Nov 11
28
Making things happen on your own terms as a writer
By: Chris Pope
Have you ever noticed how some people seem to just have all the talent? Things just seem to work for them. Or maybe it’s just purely good luck? I by no means consider myself a great writer at all, for that, I apologize if you stick it out and endure the pain staking reading of this post. I do however, consider myself in having a good eye for good writers.
AS THE SAYING GOES..
‘The Times They Are a-Changin‘ -Bob Dylan
Times are changing, in terms of promotion, I see the changes as mostly good. In all the years of advertising, whether it was TV, Movies, and yes even Books, the power has been in the hands of networks and large companies that had millions to throw into all of it.
‘We buy what they tell us to buy, well we used to’ -Chris Pope
With the creation of social media marketing the power has shifted. The consumer now has a vote and as consumers we get free reign(for the most part) to talk about what we like and don’t like through sites like Facebook and Twitter.
YOU SAID THIS WAS ABOUT WRITING
Okay so let me get to the point here. The power shift is a good thing and a bad thing. From strictly a writer point of view, it’s good because there are now ways to self promote your writing using social/new media methods. But the bad part is of course that you have to promote your own writing these days. So at this point you’re probably saying, what the crap Chris!? You mean the good and the bad are the same? That’s exactly what I’m saying. Now if you don’t have the technology skills to do the promotion, people like myself can be hired for a fraction of the price of a traditional publicist to help do the work for you. But rest assured, either way, there is some work involved. You also still have to be careful what you say in social media, the Internet is watching! Didn’t you know that everything people read on the Internet is true? *sarcasm activated*
FOOT STEPS TO FOLLOW
John Patrick Lowrie
John is someone that has led an extraordinary life. Just about everything(if not everything) he sets out to do, he not only does it, but he does it extremely well and exceeds well beyond normal standards. He wanted to become a musician and started a duet called “The Keithe Lowrie Duet” which garnered critical acclaim.
John also decided he wanted to be an actor, so he studied every kind of acting method he could get his hands on. He became well known in theater and he’s a legend in voice acting by doing series such as Sherlock Holmes, not to mention video game titles such as Halo and Team Fortress 2. People will come far and wide to meet the voice of “Sniper” from Team Fortress 2.
He also managed to snag one of the most incredible women in the world, Ellen McLain. Ellen is also a fellow actor and has gained world renown by voicing the character “GLaDOS” in Valve’s hit video game series, Portal.
Even with all the above success, a few years ago John started writing a book which he just recently completed and published in September 2011. Dancing with Eternity has made its way to the top of the charts on websites like Amazon.com and has gotten amazing reviews from all over. His book is not you’re average sci-fi novel, there is something very unique and purely incredibly about it, but don’t take my word for it, see it for yourself.
JG Nair
Another example of someone to mimic in a writer’s drive and ability is Author and Pediatrician JG Nair. Yes that’s right, I said Author and Pediatrician. “Jay” as most people call him, has a Masters degree in cell biology from Yale University, has taught Applied Molecular Biology in Maryland and spent three years conducting research on tuberculosis.
Jay’s pediatrician practice is in Nashville, TN and he is a self published Author of three very incredible illustrated novels.
Caitlin McKenna
Meet another fantastic writer Caitlin McKenna. Yet another amazing person that has proven to be successful in multiple things. Besides being a fantastic writer, Caitlin is also very well known in the TV/movie industry, having done A.D.R voice work for shows/movies like Lost, 300, Bourne Ultimatum and Star Trek. The list is too long to recount, see her IMDB page for more.SOMETHING TO TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXAMPLE
Chris Pope
Social Media Publicist / Manager
Social Stars Web
Twitter: @TheChrisPope
Facebook: TheChrisPope
