There are many important building blocks to creating the small business that is your authorship. One of the most important things any author can do is to cultivate friendships with like-minded people. I have gained invaluable advice, support, and friendship from several people during my writing journey. Without them, I would not have any of the successes I've enjoyed thus far.
What is an author consortium, and how can it help you?
A consortium is an alliance of businesses with the express purpose of furthering all members through cooperation and support. For authors, this means banding together for promotion, reviews, and writing advice. In our case, we decided to create a weekly podcast to inform readers and other authors about our progress, plans and views on all things "author." Many author consortiums don't even know what they are, or how much value they have to all the members. It's extremely useful to have sources of advice and information available at any time. One of the wonderful things about authors who are both friends and colleagues is that the air of COMPETITION disappears. Authors are not out to only build their own brand, or increase their own sales, but to further the purpose of the entire group.
My podcasting compatriots are unfailingly honest, and willing to give me valuable opinions on everything from a (dreaded) blurb to a cover to a social media teaser post. We discuss all aspects of the writing journey, both the creative and the administrative. The fact that we are friends means that the advice is given with the best of intentions: to make us all better brick by brick. Joining this author consortium is the best thing I could have done, both for my personal life and for my author brand.
MY CONSORTIUM
I'll take a moment to introduce the ladies of the Focus on Fantasy Romance Podcast. (we discuss everything speculative fiction, too, by the way)
ELLE CLOUSE
Elle has been writing fantasy and science fiction romance for years and an avid participant in the NaNoWriMo. Her first novel, Stealing the Wolf Prince, is a 2016 RONE Award Winner for Best Fantasy Sci-fi Novel.
Elle is happily married to a martial arts instructor. She’s also the mother of two small boys and is constantly talking her husband out of adopting a new pet. She knits and stamps in her spare time as well as feeds a latte addiction.
Visit her blog @ www.elleclouse.com
Elle is happily married to a martial arts instructor. She’s also the mother of two small boys and is constantly talking her husband out of adopting a new pet. She knits and stamps in her spare time as well as feeds a latte addiction.
Visit her blog @ www.elleclouse.com
PAULINA WOODS
Paulina is a small town girl with big dreams. She is the second oldest of three talented siblings. As early as three she was directing her family around acting out whatever current story was in her head. At four between her older brother and her, a whole universe was created which the younger siblings were introduced into as they were born. Her natural ability to tell a story took her down many paths. She wrote plays, poems, small children books and short stories all before she went to high school. When picking a career her councilor told her writing was a dying art and so she went to school for veterinarian science. Three years later she dropped out of university and went to a community college, picking up journalism like a pro. In 2008 she graduated with her BA in Communication/Journalism from Cal State Fullerton. Life got in the way but in 2013 she started a review blog and in 2014 she just released her first book.
ISHABELLE TORRY
When Ishabelle Torry stole Warrior’s Lady by Madeline Baker from her mother’s glass “no-no” cabinet at the age of fourteen, she had no idea it would be the start of a love affair with romance that would last a lifetime… so far! She loved the escapism from the real world, the strong and relatable characters and the powerful concept of love conquering all. Even having her scorching books confiscated at school couldn’t cool her passion for them and she swore that one day she would also write the kinds of stories that kept people turning the pages no matter where they were!
You can email Ishabelle at ishabelletorry@aol.com
You can email Ishabelle at ishabelletorry@aol.com
She loves to hear from her readers!
These ladies are the only thing that keep me going, sometimes. Like everyone, I have good days and bad days, but without the staunch support of my group I may have given up long ago.
In order to find your own consortium, you'll need to reach out to writers in your genre. Make friends. Comment on social media posts that interest you, and allow the connections to flourish and thrive. Be accepting of criticisms with the knowledge that these people are here to make you better; you make them better, too.
Comment below and let me know about your group. Reach out to the ladies of the podcast, or research their amazing writing. And remember, there are no unreachable dreams.
Focus on Fantasy Romance Podcast airs weekly on Friday nights at 6pm CST. You can watch the following week on YOUTUBE.
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