I will admit I was nervous about it…. not knowing what to expect. After all, I’m not really a writer——– but there was really no way I couldn’t go. The conference was 15-20 minutes away. Two, four hour days of learning. And besides, if you don’t know her already, Elaine Miller was one of the speakers. Look at those loving eyes and sweet smile…… There was just no way I could say no to her.
Elaine currently has two books published with another on the way. Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms and Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives.
She would love to be your friend and encourager on facebook. Follow her here.
One of the topics Elaine covered at the conference was “Marketing Begins Before You are Published.” I would say this list applies not only to “wanna-be” published authors, but to whatever job you currently have and to the image you want others to see in you:
1. Social Networking—–
- This includes creating a webiste and/or blog with your name in it such as www.dianeestrella.com
- sign up for Twitter, Facebook, BlogFrog, etc.
- Discover if or what your brand is; your identity.
2. Create a platform (Who are you?)
- Create a “One-Sheet” a single document about you or your business that summarizes a product (you) for publicity and/or sales.
- Get a professional photgraph taken
- Buy business cards
3. Keep informed. Connect with others, read blogs, get a support group together and stay connected.
(List modified by me from Elaine’s original)
Word on the street is that we’ll be starting a new critique group together. A lot of firsts for me and I am excited.
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What a treat to meet you, Diane! The beginning of a great friendship and writer’s group. Hugs!
How nice to meet her! I keep wondering why her name sounds familiar to me. A critique group! Yay! We all need those and it will make your writing soar!
Diane, what a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing those tips. They are very helpful.
Awesome!!
Blessings,
andrea
Sounds like you have a productive conference; I’m so jealous because I still have yet to attend one (sigh). But thank you so much for the marketing adivce. Useful!
Sounds like you are experiencing lots of new and exciting things! Blessings on your journey, friend!!
Sounds like a fantastic & informative time! You are well on your wayo to becoming a household name, beautiful friend
Yay for a crit group! Cute pic.
And great tips you gave. I don’t have a prof. pic but maybe someday… 
That is so great. Oh, the connections we make. And, the titles of her books are wonderful, invite you right in.
Sorry to read about your chicks in the previous post.
Oh, Diane, aren’t they the most fun! You will get so much from having a critique group. I belong to Kindred Heart Writers (www.kindredheartwriters.com) I learn so much all the time. Good for you!
Glad that you went to the conference and learned alot! What a great networking opportunity too. You are the best! Can’t wait to read your first book. Do you need a proofreader? I hear that teacher’s make good ones. Hint, hint.
Except that it should be teachers — not teacher’s. Bwaaahaaa.
Awesome! So glad you had a great time. This month I’m attending my 3rd conference and I love them. Wish I could just travel the world attending writing conferences.
Gonna go check out Elaine!
Looks like you found a real encourager. Way to go.
Thanks for your kind comment on my post last Wednesday. Let’s stay in touch!
Timely post, considering what I wrote about last week. Excellent thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
How wonderful! Those books look amazing
You gals are making my day with all your sweet comments. Thank you!
I love conferences and I am so happy that your first one was positive. In two weeks I will be at one, and hooking up with my critique partners from around the country. I can’t wait.
Lucky you! And for the record, IMHO, you are a writer! I’m looking forward to following Elaine and staying inspired! – G
PS – I linked to you today…I finally got around to writing that post on dumpster diving. Here it is: http://oholivejuice.blogspot.com/2010/07/bin-there.html
I am following you from Tuesday Tag-Along. I just love your blog!
Tracy
http://www.cutorcopyandpaste.blogspot.com
So glad I found you on Melinda’s Blog Coming Clean. I can only imagine how cool it would be to go to a writer’s conference. And the climate has changed so much with the internet, that I think it’s really cool that Elaine has embraced social media. I’d like to read the book for drained wives….I’ve seriously been interrupted 3 times while writing this super long comment…the latest interruption was my baby dumping water on the floor. Gotta run! Will tweet out (after cleaning up the water) later as part of #TMT!
Yes, you are a writer. The Queen has spoken. Queen of what, I’m not sure, but I say you are a writer. Your creative blog posts sparkle and shine.
Thanks for this helpful list!
Love you,
Jen
Great tips and thanks for letting people know about her!! Tweeting it out for Tweet Me Tuesday!! Thanks for linking up!
What a treat to attend a writing conference! I need to look for one near me. I think it would help to exchange ideas with others in my area who share a passion for writing.
I’m so happy for you! I started going to the Florida Christian Writers Conference three years ago and it has been the BEST experience. I met Julie Gillies there and we’ve become good writing buddies. And I got so much great information and contacts there! Julie and I are going to She Speaks in North Carolina at the end of the month.
Yay! Conferences always inspire and motivate me. Glad you got to go!
What a great list. Elaine looks like such a warm friend. Enjoy your network.
Ahhh, but you ARE a writer.
And a braver one than I, since I’ve yet to make it to a conference though hope to eventually. Thanks for the great tips. I love the idea of a One-Sheet document with all the info – like a writer’s resume. 
I’ll have to add that to my To-Do list!
You’re a writer!!! Even if someone doesn’t aspire to be a novelist, that person can still be a writer…and a very talented one. There are a lot of really good writers out there who will never be on a book cover…and have no desire to be…but are still very talented!
It is amazing how much each of us can do to market ourselves. Thanks for the tips.
Yeah–how exciting. You can critique my blog or book.
I am adding this to my favs list for tomorrow morning.
Cheri
That is so cool!! And you both look so cute in that picture!
This is wonderful. I’m so happy for you
I’ve been dying to get to a writer’s conference so it’s always wonderful hearing about the experiences others have had. So glad it was a good experience for you!
Hi Diane -
How exciting! I’m going to the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference in August – less than a month away. My first writers conference was a one-day local event. It’s a great way to start.
Blessings,
Susan
It sounds like you had fun!!! What a great experience!