Another Avenue of Self-promotion: Workshop Presentation
Posted By 1st Turning Point Guest Columnist on December 2, 2009
Anthea Lawson at Book Signing
by Anthea Lawson
1st Turning Point Guest Columnist
Copyright © 2009 Anthea Lawson
If you feel reasonably comfortable in front of a group, giving workshops and talks is an excellent way to promote yourself once you’re published. There are lots of opportunities out there, including speaking to local chapters of writing organizations, libraries, book club groups, professional meetings, giving workshops at conferences…the possibilities go on and on.
But wait, you say. I don’t have anything interesting to speak about!
If you are a published author, you most certainly do. Many people want to hear about the process. Admit it, you’ve probably spoken a fair bit to your friends and family about how you got published. It’s not such a big step to polish your words up and give a talk at the local library about your journey. Maybe add some tips-things you’ve learned along the way, things that surprised you about how publishing works, things that you wish you had known. Don’t think of it as giving “a talk,” think of it as a chance to enthusiastically share what you’ve learned.
In addition to your own personal journey toward publication, you have insight into your books’ genre/sub-genre, ideas about the writing and revising process, familiarity with critique groups or partners, and many other topics, unique to your own experience.
Brainstorm all the many things YOU know about writing and publishing, then take a look at what you’re most excited about sharing with others. Write up a quick outline. You may be surprised at how very much you have to say.
Still daunted? Hook up with someone to co-present. Think about your author friends and all the joint areas of expertise you have together.
No one has the exact same perspective or experiences you do. Be bold, put yourself out there, and share what you know!
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This year, Anthea is speaking with her co-author husband at an upcoming meeting of the Eastside Romance Writers of America. She has pitched two workshop ideas to the National RWA conference-one co-presenting with Jessa Slade on what newly published authors wish they had known, and the other co-presenting with Beth Barany on overcoming writer’s block and freeing the creative spirit.
Anthea Lawson is the pseudonym for a husband-wife team who write spicy Victorian romance. Their debut novel, Passionate, was nominated for a Best First Book RITA in 2009. Their new release, All He Desires (in stores now!), is being called “luscious,” “sweeping,” and “a powerful love story.” Find them on Facebook , follow them on Twitter, and visit their website for all their latest news.
All He Desiresby Anthea LawsonPublisher: Zebra Far from home and her noble relatives, Miss Caroline Huntington has been injured in a fall from her horse. Called to her side, Alex Trentham knows he must assist her, though he has not practiced as a physician for a long while. Just to see so lovely a woman in a state of undress is a hard test of his self-control. Caroline is all that is warm and feminine, beautiful and pure. Brave to a fault, she does not flinch under his hands, and soon she is on the mend. To hide his feelings becomes impossible and Alex cannot. Her radiant innocence is dangerous to a worldly man…and she seems achingly eager to experience all the pleasure he could show her… |
 All He Desires by Anthea Lawson |
About the author
Great article, Anthea! I’ve been thinking about workshops a lot lately. Mostly I end up with the “What would I talk about?” thing hanging over my head, quickly followed by panic at the very idea of giving any sort of talk. But when the time comes, it’s something I’d like to do. You listed some very good ideas for topics and reasons to get out there and do it. I’ll look forward to hearing your presentations at National! I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
I would love to do workshops as I love speaking in front of people, but my question is: How do I let people know I’m available? How do I get invited to do workshops?
Great ideas…and don’t forget to bring along a stack of books to sell, too.
Thanks for the good ideas and encouragement.
Thanks, Chassily! Glad you’re looking into the future ~ you’d be a great presenter.
Nancy, that’s a very good question. Are you an RWA member? You could put together a summary of a few workshops and send them out to local chapters. Some writers have a section of their website dedicated to the various workshops they can do (I’ve noticed this at Carrie Lofty’s site, for example - under her ‘craft’ tab.) Set up something yourself at the library - they are always looking for interesting speakers. And keep an eye out for conference calls for presenters — there are a lot of regional conferences and chances are there will be a summer writer’s conference near you.
Good point on the books, Margie! We usually raffle a copy off at our talks, too.
Thanks Carol, glad you liked the article.
Another, slightly different approach that we didn’t delve into is giving online workshops. There are a lot of opportunities there, too!
This is a well written and informative article. The idea of doing workshops, though not novel, is certainly one worth the effort. Anthea is absolutely correct when she suggests we should get out there and push ourselves.
Thanks, Norman~
Anthea, thank you for the wonderful article. You were a treat to hear in person last month and you shared some helpful tips then. This article is a continuation of your generous help. I look forward to learning more from you in the future.
Ann Charles