I toss around terms like author platform all the time, and I publish blog post after blog post with how-to steps about how to make it happen. For a good overview, check out Jane Friedman's rundown. I don't think I spend enough time putting forward examples of people who are making it happen in a very real and impressive way. When I look at famous authors like Chuck Pahlaniuk or Paulo Coehlo who have incredible author platforms, I see what I want to grow into and become.
But I can't just flip a switch and make that happen. So the question is, what about those of us who are starting out? What can we do over the rest of 2013 that will move us demonstratably forward? How can we start building an impressive author platform that has that something special?
This week I'm going to look at 5 authors who I think are making it happen. It's my celebration of the amazing things that authors out there are up to.
Here are a few of the authors I'll look at:
Tuesday: Maya Stein- I found what Maya is working about a year ago through an article my father sent me. She's a poet and a writer who went on a road trip as the "Type Rider." Now she has a following and a weekly writing group on Facebook. I'll look at how a journey can kickstart your author platform.
Wednesday: Kristine Juntura- Even though I'm not a spoken word or slam poet myself, I am constantly inspired by what people in that community are up to. K. Juntura makes stellar videos to go along with her spoken word pieces, and she's got thousands of YouTube subscribers who love them.
Thursday: Global Music Group- My friend Donnie is a phenomenal writer and hip hop artist. He's currently building out a global group of artists, writers, and musicians through his new Goal Music Group. I'll look at how a group can be a powerful way for the individuals who make it up build their individual platforms.
Friday: Catherine Ryan Howard- C. Howard is a voracious blogger at Catherine, Caffeinated. She writes about being a writer, and has a solid look, feel, and message about her website. I'll look at how the visual aspect can buttress your author platform.
Saturday: Carla King- C. King writes about her "Motorcycle Misadventures and other stories from the road" and has been doing it for years. She has built an amazing network of riders and writers by combining her passion for motorcycle trips with teaching other writers.
I'm working on my own author platform now, and one of the pillars I'm building is a podcast. My approach is to take on a theme for 15 minutes or so through poetry and music in the Scott James Radio Hour. You can check it out here and I'd love to hear what you think!
What are you doing to make your author platform stand out?
Image source: Kristine Juntura via screenshot
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