Barbara Delinsky | Writer + Businesswoman = SUCCESS!!!
April 17, 2009
Bet you think I’m here as a writer. Well, you’re part right. I’m also here as
a businesswoman, because that’s what being a successful writer demands. It
isn’t enough to write a good book these days; it also takes running a website, being on Facebook,
even Twittering (as BarbaraDelinsky). Oh, and blogging. Can’t forget that. I
blog on my own website, and now, here, as a guest.
Who’d a thought, way
back when, that all this … peripheral stuff would matter so much? But boy, does
it. I’m currently writing NOT MY DAUGHTER, scheduled to pub on January
5, 2010, but the book will not do as well as I want unless I continually hype it
on my website, email my mailing list, write Q&As for online resources,
display the cover art on Facebook, and tweak Twitter – and that’s not to mention
giving speeches and signing books. Sadly, I’ve known many writers far more
talented than I am, who have stopped writing because they found all these things
so daunting.
I’m fortunate. I actually like the business side. I’m proud of the image of me
that is portrayed by my website, I’m intrigued with Facebook and Twitter, and
writing a four-paragraph blog on whatever subject piques my fancy is way
easier than writing a four-hundred page book. Ay, there’s the problem.
Disciplining myself to write the actual book is tough, what with all these other
distractions.
I started writing when my children were little – three very loud, very active
boys who needed watching. I used to write by hand on a long yellow pad of
paper, looking up after every sentence or two to make sure they were okay. Lots
of interruptions. But easy ones. And only those. Back then, I was a writer,
mother, and wife. That’s it.
I’m still a mother and wife, and writing is still a full-time job. I just have
another full-time job on top of it now. Am I complaining? Absolutely not.
Communicating with readers is the very best part of my career. Now, if only I
had a shadow life, another twenty-four-hour day in a parallel universe, to
devote solely to writing …
I have a blog and I've been invited many times to start Twittering. After reading this, I suppose I should take that advice to heart. (LuAnn Morgan 11:44am April 17, 2009)
I got pulled into Facebook but I'm still not sure what Twitter is :>) (Karin Tillotson 12:04pm April 17, 2009)
Wow - Barbara Delinsky! I have read every book you have ever written, beginning with the Candlelight Ectasy under Bonnie Drake, and the Silhouettes as Billie Douglass (weren't those great stories??). Your single title books have touched my life (SHADES OF GRACE) and my heart. It takes a powerful business woman to be a success in all you do -- keep up the good, no great work!
And, thank you for all the pleasure you have given me with your wonderful stories. (Betty Cox 12:33pm April 17, 2009)
Oh I am so glad you have a new book coming out. Love your books. My mom and friend also keep waiting for me to finish any new book of yours .
Have a wonderful summer. mary branham (Mary Branham 12:34pm April 17, 2009)
How exciting (& exhausting) your life must be! I'm on MySpace & Facebook, but I haven't figured out what a Twitter is yet!! (Kelli Jo Calvert 12:39pm April 17, 2009)
Yep, artists/writers are also business people. (Shannon Scott 1:51pm April 17, 2009)
I have to unearth the voice-activated tape recorder, because it's safer than writing longhand at traffic lights when driving. Writers are a special breed, twirling many plates to get the word out for their newest books and the ones still in the shadows. (Alyson Widen 3:01pm April 17, 2009)
I am glad that authors can now communicate easily with their readers. I love your books (Annetta Stolpmann 4:29pm April 17, 2009)
I love your books. They are so insightful. I have always admired someone who can paint a picture with words, which you have done for me in your books. Now I realize what goes on behind the scenes to promote a book. All I can say is "Wow". (Robin McKay 8:25pm April 17, 2009)
People forget that writers must do much more that just write their books. They must "sell" it to their publisher, deal with cover issues, editors, and then the PR to reach the buying public. Your books are very good. You are a standing order at our library, usually with a waiting list started when the patrons know a new one is coming. Keep up the good work. We appreciate your communicating with "your public". (Patricia Barraclough 10:16pm April 17, 2009)
I love your books:) (Bridget Hopper 12:22pm April 18, 2009)
hello. I'd like to thank-you for your true to life writting. your books have given me so much insight, as a mother, a sister,a daugter and a friend.your books have mirrored many passroads of my life,good and bad.Thay have helped me look back and think."oh that was;nt so horrible' I went through it with pride and survived , that is something good to bring to memories that once were a hardship. I enjoy all your series, and look forward to your future novels (Shirley Brewer 11:34am April 20, 2009)
Barbara, I have enjoyed your books immensely and have recommended them to others to read. You never seem to get my neck of the woods (Seattle) but one my dreams is to meet you in person and tell you face to face how much I enjoy your work. (Rosie Stroy 8:58pm April 22, 2009)
It sounds like you have to eat, sleep and breathe any new book you have written and any you are working on. It must be exciting and exhausting at the same time. (Brenda Rupp 7:29pm November 10, 2009)