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Jane Friedman

The Writing Lifewriting advice
July 25, 2022

How to Author in 2022:  A Free Business Refresher Course

There’s nothing static about a career in writing for young people. Publishing trends come and go. The landscape of the industry changes. Your own strengths and interests develop. All that has been true in my experience since I began publishing in 2008. But now, I’ve decided on a reassessment of how I connect with readers. Enter Jane Friedman, a well-known publishing guru, whose advice I’ve been following for over a decade. On August 9, 12pm ET, I will be a guest on her free business clinic for writers, where we will unpack all the questions that have been plaguing me recently. Here are just a few: Does it pay to still blog these days? What is the new role of an author website in 2022 that is different from when I started? And most important, what is the most efficient and authentic way for me to reach my readers when faced with extremely limited time? I won’t lie: I feel a little vulnerable sharing my struggles. People assume that after a certain point in your writing life, you simply coast. But no, friends. I haven’t found that to be true at all. In fact, if anything, things have gotten more complicated as the ways of connecting with readers have multiplied. So, what I’m after is a way to do things smarter rather than simply doing more. If you’re wondering some of this, too, please join us and share in the info gathering. See you there! You can register here.
AppearancesThe Writing Life
March 24, 2014

Legends, Hashtags &Wisdom: VA Festival of the Book

Okay, a very quick post because I am on deadline! I spent three glorious days with my friends Kristen Swenson and A. B. Westrick in the mountains of Virginia at the 20th anniversary of the Festival of the Book. Some highlights in pictures: My school visit at Jackson-Via Elementary. Best question from a second grader: Do you make more than $30 a day? Great panel about author platforms with Jane Friedman, author Gigi Amateau, and "The Book Maven" Bethanne Patrick who is behind #Friday Reads. They gave lots of definitions and practical advice on creating your overall reputation. Favorite take-away from Jane:  Building your platform takes patience and consistency. It should outlast any single book or project that you do. Talking YA books for adults with old friend K.P. Madonia (Fingerprints of You) and new friend Andrew Auseon (Freak Magnet and others) at the Village School. Great reads. Put them on your list. Spending time with Sonia Manzano, the 2013 Pura Belpré Honor winner for The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano. (You probably know her as Maria from Sesame Street.)  What an honor to meet her and to be able to talk, even for a little while, about our books and next projects. Practicing the use of hashtags with children's lit legend Louis Lowry, Kathy Erskine and Jennifer Elvgren. I didn't see that one coming, but you know, we're all racing to understand this stuff! #YA, #kidlit, #canyoubelievethis? Jennifer, Ms. Lowry, and me Top pick of all: The joyous "homecoming panel" at the Paramount Theater on Saturday night. We…