19.47.5: Interview with Andrew Buckley of the StoryCentric podcast (BONUS EPISODE)
Nov 27, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, Andrew Buckley, a paranormal fantasy author and host of the StoryCentric podcast, shares insights from his unique career journey. He discusses the importance of personal branding and audience engagement in today’s literary world. Andrew emphasizes embracing fear for creative growth and how authenticity can forge deeper connections with readers. He also shares thoughtful recommendations, including the TV show Fallout and the novel The Watchers. This chat is packed with advice on navigating the modern author landscape with confidence.
Authors should build diverse income streams by exploring speaking engagements and workshops alongside their writing to enhance financial success.
Effective self-promotion and articulating one's unique brand story is vital for authors, especially introverts, to connect with potential readers.
Deep dives
Building a Diverse Author Career
The discussion emphasizes the importance of diversifying income streams for authors in today's market. This modern authorial career path is depicted as multifaceted, resembling a collection of side hustles where each aspect is crucial for financial success. Authors are encouraged to start exploring various avenues, such as speaking engagements or teaching workshops, alongside their writing projects. This approach not only enhances income but also allows authors to develop a robust professional identity.
The Significance of Personal Branding
Today’s authors need to actively engage in building their personal brand to stand out in a crowded marketplace. It is essential to communicate one’s unique qualities and journey continuously, starting even before a book is published. By sharing experiences and insights, authors can connect with potential readers and establish a following prior to their works being released. This proactive approach is fundamental, as waiting to develop a brand until after publication may put them at a significant disadvantage.
Navigating the Challenges of Self-Promotion
Authors, especially those who identify as introverts, face difficulties in self-promotion and talking about their achievements. It’s crucial for writers to learn how to articulate their brand story effectively, focusing on what makes them special. They are urged to embrace their unique narratives, even if it feels uncomfortable, as this connection to their humanity resonates with audiences. By practicing how to communicate their value, authors can build confidence and improve their public presence.
Embracing Risk and Opportunity
The episode highlights the importance of stepping outside of comfort zones to discover new opportunities within the writing profession. Authors are encouraged to undertake tasks that may initially seem frightening, as these experiences can lead to personal growth and career advancement. This approach promotes a mindset of resilience and adaptability, crucial for surviving the uncertainties of a creative career. Ultimately, taking calculated risks can lead to rewarding and unexpected outcomes in an author’s journey.
What does it mean to be building a career as an author in this day and age? We talk with author and speaker Andrew Buckley about everything from author brands to conferences while we ask Andrew to give us advice on how to get comfortable talking about yourself. In addition to hosting the StoryCentric podcast and speaking at conferences, Andrew is a speculative fiction author, with a focus on paranormal fantasy for young adult readers. He also has a background in marketing and business.
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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal,Erin Roberts, and Howard Tayler. Our guest was Andrew Buckley. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.