Tag: creativity

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About Toi Newsletter

The Dreaded Newsletter

Everyone, all the experts, and even the newbies keep telling me that an email list and or newsletter is the key to creator success and marketing. I’ve had newsletters before, and they were a headache and a complete disaster. I honestly didn’t know what to do with a newsletter or how to build an audience with it, but I’ve learned a lot over the years and think I get it now.

Now, here’s the problem I’m faced with. What service to use and how to make the process part of my creativity and not just another task to do? How do I make this process accessible to all with minimal cost? And how to address the potential for growth? So, what I write next may sound a bit crazy, but hear me out.

I’ve decided to set up a Patreon instead of a newsletter, and here’s why.

Click here to learn more about the platform.

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-Readers and fans can follow a Patreon easier than they can sign up for most email lists and it’s FREE. People who follow will have access to anything I post publicly.

-It keeps me from having to manage an email list. Pretty sure Patreon takes care of all that.

-It’s a platform build on the intent to create. If someone decides to upgrade from follower to supporter, they will do so with the clear expectation of the various kinds of content they will see. I don’t have to worry about whether I’m sharing something that some of my contacts want to see but not others.

-It’s a platform built for financial and community growth.

Well, if you haven’t said it out lout yet, go ahead. Yes, this is an odd little experiment.

Worst case scenario, I gather a bunch of followers who never upgrade to financial supporters and I have access to a community who’s rooting me on. That doesn’t sound so bad.

Best case scenario, some of my followers become financial supporters and tell some of their friends and family about what I’m offering. Sounds like a win-win to me.

I’ll be blogging more about this process in the coming days and weeks.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter

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IWSG

#IWSG December 2018: My Writing Knick-knacks!

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Optional Monthly Question: What are five objects we’d find in your writing space?

My writing space changes often, but at least I do accomplish most of my writing at home. Whether I’m at home or out in the community there are a few things I always have to have with me to help me feel like I’m truly ready to write, create, or anything else involving story creation. I need my Kindle. I keep my Kindle with me at all times. It has so many books, both fiction and nonfiction, with valuable notes I can reference. I also need my phone because, duh, it’s 2018. Smartphones can do so much and research is only like 10th on the list of helpful things. I also need a beverage. Writing makes me thirsty. If it doesn’t make you thirsty, you may not be as passionate about it as you think you are. Finally, the last two things I need are pen and paper, usually in the form of a spiral notebook and a pencil bag filled with all kinds of writing utensils.

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November’s IWSG Newsletter member spotlight was J.H. Moncrieff. I adore this writer and blogger and was delighted to see her gain this recognition. Be sure to stop by and check her out, if you have a chance…Oh, and she’s one of our lovely co-hosts this month.

Oh, and hey, guess what. I got a special newsletter feature last month because… I WON THE WEP THEME CHALLENGE! Muh Ha Ha Ha 😀 That’s right, when February comes along and you’re trying to come up with a story that fits the theme of 28 Days, you’ll have me to thank for that. Coming up with themes isn’t one of my strong suits, so winning this challenge was really cool. Thanks WEP-IWSG for the opportunity to participate. If you haven’t seen my feature yet, please check out the newsletter here to do so.

The December WEP challenge is happening now. I’ve linked up but haven’t posted a story yet. I’m hoping to add my contribution by the 15th at the latest (I posted on the 12th, ha ha) . I just hope I’m not the last one, but no big deal if I am.

Over at A Small Gang of Authors, I continue my series: Would you read this, where I pitch blurbs and cover art for short stories I’ve written. Today I share my first ever romance story, Encounter.

The IWSG Book Club book for December/January is: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
The discussion for this starts January 23rd and I’m ready. I’m already half-way through this book. The only reason I haven’t finished it is because I’m reading it before bed. It’s really entertaining and insightful.
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Now, on to the personal updates.
It’s the holiday season and I’m super busy, just like everyone else.

I don’t have my tree up yet and I’m craving a need to bake, but again, I’m super busy.

I’m so disappointed with myself. I have like 20 books I haven’t posted reviews for. Seriously. 🙁 My end of the year mission is to spend time with my family and post these reviews. My writing can wait… to some degree.

I’ve been working on a series of storytime videos, to hopefully promote my children’s books. Part of me is afraid people will download the videos and not buy the books? Any advice on this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, I’m a bit insecure about my ability to follow through with my dream to start a book fair and finish any of my current WIPs in the next year. My world won’t fall apart if I don’t achieve these things, but not doing these things makes me feel small and insignificant. I don’t need to be a big deal or center of attention, but I was hoping that my writing and my dream of a book fair would help me connect with other people. Other than the family and friends who put up with me, which by the way- none of them are readers, I don’t feel like I’m connecting with anyone. I love my reading and my writing; it’s part of who I am, but it is really lonely sometimes.

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What do you need around you when you write?
You gonna give the WEP-IWSG writing challenge a try?
Any advice about my storytime video series?
Got any good news to share or any encouragement to offer?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
J.H. Moncrieff,
Tonja Drecker,
Patsy Collins, and
Chrys Fey!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #51).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
IWSG

#IWSG November 2018: Is creativity a vital part of your daily life?

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Well, I don’t know what happened. I wrote my November IWSG post early and saved it, but when I went to edit and post it last night, it wasn’t there. 🙁 I felt defeated and headed to bed. After a good night sleep, I woke up, walked my dog, did some other social media, and decided to reconstruct my post. Better late than never… I guess.

Optional Monthly Question: How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?

Even before I started writing with an intent, I was an active creative individual. I never really mastered a particular skill, craft or art, but I’ve always dabbled. I bake from scratch, sew pillows and purses, paint canvases, decorate a classroom (now a desk), and so much more. Creativity has always been part of daily life, although, since I spend so much time writing now, some of my other creative outlets suffer until a special occasion brings them to the surface.

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October’s IWSG Newsletter member spotlight was Chrys Fey. Being a fan of her work and blog, I was happy to see her gain this recognition. Please, be sure to stop by and show her some love.

Over at A Small Gang of Authors, I continue my series: Would you read this, where I pitch blurbs and cover art for short stories I’ve written. Today I share my paranormal story, In the Window.

Also, we are hosting our first-ever short story contest and letting readers decide the winners. There are cash prizes for the winners and each entry is 500-words or less. If you are up for it, please check it out. It’s a lot of fun.

The IWSG Book Club book for October/November is: The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe
The discussion for this starts November 19th and I’m ready. I read this quickly and simply need to write my review. A great classic for those who appreciate the darker side of fiction.
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Now, on to the personal updates.

There’s lots going on, but I’ll have to blog about that later. I’m still a little bummed my original article disappeared. In any case, here are two videos you can check out if you’re up for it.

Here is me showing off some of my new books.

Here’s me giving a tour of my other website and offering an overview of my vision.

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Has writing affected the creativity in your life?
Did you have better luck uploading your post today?
Do you like short stories or flash fiction?
Got any good news to share or need some encouragement?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor,
Ann V. Friend,
JQ Rose, and
Elizabeth Seckman!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #51).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords