Leave Your Comfort Zone, Find Another Approach to Writing

This pandemic has changed how we do things. We can't shop or get our hair cut the same way we used to do. We have to be constantly on guard. It makes all of us uneasy. We don't feel like we are in control. However, the situation reminds us that success comes when we break from our comfort zone. Motivational speakers will tell you to do just that. Breaking from our comfort zone also is important to writing. If you are too comfortable or you have too much of a routine, your writing will get stale or you might not reach for that opportunity that could open doors for you. Here are ways to improve your writing and marketing.

1. Go Online – The pandemic has moved almost everything online. Meetings, work and shopping are now happening from the comforts of our home. If you are afraid to market your book via online channels, you are missing a major opportunity to reach more people who might want to buy your book. Digital marketing has increased over the last few years, but the pandemic has forced the issue to the mainstream. Now, it makes sense to be online. You can create a blog or video blog. You could create other types of video, such as classes, to market your books. You can take Webinars and learn new things about writing online.
2. Be Creative – In-person events have been put on hold. Now is the time to be creative and come up with new ways to get people talking about your book. You might try virtual launch parties with a link to your book. You might buy several copies of your book to give away to first responders or hospital workers as a thank you for their hard work. You might mail to other groups that would be interested in your topic or fiction.
3. Use Pandemic – Notice what is going on around you and use your observations in a plot or outline. See connections to what you are writing to what is happening. For example, if your book is political, you could talk about how your book and the current state of politics. Because of the pandemic, political rallies have been significantly reduced. Both sides are use the coronavirus disease to promote their political agenda. If you write fiction, you could use this worldwide phenomenon to be the basis for your thriller. If you write about the environment, you could connect the virus to the environment. If you write true crime, you should be able to draw something from the riots and looting. However, to use the pandemic in your writing, you have to brave the scary world and observe. Pay attention and use in your writing.

   

   When I took this photo shoot, I was outside my comfort zone.

4. Write Something New – If you have always had a passion for something, now is the time to follow that passion, especially if that means writing something new. The pandemic has proven that life is short. None of us know what will happen. Make sure you let your sense of urgency get you out your comfort zone and write. Let your heart guide you. It might lead you down a path you haven't known existed.
5. Don't Procrastinate – Now is the time to start that book or begin marketing that book in full force. Don't procrastinate. This could be the last year of your life or all our lives. The world is changing. You have to change with it or a good opportunity will be lost forever. Take charge and happy writing!