Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Fans of PBS’s Masterpiece Classic, “Mr. Selfridge,” probably tuned into the program, “The Secrets of Selfridges,” on the real Harry Selfridge and his iconic store. Selfridges still does a thriving business in the same building that Harry had constructed back in the early 1900s.
One item in particular stood out to me as I viewed this program. When the camera panned the contemporary displays and sweeping interior of the store, I saw how carefully every aspect of the place is directed to communicate this is the go-to place for shopping. But not shopping for just anything or even shopping for everything. Instead, when the video was shot, Selfridges was emphasizing it was the go-to place for jeans.
Jeans were on display, of course, in a variety of imaginative forms throughout the store. But what caught my eye was that the entire store was decorated in denim blues, from light to dark shades. The store’s manager pointed out that even the ride on the escalator subliminally communicated jeans; flower arrangements lavishly spilled out of pots for you to view. But those flowers were fake, and all of them were made from denim. “When you think about buying jeans, we want you to think of Selfridges,” the manager said.
Which brings up a question for you: What are you the go-to person for?
Book buyers, consciously or unconsciously, have a list of go-to writers. They tend to think along these lines:
My go-to person for prayer is Stormie Omartian.
My go-to person for devotionals is Sarah Young.
My go-to person for suspense is Steven James.
We’re all prone to that type of shortcut thinking because it keeps us from having to look at all the options–an exhausting prospect. Recognizing this is how buying decisions tend to be made begs the question: How do you become a go-to person?
Here are 3 steps to get you started:
1. Decide what you are going to specialize in. The famous adage, “If you aim at nothing, you’re sure to hit it,” applies here. You must decide what type of resource you want readers to look to you for.
2. Do not veer from your goal. That means, if you choose to be known for writing historical novels set in the Gilded Age, you ignore your desire to publish that cute children’s story you wrote for your kids, and the devotional for mothers of preschoolers won’t fit in either. Instead, you consistently pursue publishing only what will make you the go-to person.
3. Communicate your specialty in every aspect of your online presence.One of my clients who is very good at consistently presenting herself as a go-to person is Leslie Vernick, a counselor and life coach who concentrates on relationships, especially those that have turned destructive. You can check out her website here. Everything Leslie does online is laser-beam focused on presenting her as the relationship go-to person.
Just remember, when you’re tempted to veer off-message, think about Selfridges denim flowers. Everything you write and do online and in public appearances should communicate that you are the go-to person for _________________.
Now, it’s your turn:
Who are the go-to people you read, and what do you expect to get from them when you crack open one of their books?
What do you aspire to be the go-to person for?
TWEETABLES
Why writers need to become go-to specialists. Click to tweet.
How do you become a go-to authority? Click to tweet.
Howdy, Ma’aM,
You typed, “blues, from light to dark shades”;
Aye; Scottish hues, indeed………
Thee Holy Spirit —
He wrote the Book of books;
Expect to get from Him,
Strength and COURAGE to do His will………
BARNSTORMING (1920—1924—1929) Time Period;
LITERATURE declaring and defending;
SCOTCH///SOUTHERN patriotisms;
KING JESUS GLORIFYING writer………
Sincerely, Indeed,
COLUMBA KNOX
Sometimes it’;s not a choice. Sometimes the calling breaks down the door, swats aside the baseball bat with which you;re trying to defend yourself, leans close and growls…
“I am your destiny. Deal with it.”
For me, it’s Christian marriage. I was dragged into this gyre by trying to work through and understand my own failings, and found that, when I wanted to swim for the edge…I was helping people.
And they were helping me.
I think that’s they key, that we teach best that which we most need to learn, and that we become the go-to person by being driven to go within our own potential, because we can’t find what we need in the wide world.
(Okay, I can’t quite see how that applies to jeans, either.)
Going off-topic used to be a temptation, but not so much, now. I guess God has broken me to the saddle.
To whom do I go?
The Books and Such blog for writing/publishing stuff.
Stephen Ambrose and Rick Atkinson for the history of Allied operations in the ETO during WW2.
AC 43.13 (formerly CAM 18) for acceptable airplane repair methods.
“The Cloud of Unknowing” for prayer.
“The Anarchist’s Cookbook” for…well, never mind.
Helping People, Helping Me
Helping Dogs, Helping Me
You have many good things going, Andrew!
I love that we always seem to be blessed beyond what we give.
And giving is the greatest blessing of all, Shelli.
Hooray for being able to back into a parking spot! 🙂
How To Weld Your Hand To The Counter by Andrew Budek-Schmiesser.
Foreword by Jennifer Zarifeh Major and Kevin Zarifeh
“We adopted him, and now we’re experts at welding burns…oh, and how to drive backwards by looking in my rear-view mirror.”
*Like*
I can finally back up into a parking spot! I’m so proud. As long as no cars are on either side! 🙂
Yes, and don’t forget the chapter on “Drilling into One’s Hand – and How to Remove the Drill Bit Afterwards”.
Andrew, I suspect you’re right that we tend to become the go-to person when a topic fascinates us or we dig deep into it out of some personal desperation. The digging deep enables us to offer to others something besides cookie-cutter responses. Thanks, as always, for your insight.
I need to know about The Anarchist’s Cookbook and why you’re drawn to it.
The Anarchist’s Cookbook offers a good primer on the thought processes that go into asymmetric warfare.
These folks’ strength is that they don’t respond as professionals might, but their tactics necessarily have certain similarities based on their lack of training and their fundamental weaknesses of lack of cohesion and lack of distinct tactical objectives.
Understanding those weaknesses and incorporating that knowledge into one’s own ‘toolbox’ gives an edge. Know your enemy, and you can make him play into your hands.
It’s not likely, given my circumstances, that I’ll be called into the line again, but if lightning should strike, I’d prefer to be ready.
It’s not just warfare; this approach addresses the troublemakers and miscreants that one might find in society today. I love my country, my community, and my family, and I’d rather see them safe.
Andrew, hm, so it sounds like I could gain some tactical insights into dealing with cagey publishing folks.
🙂
Wisdom is where you choose to make use of it.
I’m the go-to person for the trials I’ve endured – infertility, my youngest being a cancer survivor, among others. I thank God for every opportunity He has given to share my story/stories through writing and speaking. That’s truly the key to victorious survival. I just completed an article on handling life’s detours.
One thing I’ve wondered, is it possible to stick to your go-to topic … but vary on the age range? I feel called to encourage women through hardships, but with my daughter surviving cancer, coupled with issues I faced as a kid, I feel called to encourage the younger, as well. I’m hoping to see God intertwine them along this journey. But, above all, striving to be where God wants me …
God is my go-to for all things. And I’m thankful He’s led me to Books & Such, Beth Moore, and the many (I’ve met on this site) willing to use their expertise for the Kingdom.
Shelli, you can speak to different age groups as the go-to person on a topic, but usually that diversity of audiences comes on the back of a significant success with a targeted audience (such as women). It’s difficult to try to reach a variety of audiences with your one message until you’re established.
Thanks for being a part of our community; I’m glad you’re here.
Shelli, you might check out Rick Atkinson’s new book on the Normandy landings. It’s adapted from “The Guns at Last Light” from his Liberation Trilogy, and is specifically intended for a YA audience.
Okay, Andrew! I’ll do that.
Andrew … you really got me thinking now! 🙂
Go-to authors:
Laura Frantz – lush romance
Julie Klassen – impeccable historicals
Jan Karon – sweet, small town life
As for me, I’d like to be the go-to person for Appalachian romance!
Sarah, I’m so looking forward to your stories!
Amen on your go-tos in those genres! 🙂
I’m going to buy an actual paper copy of MIADS so I can hold it in my hands. Sniff.
I can’t wait to read your stories, Sarah!! Looking forward to some Appalachian fiction!
As a “living life in blue jeans” kind of gal, I loved your illustration, Janet. And, I know nothing about Selfridges. It would be fun to look into their history sometime. It sounds like they definitely made themselves the “go-to store” for everything denim.
The go to people I gravitate toward in fiction are Rachel Hauck, Susan May Warren, Beth Vogt, and a few others. On mothering topics, I go to Denise Glenn and Sally Clarkson. On other topics, I ask people for recommendations and then look into them.
My husband and I have had the opportunity to talk with people considering adoption, since we’ve adopted twice. I’ve also talked with people about infertility. As far as writing, without having completely thought this answer through, I’d like to be considered as a go-to person for stories that are real and infused with grace. I’m guessing that in the beginning, I need to stick with one genre. I’ve written two books in one genre and am about to begin a third in a different genre. I’ll have to figure out which one fits me better, I guess. 🙂
I admire that you’re switching up genres for your writing.
In this pre-publication stage, it makes sense that we seek and find the genre that we absolutely love to read and write. It gives us even more incentive to gather our readership and remain loyal to them throughout our writing career.
Jenni, you’re so right. In your pre-pub stage, you can play around with genres to find the one that’s the fit for you. Once you’re published, it’s much harder to successfully make a switch.
Jeanne, this is the time to “play” with your writing as you explore and discover what’s a fit for you–like a good pair of jeans.
I can’t wait to read your work, Jeanne!
Just like “brands” we trust, we go to specific people because they meet a need.
A few for me (because there are too many to list!):
Robin Jones Gunn: An encourager with heart.
Debbie Macomber: Creator of beloved and memorable characters in her page-turning fiction.
Cynthia Ruchti: Hope with a capital H.
I pray that encouragement resonates in everything I say and do, as well as in my future stories.
I just giggled when I re-read my comment. Anyone know why? 🙂
Because you defined what you want people to come to you for? Encouragement.
I can’t figure it out! 🙂 Help me!
Because you like to read books that encourage you, right?
It was my second sentence. After re-reading, I thought it sounded like I was referring to multiple me’s. Lol
Cynthia, obviously we didn’t get it.
Many-Me!! 🙂
Hmmm, sweet and encouraging? Just like you, Cindy.
Yep, you are an encourager! And how could I have left out Robin Jones Gunn? Love her stories. 🙂
Cynthia Herron, I’m humbled by your comment, but rejoicing, too. To know someone sees my life work as “Hope with a capital H” fuels not only today’s writing assignments, but long into the future! Thank you! And may it ever be so.
Cynthia Herron–everything about you, from your blogposts to your FB posts, exudes encouragement! You have blessed so many of us with your kindness and prayers. I pray God will bless your faithfulness to be so encouraging to the writing community!
Oh I love go-tos!! I have crit partners that are my go-tos for other than reading. One to talk me off the precipice, another to crack the whip and not let me off my self-imposed deadlines, another to help me slay the dragons, and another to swap sarcasm.
Colleen Coble & Dani Pettrey are my go-tos for my romantic suspense thirst. And, I never EVER miss an Ann Shorey novel for those heartwarming historicals. Sarah Sundin is my all time WWII fave. And the list goes on …
I would like to be the go-to for spirited and gritty historical romantic suspense. The kind where the reader knows every hero is not the-boy-next-door and has an edge to his personality, and the banter is laced with sarcasm and romantic tension.
That was long.
Signing off now.
Yours truly,
Jaime the Professional Coffee Drinker
Banter, sarcasm, and romantic tension? Oh my! Sounds tantalizing Jaime. 🙂
I like your list of go-to people. I need a dragon-slayer, a precipice counselor, and a sarcasm swapper as well.
Thanks for the mention, Jaime 🙂 And I adore sarcasm and edge. Can’t wait….
Thank you, Jaime, for including me in your go-to list with such stellar authors. Hugs, Ann
I smiled at your mention of Selfridges, Janet. Picked up a picnic lunch there last month to eat in the midst of WAVES of daffodils in Greens Park.
But this comment is really about Stanley Marcus, and his perception. I was privileged to grow up in the shadow of this great retailer, and the stories surrounding him, and the flagship NeimanMarcus (old school style there) in downtown Dallas, are the stuff of legend. Like the one about woman whose family struck oil in East Texas. She rode to Dallas on the railroad — barefoot. When she left the store, after being helped by “Mr. Stanley,” she was in silk stockings, heels, and a black mink coat. And that level of professionalism applied to everyone who walked through those doors, even my seven-year-old son who wanted to buy a box of Easter chocolates for me one year. They did a MASSIVE gift-wrap job on this small purchase, and didn’t charge him!
Marcus’s standards of excellence in service, as well as the taste depicted in ads I STILL remember from my childhood in the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald, created a worldview for generations of Texans, and customers beyond our borders. And his understanding that, if you meet needs, you created lifelong customers, also applies to our writing, right?
Great man, Stanley Marcus. And without the demons of Selfridge, thankfully. Check out Minding the Store: http://amzn.to/1fpBZNw
Being a Texan, this is so interesting, Norma. I did not know this history.
Meeting needs … I hope to remember that.
You should look into the history of Neiman’s, Shelli. It was such a cultural phenomenon. And look into the history of Fortnight as well. When the U.S. was not part of a global economy, Neiman’s was.
I will, Norma! Thank you. Such a reminder of all the things we take for granted … with all the amazing history there …
Thanks, Norma, for sharing those great NeimanMarcus stories. Meeting the needs of customers/readers is key to success in every business. The writer’s job is to figure out what specific needs he or she is meeting.
Janet, your three points are a wake-up call for me because I have a tendency to “veer off course.” Sometimes my ideas lead my writing to cover more ground than I should have. Learning to narrow and keep my focus is a new adventure for me.
Jim, the good news is that you have identified a weakness in your approach to writing. No problem can be solved if you haven’t identified the issue.
I can relate, Jim. Writing about Christian relationships opens up a lot of ground in apologetics that I’d love to explore, and I really have to fight that temptation.
I’ve thought of starting another blog to go there, but it would simply be too much to do in too little time.
There’s an interesting golf analogy to being focused in one’s area of expertise. Lee Trevino, the phenom out of El Paso in the 60s and 70s, played for money (before his glory days) using a taped-up Dr. Pepper bottle as his only club.
He knew how to use it, and made a tidy living beating the socks off the tooled-up wannabes who challenged him.
I’ve never heard of Selfridge’s, Janet, but I would love to see those flowers made of denim. Genius!
My go-to’s —
Randy Singer – inspirational legal suspense
Ken Ham – creation science
Kevin Leman – birth order and realistic parenting
Cynthia Ruchti – stories that make me see hope where I hadn’t before
I’m sure there are more, but that’s what I can come up with in my press of time today.
Meghan, thanks for sharing your go-to list. And, should you enjoy historical dramas, check out PBS’s Mr. Selfridge; it’s a well done series.
Meghan, I LOVE this assessment: “stories that make me see hope where I hadn’t before.” Heading right now to the Book where Hope lives. Bless you, Meghan.
I love Mr. Selfridge. My husband came in last night and asked if it was Downton Abbey. Um, no!
My go to for life as a Christian wife, mom, and woman is Elizabeth George.
I need to think about how my fiction and blog will tie together. I’m pretty sure the same women will read both. Mainly, moms that don’t have it all together, like me. I need to take some time to think about what I’d like to be the go to for!
Go-to authors/publishers:
Dover Publications-historic architectural floor plans
Sunset-Western Garden Book
Jim Scott Bell-craft of writing
Joni Eareckson Tada-devotionals
Emily Dickinson-poetry that adheres to the mind
Victoria Holt-spine-tingling, vintage gothic romance
Mercer Mayer-children’s stories rife with imagination and wonder
I would like to be the go-to author for stories of historical suspense, predominantly set in my home state, because I adore the lesser known history of this place and would appreciate the chance to share it with others. Shining the light of truth into dark places and dark hearts.
Also, on a more nerdy note, I really enjoy identifying mysterious plants from a picture or in person. If any of you are in need of plant identification for your yards or a story, I’m up to the challenge. 🙂
Jenni, you’ve nicely focused your writing, especially knowing that you want to concentrate on lesser known aspects of your state’s history.
I know the names of few plants; so your expertise could resolve a lot of my questions about what’s in my yard.
Go to’s:
suspense-Dee Henderson & Jeanette Windle
laugh out loud funny/wow I did not know that-Jon Acuff
historical fiction with a romantic thread-Lori Benton & Laura Frantz
historical romance-Tamara Leigh
I’ve become a bit of a go-to when it comes to Navajo history, specifically US-Navajo relations circa 1863-1868, and the Bosque redondo prison camp.
Add to that, I’m building my knowledge of contextual worship, the inter-cultural divisions brought upon by the forced application of Anglo prayer and worship styles on indigenous populations, specifically the Navajo Nation, and the emotional and spiritual fallout of an individual being told that God does not listen to worship sung in one’s heart language.
Jennifer, your last paragraph almost sounds like the theme of a doctoral dissertation. But that sort of digging down into a topic is what makes it rich when you turn to your writing.
And you, Jennifer, are the go-to gal for meaning and faith and fun in Tales From The Redhead.
Your last paragraph made me smile deep in my heart, Jennifer. And on my face. 🙂 I guess because the Lord’s been teaching me so many of the same things! And I’m glad to see what He’s doing in us.
My go-to authors:
Christian mysteries with edge: Sibella Giorello and Karin Kaufman
Lyrical women’s fiction: Sarah Jio, Becky Doughty, Wendy Paine Miller
Historicals about another way of life: Lori Benton and Stephanie Landsem
Appalachian fiction: Joanne Bischof and (soon!) Sarah Thomas
And the list could go on and on! As far as what I’m the go-to for…I hope I can give back to indie authors, just like the indies who’ve helped me every step of the way (Heather Sunseri, Becky Doughty, Graeme Ing, Staci Stallings, Traci Hilton, Terri Main, Randy Ingermanson, Joanna Penn…the list could continue and take up way too much room here).
People do contact me when they hear of Viking discoveries, etc, and I LOVE that! It’s so great to share something you love with others. I’m hoping West Virginians will also relate to my mystery series and see things they recognize about this state.
SO thankful for all these trailblazers who are willing to give back from what they’ve learned.
And may I just take a moment and say JUST HOW “go to” Heather is?
The nice people at The Royal British Columbia Museum, and the nice people at IMAX, will be including Heather’s book “God’s Daughter” in their “once you’ve made it through this international exhibit on Vikings, why don’t you do some shopping” display of Viking era reading materials. For Canadians, the RBCM is one of the most important and prestigious museums in our whole country. For a person’s work to be seen at the RBCM is a HUGE HUGE honour. And that Christian fiction will be displayed and sold in conjunction with the Viking exhibit?
This is tantamount to one of us having our historical fiction at the Smithsonian.
I am extremely proud of Heather!!!
Thank you so much, Jennifer! And thank you for talking me through all the international shipping waters!!! I couldn’t be more excited about my Vikings heading your way! 🙂
Jennifer, thanks for putting some perspective on Heather’s achievement. That’s astoundingly wonderful, Heather.
Heather, that’s wonderful!
Thank you all. I had no clue what museum it was but I’m so thankful for Jennifer, who explained it to me! Now I REALLY want to get my passport and go up for a visit. The exhibit runs May-November…so I would probably have time…and I know this Canadian friend who has the best chocolate…
I forgot Susie Finkbeiner in my go-to list for lyrical women’s fiction! I just can’t cover all my go-to authors in one list! 🙂
I am a semi-big Sarah Jio fan too…but can’t get my paws on Morning Glory yet (always checked out at my library branch). Have you read it?
No, but I want to own all her books! I loved The Last Camellia and Blackberry Winter. I just need to keep investing in them, one at a time!
Thrillers – Dan Brown of course
Mysteries – The Grande Dame herself, Agatha Christie
My goto person for grief and forgiveness is Paula D’Aracy.
My goto person for labyrinths and why it is a metaphor for life is the Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress.
Remind me to add Cynthia Ruchti’s book “Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People Choices” to my list.
At work I am the goto person for tech writing whether of not I am part of or assigned to that project. This can become an issue when my boss has to bill back for my time. It not an issue on my own project but on others it can be an issue on others since the managers ony so much time allotted to their projects.
I don’t feel that being the goto person is all that it is cracked up to be. I am just happy to write and try to do my best no matter what I am writing (technical or non-technical).
Here’s your reminder, Lori! 🙂
Lori, ha, I guess being the go-to person at work isn’t all that grand a position to be in. But as a writer, it’s the sweet spot!
It’s Paula D’Arcy not Paula D’Aracy. Need to add a typing book to my goto list.
So very true–all of it. However, how do you tweak your brand when you’ve become the go-to person for a genre in decline? Or is that a post for another day?
Kathleen, hey don’t you have any HARD questions to ask me!?
You have to do a bit of tea-leaf reading to determine if the genre will continue to decline, or if you can ride out the decline for a few publishing seasons. If the genre shows no signs of ramping up or you can’t wait it out, then you need how to take characteristics of your writing and express them in a different genre. For example, if you tend to write tongue-in-cheek, that works regardless of genre, and is part of your recognizable writing style. It’s a tough transition. Sometimes you’re better off waiting out the turndown.
Janet, does a publisher ever approach an author (through their agent) that’s been writing for their house, and let them know that interest in the genre they write is waning? Also, do they ever suggest that said author try their hand at another genre or sub-genre and submit to them?
I’m glad B&S has their finger on the pulse of all this stuff.
Jenni, a publisher might approach an author about transferring to a related genre that seems to be picking up steam, but that sort of conversation would only take place if the author had a very strong selling history with the publisher.
This won’t be a comprehensive answer, Kathleen, partly because I’m new enough at this that I’m settling into where I’d like to stay for a while. But I remember counsel from someone years ago who said that when we change our “go to” notch, we should keep at least one strong element with which people identify. If carefully researched and richly tapestried historical fiction from the Victorian era with an undercurrent of humor has been a go-to niche or notch, moving from that era to Civil War novels will be less jarring if those books, too, are carefully researched and richly tapestried with an undercurrent of humor.
I’m so glad you brought this up Kathleen.
I so appreciated this blogpost. Thank you! It makes me think of “building your brand,” but in a more practical specific way.
I have read a few places now – silly me, can’t remember where – to diversify more. Write blogs, devotionals, short stories, non-fiction, and branch out genre-wise as well. The more diversity, the wider an audience, or something like that. I disliked that advice, mostly because I like the genre I’m in and plan on staying in that area 🙂 On that note, would you say the above advice was actually not good advice for most writers? Because it seems to contradict your blogpost for the most part.
I read so many authors I couldn’t choose one, or even a few, “Go-to people.”
And I’ve written in various genres from newspaper articles to children’s fiction. But one thing seems to show up in nearly everything I write and that’s the theme of understanding and accepting people who are different, especially if they have Special Needs. My tag line is Opening Eyes, Opening Hearts.
Janet, your theme clearly is one that applies regardless of age or writing category. It’s a great topic to be the go-to person for.
I’m not sure if I have go- to authors – right now I’m reading The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer because it’s far-future fairytale retellings with a cyborg Cinderella, and she is very good and improving with every book. I find her writing engaging, carefully thought-out, and easy to read. Also, while it’s tense, it isn’t grimdark. “Grimdark” is a thing now, one that I’m not excited to read.
Plain-spoken Christian encouragement – my pastor, Perry Noble, has a couple of books I love: Unleash! and Overwhelmed.
But I read practically anything, and everything, and I can hardly begin to list everyone I read – these are just the top of my “recently read” pile.
I hope to become the go-to person for serialized comics geared to women who love escapism via the fun subgenres of science fiction and fantasy – the thought is that women will appreciate that proceeds from subscriptions go to the A21 Campaign, and that my illustrations aren’t meant to titillate adolescent boys, and my stories involve feminine agency and feature well-rounded characters.
Paula, you’ve set your sights on a clearly defined niche to be the go-to person, and that means you’re more likely to success than, say, aiming for mothers.
Thank you! 🙂
It seems like all the respect within speculative fiction lately goes to “grimdark” gritty, ugly, hopeless epics that serve no higher purpose, and I think there is a wide-open space for escapism that values all the characters and ultimately, values humanity.
I just hope I can pull it off – it’s a lot of work! 🙂
I love Mr. Selfridge. My husband walked in while I was watching it last night and asked if it was Downton Abbey. Um, no.
My go to person for life as a Christian wife, mom, and woman is Elizabeth George.
I need to think more about tying my fiction in with my blog. I think they will both have the same readers. Mainly moms that don’t have it all together, like me. I need to spend some time figuring out what I’d want to be the go to for. I have an idea it has something to do with struggling as a wife and mom in these days, and being authentic about it.
My comments haven’t been showing up, so I’ll try again 🙂
I love Mr. Selfrige. My husband came in last night and asked me if it was Downton Abbey. Um, no!
Elizabeth George is my go to for life as a Christian mom, wife, and woman.
I need to spend some time thinking about tying my blog in with my fiction. I think they will have the same readers, mainly moms that don’t have it all together, like me. I’m not sure yet what I want to be the go to for, I need to figure that out!
Angela, I actually like Mr. Selfridge better than Downton Abbey, which some would consider bordering on sacrilegious, I’m sure.
Tying your fiction into your blog makes a lot of sense, but it’s also a bit tricky to figure out how to do that considering your novel is about blogging, and you don’t want duplication between your fiction and your blog.
Sacrilege indeed!
Thanks for rescuing my comments, I’m cracking up seeing how I kept trying to post them and they got shorter and shorter, lol!
Shorter and shorter as your frustration grew and grew. That happens to me if I write a long email, and the recipient doesn’t receive it. I write a summary of that first email for the person. I feel like I’ve already said it!
Janet, I have a question on this topic. My ideas for two books involve Americans who travel to West Africa because, well, I am an American who lived there. The plots are quite different, but the settings the same. So, if those were my first two published books, would all of my future stories need to have a West African element in them? Or could I branch out into other settings?
Susan, I would say that, if you don’t want West Africa to be part of what you’re known for, it would be important to branch out in your third book. But you might also consider writing about an American in another country as book #2. You’ll want to plot out a strategy such as being a novelist (I’m assuming) who writes about Americans in exotic locations or in third-world locations, that sort of focus.
Mac Lucado–for grit and grace, lyrical and folksy language
C.S. Lewis–when I want to stay up at night wrestling with big meaty questions
Oswald Scott Chambers–for a good kick in the pants
Goins Writer and Michael Hyatt blog–super tips for “going pro”
Jodi Picoult (well, some of her stuff…I have thrown some of her books in the trash!)…for emotional/relational “what if” suspense and a healthy reminder of how incredibly three-dimensional fiction characters can be
Chip and Dan Heath–for pure marketing mojo
Lee Strobel–for “keep in your back pocket” gems on the “big, sticky” God-on-Trial stuff
Oh…and Dr. Seuss for bedtime rhymes! 😉
Becky, I love your list and what you go to each author for. Prize-winning!
Max* !!! 🙂
After reading some of the above comments, I went to Amazon and bought Cynthia Ruchti’s Ragged Hope. Our whole family is grieving the betrayal of one member’s stupid, stupid action and choice. Did I mention how stupid it was? Anyway, thanks for the post!
My go-tos include Katie Cushman, Susan May Warren and Kristan Higgins for fiction. Donald Miller for life-coaching. John Piper for theology. Jim Bell and Don Maass for writing how-to.
I won a coaching call with Allen Arnold and he encouraged me to find my theme, or in the words of this post, my “go to” expertise. After some prayer and thinking, I believe reconciliation is a theme running through my life and work. I’m still exploring it, but so far, it fits.
Carrie, Cynthia Ruchti’s Ragged Hope is the perfect book when family members do stupid things…really stupid things.
I’m glad Allen Arnold challenged you to think about your theme–or go-to expertise. Same idea, different words.
My go to authors:
Tom Clancy for techno-thrillers
James Michener and Herman Wouk for historical sagas
Robert Frost for poetry that makes you think
I think, when I lay down my pen in 20-40 years, i’d like to be considered the go to guy for church history novels. One down, one planned, four in the queue, and seventeen centuries to cover after that.
David, perfect plan, succinctly stated–and lots of material to work from!
None of my comments have been showing up the last couple days, so I thought I’d give it one more try by doing it online instead of on my phone 🙂
Elizabeth George is my go to for life as a Christian wife, mom, and woman.
Angela, I found your comments in the spam folder. How weird is that since you comment regularly on the blog.
Elizabeth George is my go to for life as a Christian wife, mom, and woman.
Excellent topic for discussion. My challenge is that the things I feel I am good at: teaching Sunday school, decluttering your workspace, and overall organization seem to be fields that have a ton of resources. I haven’t found what I can over that is different yet.
Cheryl, sometimes it’s carving out a very specific niche for yourself in a larger category. For example, one of our clients writes about running a business in the U.S. while living overseas (in exotic locales). That’s pretty specific, but it targets several audiences, including those who want a long-term adventure, those who want to retire elsewhere but still maintain a business, and those who are just dreaming about possibilities.
I mean offer.