FINDING TIME

 Finding Time to Write

Whether you’re swamped by life’s responsibilities or if you have all day to write, the secret isn't time, it’s commitment to your WIP. Try these tips to help with your writing process:

1. The "50-Word" Write

If your life is too busy to write, try to write 50 words a day.

 * Why: It’s too small a commitment to fail. It helps you get into the habit of writing. Then, on your quiet days, it will spark the drive that will lead to those 500 to 1,000 words in a day.

2. Stop Mid-Thought

I haven’t tried this, but it sounds like a great idea! Never finish writing at the end of a chapter.

 * Why: You won’t face writer’s block as often. Make a quick note (one sentence) about what happens next. When you return the following day, you’ll be ready to write by finishing your thought from yesterday.

3. Switch Your Environment

* On the run: Use voice-to-text.

* Location: Write in a library or cafe.

* Writing Groups: Join a silent writing group; there are many online and in-person groups. (If you can’t find any in person, start one.)

Day by Day

You don’t need a bestseller during your writing process; you just need to add a few sentences every day. Use the free-writing method (don’t worry about grammar, punctuation, flow—that comes later during your edits.)

Try it! You will finish your first draft before you realize.

What will be your 50 words for today? Share them in the comments!

Event Selling

 

Go Local: Selling at Author Events, Farmers’ Markets, and Craft Fairs

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Feeling digital burnout? Meet readers in person—2026 is all about thriving in community spaces.

Why Local Events Work?

• No Algorithms: Direct interaction—just you and the reader.

• Instant Profit: Immediate payment, no royalty delays.

• Local Appeal: A “Local Author” sign is powerful marketing.

Advertise where you will be on Social Media Events and Posts

• Take advantage of FREE social media “press.”

Booth Tips

• Engage Actively: Stand up, start conversations.

• Give Value: Bookmarks or free short stories with QR codes.

• Visual Storytelling: Props that match your genre/story.

• Bundle Deals: “Event Day Only” specials like series discounts or tote bags.

Obtain Emails

Collect emails. Use sign-up sheets or QR codes with incentives.

The Power of In-Person Author Events

Beyond markets, author events attract “power readers.”

1. Indie Signing Events

• Collaboration: Share fans with other authors.

• Super-Fans: Signed books boost loyalty.

2. Micro-Launches

• Partner with local bookstores or libraries for readings/Q&A.

• Hand out coupons for your direct shop.

3. Stress-Free Setup

• Pre-packed “Go-Bag”: POS system, sign-up sheet, quality swag.

Here’s a practical Author Event Checklist based on your blog:

✅ Pre-Event Prep

• [ ] Pack your Go-Bag:

• Mobile POS (Square reader or QR code for Venmo/PayPal)
• Physical email sign-up sheet + pens
• Swag: high-quality bookmarks, stickers, or small giveaways

• [ ] Prepare genre-themed props (e.g., lantern for fantasy, “Top Secret” folder for thrillers)

• [ ] Print a “Local Author” sign

• [ ] Create event-specific discount codes (e.g., MARKET20)

✅ Booth Setup

• [ ] Stand up – either behind or if possible, in front of your table—don’t hide by sitting

• [ ] Display books attractively (stacked or fanned out)

• [ ] Add visual storytelling elements to make your booth a destination

• [ ] Offer bundle deals (e.g., “Buy 2, get a Free gift or a percentage off the purchase of a 3rd book.”)

✅ Engagement Strategy

• [ ] Greet visitors with a friendly question:

“What’s the last great book you read?”

• [ ] Hand out value-add giveaways (bookmark with QR code or a free short story)

• [ ] Promote your mailing list with an incentive (e.g., “Sign up for a chance to win an ebook”)

✅ Post-Event Follow-Up

• [ ] Add collected emails to your newsletter list

• [ ] Track sales using your payment software (such as Square)

• [ ] Share event photos on social media to keep momentum

To turn a casual passerby into a customer, your booth needs to act as a visual hook, and your greeting needs to be a low-pressure bridge.

Start a Conversation

Genre-Specific Table Props

Your table shouldn't just look like a "bookstore shelf"—it should look like a portal into your world

The Approach (The "No-Pressure" Hook)

The biggest mistake authors make is sitting behind the table or asking, "Would you like to buy a book?" This triggers a "sales defense" in people.

Try these 3 low-pressure opening lines instead:

 * The "Genre" Question: "Are you a fan of [Genre] stories, or are you just browsing for gifts today?" * Why it works: It helps you categorize them immediately without being pushy.

 * The "Vibe" Hook: "If you like [Famous Movie/Book], you might enjoy the world I've built here." * Why it works: It gives them a familiar mental anchor.

 * The "Prop" Icebreaker: If they look at your props (like a dragon egg), say: "That egg actually plays a pretty big part in Chapter 3."

   * Why it works: It’s a natural conversation starter about the story, not the sale.

The Elevator Pitch (The 10-Second Hook)

Once they stop, you need a one-sentence "hook" that explains the stakes of your book.

•  Formula: "My book is about [Protagonist] who has to [Action] before [Stakes/Bad Thing] happens."
• Example: "It’s a cozy mystery about a baker who has to solve a murder before her grand opening, or she’ll be the one ending up behind bars."

Closing the Direct Sale

If they seem interested but hesitant, offer them a "market-exclusive" reason to buy now:

 * "If you pick up a copy today, I can sign it for you and include this limited-edition bookmark."

 * "I'm actually doing a 'Market Bundle' today—if you grab the first two, I'll take $5 off."

Pro-Tip: If they still aren't ready to buy, don't let them walk away empty-handed. Give them a business card with a QR code for a free sample chapter. This gets them into your "Direct-to-Consumer" funnel later!

Happy Selling