What does our smartphone have to do with our writing life?

First off, smartphones are a huge part of every facet of our lives, and so is writing, so that's an easy one to answer. I know I could never make it through a day without my phone. I use it for so many things, it's a little scary. I feel about that the same as I did when ATMs took over the world. What would we do without them?

Now, I am the first to admit that as a society we are far too dependant on electronic gadgetry.

We really are. In one week, 81% of us browsed the Internet, 71% of us used a search engine, and 48% of us watched a video. Yeah, don't let me digress off into THAT territory. Anyway, 63% of us visited our friends on a social media site from our smartphones...how many actually saw those people in person, or used the PHONE part of the smartphone to talk to the friend like it was created to do?

It's easy to see how this gadget has permeated our life. Still not convinced?

39% of us use the phone while using the restroom
33% of us used it while consuming other media
22% used it while reading the newspaper (what???? you mean people still do???)

So, it's easy to see how most of us are phone-addicted. Some people would give up their favorite things to have a smartphone, others would give up stuff just to be able to KEEP theirs.

Now, what does all this have to do with our writing life?

Glad you asked!

Smartphones being the invasive insect that it is is where we are all doing our shopping. Yes, for books too. 79% of us use a smartphone to help with our shopping. 70% of us actually use our phone WHILE we are shopping to help us get the best deals and discounts. 54% use it to find retailers, 49% to compare prices, etc. etc. etc.

So if we are using it all the time -- for everything from restaurants to prices on hammers -- don't you think it is crucial to make a user want to visit and STAY on your website?

You gotta get an updated, mobile friendly site folks. You just gotta. Imagine a reader searching for your site. Imagine them landing on a non-mobile friendly landing page. What do they do? Go elsewhere. So, how do you expect to get them interested in you as an author if you have not managed to keep them on your site?

Something to think about as you traverse the waters which are now infested with smartphone sharks.

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Kim Smith is the author of The Dread Room, a Warped Mind Collection, Love Inn, An Unexpected Performance, and the soon to arrive Shannon Wallace Mystery series. You can find more about Kim at http://www.kimsmithauthor.com
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Thanksgiving then and now

I was going over my list of things I am thankful for, and one of the top most often prayed over is this site. I love this site and am so thankful for it and the great friendships it has brought. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all those things that you received from the hands of others, and all the ways life has been a blessing to you. As you ponder, don't forget the Cyber Pals you have gained.

When I chose Thursdays as my day to post, I never anticipated being the "turkey" for this time of the year. But there ya have it. I get the Thanksgiving post.

I have celebrated a lot of stuff over the years, like this post (click to read) Thanksgiving 2008 and it has been like a kickoff to the year to come.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Soon, I will be bringing you a new book, (Click for more info) Loran Rudder and the Secret Key is on its final round, and over the last few days has even gotten a cover. (no, I am not revealing yet!) -- so that is something to look forward to in the weeks to come.

I will do this time as I did back in 2008- and bring you tidbits and tasties about the making of the book over the next few weeks. SO don't eat too much this holiday--save room for dessert!

God bless you and keep you.

Happy Thanksgiving -Murderers!

Gearing up for marketing myself

Post number two on the joys of marketing.

I planned to work on my website over last weekend, but unfortunately along about Thursday, I came down with the head cold to end all head colds and was pretty much bed-ridden Friday after work and all day Saturday. This was a real thorn in my side, and set me back a plenty.

On Sunday, feeling well enough to at least start shopping for a new theme for the website (which is based on a Wordpress blog). I selected one and actually made a lot of headway.  This doesn't sound very trying, but if you have ever had to select a blog theme, you know how frustrating it is. You can see the latest changes here http://www.mkimsmith.com and if you want to give me your insight it will be appreciated greatly.

It is my intent to make my website and blog sort of match, either via color or theme, sooner or later. Funny, but my Twitter account fits in there too! Purple is my signature color, and I can hear you laughing. I can't help it y'all, I love purple.

Next up, plan on content that will make people want to come and visit the site. What do you think would be a good event? What brings in readers? How about a cover contest?  Or a book trailer contest?  or maybe just a chance for writers to post excerpts of their work, their cover, AND their trailer?  yeah, I sort of like that idea too!

(PS) since writing this blog post I settled on a book cover contest *visit my blog for details!*

At any rate, I am not biting off more than I can chew for a time. I am hosting a few authors books for a fall tour, and have my YA serial short stories to promote. But I will be working behind the scenes on this marketing thing.

Check back next time, Murderers, for more updates on the Perils of Marketing a' la Kim.

Marketing your work aka Murder

This week, Murderers, I am talking about marketing yourself and your book. I am a very poor bellringer for myself, always assuming that people will find my stuff without my hollering at them. Not so. My sales are pitiful. My publishers probably shake their head in wonder at such awful numbers. In other words, my marketing is ... well, murder. At least, it's dead at the moment.

  Here is my take on this stuff:

If you want book sales, you have to have traffic. And you get traffic from marketing your work and yourself. One big part of marketing is having a website that is current. Keeping your focus on the main subject of your life, your books, your writing doesn’t hurt either. Especially if your website is sort of like a blog.

I am going to spend a lot of time over the next week getting my website revamped and just as I mentioned above, current and focused. I have a blog called WritingSpace but it sometimes is anything but writing-related, so I am considering doing a blog event for readers or writers that will bring in traffic. Maybe a contest, or a free offer. (more on this later) Offering things that interest readers is a way to draw attention to your website or blog.

 Another way to get interest is to get book reviews. Too bad papers have pretty much ditched the book review stuff.  Used to be that local papers loved local authors. Not so much these days. But getting some reader reviews is very important so - thinking cap on. Guess I will be out visiting the blogosphere a lot this week too.

 Of course, Facebook and Twitter are a given, but I am not sure I have a lot of followers who are readers. And I want to really get interest, so I am going to have to do my homework on how to use these media outlets to get the most bang without spamming people. Nobody likes spam, except my dog. (hah)

So, Murderers, if you want to know more about this journey of mine on marketing and getting your sales rising, keep checking back. This post is the start of a series, I think. Or should I say I FEAR?