Author Platforms: Put your BEST Face, Foot and Brand FORWARD

Authors of the Month: Kim Brooks and Dara Nichol

Louise Bannerman, ACW/Detroit Member

American
Christian Writers

Detroit Chapter News

ACW - Detroit Chapter c/o Greater Grace Temple

Attention: Venus Mason Theus

23500 W. 7 Mile Road

Detroit, Michigan 48219 313.615.6704

It's Time to Upgrade

 

Those of us who live in Michigan are exceptionally blessed because we're able to enjoy four seasons that reflect the plurality of God's majesty!  The varied seasons serve as a reminder that change is inevitable and whether we choose to embrace it or protest it - it's coming.

With each new season the temperature changes, the sky either gets cloudier or brighter; flowers, trees and foliage either bloom, hibernate or wither away.  Animals change body temperature, color, shed or grow thicker fur to accommodate the season.

When seasons change nature gets a makeover and from time to time, we [human beings] should update ourselves as well.  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" doesn't cut it for Christian authors.  If it's old, stale, overworked, faded, ill-fitting, boring, etcera, etcera...it actually is broken and does actually need to be fixed.  This is not limited to sprucing up the outward appearance but also it also means discarding negative thoughts, distructive speech and counterproductive deeds.

Like the plant and animal world, human beings also need to update or as Dr. Stacia Pierce puts it, Upgrade ourselves.  Particularly those of us who are in a position to attract the lost to salvation and to encourage the body of Christ to continue fight the good fight. 

Your most effective calling card is a polished image that epitomizes the glory of our Savior.  By nature we're attracted to others first by the image they project, THEN most evaluate character and skill levels. 

The adage that says "you can't judge a book by its cover" really isn't true. As an author, your book might be the greatest story ever told, but if your total package isn't solid, potential readers might never bother to so much as skim the back cover.

We will discuss more about image during the meeting on October 18th so don't miss it.  We will provide you with lots of information on how to update or enhance your image as a Christian author.  Our president eritus (Pam Perry) is doing a an important workshop.  Make certain you bring the items she specified in the section below.

Venus Mason Theus
ACW/Detroit Chapter President

Pam Perry Presents:

Your Author Image

HOW TO BRAND LIKE A SUPERSTAR!

Monday, October 18th - 6:30 pm

Greater Grace Temple City of David
Conference Center
23500 W. 7 Mile Detroit, MI 48219

 BRING IT!

Your corporate I.D. that is. Logos, taglines, photos, letterhead, mastheads...everything you use to market yourself. I will REVIEW everything 

Pam Perry, PR Coach

Guest Blog:
Are You Willing to Learn, Unlearn and Relearn?
By: Christina Dixon, ACW/Detroit Vice President
 

Several years ago I read a quote that made a huge impact on the way I approach learning opportunities. The quote was by futurist Alvin Toffler. In the early 1970s this business consultant spoke to corporate America with insight that has proven to be extremely accurate. He said,


"The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who can read or write. It will be those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn."


For  writers, this statement has many implications. There are so many things that have changed in the publishing industry since that time. In the early 70s those who self-published their books were not taken seriously.


Today, technology has opened the flood gates so that thousands of books are self-published every month. Authors are no longer at the mercy of traditional publishers who take months just to respond to your submissions, if they are accepting submissions at all. These days, when writers have messages that they are passionate about, they can choose from a myriad of options. Too often though, writers approach publishing with a glamorized perspective that clearly indicates the need to learn how the industry truly works.


Consequently some become discouraged and end up leaving their writing projects unfinished. Yet, as Alvin Toffler indicated, if there is an inability or lack of desire to learn, unlearn and relearn, many will be left behind in their efforts to reach the masses with the messages they've been given. What about you? 

Are you willing to take the time to learn about the publishing industry and the things you need to do to make your publishing experience fruitful? Don't be discouraged. Go ahead. Dig in and educate yourself. Go to the library. Join a writers group (like ACW-Detroit). Absorb all the information you can so that your expectations are realistic.  
Then act on that information!


I know it's a lot to learn. But, it's worth it!

PriorityONE Publications
Post Office Box 725
Farmington, MI 48332
Phone & Fax:
1-800-596-4490

E-Mail:
penspiration@yahoo.com

Publishing Today's Aspiring Christian Writers
 

 

Christina (left) and Venus (right)

American Christian Writers/Detroit Chapter 

See www.PamPerryPRCoach.com too and join www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com!