Yesterday, I finished teaching a once a week, 1 ½ hour, four-week course called Indie Publishing: Who Me? for Texas Christian University’s Silver Frogs Program. This is part of their Extended Ed program. And yes, all the students are over 50. (Well, as is this teacher, too. LOL) I taught the course two years ago. In the interim I’d learned a few things and had to make a few additions to the power point.
There are two main points I make with the presentation:
- This is a learn by doing activity (and if I can learn to self-pub, anyone can.)
- WRITE THE NEXT BOOK
Bright, bright, interesting folks. The students had lots of potential. Each shared some of their writing samples. A couple were writing children’s books. Several were interested in writing memoirs. (Fortunately, I have a good friend who’d just published a book to help with that very thing.) Your Words Your Life Story, A Guide for Sharing Memories by J. Q. Rose. Several were into writing short stories, and I referenced fellow Sisterhood of Suspense, Vicki Batman’s short story collections. One man was already published with some technical books no longer in print. He was especially interested in marketing. I shared several examples of author’s newsletters, one of Kathryn Jane’s banner, and showed samples of SWAG. We talked about doing book presentations and all the places you can do that. We talked about Bitty Booklets, my best marketing strategy. Laron Glover at http://www.ninthmoon creates these. The other side has the opening paragraphs of the book and the other book covers in the series. 
Doing something like this takes away from my writing time, but I love to do presentations. Lots of folks have helped me along the way, so it’s only right to pay it forward.
Have you been able to share your writing experiences with other? Are you terrified of speaking to groups? Just like writing, that’s a learn by doing activity. You only get better by doing it. Now, I’ve got to get back to my WIP. Love to hear from you.
The first book in the 4-part Second Chances Series is SECOND ACT. Four women friends from elementary school days, struggle with loss, tragedy, danger, and love. Read them all to see if they get their happily ever after.
Amazon Kindle http://amzn.to/19TAB4B
Amazon Print http://amzn.to/1NiKvcb
B & N http://bit.ly/1YKCq8S
iTunes https://apple.co/2umRBiy
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Word by Word 
It sounds like a great class, Marsha, kudos! (and thanks for using one of my banners as an example).
In the last few years I’ve discovered a love for teaching and mostly I do online workshops but I love getting the opportunity to stand in front of a room full of people interested in a subject I’m passionate about 🙂
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Hey, Kathryn. Yes, I love to get a chance to get in front of folks and talk. LOL Of course, you’ve got to let them participate, too. Nothing gets me more excited than seeing a group come together.
I’ve thought about trying to do something online, but fear the technology might defeat me. I’ve enjoyed the classes I’ve taken on line, though, so maybe I could figure it out. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
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Thank you so much for mentioning my work, Marsha. I was very lucky early on to have a teacher help and a good critique partner, too. I like speaking to groups, but don’t get to often.
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Hey, Vicki. You’re welcome. I was glad I knew someone to point out to the class. We’re lucky to have helpers at all times on this journey. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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That sounds like a great class, Marsha. They must find you an inspiring teacher, after all you’ve achieved with your own publications and your experience of marketing. It’s good to learn from people who have actual experience themselves.
I’ve given workshops on the craft of writing and enjoyed it. It made me think more deeply about my own writing.
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Hey, Helena. I do think we can learn better from people who walked the road. And it’s easy to share the learning from mistakes I’ve made. LOL So many times I nearly gave up. And that wasn’t anyone doing something to me. That was me figuring out how to manage the struggles. None of us who is published would ever tell someone else, “Oh, this is easy!” At least, not and be honest. LOL Like you, it made me think deeper about my own process, which has changed over time. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
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Hi Marsha, It sounds like a wonderful course, chock full of valuable information and insight. I also enjoy facilitating workshops in my community and beyond. Once a teacher… 🙂
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Hey, Joanne. You got that “once a teacher….” LOL Thank goodness we have opportunities to still fill those shoes. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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Hi Marsha
I very much enjoyed your class! Lots of really useful info. You made our sessions fun with your contagious enthusiasm. I’ll send my short story compilation to you when I publish.
Thanks again!
Tom L
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Hey, Tom. How fun to hear from you. You guys were a great bunch. I look forward to keeping up with you. Feel free to email if you have questions. Send the link so I can BUY your book of short stories. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by.
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