What I Learned from Murder and Mayhem 2020

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Many thanks to Lori Rader-Day, Dana Kaye, and their team for making the Murder and Mayhem conference virtual. It was a great way to spend a Saturday during the quarantine. Here’s what I learned from all the fabulous panelists.

Writing/Craft

  • It can be hard to keep a series fresh and new. The story needs to make sense especially when you get 5-6 books into the series.

  • The character needs to progress and evolve as the books move forward.

  • The challenge is to keep long-time readers interested and to draw in new readers to your series.

  • Weave in your backstory. It should come naturally as the story progresses.

  • Get rid of gender biases in your writing. Don’t fall into tropes or stereotypes.

  • Create a document (character bible) to help you keep up with the details about your characters and locations.

  • Remember that every character has a secret.

  • Characters need a purpose.

  • Stop reading craft books and read lots of novels that you like. If you want to be a screen writer, watch lots of movies.

  • Write from your gut.

  • Sit down and write.

Book Promotion/Marketing

  • Plan your marketing up front.

  • You need to connect with bloggers, influencers, and podcasters.

  • Understand your audience and how they get book recommendations.

  • Start small and local.

  • Find out what your publisher is doing, so that you can supplement and not duplicate.

  • When you talk to people, make it conversational and not pitchy. You don’t want to be the guy or gal with the sandwich board and the megaphone.

  • Look at the analytics for your social media posts and see what resonates with people.

  • Street teams are often helpful with book promotion.

  • See what people are reading, and see where those books are mentioned.

  • Go where your audience is.

  • If you do a newsletter, make sure the content is effective. Be consistent. Do what works.

  • Personal and educational content often works best in newsletters.

  • Build your email list organically.

  • Quality over Quantity.

  • Always be a good, literary citizen. Like, share, comment on others’ posts.

  • It’s okay to connect with others via email. Just don’t do mass email blasts.

  • Face-to-face events are still important.

Things You Need to Check Out