#firsttimeauthor

How do you manage your schedules? On your phone, a printed calendar/diary, or a combination? ️

I’ve asked a similar question before, but it seems online scheduling services multiplied like rabbits while I wasn’t paying attention. (Hmm. It’s kinda like what happened with me & LinkedIn! ) There are now lots of options & they all seem to offer free & paid versions.

Do we need them? I recently met @lonelyroadlover #IRL & we agreed on details via IG DMs. I manually added the date to my Google calendar. Super easy! ✅

Last month I attended a post-launch authors’ workshop for my writing cohort, & I had a few side conversations in the chat window. One was with @dcasha, a fellow author who smart & nice & I wanted to get to know her better. We met on Zoom & clicked. We ended up exchanging copies of our books.

Asha used an appointment service that was unfamiliar to me —youcanbook.me. It worked great & even sent reminders. Most people I know use Calendly or a Google invite to schedule meetings. Have you tried any of these options?

Scheduling apps let you see a list of times when a person is free & you choose one. Boom. Done. Sync to calendar.

It used to be people talked on the phone ☎️ & agreed to get together. Now it seems we plan via email or text. Talking or emailing & texting is personal but take time. ⏳ Scheduling apps are fast⏩ and impersonal, but they address that 1) We are so busy ‍♀️ and; 2) We know we’re going to meet so no need for chit chat beforehand? ️

Whether you use them for travel, ✈️ business, or planning lunches or dinners,‍ scheduling apps can be great. If you don’t already use a scheduling app, do you want to try one?
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UPDATE: #BloggingOnInstagram hardbound edition: My Afterword is in review along with appendix citations. Next step: copy editing, layout & dust jacket!
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PHOTO #MISHMASH: Sarah & me in the historic #PanamaHotel in #japantown; Traveled a lot in #November2016 - #centralcoast #monterey #surferlife; #140conf #Whotel; #schedule #apps #meetups #firsttimeauthor
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. (at Monterey, California)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWfWV9fLNL4/?utm_medium=tumblr

Do you read paperbacks, eBooks or hardbound books?

Right now my hardbound edition is in the works. Does it seem backwards ◀️ to have the paperback come out first?

For decades, publishers would first produce hardbound editions because that’s how it was always done. There was an incentive, too: Hardbacks generate more income & publishers could more quickly recover the author’s “advance” ✍️ + money spent on printing, marketing, shipping & distribution.

Paperbacks would be released a year later & give books a second life as a cheaper & more portable option. EBooks are even more portable. Despite the notion that printed books are dead, Pew Research revealed 37% of readers only read printed books; 28% read print+digital; & 27% read no books at all. (1% didn’t know!)

Hardbound books feel more substantial. I’m a collector of hardback books & felt #BloggingOnInstagram wouldn’t be real until it came out with a hard cover & dustjacket.

Doing the sequence backward has been a blessing. Shortly after my book went into production Instagram announced platform changes that drove me bonkers. There is no way a book on a technology-topic ⌨️ can be completely current unless it exists only as an eBook. By doing the hardback second, I have an opportunity to insert an extra chapter—The Afterword.

In the Afterword, I address some of the developments that happened since publishing. And even though things will keep changing, I feel better being able to mention some of them. Also, I misspelled someone’s name & this edition has given me a chance to fix it. If you opt for the hardbound edition, you’ll read about some of the changes.

Would you like to have a personal assistant? ‍♀️ Sometimes I feel like I need one. Thanks to @soniabublaitis, ‍ I met @rodjonesartist @thoughtrowpodcast who is helping me reach more people.

Thank you again for inspiring me to write my book. And happy birthday @queenhorsfall

PHOTOS: Hunter & Grey #caturdayeveryday #happycaturday #catinabox #catsinboxes #silvertabby #mainecoonkitty #mainecoonlove #firsttimeauthor #bookstagram #ndp (at Seattle, Washington)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CV7Nz4cL-Tb/?utm_medium=tumblr

Have you had a dream come true? Was it a good dream, I hope?

This week something amazing happened. ☎️ I called Rick Simonson at the Elliott Bay Book Company on Seattle’s Capitol Hill.  I hesitated to reach out because it had been years since we last spoke. But I called & introduced myself & he remembered me. I told him I’d written a book ✍️ & asked if it would be OK to bring him a copy?

Elliott Bay is Seattle’s crown jewel  of independent bookstores & I first met Rick there in the ‘70s. He’s been with EB for 45+ years & is the principal book buyer, but he’s much, much more. He nurtured its literary series ️ to become the most influential in the world  & has been credited for growing Seattle’s reputation as one of the best book cities in the US. 

Rick is a literary evangelist & discoverer of powerful, impactful & beautifully written books.  He shared his excitement about his annual trip to the Jaipur Literature Festival  #JLF, where he’s a well-known figure. His reputation extends across continents & time zones.  So why did he agree to place an order for #Blogging on Instagram? 

He admitted it’s outside his normal orbit,  but I believe he wanted to help me. And I am so grateful! 

If you’re in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, stop in & browse. You’ll find treasures curated by Rick, @bookmonger_seattle & EB staff members. They share great recommendations based on human intelligence, not algorithms. 

As you guys know, I’m big on ((HUGS)) & when it came to Rick, there were plenty delivered in person. 

When you can gather the courage to ask,❓sometimes the response is rewarding. Have you asked for something & been surprised by a positive outcome?  I hope so. Please share!
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There’s a link in my bio to the Elliot Bay website. I hope you’ll support me & @elliottbaybookco. Also, if you’re in the #WestSeattleJunction in #WestSeattle, @PegasusBookExchange has 3 copies!
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PHOTOS: Rick, shots of #ElliottBayBooks #capitolhillseattle; my book on the EB website!

#seattlelove #bookstoresofinstagram #bookstagram #firsttimeauthor #ndp
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. (at Elliott Bay Book Company)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVFIlFHLg9p/?utm_medium=tumblr

Is there someone who brings out the best in you?  How about the worst? 

There is a person in my life who drives me nuts.  We’ll get along for a while, but something will set her off, then BAM—she verbally jabs, berates & argues. Sometimes I take the bait & respond, & boy, it can escalate quickly. 

I try to get along with everyone. This kind of conflict doesn’t happen with my family ‍‍‍, friends  or colleagues. It just happens with this one person.  A few weeks ago there was another incident & I felt like it was the last straw. 

On the other hand, there are people who bring out my best.  One of them is my sister. ‍♀️ Throughout my adult life & especially during the pandemic, I’ve been grateful to have such a great friend, therapist & supporter all rolled into one person.  I wasn’t the nicest sister when we were kids, but as I grew up I realized how lucky I am &got better. 

When someone brings out your best, they believe in you. They’re not judgmental. ‍⚖️ They’re not critical.  They don’t compete with you & genuinely want what’s best for you.  They’re on your team.  Don’t we all need that?

The person who brings out my worst, makes me dislike myself AND the person.  I hate that she knows how to push my buttons.  My solution is to limit communications & only make contact if essential. Time & space helps. ⏳

Is there a toxic person in your life?  What’s your best remedy? And who is the person who brings out your best? 
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UPDATE — the $1.99 #ebook promo price of #BloggingOnInstagram expires 9/25! Hurry! #instagram #firsttimeauthor
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PHOTOS: My brother gave me tickets to Herbie Hancock  at the #ParamountTheatre #downtownSeattle. @jenniferannegood & I had great seats & enjoyed the show. I shot some photos & before the encore we walked down to the main floor by the #soundengineer. I was shooting a photo when a security guard told me, “No pictures.”  I had what I needed in my #GooglePixel  #jazzbaby #herbiehancock #headhunters #jazzfunk #livemusicphoto #pixelperfect
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. (at Paramount Theatre)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUPDtyRr4Pu/?utm_medium=tumblr

Are you a lifelong learner? Continual learning is good for our brains! 

Publishing with a hybrid publisher taught me a lot. ✍️Authors I know who have traditional publishers sacrifice control over how their book looks; how they’re marketed & positioned; & they give up a lot of control over the content they create. For example, if a traditional author decides they want an audiobook, they can’t go off & create one on their own—It goes through the publisher.

I spent months learning how to write a book. I didn’t know there was a process. Each week, besides writing, fellow authors spent hours in live workshops & met with editors & coaches. ️ It was harder than the math class  I was required to take last summer, which nearly killed me.

In my weekly meeting with my editor, I told him NDP reminded me of the quote, “Give a man a fish,  & you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, & you feed him for a lifetime.”

The authors in my cohort were empowered because we had the support to learn how to do everything. ‍Our books perform better than the average first-time indie author. NDP showed us how to avoid the mistakes inexperienced authors make. NDP taught us to publish like a second-time author.

If you think you have a book in you, maybe consider checking out New Degree Press (or something like it). The winter cohort has begun, ❄️but maybe it’s something to think about for spring. Authors are international , & workshops & meetings are scheduled across 19 time zones. It’s amazing.

I’m not saying the experience was perfect, but it was perfect enough to get my book published & perform well! 

This post is what marketers call “UGC,” or user-generated content. UGC is powerful because it’s unpaid, authentic & trustworthy. If your friends share products or services because they like them, it’s likely UGC. (I learned that at Bellevue College!)

Happy weekends to you all & thank you again for your support! 
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Photos: #summerflowers #echinacea #echinaceaflowers #chrysanthemums #lavenderlove #seattlegardens #RainierValley #firsttimeauthor #NDP #newdegreepress #indieauthors #indieauthorsofig #UGC
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(at Rainier Valley, Seattle)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTY_OjFrIjg/?utm_medium=tumblr

How was your week? I hope it was great! Drum roll:  rat-a-tat-tat—my book is published!

I say with all seriousness, TGIF! 

“Blogging on Instagram”—both the eBook  & paperback —are now for sale on Amazon! I’ve compared writing this book to giving birth to a baby Asian elephant  (Asian elephants gestate 18-22 months, just like this book!) It took a lot of pushing to get this baby out into the world! ️

Wednesday I took a deep breath before uploading my files to Kindle Direct Publishing, Kobo & Ingraham Spark. I set up accounts on all three sites & followed precise directions for each to make sure I didn’t blow it. It was scary! 

My publisher, editor & #NDP team members were there to guide me. Luckily, I had a bullet-proof demo to show me the way. Four hours later (including a break for a cup of noodles) I’d triumphed. 

Guys, your comments  & interaction led to this book & many of you have been here from the start. I hoped to include a list of those who regularly engaged with my posts , but the proofing & verification proved too daunting. ❤️ My hope is to tag you in a series of IG stories to acknowledge you & show my appreciation. 

The top link in my bio leads to my book! The eBook has a promotional price of $1.99 USD until Sept. 25.  If you’re an active Amazon customer, you’ll be able to rate  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & review the book. ✍️ It would be SO awesome if you are able & willing to do that!

Backers of my Indiegogo campaign will receive their books in late Sept.  I’ll share the unboxing here! I haven’t yet received a physical copy myself! 

Have you gone through this publishing process?  Have you wanted to write a book? I’d love to hear about your experiences ️

Like Hunter & Grey, I plan to sleep a lot this weekend! Thank you again & happy #CaturdayEveryday!
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Photos via my publisher, #Amazon & me. #independentauthor #bloggingoninstagram #eBookstagram #paperbackbooks #contentmanagement #humancomputerinteraction #firsttimeauthor #kindledirectpublishing #sleepycats #sleepycatsofinstagram #catnapping
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  (at Seattle, Washington)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTG-XSsLyV2/?utm_medium=tumblr

Do you ever get so immersed in something that everything else ceases to exist? I have a habit of hyperfocusing ️ on whatever I’m working on.

The past year I’ve spent writing my book ⌨️has been intense. but it wasn’t just writing ✍️—It’s all the other stuff I didn’t know I was going to have to do. 

In my head I thought I could write 50K words  & give it to someone who would clean it up & turn it into a book.  Not even close!

I’ve worked with four editors—each helped me through a stage of my book journey. ️ My marketing & revisions editor, @what_chauncey, has done most of the heavy lifting.  In addition to editing & advising ‍ he’s also been a wrangler & therapist. ‍⚕️ He knows so much. I’m starting to wonder how I’m going to carry on without him!

There have been many #sleeplessinseattle nights  I think caused by doing things outside my  comfort zone. Running a crowdfunding campaign felt like the worst,  until the IG announcement about moving to video & shopping️ which threw me for a loop. Gotta thank @phillip.wilcox.author for restoring calm. 

“Blogging on Instagram” is scheduled to be printed at the end of August. ️ I’m finalizing the cover & the interior layout right now.  You guys inspired my book.  Thank you all for your advice & for sharing your experiences with me.

I’ve been looking forward to free time, but learned I need to set up interviews ️ & develop an article series & other marketing activities.  I didn’t know I’d have to do stuff like this. Sometimes I want to crawl under the covers. 

And there’s more! I need to plan a book launch sometime in late September.  I’d love some advice or ideas! 

Have you planned a launch or opening event?  Can you think of a fun activity venue  or event that you’d enjoy if you could be here with me? I hope some of you can come, Covid permitting! 

Thanks again for your help!  Have a great weekend!
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Photos: #onmywalk #sewardparkloop. #boatingseason on #lakewashington #parkbench #sewardpark #seattlesummer #firsttimeauthor #bloggingoninstagram
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(at Seward Park)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSQ5Ampr2UC/?utm_medium=tumblr

When did podcasts become so popular?  Are you a fan? Do you have a favorite? 

When I studied digital marketing, @kylecbarber ‍ introduedpodcasting as a form of content creation. In 2019, I wasn’t a fan & didn’t recognize the importance.

Fast forward to 2022—In the past 10 days 3 podcasters allowed me to talk about my book, #BloggingonInstagram: @NealSchaffer ️, in Orange County, CA; @creativesensei ️ (Begona Pino) in Spain; & yesterday @tim_hughes1 ️ in the UK all generously shared their platforms with me. (Links in bio )

Tim’s was a “livestream”  which meant “NO DO-OVERS.” I searched for tips on how to be a better guest & I found an episode on @billysamoa’s “For the Love of Podcast” If you have a chance to be on a podcast, here are some good tips from Billy:

✅ —USE A SMALL, CARPETED ROOM  Low ceilings. Smaller is better. Soundwaves are absorbed by soft surfaces & prevent echos. Avoid large, barren rooms
✅ —CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT  Use an external mic & headphones
✅ —CHECK FOR STRONG WIFI 
✅ —BE CAMERA-READY & have a nice background 
✅ —BE PREPARED TO DELIVER VALUE & share insights & actionable nuggets of wisdom
✅ —HAVE A CLEAR POINT OF VIEW  Share unique perspective so people will remember
✅ —KNOW THE AUDIENCE & know who is listening  Then you know how to serve them
✅ —TURN OFF NOISEMAKERS:  AC/Fans, appliances, notifications, etc.
✅ —MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT HEAD SPACE ‍♀️ Get settled. Take 15-30 minutes to prepare. Arrive 5 minutes early
✅ —MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE IS READY ️ Do vocal exercises & have water on hand

I didn’t follow all tips, but practice makes perfect.  Thanks to earlier hosts @sacredvisionsstudio, @thoughtrowpodcast & @whenitworked for also sharing their platforms with me.   (Links in bio)

Do you have expertise that others could learn from? ‍ Would you like to be a guest on a podcast? 

I’d be grateful to have you check out the links in my bio! Thank you! 
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PHOTOS – Me with my hardbound book #Podcastpromotion
#firsttimeauthor #bookpromotion #podcasttips #podcastinterview #podcastlovers #podcastofInstagram #podcastlove #podcasters #contentmarketingtips #howtopodcast
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(at Seattle, Washington)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccr0YgPuwnC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Do you endlessly ponder your options, or can you make quick decisions? I’m 50/50.

3 weeks ago, fellow Creator Institute author Begoña Pinoinvited me to be a guest on her podcast. We had a fun, unscripted conversation about our books. Hers, “Join the Playful Revolution,” is about how play can make us happier & help creativity flourish. Mine, “Blogging on Instagram,” is about using Instagram as a rewarding & easy writing platform.✍️.

After I published my book last August, it was frustrating as Instagram announced lots of new features. When I had a chance to produce my hardbound version, I included some of them in a new Afterword . My book also has a dust jacket, so I had 2 extra panels for text. ⏳I spent time at @elliottbaybookco perusing business books for ideas.

I knew what to do but designers are the worst design clients, so it took many text & design tweaks before my hardback book was published last month by New Degree Press. 

After a book is published, a new journey starts with the quest for guest blogging & podcast  opportunities . I’m grateful to find generous folks who are willing to share their platforms with me. They give me a chance to reach new audiences. 

Begoña is one of those people. ️ We’re both new at podcasts but had a great rapport. Toward the end she asked if I’m facing any problems that she could help solve?

I told her I need to decide what to do next? She created a simple decision matrix for me that I’m sharing above (swipe right). Now I just need to plug in the variables & see what surfaces‍♀️. When the podcast is live, you’ll see it in my Linktree.️ I hope you’ll give it a listen! 

How do you make decisions? Do you toss a coin?  Do you list pros & cons  , or do you usually intuitively know what to do? 
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PHOTOS:
#springblossoms #springforward #redtwigdogwood w/ Bill & Charmaine #hellebore #camelia #decisionmaking
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#Firsttimeauthor #BloggingonInstagram #hardbound #hardback #graphicdesignchallenge #bookediting #hardbackbook #dustjacket #bookdesign #podcastsofinstagram #whatnext
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. (at Big Fish Grill Issaquah)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbRqLboubGk/?utm_medium=tumblr

Raise your hand if you’re ready to say hello to 2022! 

This year, thanks to many of you, I published a book . I was interviewed on 3 podcasts  (links in bio); I became a grandparent ‍. And during my first trip to Kentucky I got close to my first tornado! ️ I returned to Seattle where a ton of snow fell ☃️ & we had the coldest day in 31 years.❄️

In 2021 there were simple pleasures like seeing friends for lunch,  meeting new ones, & taking a break from social media.  It was weird how good it felt to step away from Twitter,  IG & more. It made me think how much more productive I was before the iPhone. 

It was wonderful to see @queenhorsfall & our oldest son after a 2-year gap. Meeting our new twin granddaughters—2 tiny, adorable & entertaining people,  was joyful. Our son & daughter-in-law are amazing parents. ‍‍‍ I don’t think I could’ve managed 2 babies at once.

In King County  where Seattle is located, 96% of people aged 16 & older have been vaccinated, so life was feeling pretty “normal” here.  A few friends of friends got mild cases of covid,  but mostly, coronavirus hasn’t been top of mind until very recently. 

Omicron chipped away at the confidence of companies, attendees & exhibitors, & I canceled my trip to CES (Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas ) as a social media influencer. #CES2022 ️ IRL is no longer an option for me, so I’ll attend virtually. ‍

What was the best or worst about 2021 for you?  What do you look forward to in 2022?
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PHOTOS: #Granddaughters, SNOW! #TopNine and top nine identified by Instagram data
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#kentuckytornado #grandbabies #twinsisters #vaccinationdone✔️ #firsttimeauthor #newauthor #bloggingonInstagram #podcastshows #hello2022 #seattlelove #seattlesnow #SeattleSnowpocalypse #bookstagrammers
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CYLhR2brZpA/?utm_medium=tumblr