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Building Your Readership

Building Your Readership

 by Mindy Obenhaus

You’ve worked for years, honing your craft and, finally, you’ve received that seemingly elusive book contract. You get a publication date. You tell everyone you know about your upcoming release. You blast the cover across your social media accounts. You do some guests posts for blogging friends. Maybe a podcast. But will it be enough?

Let me pause here to say that I’m coming at this from a traditionally published viewpoint. I’m not tech savvy, nor am I familiar with all that’s out there. These are just some things I’ve learned along the way. But the one thing I do know is that the number one way to build your readership is to get your book into the hands of readers.  

Building a readership is like building a friendship. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, nurturing and patience. Trust has to be built. If a reader likes your first book, they’re more apt to pick up the next one. More importantly, they might tell someone else about your book and word of mouth is a powerful thing. Anyone remember the shampoo commercial back in the 70s that showed the power of telling two friends? Then they told two friends, and so on. But in order for them to do that, the first one has to read your book. Which leads me back to my previous point... 

The number one way to build your readership is to get your book into the hands of readers. As many as possible. 

How do you do that?

Launch Teams – I’ll admit that I’m new to the world of launch teams. But when life went wonky right before my most recent book released, my relatively small team stood in the gap for me. They stepped in and flooded social media in my stead. For me, the purpose of a launch team is to make people aware of my books by creating buzz and leaving reviews. The burden is always lighter when we have others to help us carry it.

Giveaways – Giveaway a book to one lucky newsletter subscriber. Do a Flash Giveaway on one of your social media outlets. You specify a cutoff time and have them leave a comment to be entered. Yes, people like to receive free books, but you might end up with some new fans as a result.

Promotions and Virtual Book Tours – Things like Booksweeps list builder promos are a good way to get the ball rolling. They’re relatively inexpensive and you’re usually giving away digital copies of your book. 

If you can afford it, I recommend some sort of tour through a company like JustRead Publicity Tours. And I’m not just saying that because Carrie and Beth are a part of this blog, but because I know from personal experience. Many reviews have said, “This was a new-to-me author, but I look forward to her next book.” Would they have picked up my book otherwise? Who knows? But I’ve gained many new readers as a result of their campaigns. 

No matter what you choose to do to build readership, the goal is to--say it with me--get your book into the hands of readers. That’s why you’ll often see digital books priced under $2 on Amazon. Publishers know it works and so do indy authors. Folks will buy 99 cent books all day long. And they sometimes find a new favorite author.

When was the last time you found a new-to-you author who quickly became a favorite? Authors, if you have some tips for building readership, please chime in. In keeping with my advice, I’m giving away a copy of my new release, Loving the Rancher’s Children, to one lucky commentor. Simply leave a comment to be entered. If you comment as Anonymous, please leave your name in the comment. (US mailing addresses, choice of print or ebook. International, ebook only)

Building Your Readership


Building Your Readership

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When shes not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com




Laws of Attraction Giveaway--And a sale!

 


Laws of Attraction Giveaway--And a sale!
Laws of Attraction
Book #2 in the 
Wyoming Sunrise Series
Releases this month!
To celebrate I'm giving away a signed copy of 
to One Lucky Commentor

Laws of Attraction is, to me, the heart of this series, the inspiration for it.
I read a book about the First Woman Justice of the Peace in America. She was in Wyoming. So I thought, maybe my book could be about the SECOND Justice of the Peace.
Have you ever noticed that no one argues over the second anything?
Oldest?
Most expensive?
Prettiest?
Fastest?
Tallest?
Sure, claim 1st place and people want to fight.
No the Grand Canyon isn't the most beautiful view in America.
But if you say your view is SECOND, everyone smug-ly thinks, dang right you're second, cuz MY choice is first, you go ahead and be second.
So I'm sure somewhere there is a second female Justice of the Peace, but no one is in here demanding I admit that. So far!
Phew.
Laws of Attraction Giveaway--And a sale!

Nell is a seamstress...in a frontier town full of men. 
The few women who live in or near Pine Valley, Wyoming make their own dresses.  Nell LOVES making pretty dresses. She likes lace and ruffles and ribbons. Early on after she moved to town, she made the dire mistake of agreeing to make a cowboy a pair of chaps, even though she has no idea how. But he brought in an old pair and a piece of tanned cowhide, and she figured it out and now, everyone wants a pair of chaps.
They don't care what she charges or how long they have to wait. 
Nell is making a fortune and she's not happy.
Until she finds a hapless homesteader widower, with three poorly dressed, half-grown daughters.
They all need dresses. He has no money. Nell wheedles him into letting her hire them and earn their dresses. She'll teach them how to sew. She'll teach them how to make chaps.
Laws of Attraction Giveaway--And a sale!

It's all going to be such fun. 
And then the murderous stagecoach robbers, the Deadeye Gang strike again. Nell, the widow of a lawman back in Missouri, knows a whole lot about investigating a crime just from listening to her lunkhead of a dead lawman husband.
When she gets involved in investigating the crimes, and then the local Justice of the Peace resigns, the sheriff pitches her name to take over.
And then people start trying to kill her.
Judge Nell needs to discover and expose the robbers. Brand needs to figure out how to be the fathers to girls.
They all need to stay alive long enough to fall in love.
Let's talk about bragging rights for your town or church or school or whatever.
I happen to live in the SECOND oldest settlement in Nebraska. Well, nearby, not IN.
Every town has a claim to fame. What's yours? 
And have you ever worked this type of bragging rights into your story?
Laws of Attraction coming in June, leave a comment to get your name in a drawing for a signed copy.
AND

Laws of Attraction Giveaway--And a sale!


On Sale Now in all ebook formats:
The Element of Love
$2.99


Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
The Adoration of the Trinity by Albrecht Dürer (1511): from top to bottom: Holy Spirit (dove), God the Father and the crucified Christ. [PD-US]


God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 3:16-18

The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents.   


We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

God bless you and keep you safe.  

Weekend Edition


  
Weekend Edition





Weekend Edition



If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! 
All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes.  Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)


Monday: Memorial Day - Seekerville Closed

Thursday: Audra shared her thoughts on the Power of Setting


Weekend Edition


Monday: Mary will be in the house today!

Wednesday: Mindy will be here to share with us.






Weekend Edition


Weekend Edition

Weekend Edition

Weekend Edition


AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION

In Stores NOW!

Weekend Edition

A deadly explosion.
A dangerous search for the truth.

After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, 
Englischer Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?

Order






Weekend Edition


Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )

21 Bible Verses to Use to Pray for Your Writing by Edie Melson at The Write Conversation

Starting Over. It Never Gets Easier by PJ Parrish at Killzone blog

Lead Magnets to Promote Your New Release by Jennifer Chastain at Learn How To Write A Novel


Understanding Permission: Legal Considerations for Writers by William Bernhardt at Book Brush blog

The Writer Who Doesn't Know What They Don't Know by Lynette Eason at Steve Laube agency

Two Success Factors No One Wants To Talk About by Jaime Buckley at Writers In The Storm

How to Balance Passion and Profit by Daniel Parsons at Self-Publishing Formula


How Point Of View Can Solve Your Writing Problems by Janice Hardy at Fiction University


The Power of Setting


The Power of Setting

When most readers pick up our novels, they’re anticipating an escape. They want to find a few moments away from their everyday lives to live in a world with their favorite (or soon to be) characters. While characters and plot are undoubtedly essential components, never overlook the vital role that setting plays. As authors. we must craft the setting of our stories to evoke emotions and enrich the plot. We need to create an experience for our readers that makes them look forward to our next book or continue reading our series, because we given them a book that’s the entire HEA experience.

The Power of Setting

Setting as a Character

Just as we carefully craft our characters with backstory, hopes, and dreams, the setting of a novel often assumes the role of a character, as well and should be treated with the same diligence. A well-developed setting possesses its own personality, history, and distinct characteristics that influence the story and its inhabitants. Let’s bring in the masters as examples: J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth or Arthur Conan Doyle's fog-shrouded Victorian London. These settings aren’t just backdrops, but “story engines” that shape the events and drive the actions of the characters. By infusing the setting with depth and personality, we can draw our readers into our fantasy world, allowing them to feel as though they are truly part of the world within the pages.

Setting as a Source of Conflict

Setting can be a fertile source of conflict, intensifying the challenges faced by the characters. Whether it's a bleak and desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland, a medieval castle fraught with hidden dangers, or a small mountain town with it’s own everyday drama, the environment can present formidable obstacles that characters must overcome. Depending on the plot of your novel, the setting can also reflect societal, cultural, or political tensions, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Imagine a tinder dry California town threatened by wildfire, or a 9.0 earthquake that shakes a major city that then needs to brace for the ensuing tsunami. By integrating conflict within the setting, we not only heighten the stakes but also invite a deeper connection between our reader and the story's events.

The Power of Setting

Setting as an Emotional Catalyst 

The power of setting lies in its ability to evoke emotions and immerse readers in a particular atmosphere. From the cozy charm of a small-town café to the foreboding gloom of a haunted mansion, the ambiance created by the setting can elicit a wide range of emotions. Can we all say Agatha Christie, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury? A well-described setting can transport readers to another time, place, or state of mind, enabling them to experience joy, fear, nostalgia, or awe alongside the characters. By building on powerful sensory details of the setting, we can foster an emotional connection that our readers won’t soon forget.

Setting as a Reflection of Themes

A thoughtfully crafted setting can serve as a symbolic representation of the novel's themes and motifs. The physical environment can mirror the internal struggles or conflicts faced by the characters, offering a glimpse into how our character perceives themselves and their situation. Think about it — a decaying, dilapidated cityscape may symbolize societal decay or the loss of hope, while a lush, vibrant forest might represent growth, renewal, or freedom. By posturing the setting with the story's underlying themes, we can create a deeper layer of meaning, even if our protagonist is fighting for the future of her bakery or to wrangle back possession of his ranch.

The Power of Setting

Storytelling is an art form and the importance of setting can’t be overstated. A well-crafted setting breathes life into a novel, immersing readers in a world that exists beyond the confines of their imagination. It acts as a character, a source of conflict, an emotional catalyst, and encourages the reader to see beyond the simple stated text. By recognizing and appreciating the impact of setting, both authors and readers can embark on thought-provoking journeys that resonate on a profound and unforgettable level. 

So, next time you sit down to work on your novel, or open a novel as a treat for reaching a goal, pay attention to the setting—think about the story going from “That was a good read” to “Wow! When is the next book coming out!”

*  *  *

Audra Harders writes "rugged stories with heart" featuring fearless men who haven't a clue about relationships, rescued by ladies who think they have all the answers. In real life, she's married to her own patient hero, has two adult children, and a very strong-willed Corgi. She began writing right after her second kidlet was born and sold her first book to Love Inspired mere months before that same young adult graduated from high school. Surviving those years in between reminds her God does have a plan for her life...and that He has a tremendous sense of humor. You can visit Audra at:

Website: www.audraharders.com

We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28 RSV

Seekerville is Closed Today

 

Seekerville is Closed Today

Memorial Day is a day set aside for honoring and remembering the military personnel who have died in the performance of their duties in the US armed forces.  

Please take a few moments today to reflect on the sacrifices that so many have made to protect not only the cherished freedom of the USA, but that of other countries around the world.

Please stop by again soon!


Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
Fresco of the Pentecostal dove representing the Holy Spirit
at the Karlskirche in Vienna, Austria.[PD-US]


On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

John 20:19-23


The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents.   


We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

God bless you and keep you safe. 

Wishing you a joyous Pentecost!

May you be filled with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

 today and in the year ahead.

Weekend Edition


  
Weekend Edition





Weekend Edition

If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes.  Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)


Monday: Erica gave some thoughts on why authors don't often get to keep their original titles.

Wednesday: Cate put on her educator's hat and talked about Lessons from a Classroom: The Power of Yet

Thursday: Pam engaged with her discussion of A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners



Weekend Edition


Monday: Memorial Day - Seekerville closed. Join in celebrating our freedoms and our Veterans!!

Thursday: Audra will be talking about the Power of Setting  
  




Weekend Edition

Now Available!

Weekend Edition
Book three in best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus's Hope Crossing series.


A short-term solution could lead to long-term love.

When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she's surprised to find herself agreeing to become a nanny to Jake Walker's children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli's trust, and she's avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli beings to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?

Get your copy today!



AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION

A June 2023 Release!

Weekend Edition

A deadly explosion.
A dangerous search for the truth.

After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, 
Englischer Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?

Pre-Order




Weekend Edition


Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )


To Set Beta Reader Expectations, Have an Honest Discussion by Lisa Cooper Ellison at Jane Friedman


What if My Readers Listen? by Peter Leavell at Learn How To Write A Novel

Does FOMO Rule Your Writing Life? by LA Sartor at An Indie Adventure

How to Create Insanely Complex Characters Using "Shadow Theory" by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors

9 Best AI Tools for Essays, Business and Blogs by Sarah Oakley at ProWritingAid

I was Right all Along - How to Write the Right Way by Johnny B Truant at Writers In The Storm

Tips for Distant Settings (redux) by Terry Odell at Killzone blog

Common Obstacles Writers Face: Perfectionism by Henry McLaughlin at The Write Conversation

Querying Basics: 5 tips for Landing a Literary Agent by Dario Villirilli at Live Write Thrive


A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners

A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners

Okay, ya’ll know me. My Seekerville blog posts are fast and furious and they usually deal with some issue that I’m trying to research for myself. And, unfortunately, the post itself tends to be quite messy, thrown together like most of my cooking. I’m sorry about that. I just came off a 4 week babysitting gig because the daycare lady was in the hospital. Thankfully, she’s on the mend and back at work, but I’m still a bit discombobulated.

But, anyway, tacked on to the end of my babysitting day, I’ve been involved in getting the ACFW Conference, ACFW Consignment bookstore, and ACFW Storyfest rolling the last few weeks. One thing led to another and my thoughts ended up on retractable vinyl banners.


Are you thoroughly confused yet? lol


A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners

ACFW Storyfest
Readers' Event

August 2023
Well, it happened like this. I’ve been meaning to get a retractable banner for awhile now. I just kept putting it on the back burner. I need one for when I go to local book signings close to home. And even further afield. Authors who plan to sell books at the ACFW Consignment bookstore in St. Louis can purchase advertising space and can use a retractable banner. So, I was thinking I might need to get a banner before then. In the meantime, ACFW staff designed some eye-catching banners for Storyfest, and well, I had a blog due and decided some of you might be as intrigued about what makes a good banner as I am.


I asked around and got some really eye-catching banners to share with ya’ll. I’ll be honest. I don’t think I’ve seen a BAD one yet.  And since there’s nothing new under the sun, I found this great article of 9 Tips on Creating a Unique Retractable Banner. I’m going to just hit the high points, but I’ll share the link to the full article for you to really dig into.  The author did such a good job of outlining everything and it’s worth a read.


I probably could have just sent ya’ll to his article, but there aren’t any examples, and since that’s the main focus of today’s blog, well, here we are.

One of the first questions he asked in his article was what do you want your banner to accomplish?

Well, for writers, most of the time we’re standing right there by our banner, right there with our books. We want people to come over and look at our books, engage with us, hopefully BUY a book or two, and last, but not least, sign up for our newsletter. Maybe even follow us on SM.

What do you want on your banner?

Top billing should be your author name, which is YOUR logo. Like Pam Hillman with Author underneath that. Or, even better, be more specific. If you have a tagline, use that. Mary would use “Romantic Comedy with Cowboys”. For my banner, I would probably put “Historical Christian Fiction.” Leaving the word “author” off completely. 

C.F.E. Black has “heart-stealing fantasy” and underneath that “fast-paced science fiction”. So perfect for her brand.


A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners

C. F. E. Black

Generally, most people will know that you’re an author by the piles of books around you, but sometimes at festivals and local events, they don’t always grasp that. They just think you’re selling books. More than once, they are surprised to find out that I AM the author. So spelling out on your banner that you’re an author is a good thing.

Call-to-Action

At the bottom, you’ll want to include your website address, maybe even a QR code. If you want to use your banner to point people to your presence on Social Media, the best way to do that would be with QR codes. If you plan on having a giveaway for people who sign up for your newsletter, follow you on FB, IG, Twitter, etc., having those QR codes right there would make it so easy for them to pop it in. However, you don’t want to get too crazy with these links and QR codes on a banner. It’s probably enough to just send include your website. For newsletter signup, you could provide a QR code right by your guestbook and those who are IT savvy could just sign up right there.

You want your banner to state who, what, and where (where being your presence on the internet). You’re not wanting to point people to your house or a storefront, so don’t put a physical address (unless you DO have a storefront), a phone number, or even your email address. If they need to get in contact with you, your website address is the best way. Or, through Facebook these days.

Branding

A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners

Davalynn Spencer



We’ve covered who and where. Let’s talk about what… as in your brand. Decide what color schemes, fonts, and images go with your brand. All the author banners I've included in today's post do a good job of staying on brand. Davalynn Spencer writes 
Western romance set along the Front Range of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Her banner reflects that. C.F.E. Black, and Linda Kozar's banners are perfect representations of the type of books these authors write.

A bit about Banner Size, Vendors, and Pricing. Retractable banners range from 2’ x 5’3” to 2.9” x 6’9” tall. Go as big as you can afford. Almost all venues can handle something as tall as 6’. Remember that you want to catch a reader’s eye from a distance, and you need your banner to stand out above the crowd.

VistaPrint and Banners on the Cheap are two vendors I’m familiar with. Prices can range from $50-$180 and most of these quotes include the retractable stand that comes with your banner. If you’re not in a hurry for a banner, get your design ready, keep an eye on prices and you can sometimes cash in on a great deal (as low as $50) with VistaPrint.

Less is More

A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners

Linda Kozar

I think we’ve all heard the less is more mantra, and we take it to heart. 99% of the time, I agree. Notice the examples I’ve shared today. They DO follow this pattern. But Linda Kozar broke the mold and went with a collage of her books as the background on her banner. (Pay no attention to Linda and all her author friends photobombing her banner! I see you Kathleen Y’Barbo. And you, too, Janice Thompson!) And it totally works for Linda’s bright, fun, contemporary style. And if you visit her website, she’s staying on brand as well. You’ll notice that even though the background is busy, it doesn’t intrude. It enhances! While you don’t want to put too much text on a banner, the book cover collage doesn’t FEEL like text. It sort of blends into the background. Linda put a banner swatch across the middle with her name and headshot in her signature pink and the entire thing pops. (Now I want to do a banner swatch… Hmmm.)


Color

Building on the paragraph above, a bit more about color. Look at Linda’s banner again. Bright pinks, reds anchoring the top corners of her banner, pastel blue. On brand. C.F.E. Black, again, staying on brand with black, brown, tan, a hint of fire. ACFW’s Storyfest banner which is not an author banner, but promotes the Storyfest Reader’s event is also on brand: black and gold.

Sometimes it takes a few books, a few years to reach a color scheme that really works for you, but once you do, use that to your advantage.

Final takeaway

We’ve covered a lot in today’s post, but there is so much more in the article referenced, so feel free to dig deeper into the topic there. Staying true to your brand is so important. 

Also, you want an evergreen banner that you can use over and over again. So I wouldn’t include dates, locations, or words like “new release” or “local author” on your banner.

A special thanks to authors C.F.E. Black, Davalynn Spencer, and Linda Kozar for coming to my rescue and providing their banners for this blog post.

Want to read more? Check out this article. Retractable Banner Design : 9 Ultimate Tips To Create an Attractive Display Banner



A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners
CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of. www.pamhillman.com


Lessons from a Classroom: The Power of Yet

 I love it when worlds collide, like when earlier this week my librarian daughter messaged me to ask if I knew a particular Love Inspired author because she had just catalogued two of her books. Why yes. I'm even friends with Connie Queen. 😀

The happy collision I'm thinking of today is how lessons taught in a classroom of preteens can apply equally to writers. A few weeks ago, we had a group come to do an assembly with students on mindsets. In preparation for the program, I was reviewing some cute videos with my class, because cartoons can be ageless.

Here are links to them. If you have a few minutes, you might enjoy MOJO! (He's really cute.)

In Episode 1, 'A Secret about the Brain,' Mojo learns a secret from his friend, Katie, that changes how he thinks about learning!*

 


 

 In Episode 2, "The Magic of Mistakes," Mojo learns that building a robot is much harder then he expects. Mojo keeps trying but eventually gives up. Thankfully Katie stops by to remind Mojo that mistakes are no big deal and they can even make you smarter! It all depends on how you react to them. If you give up, your brain gets lazy and doesn't get the exercise needed to grow. The trick is to learn from mistakes, which helps your mind get stronger.*

 

My favorite is Episode #3 The Power of Yet!

 


 

In Episode 3, "The Incredible Power of Yet," it's Katie's turn to learn about the growth mindset. Katie loves being the smartest monster in the class, but one day in science class, she realizes that she doesn't understand the lesson being taught. Instead of asking for help, Katie freezes, because she's worried that everyone will think she's not so smart after all. Fortunately, Mojo stops by to remind Katie that he's realized that if he gets stuck, instead of saying "I can't do this," Mojo says "I can't do this, yet!" and then ask for help. Either friends or elders may be able to help advise how to solve the problem. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help! You are missing an opportunity to learn something new.*



There are more episodes, but I wanted to just focus on these three and how they apply to us.

#1  In Episode 1, Mojo is quitting school and running away because he thinks he's not smart enough. He says, "You're either born smart or you're not, and I'm not."

His friend Katie quickly shows him the error of his thinking and teaches him how he needs to use his brain, to exercise it.

That made me think. How many times have we thought, even if maybe not consciously, that you're either born a writer or you're not. Hopefully, you've never said  And I'm not! But there are certainly times we doubt ourselves, doubt whether we are really cut out for this, or if we can ever be successful.

#2 In Episode 2, Mojo has to learn that failure is not the end. That just because something doesn't work the first time doesn't mean you scrap it and give up. 

How many times are we tempted to give up when a rejection comes or a revision letter seems insurmountable? If we want to succeed, we need to follow Katie's advice and try harder, learn from our mistakes and do better.

#3 Have you ever wanted to give up on a manuscript and just toss paper airplanes? Maybe not, but cleaning the kitchen, doing the laundry, climbing Mt. Everest - when things are going tough in the writing world any of these can seem like a better option. In Episode 3 the tables are turned and it's Katie who is struggling because she suddenly can't do everything perfectly. She's afraid to ask for help, afraid others will laugh at her because she needs it. But the lesson is we all need help for different things, and together we can be stronger.  We might not know it/be it/do it now, but it's not never, it's just not YET!

Can't figure out that plot? Don't give up. You just haven't figured it out YET.

Haven't heard back on a proposal. Keep writing. You just haven't heard back YET.

Got a rejection or an R&R? Don't give up. You're just not there YET.

I know this all sounds somewhat simplistic and childish, but sometimes we let our adult minds saddle us with problems, and we look for complicated answers. Maybe, sometimes at least, the answer can be this simple. Maybe, sometimes we need an amusing reminder not to give up because things are hard.

What do you think?  Can Mojo and Katie help you keep going and get you to believe in the power of YET?


Some good news - that proposal I was waiting on - the one that I sent in just before my editor left? My new editor loves it and I have a new two book contract! I made it past YET for that one! And because I followed Mojo and Katie's advice and didn't give up (too often anyway), Book 1 is almost done.


I'd love to hear your thoughts.


* Source of quotes. Find more of the mindset info here:  https://ideas.classdojo.com/b/growth-mindset

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