural creative path I was carving for myself. Similar to an artist experimenting with different mediums, I was seeking my unique voice in the realm of writing.

Realizing that I needed assistance, I sought help at twenty-four to overcome my spelling challenges. It was during this journey that I also discovered a weakness in my short-term memory, where information would easily slip away. Working with a therapist, I focused on developing my memory skills, going back to the basics to teach myself spelling.

During my therapy program, my therapist encouraged me to write a diary as a means to enhance my reading and writing abilities. Reluctant to write diaries, I shared some romantic scenes I had written instead. In response, my therapist suggested building a beginning and an end around one of those scenes. And so, Gut Feeling, my first book, was born.

Behind my writing journey lies a powerful "why." A teacher once told my parents that I wouldn't achieve much, and for a long time, I believed that prophecy. However, upon leaving school, I began to embrace the positive encouragement from my parents and grew to believe that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. I write to remember my achievements, the commitment it took, and to defy the limitations others imposed on me. My "why" is simply, why not?

Existing as a dyslexic writer exposes one to potential criticism, but my advice to fellow dyslexic writers is to never be embarrassed by your abilities; instead, be proud of them. Never give up and keep teaching yourself, continuously learning and growing. Remember, you are amazing.

Dyslexia presents challenges for creative writers, but it also offers opportunities for growth and resilience. Embracing dyslexia and harnessing its unique perspective can lead to remarkable achievements. To all dyslexic writers, hold your abilities with pride, never be discouraged, and keep pursuing your passion.

​Your journey as a creative writer is truly remarkable.

Have you been harboring book ideas in your mind for years? Perhaps you've even started putting them on paper, but the process feels overwhelming. You're not alone. However, it's essential not to remain stuck in this cycle. Don't become the person who tells stories of unrealized ideas to future generations. Instead, let me share my process from idea to print, in the hopes of inspiring you to write your own story, regardless of how long it takes or whether you choose to publish it.

Idea Generation:
When an idea strikes, I first explore it in my mind. I contemplate the main focal points, potential twists, and what makes it unique. Staying within my thoughts, I develop a rough plotline, envisioning how the story will unfold.

Transferring Ideas to Paper:
To bring my ideas to life, I personally prefer using a word document, but you may choose pen and paper or whiteboard brainstorming. At this stage, I jot down the story's parts, not yet focusing on chapters. I aim to transfer the story from my mind to paper, refining it in the process. Sometimes the story may not work on paper, and that's okay—it might end there.

Creating a Plot Draft:
Next, I transform the story parts into rough chapter ideas. I make basic notes on the events I want to take place in each chapter, organizing the sequence and considering timelines. This stage involves several drafts, with breaks of a day between each one, allowing the story to breathe and gain clarity.

Letting It Breathe:
Taking breaks between drafts is crucial for the story's growth and clarity. By allowing a day or two to pass, you can approach the story with fresh eyes, often gaining new insights and perspectives. "Sleeping on it" proves beneficial in the creative process.

Finalizing the Plot:
Once my story reaches a stage I consider a final plot, I know I'm ready to proceed. By this point, I have spent four to six days immersing myself in the story, constantly refining the plotlines. If I'm not eager to start writing at this stage, then perhaps the book isn't worth pursuing anyway.

Beginning with the First Chapter:
With the final plot in hand, I'm eager to start writing. I use the plot as a guide to keep me on track. Before diving into each chapter, I review my plot draft, understanding the goals I want to achieve. Adding details and descriptions becomes easier with the guidance of the plot.

Writing the Manuscript:
Knowing what I'm writing, I establish a writing plan. Whether you're a full-time writer or have limited time due to other commitments, finding dedicated time for writing is crucial. Even short daily sessions can yield significant progress. The key is to prioritize and invest the available time.

First Draft Manuscript:
Upon completing the first draft, it's time to let it breathe again. Celebrate your accomplishment and prepare for a read-through. Starting from the beginning, go through the manuscript, making any necessary changes and improvements. At this stage, the manuscript is ready for editor critiques.

Critiquing:
Seeking feedback from an editor is essential. They will pinpoint inconsistencies, rushed sections, character development, story pacing, and overall tone. Incorporate their suggestions and send the revised manuscript back for further critiques if needed.

Editing:
Once the critiques are complete, the manuscript returns to the editor for editing and proofreading. This step involves correcting grammar, spelling, typos, and sentence structure. As a self-published author, you may not have access to extensive resources like big publishing houses, but thorough self-proofreading is vital.
​
Final Manuscript:
​With the edited manuscript in hand, it's time to

​I am extremely proud to announce the release of the Third Time Lucky
Sequel! 
Notting Hill Gossip 

Christmas is looming and Sarah gets the present of a lifetime when she meets a stranger in a New York Tea House. 
Laura is still up to her old tricks and a celebrity New Years Eve party is the perfect platform for Laura to create a night Sarah will never forget.
 
Can Jess and Beth protect Sarah from Laura?
​Or is it Laura who needs protecting?