WestBow Press author, J.V. Carr, knows a thing or two about a busy schedule. She juggles raising children and maintaining a household on top of sharing her book’s message. Learn more about how she finds time for her time-consuming responsibilities.
Do you have busy days? A crazy work schedule? A busy house that steals your time? If so, how do you find the time to write, promote your book and keep up with your online presence on social media?
It may seem like a daunting and overwhelming task to juggle your life and writing, too. And believe me, I haven’t perfected this yet, but I am peacefully striving toward the writing and marketing goals I have set for myself. I say peacefully because at first I felt panicked to promote my newly published novel, Username: Bladen. I stayed up too late reading, writing, setting up and maintaining my social media accounts. Eventually I ended up too tired to continue.
Now, let me tell you something about myself: I don’t work (smiles). I have heard many times from some of my children, “What do you do all day, Mom? I mean you don’t work.” It’s true. I have a vocation, not an occupation. This past year I have been at home with our six children and three exchange students, and in between the precious playtime I have the usual mundane household tasks, such as cleaning, paying the bills, and keeping up with the numerous activities my children are involved with. Sound familiar?
So whether you have a “real” job or you’re on “vacation” like me (as one of my daughters did say to me once), how do you weave writing and keeping up with your author platform into your daily routine? Let me share with you some of the things that seem to be working for me so far.
First, I pray, “Lord, if writing is what you want from me, give me the desire and time. Let whatever happens in my life, good or bad, be for Your glory.”
Then I go from there with building my marketing platform.
Social Media: I like social media because it is a good way for you to introduce yourself to other people in the industry. Meeting some of the amazing and talented people who are also building their platform on the Internet has been fun and rewarding for me. I think Twitter, Facebook, and a personal blog are the most important basic accounts to have because you can easily connect with others. Personally, I feel social media is the easiest way to build your platform because it is convenient to access. In addition to Facebook, Twitter and your personal blog there are other fruitful sites, such as Pinterest and Google+. Find the social media sites that you enjoy and work best for you, and start building your platform.
Convenience of technology: In the morning in between my motherly duties, I catch up with everyone on social media; I do my best to squeeze it in every chance I get. I recently upgraded to an iPhone, which makes it much easier to keep up with my various accounts throughout the day as opposed to constantly having to log on to a computer.
Events: Another way to build your author platform is through events that offer face-to-face engagements such as book signings. Honestly, I don’t like putting myself out there, so I think of other ways to use my writing to serve others, and my family helps me fit that in. My book is already in a few libraries and schools, which allows me to share the joy of writing and publishing with others.
Now you need to find time to write the next great novel. I prefer a quieter environment when I write to help me think so I try to do my writing at night after the younger children are asleep. And, if I’m too tired to write, I read. Reading is a great way to keep your head full of ideas for your own writing.
If writing feels like it’s where God wants YOU to be, then let Him be the driver, and you’ll know exactly what to do and which map to use to get there!
J.V. Carr is a stay at home mother of six. Ever since she was a young child, she has always loved to read. Upon teaching her children how to read and write she realized she had a passion for writing. She self-published her book, Username: Bladen, with WestBow Press in February 2013.
Thanks JV. An excellent post. I’m not a dad, but running a full time Voice-Over / Podcasting biz and trying to build a platform is really eating away at my time – and temperment. What I really got from this post was your simple prayer.
“Lord, if writing is what you want from me, give me the desire and time. Let whatever happens in my life, good or bad, be for Your glory.”
Thank you so much for that. Though my writing is all for a Christian audience, (www.praisepowerblog.com) I struggle with prayer and what to say.
Thanks for reminding me it’s not rocket science! 🙂
Would it be okay to use your prayer in a future podcast? I’d give you full credit of course. Thanks again.
God Bless,
Frank in Boulder.
Thank you Frank for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it. Building a platform does take time!
Also, you are more than welcome to use my prayer in a future podcast. Thanks for asking! I will also be happy to check out your blog, and God bless you too!
J.V. What you prescribed above in your blog post I guess works for you, but as you know different people have different ways of going about their daily scheduled activities, especially writers. I’m a Journalist, Book Reviewer, Editor and Literary Consultant and Lord knows I have to deal with how and when I write…I guess I can honestly say on a personal level that time management is ever so important when it’s conducive to balance scales and tilt the clock to a favorable time span for effective production.
Writing is so much a part of my life that without engaging in it on a daily basis I feel lost and amiss. I’m currently working on my first novel and at the moment would love to have a publisher that takes interest in me and my work. On that note I’d love to talk to you personally on the benefits of having Westbow Press have the honors. Is it a way I can talk you accordingly? You may follow up with my request via comments by e-mail.
Thank you so much for your comments, Alvin. I appreciate it. You are absolutely correct in saying that people have different ways to schedule their activities. Personally, I feel writing is one of those things that people do because they actually truly love doing it. When you love to do something you make time for it your way, no matter how differently someone else may pencil it in.
You can find me on Goodreads or Twitter and send me a message, if you ‘d like to discuss the benefits of Westbow Press. I couldn’t be happier with them!
Thanks J.V. For the advice and the inspiration. I’m an aspiring author. I’m considering WestBow Press as my publishing company and wanted to know your opinion of them as a publishing company. I will use your advice as I plan to self promote my book as much as possible(I’m a father/husband and I work full time) I want to leave my job and start my charity foundation. I planned to donate the proceeds from my book to support my charity. Thanks again for the inspiration and please post any book signing events that you are planning. I have another book to purchase: “Username: Bladen” and I would love to get it signed personally!! Take care and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Thank you, Chris, for your kind words and encouragement. I wish you the very best with your charity foundation and writing. If you’d like to discuss the benefits of Westbow Press, you can also send me a message on Goodreads or Twitter. I have quite a few adjectives I can use to describe Westbow: professional, timely, talented, artistic, helpful, trustworthy, etc. Then after Westbow publishes your beautiful book, they’re there to help you with advice, marketing and promotional ideas.
God bless you too!
The phrase that really caught my heart was “peacefully striving toward the writing and marketing goals.” Underscore peacefully. I have to humble myself daily before the Lord to remember that my first book, “Jack’s Carousel: Can Love Overcome Deep Prejudice,” is His project. He blesses my work as I walk with Him. Whenever I begin to feel tense and nervous, I have to remember–again and again–to listen to His wonderful, amazing guidance. Peacefully–that’s the keyword. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your helpful suggestions. I am a newly self-published author of an inspirational book of poetry. My book is entitled, Alive! Reconnected & Revived. Basically, it is my journal from emotional abyss to healing through the Word of God–something I sincerely desire to share with others.
As a busy wife, mother and full-time employee, I am used to wearing many hats. However, speaking as someone who is not very experienced in this market, much that I have read has been contradicting, confusing and convoluted. I simply would like to find help in marketing my self-published bible based poetry book, or in getting an agent to market it who won’t require my right arm and left leg as a downpayment.
Thanks for finally talking about >Tick Tock, How Do You Fit
Writing and Marketing on the Clock? | WestBow Press Blog <Loved it!