Platforms are not for Sissies

by | Apr 5, 2014 | Faith, Writing | 15 comments

I am baffled.

If writing five novels isn't enough (plus around fifty short stories and articles and five children's books), a writer is told they need to build a platform.

A what?

Shoes? A stage?

I'm struggling.

I am told I shouldn't approach an agent or pitch a novel, unless I have that novel written. How do I find the time to write/edit and also build a platform?

When I google information on the subject, there are scads of websites offering ebooks (that's cool), blogs, 5 ways to build everything.

Then there's Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. (And more!)

Ugh.

I am reading Michael Hyatt‘s book Platform and I can see a plan. Maybe I am the type of person that just needs the list. I'll do each task, then check it off.

I am taking it one step at a time. And when I say one step, I mean one! As I read through the book, I just perform the task to the best of my (current) ability.

I will build on one social media site at a time. Like this blog. It goes out to FB and Twitter, so that's double-score!

And I will do one new task a week — each one building together to create that platform.

Yesterday? I added my email signature. I realized when we changed email accounts, I hadn't done that.

Small thing, but … one done.

Check.

15 Comments

  1. Jan G. Dillon

    X. Can that be my signature? One thing at a time.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Reply
    • bonnielacy

      Yup! Happy trails to you and Bob!

      Reply
  2. walt walker

    Yes, it used to be that publishers and editors had to find the needle in the haystack. These days the needle has to climb to the top and leap into their hands.

    Reply
    • bonnielacy

      Here’s to leaping! Blindly free-falling! LOL I’m sure with your writing you are leaping into their hands. I like your fiction!

      Thanks for the comment. Sorry it took me so long to reply!

      Reply
  3. frontrowhiker

    Thank you for checking out my blog, and I just read yours. I had no idea how difficult it is to get something published. I like your linear approach to setting and meeting those goals, and I want to follow you and see how this develops. You gave us a plot for an interesting future read. Thanks!

    Reply
    • bonnielacy

      Thanks for your comment! It is hard to get published. But I realize that the main ingredient is perseverance (aside from great writing!) Never give up.

      I’ve never dehydrated ground beef or refried beans! I just bought a dehydrator, but I think I’ll start with bananas! Take care!

      Reply
  4. theeditorsjournal

    It’s the new world of self promotion. Once upon a time an artist or writer would sign to a company and the company would take care of all that side of things. But not today! You promote, you gain but so do they having offered a lot less backing than ever before. The positive? You retain some control over your audience.

    Reply
    • bonnielacy

      I agree. It feels good to have some control. I like what you said, “You promote, you gain …” I’m all about learning!

      Thanks for the comment! Keep in touch and have a great day!

      Reply
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  8. brainchild's

    Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It’s the little changes which will make the biggest changes.
    Thanks a lot for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Adeline

    I love it whenever people get together and share ideas.
    Great site, stick with it!

    Reply
    • bonnielacy

      Thanks for the comment! Have a great 4th!

      Reply
  10. Brad

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but
    I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never
    understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

    Reply

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