Making A Name For Yourself

As writers most of us want others to read our stuff. Unfortunately for me and many other aspiring writers, we aren't published. So, how do you make a name for yourself before you get published?

It's simple really...

1. Join a local writers group and online writing communities. There are free ones for those of us who haven't been published and professional groups who collect dues for those of us who are published. How does this help? It gets your name out among your peers. Most writers read, so if they recognize your name they are apt to buy your book when you get published.
2. Visit other peoples blogs and leave comments. This will help get your name out there.
3. Write articles for magazines, ezines and to offer as freebies for those who register for your blog. Articles can be stored on the web for anyone to use.
4. Post your picture (a recent, professional picture) on your blog or website so that others will recognize you.

I hope these simple steps help you to get started on making a name for yourself. Good luck and good writing to you!

Putting Yourself Out There

One thing that I found strange and thrilling is how many strangers recognized me at the Y-City Writers Conference this past Saturday. I am not used to being recognized. However, that is one of the upsides to posting my picture on my blogs and the Y-City Writers Forum Websites.

There are a couple of problems with the picture I use on this blog:

1. It is several years old.
2. I am not that thin, anymore.
3. I am in my robe.

The other pics I use are self potraits and recent, so they look like me. I am thinking about having a professional picture done to post. I know the one I use for this page is not professional at all, but I kind of like it.

One of the speakers at our conference said she is going to have to take her childrens pictures off her blog. That is definitely a downside to becoming recognized, so do your children. No one wants to draw unwanted attention to their children.

I didn't recognize this same author from her picture, because it was an older picture and she had changed slightly in appearance. So, keep in mind that you should update your photos when your appearance changes. (For me it is my weight, which I am working on. Though my hairstyles change frequently as well, if I keep with my basic straight hair my appearance doesn't change much. That's just something for me to keep in mind when wanting that perm.)

24 Hour Short Story Contest

I entered the 24 Hour Short Story Contest that was Saturday. I wrote my story after I returned from the Write-On Writers Conference. I looked it over on Sunday and sent it out, liking what I read. Later, I had an epiphany that I should have shown an expression, rather than just mentioning it.

I had sent the story to my brother, which he didn't read until after I submitted it. He liked the story and is thinking of a sequel. I am relieved that someone else likes it. And it elicits a response as well. He had the same wa-ha-ha reaction that I felt when I ended the story. And that's exactly what I was going for.

The next 24 Hour Short Story contest is in July.
To register go to: http://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest.php