This episode we talk with author, podcaster and coach, Bryan Cohen, about Micro Marketing for authors. Micro Marketing is the concept of making small, incremental changes that increase revenue by smaller amounts, but add up in the long run.

We all love it when we’re reading and we fall in love with a character.

Not just in the book boyfriend way – although that’s cool too – but in a isn’t-she-so-great-I-wish-I-could-be-just-like-her-or-maybe-just-her-best-friend way. 

As an author, how do you make that happen for your readers? 

That’s what we’re talking about this week in the SPA. What makes a great character? How do we make them so memorable that our readers keep coming back for more? What do you need to know about them before you start? And how do you bring them to life on the page?  

Join us as we dissect everything you might ever need to know about writing great characters! 

If you don’t take care of yourself, odds are no one else will. So what does it take to make sure you’re firing on all cylinders?

We’ve all got our own take on self-care and yet there are plenty of similarities.

Wendy
-Remember you are a work in progress, allow room to grow. (no one is perfect)
-Call yourself a writer
-Stop worrying about what everyone else is thinking.
-Limit social media
-Make goals achievable
-Find your tribe
-Take breaks.
-Exercise and stretch. Find a stretching routine.

Trudi 
– Writing/working yourself to the bone makes you less productive, not more.
– Take breaks to refresh your mind. You will come back thinking clearer and able to do things better.
– Look at your negative self talk. What are you saying to yourself? This can be totally sub conscious, and really damaging.
– Look after your health, both mental and physical – exercise, eat well, try not to give in to compulsive behaviours.
– Schedule and plan, then stick to it. Give yourself breaks in the schedule and stick to them.
– Rest is just as important to creative process as working hard. Down time is vital.

Shar
There’s a very fine line between creativity and mental health and a lot of us at times struggle with depression and anxiety (and a host of other fun things). The reality is, that’s super common in this community and while we all want to lift each other up and be supportive, it also isn’t an excuse for shitty behaviour or letting other people down like service providers, fellow authors and readers. So own it, get help, but don’t use it as a “get out of jail free card” cos tbh, that just makes it harder for everyone else to be understood.

I’m crap at self-care personally, but that’s on me and it’s no-one else’s fault – or responsibility – than mine. So I’m trying to walk the talk and walk regularly, get better sleep and practice mindfulness.

Cheryl
– Be a good community member. Contribute to discussions and you’ll have that reciprocated when you need it.
– Get out of the space you’re in and go somewhere else to write or simply recharge. You have the ability and power to work anywhere!
– Listen to most things and only hold onto the things that matter to you or can make a difference.
– Stretch yourself but not to the point of snapping.
– Celebrate your successes and don’t blame your failures on others.
– Every mistake is an opportunity to learn so don’t dwell on them.
– Think positively. You finished a chapter/wrote a book/published a book. That’s pretty darn clever in anyone’s book!

It’s not an easy career, but you certainly don’t need to make it harder for yourself.