To Do Or Not To Do

Random Thoughts

That is the question, my lovelies.

I’ve been thinking a lot about newsletters. Many people love them, many don’t. Some writers swear by them, others don’t bother. Alas, as I’m a rather unique wordsmith, I thought I’d poll everyone to get a sense of things before I dive in head first. Read on for some of my thoughts, or skip to the bottom and do me a solid by answering the poll or leaving me a comment.

Right now, I’m thinking of doing a divided newsletter, where subscribers can choose which they receive depending on their preference, with the ability to update it at any time.

Here’s what’s on the docket:

  • Book releases and other important updates (for those of you that would want the bare minimum)
  • Alternating, bi-monthly newsletter:
    • Poetry-focused issue including personal updates; curated poems and books from friends across the web; a subscriber-only advice column, poem, and poetry prompt (one winner will be featured); early access to things like poet interviews, book reviews, and more.
    • Fiction- and Bookish-focused issue including personal updates; subscriber-only short advice column, a snippet from a current WIP, and Q&A; early access to things like author interviews, book reviews, cover reveals, and more.
  • I might even throw in an exclusive chapbook or short fiction piece for subscribers.

Remember that novel-writing column?

As some of you veterans might recall, I posted an in-depth advice column that included all the bells and whistles I’ve learned about novel writing. They were quite popular until I removed them, thinking perhaps I’d make an informative free e-book from the endeavor. That might still be the case, but I know aspiring novelists out there are crawling the web for information to help them complete their passion projects.

People could sign up for a separate email “course” that would be sent out on a regular basis covering each topic, and subscribers could follow along as they plot their books. Depending on the volume of responses, I might even be willing to offer personalized feedback, for free of course.

Drop me a comment if this is something you’d be interested in receiving.

On that note, polls away!

61 thoughts on “To Do Or Not To Do”

  1. Hello! I’m new to blogging and book reviewing, and am very impressed by your blog. I was wondering if you had any tips for newbie bloggers and book reviewers.

    If you have the time, please check out my blog @breenysbooks. I’d love any feedback. Have a wonderful day.

    ~Breeny

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. I voted. 🙂 I too like the idea of having opt in features. I like everything myself, tips, reviews, previews,poetry, fiction, but I know some subscribers would want to be more selective so that’s a unique and very customized way of putting it out there. I can’t wait to see what you have planned 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. I now have Queens “I want it all playing in my head” … oh here comes the guitar solo…
    Ahahaha!!!!

    This all sounds amazing. I’m close to jumping onto my own novel. I just have to get past poetry collections and the novelette repackaging first. I think any readers in thr same position looking to take things to the next level would be very interested in the ebook and email courses.

    I feel quite bad I’m not a vet though, I think I’d have quite enjoyed those sort of posts when they were happening. Curse me for coming so late to the blogging game 😄

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No worries, I started writing them and sharing them while I was in the middle of writing my second or third novel. It’s been a while, but the information is still relevant and I still follow most of it, even after so much time and a few books later. 🙂 I’ve heard from several people already that are interested in this course, so I’ll definitely get to work on that. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s valuable information that’s perfect in this sort of community. I think there’s a lot of good to be done with practical expertise. There’s no real way to teach creative arts after the basics. Thr greatest help is in the experiences of those who’ve moved beyond practice and hobby.

        As yet nothings been published. For the most part it’s all living here but I’m building everything for release this year.
        The novelette is first though. It’s what brought me here to begin with. If it wasn’t for some employment irritations I’d have invested some more time prepping publishing. I’m getting there though, learning as I go!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I understand. It’s a lengthy process. But in glad to hear you’re pushing forward! And you’re right about ‘teaching’ the craft of writing. Once you learn the mechanics and rules, you can begin to break them intentionally. Giving solid advice is a welcome addition, but, in the end, the person doing the writing is the one that will develop a voice, and they won’t get there without lots of practice. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I do feel foolish coming so late to something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve been lost for most of my adult life and it seems that in the past year I’ve really found my direction. Of course it does mean that im chasing experience and running from age. I’d have liked to look back with a lot more to show but small steps are still steps.
        One thing I do have is a voice. It’s utterly insane but it’s definitely mine!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s awesome. I’m not sure what your normal process is, but before I tackled Just Breathe, I always ran into brick walls. My problem was lack of planning and plotting. After lots of research, I developed a system that allowed me to go through the entire story before writing the first word. Everything just fell into place and the writing went off without a hitch. 🙂 I’ll start devising a plan to implement this course. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s wonderful to know. Before I completed Just Breathe, I was unsuccessful in completing any novel-length project I started. I’d be in the middle of the story and start thinking, where do they go from here?I realized my problem was pantsing, or making up the story as I went. So, rather than ending up in the same trap, I decided to plot, brainstorm, and develop everything prior to writing the first word. Everything clicked into place. I’ll keep this in mind and start working on getting it together. 🙂

      Like

  15. I don’t care how long, or how often something shows up if it’s in my line of interest. I voted for all of it. I thought that was the best way to start. Question: can I change my options later? Thanks for all the thoughts and ideas, Sarah.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The way I have envisioned this (and I’ve been assured it is possible) is to separate each issue by category. Upon signing up, you can select what you want, and if you find your interests change or you’re overloaded, you can go back in and change your preferences, which would then automatically update accordingly. I hope this answers your question. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. I thought that would be helpful because this blog primarily shares micropoetry, and I know not everyone would be interested in the fictional side of things. I’m hoping by dividing it up, people will get what they want without the extra clutter that will ultimately lead to unsubscribing. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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