Nov 7, 2013

Insecure about launching a book?

Today I am an insecure writer. Mostly I'm insecure about missing an insecure post. Seems every month I forget it's on. So, here, on Thursday, is my Wednesday Insecure Writer's Support Group.

One of the many, many, many things I'm insecure about is launching a new book. How about you? I'm terrified no one will turn up to the book launch and when organising a virtual launch, I hate asking people to post for me. But I've learned two things that I hope help you too:
  1. People want to help. Seriously. We love seeing one of our online buddies do well with their new book.
  2. We all know at least one person who does a brilliant job of launches. Learn from them. Watch them and basically, do what they do. Reach out to them and ask for advice.
I have a friend who does an amazing book launch. For her new book Bailey Beats the Blah (I'll be posting more about that tomorrow), Karen Tyrrell presented a pantomime while she read her story to eager children! I adore Karen for the work she does promoted mental health issues (and because she's just a really nice person), but mostly I adore her for allowing me to dress up as Fuzzy and take part in the performance. It was my shining moment!

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15 comments:

  1. Better late than never! And it's true, people do want to help. The bloggers I've met are wonderful and supportive people.

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    1. The writing world is so incredibly supportive, when I first joined in I was warned of the competitive nature and I have NEVER seen anyone behave that way. We're all just so awesome!

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  2. Is that you hiding under the doggie head? Too funny! Yes, I'm terrified about my upcoming launch. There's so much to do it seems insurmountable. But you're right about people wanting to help. Writers are awesome like that! :-)

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    1. It's funny, most of us love helping others, but hate asking for help. Good luck with your upcoming launch is there a sign up yet?

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  3. I forgot to send a reminder meme to you. I'll have to make one up and set up an auto-delivery each month.

    You know, Charmaine...I really love what you're doing. You wrote to watch someone who really does a book launch exceptionally, and I'm watching you. And I love what you've done with your blog. Really nice. Great post. I'm about to start on that reminder meme. ;)

    M.L. Swift, Writer

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    1. You did reminder me Mike, I saw your post had gone up and that's what sent me flying along to the blog! I'm not sure you want to watch me for launches, I tend to hide under a rock I get so scared (it's my only fear... after flying, spiders, balloons, talking on the telephone, street performers, turning up late for an appointment and the process of the creation of identical twins {one tiny baby person splitting in half and making two that can move around separately????}).

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  4. Hey, Charmaine:

    You're adorable as Fuzzy. And yes, I hate to ask for help but love giving it to others. Wish books could promote themselves. :)

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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    1. You do so much for writers Shelly! And you are always welcome to ask me for help :)

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  5. Every time we have to launch, it's the same worries that bug us. You're right though. I've found that people will go way beyond what you ask them to do. It's good knowing that someone will reach out a hand when I need it.

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    1. Joy your books are so professionally produced, it's easy to support you. I think that's the key I learn from watching you :)

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  6. You're not the only person I've seen do a IWSG post a day late, so no worries! :)

    I have a book launch insecurity, too. I'll probably be releasing one for my comic sometime in 2014, and...it's nerve-racking, to say the least! While the online community is always so, so helpful, I can't help but think I'll be too paranoid to ask for their help...

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    1. Well you put my name down right now Heather, I love the illustrations you share, and will be happy to help promote your launch. See, wasn't hard at all :)

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  7. Thanks Charmaine for helping me launch Bailey beats the Blah playing the hilarious Fuzzy the Dog...and for your fabulous rap here.
    Launching a book is a group effort... thrilled you were on my team supporting me all the way.
    Look forward to reading your interview tomorrow ... Karen xx :)

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    1. And thank you Karen for such a fun experience, you keep up the brilliant work! (but rest a little, girl you are busy!)

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  8. I hope one day to be able to be insecure at a book launch!
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
    x

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