We CAN! promote our books

Who Do I Want to Look Like?

I've been hitting the gym a lot lately, though I REALLY HATE to sweat. :(

However, I had a moment of clarity not long ago that helped me decide to get fit, once and for all.

It happened at the YMCA I attended infrequently, when I noticed several older ladies who were in amazing shape. These beautiful, confident women had strong, lean bodies and tons of energy.

Reviewing Books for Other Authors

Dena Dyer here, blogging today about reviewing books by other authors.

1. If you're an author, you're an avid reader (or you should be). Reading is part of honing your craft--and it's fun! Sometimes, reading leaves me as dry as a tumbleweed. Other times, picking up an unfamiliar tome leads me to a breathtakingly fresh voice. And always, reading helps me to relax, recharge, and realize I'm not alone.
2. A great book reminds me of why I write--and challenges me to do it better.

Although I don't read as widely as I did before my super-energetic three year-old was born (can you say "consistently sleep-deprived?"), I still read both non-fiction and fiction from secular and Christian publishers.

What, you may ask, does my reading habit...er, addiction... have to do with book marketing? And have you ever thought about reviewing other writer's releases on Amazon or on your own blog? Over the last few years, I've done quite a few reviews, in both places, and I'm convinced it's worthwhile. Here are just a few of the benefits I've discovered:

Inspired by the Word

Dena Dyer here, blogging today about one of my favorite authors.

I love to read about the Apostle Paul. I memorize his words, drink up his theology, and try to emulate his passion.

Simply put, Paul is my very favorite writer. And as I was studying one of his letters recently, I realized that he has much to teach aspiring authors, especially those of us who want to glorify God through our work.

A Little Child Led Me

Dena Dyer here, back after my new, smaller-town Internet connection wouldn't let me log on last week. Sorry I was absent--but I have a wonderful story to share today that I hope will encourage you.

I'll just share part of it here...because I hope to publish it in longer form later.

A Means to an End

Well, I'm back and finally starting to recover from the whirlwind trip that is ICRS. Here are a few things I noticed, followed by the things that God showed me while I was there (and after I got back):

1. First, there were a lot of authors walking the floor, more than I remembered in past years...or maybe I just know more authors now. It seemed that everywhere I turned, I bumped into a fellow author/speaker. It was fun--and I enjoyed supporting my friends in their booksignings. :)

ICRS Time!

Like many of the other authors on this blog, I (Dena Dyer) am preparing to leave on Friday for the International Christian Retail Show (formerly known as CBA--but forever known as that to me). But unlike many of the other CAN authors, I won't be doing a booksigning or promoting a new release at this time. So here's what I plan to do, to make the most of my trip...

Birthday Resolutions

I've always been a fan of reviewing my goals around the time of my birthday. And since mine (Dena Dyer's) is coming up July 12 (and <g> I love chocolate, books and bubble bath)--I thought I'd share some of the things I'm resolving during the upcoming year.

Top Ten Things I've Learned as a Writer

Dena Dyer here, back from a blogging absence due to a crazy time trying to get settled in our new hometown. We've been in limbo for three weeks instead of the ONE we anticipated, so I'm trying to keep a sense of humor and perspective, and I'm taking lots of notes. Nothing is wasted on a writer--I'm getting tons of new material for upcoming books and articles!

Since I'm still pretty overwhelmed, today I'm going to post a list I created for Tricia Goyer's blog a few months ago. Next week, Lord willing and the creek don't rise (as we say here in Texas), I'll be in my new home and I'll have more energy to be original. :)

What Disney Taught Me About Marketing, Part Two

Dena Dyer here, continuing my post about the marketing lessons I was reminded of on a recent trip to Disney World:

[Before I begin, I do want you to know that I don't think the Walt Disney company and their affiliates are perfect. They have several policies I highly disagree with. However, I believe they do have things to teach those of us who are involved in marketing a product/brand.]

First, be consistent. From the "Famous Disney Horses" portraits in the lobby of our hotel (Sarasota Springs Resort) to the sepia pictures of Sarasota Springs in our room; from the scupltures of winning jockeys and their mounts to the names of each group of condos (the Paddock, etc.), we were constantly reminded of the horse-y theme of our digs for the week.

Questions: Does my article, website or book have an over-arching thematic statement that drives each chapter or section title? Have I carried out the theme in my choice of headings, scripture verses, quotes and design? Or is my work a hodgepodge of clumsily-related separate items?

What Disney Taught Me About Marketing, Part One

Dena Dyer here, back from a vacation to Disney World in Florida. It was a wonderful trip, and I almost hated to come back to the "real world." My family has been under some extreme stress the last few months, so it was a great time to recoup, reflect, and rejuvenate.

Whether you're a Disney fan or not, I hope you'll agree with me (at least after reading my next couple of posts) that the company is known for excellence, vision and creativity. As we enjoyed several of the key areas of Disney World--Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney/MGM Studios--I was reminded of several key elements of effective marketing. Each one most defnitely applies to book writing and selling.