Back in September, I saw Keith Urban at an area venue. Touring with him were two opening acts. The first performer was okay: not really my taste, music was middle-of-the-road, and he simple stood onstage and sang. Nothing wrong with it (I guess), but it also didn’t leave an impression.
The second act was Little Big Town. Never heard of them before that warm autumn night. But wow. Just wow! Their music was catchy. They were talented. And their stage show was…impressive. They’ve been working hard to make it for the past 15 years, which I could very much relate to (in my writerly way—I ditched musical performance many years ago due to LOT or lack of talent).
Bottom line: I bought their latest on iTunes. But I never would have done it had I not heard of them and experienced their work in the first place.
So…if you don’t get your work out there for the masses to read (or hear if you’re a musician or a rare breed of audio-version writer only), then no one will know to buy your books.
Granted, we don’t have the fortune of touring with the writer’s version of Keith Urban (Would that be Rick Riordan? Or maybe Amy Tan? I’ve heard she was in a band with Stephen King). Nonetheless, we need to get out work out there and seen by actual people. The way to do that? Write. Write more. Then when you think you’ve written enough, write more. And as an Indie writer, the writing part also means publishing.
If takes perseverance, despite how poor your sales. But if you don’t believe in yourself and your ability to be seen, then no one else will either. For me, I’m still experimenting with what works. Eventually, I will find the right formula for me. So I can be my own version of Little Big Town.
If you’re a writer or another type of artist, how do you make sure your work is seen by people?
Wouldn't it be cool if we toured and could expose our writing the way music is played on the radio or Pandora? Cool you found a new band. I've picked up bands after seeing them open for someone else.
ReplyDeleteAnd Urban is great on American Idol.
I do like their sound.
ReplyDeleteAs for what I do to get exposure, I'm working hard to get more of my books published.
Hey, Susan, I think all of us will ever be experimenting to find a formula that works. And I've found some good authors through their book promos.
ReplyDeleteStill haven't posted that review yet, but it's on my to do list.
that's a really good song, I like it. I love discovering new bands/singers that I like and your right about writers needing to put stuff out there in order to be discovered. Here's hoping we all get discovered by a reader or two, who appreciate our work :)
ReplyDeleteEven though I am not a write I would say that social media would be a great way to get your name out there!
ReplyDeleteSusan, you are so right. I'm sending you a fist bump for inspiration as you work hard, I work hard, we all work hard at writing, improving our craft, publishing and gaining the exposure over time that could have folks willing to give us a try :-)
ReplyDeleteHi, Susan,
ReplyDeleteIt is so important for our works to be seen! And we must write, create, and network. It is part of our world now. I find staying connected to our wonderful blogosphere is such an important way to have our work read and viewed...
Speaking of which, I have a new excerpt up from my current WIP. It was so nice to write something new instead of always editing.
Hope all is well with you, Susan. I think of you often.
Hugs,
Michael
Awesome. It's so true. These things grow with continued work. I didn't hear about Harry Potter until book 3 was out, and look at that behemoth! You're totally right. You just have to get more stuff out there.
ReplyDelete