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7 Ways to Encourage Young Writers

June 7, 2015 by kirstenoliphant@gmail.com 3 Comments

I wrote my very first novel on the rainbow-colored pages of a Hello Kitty notebook. I was eight. It definitely read like an eight-year-old’s first novel, but it also was over 80 pages of a story with characters, a plot, and dialogue. I had a lot of maturing and growing to do, but even then I knew I was a WRITER. My parents encouraged this every step of the way and their support fostered creativity and faith in myself as a writer. Because of this new age of digital media, we have many more opportunities than ever before. This can be a great thing, but it also has some pitfalls. Here are 7 ways to encourage young writers.

A Note to Parents: These suggestions may not be suitable for young writers of all ages, especially the ones related to the internet. I would recommend you continue to use the common sense and boundaries that you already have in place with regards to these!

A Note to Young Writers: If you are reading, I’m so glad you are here! Please contact me if you have questions or need more resources. I would love to help you on your writing journey.

Some of these 7 ways to encourage young writers might surprise you! They aren't all about WRITING.

 

7 Ways to Encourage Young Writers

1. Buy a domain.

Do this right now. Immediately. Domains are a commodity and it would be great for you to own your child’s name.com right now. It costs less than $10 to buy and keep one as a placeholder, even if you don’t want a website yet. (More thoughts on owning your own name.) Do make the domain private (a paid service) so your family address, email, and other information cannot be accessed. If you DO choose to actually make a site, this will represent your young writer, so do be professional. Consider gifting this as a graduation present, as I have known some parents to do.

2. Get a Twitter handle.

Many social media platforms come and go. Twitter is, I think, in it for the long haul. Facebook also might be, but with it’s ever-changing algorithms for pages, I would recommend Twitter. I have also found that Twitter is a great place to make connections with other writers and reveals less than a Facebook profile. (Some tips for using Twitter!) Encourage your child to use it as a WRITER, not simply as interaction with friends. (If your child uses Twitter with friends, perhaps set up a separate Author Twitter handle.) Read these tips on how to use Twitter as an author.

3. Find community through Wattpad.

Wattpad is a place where writers can register, post their work, and read the work of others. Many people use it to reveal their work chapter by chapter, receiving comments and shares from other Wattpad users. Writers can be inspired by other writers, connect with new readers, and be part of a community. *A word of caution to parents: Not ALL writing on Wattpad is appropriate for all ages. Check it out with and for your child and make appropriate boundaries.

4. Set up good work habits & goals. 

Writing should stay fun. But young writers can also learn about writing as a craft. Whether that is taking classes, attending a conference (like the Teen Book Con here in Houston), or simply setting up a time to write each day, young writers can learn good habits now that will help in the long run. Encourage your child to both foster creativity and also discipline.

5. Consider self-publishing on Amazon.

Every year in elementary school, I entered the Young Authors competition (and even won a few years). It was my favorite time of year because I got to write a book, then bind it together and hold it in my hands. There is something magical about holding your own book in your hands!! My nephew just published his first book on Amazon & Create Space and I couldn’t be prouder! But I use the word “consider” seriously. The only flip side to self-publishing is that the internet has a long shelf-life. Perhaps later on, your child might be embarrassed for that work to represent him or her. That work will carry his or her name (which could be a privacy concern) and will represent him or her. If you do decided to make the book available to the public, take it seriously. Hire an editor to make the work polished. Make sure the book formats correctly and also has a slick cover!

My nephew with his self-published book, flanked by proud grandparents!
My nephew with his self-published book, flanked by proud grandparents!

6. Start an email list. 

This may sound like a strange one, but if your young writer does want to become a serious published author one day, starting an email list would be an asset. For now, it could be dormant like a website. Maybe it would be friends and family to start with, but your young writer could collect emails and add them to the list along the way. If he or she does publish on Amazon or Wattpad or has any fun writerly news, this email list could be the place to share it. No one EVER regrets starting an email list too early. (Read how to start an email list.) An email list is a valuable digital commodity and would be a huge resource to start early.

7. Encourage reading. 

I don’t know any writers who were not also voracious readers as children. Read with your child and to your child. Take your young writer to author readings and to the library. Budget for books. Spend time in book stores. Allow for extra time at night for reading before bed. Mix up the kinds of books for your child—maybe encourage him or her to read one classic for every two or three modern or YA books. Readers don’t always write. But writers always READ.

 

How were you encouraged by your parents as a writer? Or how have you fostered creativity and writing habits in your child? 

More thoughts on young writers: 

Resource for Young Writers  from The Creative Penn
5 Simple Ways to Encourage Young Authors from Lasso the Moon
6 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe on Social Media from Mashable

 

 

 

Filed Under: Platform, Writing

Kiki Talks Ads & Authentic Growth– 009

June 2, 2015 by kirstenoliphant@gmail.com 1 Comment

Are you selling out if you put ads on your site? How do you grow your platform without sacrificing your authenticity?

I’m answering fabulous questions from Jenna (at the Gleeful Gourmand) and Andi (at Andilit) this week! If you want to pose questions for me, join the Facebook group for more community & conversation.

EXCITING NEWS! I decided to go all-in and do two podcasts rather than just one. Because, after all, one IS the loneliest number. The other podcast I’ve been secretly recording is for Blogger2Business and is laser-focused on blogging. That podcast and the larger site is a FABULOUS resource for bloggers. Even if you consider yourself a writer who happens to blog, you should be proud of your blog and strive to have it represent you well. Head over to Blogger2Business to find great tips & tricks for growing, plus a very-familiar voice interviewing some blogging phenoms.

Now, let’s talk Ads and Authenticity!

Listen to Create If Writing – Episode 009

What writers and bloggers really need to know about authentic growth.

At a Glance: Ads

  • There are two main types of ads that you can have on your blog: ads from networks (like Google Adsense, Adthrive, or Burst) and sponsored slots where bloggers or companies pay a monthly fee for that slice of your sidebar real estate.
  • When you use an ad network like Blogher, there are often restrictions on how you can get IN to the network and with regards to other competing ads on your site.

[su_quote style=”modern-light”]Note: If you are on the Blogger platform and use their analytics within the dashboard to tell you how many views your posts got, they are usually WAY off. Use a more trusted source like Google Analytics. It stinks to see fewer views, but it is more accurate because analytics doesn’t count the weird spam-bots. [/su_quote]

  • You can also choose to have sponsor spots that other bloggers or companies can pay for month by month.
  • Many people who choose to have sponsor spots use a site like Passion Fruit to handle the details of this.
  • You can also swap sponsored spaces with other bloggers.
  • Keep an eye on your analytics. If people aren’t clicking through to sponsors, maybe you shouldn’t have them. And if you’re only getting like $4 from a giant ad in the sidebar, you’re giving up valuable real estate for nothing.
  • If you pay for a sponsored spot on someone’s blog or do a swap, make sure your button is visually appealing and that it will be eye-catching but also fit in with the blog’s aesthetic. You also may want to choose a landing page rather than your home page for the link.

 

 

At a Glance: Authentic Growth

  • You need to think about your goals when you decide whether or not to have ads or what kind of monetization to have on your blog.
  • I personally don’t think ads are (in and of themselves) selling out. Even if the cost is only your time, there is a cost to blogging and ads defray that cost.

[su_quote style=”modern-light”]The Smarmy Test: Does it make you feel icky? This is NOT a question someone else can answer for you. It may change over time or be conditional. But if you want to stay authentic, ask yourself if ANY of your choices make you feel smarmy inside. If the answer is yes, then don’t do it. Make a commitment to stand by this, but give yourself the freedom to reevaluate. [/su_quote]

  • If you consider your blog a business, you SHOULD have the goal of making money.
  • When it comes to growing your blog or promoting yourself, there ARE bad ways to do this. Example: paying for followers. DON’T DO THIS. Giveaways can help bolster your numbers, but they may not be people who really care what you are doing. On the flip side, that might help people discover you.
  • Stop thinking of your numbers. Think of those page views and followers and subscribers as people. You have value to offer and you are gathering people around to share that value with them.
  • Growing your platform is nothing more than finding people who need YOUR words.

 Believe in your value. Authentic growth will follow!

My Big Takeaway

Not to knock Michael Hyatt (because I’m honestly on his page about the idea of platform!), but the word platform has really become kind of a dirty word for many people just through overuse. IT SHOULDN’T BE. You have a platform is what connects you with the very specific people who need what only you can offer them. It may be large and it may be small, but it is uniquely yours. When you think of it that way, it sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

Relevant Links

Paula Rollo’s interview on Blogging Intentionally

Chad Allen’s interview on Platform

How to Grow Your Blog Authentically

Platform by Michael Hyatt

What I Want to Know from YOU

Do you struggle with the idea of self-promotion, growing your platform, or having ads? What are the markers for you of what feels like authentic growth or promotion?

 

Filed Under: Blogging, Platform, Show Notes

Chad R. Allen on Publishing Trends – 007

May 19, 2015 by kirstenoliphant@gmail.com 3 Comments

How many email subscribers EXACTLY do you need to get a publisher to take notice? Are all traditional publishers at odds with self- and indie- publishers?

In this conversation with Chad R. Allen, we talk traditional vs self-publishing, what numbers matter, and why you should just DO YOUR ART.

Listen to Create If Writing – Episode 007

Chad has been in publishing for over sixteen years and with Baker Books for over thirteen. His site is an incredible resource with posts like:

6 Things for Writers to Remember When an Editor or Agent Says No

Is This Blocking Your Creativity?

8 Essential Tips for Marketing Your Book on Facebook

The Basics of Building a Platform

He also started the Book Proposal Academy, which walks writers through the steps of writing a killer proposal. While he shoots it straight about what publishers are looking for in terms of numbers, he also offers so much hope and has such a passion for urging on creatives in their work. His book, Do Your Art, is a prime example of this. This interview will hopefully give you some concrete goals to work toward and the inspiration to do so!

You can find more great content on his blog and find him on Twitter and Facebook.

Create If Writing Episode (10)

 

 

At a Glance

  • The constant in publishing is great content.
  • Traditional publishers tend to be agnostic about whether books sold are ebooks or physical books.
  • Traditional publishers tend to not be as threatened by self-publishing because self-publishing provides a viable option for those publishers turn down and can also be a way to grow enough readers to secure a traditional deal.
  • Platform is more accessible today than ever before.
  • The “magic number” of email subscribers that will make a publisher interested (in non-fiction) is 10,000.
  • Email list is the key metric more than Twitter or Facebook or other social media because the email list is a digital asset you own.
  • Offering your content online through blogs or a free ebook is a way to use your content to grow your list.
  • A warm list is one that is interactive and interested. Think of those unsubscribes as simply paring down your list to make it warmer.
  • To find balance in writing and growing your platform, you need to make specific goals and find a plan that is sustainable.
  • Realize that YOU have things to offer and people are longing for what is uniquely yours.

Learn what you need to know about author platform and publishing from Chad R. Allen, who has been in the business for almost 15 years.

Relevant Links

Why Traditional Publishing Should Kiss Self-Publishing’s Feet

Jane Friedman’s The Future of Reading and Writing

101 Jon Acuff Quotes from Kevin Kaiser (for inspiration!!)

41 Tips That Put Over 10,000 People on My Email List from Blog Tyrant

My Big Takeaway

I loved the idea of thinking of my list as growing warmer as I have people unsubscribe. Chad’s ideas on how to use my current content to grow a warm list also got me thinking about repurposing things that I already have and working on new things. I’m currently trying to find a balance that is sustainable. So far I haven’t figured this out, so let me know if you have!!

What I Want to Know from YOU

What are your current goals? And what content might you currently have to offer for free in order to find and grow your audience?

Filed Under: Platform, Show Notes, Writing

Building an Email List Full of True Fans – 006

May 12, 2015 by kirstenoliphant@gmail.com 1 Comment

How many fans does it take to make a living as a writer or artist? And do those fans HAVE to be on your email list or can they be spread across your social media platforms?

This week I’m answering Kelli‘s question about whether it is better to build an email list or find followers through other social media platforms. I have a LOT to say about email lists. And audience.

Listen to Create If Writing – Episode 006

At a Glance: Email Lists vs Other Social Media Platforms

  • An email list is integral because it allows you to reach into someone’s personal space in a way that is more intimate than Twitter or Facebook.
  • Email lists are set up through a host, NOT your personal email account. (I use Mailchimp for one list, but for serious list-building, I’ve moved to Convertkit. Read WHY.)
  • My biggest numbers in terms of traffic come through Pinterest and Facebook, with Twitter at a VERY distant fourth. My email list brings my blog more traffic than Twitter, but not by too much. Then again, I have a few hundred people opening each email, which makes it about as popular as my second or third most popular blog post on any given day. (Looking at my email list the day after recording, the open rate bumped up to 30%, which is pretty normal for me.)
  • Other platforms may change (like Facebook’s algorithms that make your visibility disappear), but your email is under YOUR control.
  • Publishers would generally say that around 10,000 email subscribers is a good number to see for a non-fiction book deal. 5,000 would get attention, but 10,000 is the sort of “golden” number. (More on that in episode 007!)
  • Kevin Kelly introduced the theory that 1,000 true fans (who will buy everything you make) is enough to make a comfortable living.

When it comes to your fans, how many subscribers do you really need on your email list?

My Big Takeaway

Get an email list. Decide what service to use (always use a service, not your gmail or hotmail) and what kind of content/how frequently. Think about what best serves your goals. Do your best to grow your list authentically so you have people who really LIKE you and want to support you and buy whatever it is you sell: book, album, class, coaching. But ALSO keep growing your social media platforms. You may connect with different people in those spaces and find real fans and real traffic.

The email list should be your foundation and your true fans, who will buy anything you create. (So when someone unsubscribes, rather than feeling sad, think about the fact that they are NOT your true fan and it is one less person to pay for when you get to that point.) Having a smaller number of loyal subscribers is great, but those bigger numbers can matter to publishers or for other reasons. Intentionally grow your email list, but definitely use a combination of platforms for growth.

Need more resources on email lists? I’ve got you covered! 

The Free Email Course

free-email-course-featured

Email Lists Made Easy for Writers and Bloggers 

email lists made easy featured

 

Relevant Links

–Kevin Kelly on having 1,000 True Fans
–The Problem with 1,000 True Fans
-The Blog Tyrant’s 41 Tips to Get over 10,000 Email Subscribers

What I Want to Know from YOU: 

If these numbers sound crazy scary to you (they alternately do and don’t to me, depending on that day’s optimism/pessimism/realism balance), don’t fear! What is YOUR goal for your email list or platform growth?

Where are you finding social media or email working for you? Is my experience that I share in the podcast similar or different to yours?

Filed Under: Email List, Platform, Show Notes, Social Media

Holly Homer on Using Facebook without Formulas – 004

April 28, 2015 by kirstenoliphant@gmail.com 2 Comments

I talked to Holly Homer and finally have the Three Keys to TOTAL DOMINATION online! Simply pay me $50 in three easy installments plus $9.95 for shipping and handling and you can learn Holly Homer’s Three Keys and the secret formula for Facebook success!

JUST KIDDING. But does that sound at all familiar? I feel like I see this sales pitch from different places every single day. Spoiler alert: THERE IS NO SECRET FORMULA IN THIS PODCAST. Holly, who speaks at conferences all over about Facebook and blogging, does share how often Quirkymomma posts every day. (Your jaw might drop.) But this conversation is more about creativity and inspiration. She talks about how she used analytics to make Facebook work, but also how she likes to throw the rules out the window. If you are feeling pressured by the so-called “rules” of social media, this episode is for YOU.

Listen to Create If Writing – Episode 004

 

You can find Holly at Kids Activities Blog, Business 2 Blogger, as well as on Facebook at Quirkymomma, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. If you are a blogger, you MUST check out her newest venture with Paula Rollo & Becky Mansfield (both also coming up on the podcast!), Blogger 2 Business. B2B is all about education and training for bloggers at all levels to kick it up a notch. Or ten. Right now you will get 30 days of tips delivered to your inbox when you sign up!

Tips for using Facebook with Holly Homer

 

At a Glance

  • I personally subscribe to the school of making mistakes until you figure it out, as Holly does. Is that how you work through things? (I also like learning from other people’s mistakes.)
  • Fun Fact: Holly suspects that she has more domain names than shoes.
  • Holly said that we are living in an age when you can start with an idea to making a living in your living room. It is a time like no other! Have YOU experienced this? Do you see the possibilities or does that seem like a reach?
  • For success with Facebook, Holly & her blogging partner Rachel Miller paid attention to the analytics to see what Facebook liked and didn’t like. They tailored posts in that way.
  • At the same time, they chucked out the “rules” and suggestions from other people. For example: the Facebook page QuirkyMomma isn’t branded to the name of the blog, Kids Activities Blog. They also post a crazy amount per day instead of the two times a day that people were suggesting at the start of their growth.
  • Blogging was a gift to Holly at a time when her kids were small. It gave the gift of being able to step back and think of how to tell the story even of a bad day with a silver lining.
  • If you get caught up in numbers and the pressure, take a step back. Strategize about how you can reach your goals without losing your voice.
  • “The end product is so irrelevant in what we do. It’s more about…the process of sitting down with a child and having and experience, having an adventure.” -Holly Homer

Should you be using a Facebook page or a Facebook group? Read my tips here.

Want tips for using Facebook? Forget the formulas.

Relevant Links

Facebook Organic Growth – an interview with Holly for the Social Media Examiner
101 Kids Activities book from Holly Homer and Rachel Miller

My Big Takeaway

I loved what Holly said in that last quote. It’s not about making something beautiful that will show well in a Pinterest photo. It should be about the process, the adventure, the experience. Doesn’t that hold true with our art? Though I will say this: I want to find that perfect marriage where I make something I’m truly proud of as an end product, but where I also enjoy the PROCESS. As a writer, I want my words to come together in a remarkable way. But I want to ENJOY writing. Most of the time, I do!

What I Want to Know from You

-Do you enjoy the process of what you do? Or is it more about accomplishing goals and having that end product? (No judgment here! I’m simply curious.)

-Have you found your own “formula” that works for your goals?

Filed Under: Inspiration, Platform, Show Notes

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Hey, I'm Kirsten!

(Rhymes with BEER-sten.) I am the author of Email Lists Made Easy for Writers and Bloggers and the host of the Create If Writing podcast. My goal is to help writers, bloggers, and creatives like YOU turn readers into raving fans and learn to make a living doing what you love...without being smarmy. Questions? kirsten at kirstenoliphant.com

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