I’m doing a free giveaway on my instagram and twitter for a copy of my newest collection Where I Ache! Check them out for your chance to win!!
2019 Goal Check In
I wrote some goals for 2019 back in December and I wanted to check now that we’re at the half way mark for the year (whhhhatttt?!?!?!?)
Goals for the first six months of 2019
Goals have to be measurable in order to know if you’ve reached them or not. Although I’m not happy to focus so heavily on numbers, it is an easy way to measure a goal. My goal is to increase my audience and have a successful poetry career. These numbers will help me keep track of those goals.
The Blog
Work on writing a media kit
Contact companies for sponsorship (and actually get one!)
Gain another 1,000 followers
Update: I’ve looked into some samples of media kits but I still don’t think my stats would stand out enough for it to make sense to create one just yet.
I’ve joined some other affiliation programs that I’ve been working on instead of doing any sponsored posts yet. There are some programs that have tougher qualifications so I still need to work on my stats. I am making a small bit of money from google Adsense so it’s great to see me recovering some of my self hosting spendings.
Debatably Dateable has gained over 1,770 followers since December and I couldn’t be happier! I love love love watching this blog grow! I hope to get another thousand in these next 6 months!
Cracked Open
Between GoodReads and Amazon, have 20 reviews
Get 25 more books sold
The Update: I have 18 reviews so I can’t be too upset there but I did not even get close to selling 25 more books so that stings a little. I don’t see these numbers getting much higher as the year goes on. I’m not sure how to help boost sales as the book continues to age.
Social Media
Twitter – gain 2,000 followers
Instagram– gain 1,000 followers
The Update: For Twitter I only gained 1,270 so far but feel free to come check out what I talk about there! Oddly enough, for Instagram I’ve gained over 2,125 followers so it looks like I got my goals switched around! I hope to get to the 2k+ on Twitter in the Fall.
Next Poetry Collection – Where I Ache!
I want to add 50 exclusive poems to my next collection before I work on publishing it
Have 10 reviews before release date
Sell twice as many as Cracked Open (over the course of the year)
The Update: I have 55 exclusive poems! I am absolutely ecstatic about that! Cracked Open had 20 illustrations and Where I Ache has somewhere around 35 so I’m also pumped about that!
Where I Ache was only released 2 weeks ago and there’s already 14 reviews on Goodreads so I’m very happy about that! Definitely check them out!
I’m only 2 weeks in of course but I’m already even with Cracked Open’s first month of book sales so that’s a good start for me!
Because I don’t want to solely focus on numbers, here are some
Non numerical goals:
Connect with new readers who resonate with my poetry.
Have my poetry help someone through a difficult time.
Have a company see value in my writing.
Keep a healthy number of articles in queue.
The Update: I’ve definitely found new readers and also fellow poets through my Poet Interview Series! I’ve been so lucky to connect with new readers who were interested in reviewing Where I Ache and many have said the sensitive topics covered in the collection have helped them remember they are not alone.
I haven’t really pursued this one aside from submitting Where I Ache to one of the major publishing companies. I’m not sure that I will do much for the rest of the year for this.
I have over 30 posts in queue for the past several months and it is amazinggggg! (knock on wood)
Thanks for checking in with me! I can’t wait to see where I end up this coming December! How are your blog goals coming along?
Favorites Recap
Quarterly favorites review, June Issue!
Favorite show: I’ve been watching The Guardian on Hulu which originally ran from 2001 to 2004. It’s about a corporate lawyer that ends up having to perform community serve at a children’s legal services office. I’m just finishing season 1 now and it’s been good!
Favorite tweet: My Twitter page
Favorite blog post: Where I Ache is officially released!!! Get your copy here!!
Favorite phase /word to say: “what is happening “ Brooklyn 99, love this show!
Favorite thing you did: My sister’s wedding!!!!
Favorite artist: I’ve been loving Morgan Wallen’s Whiskey Glasses
Favorite Poem: My Best Friend here, another oldie but goodie.
Social Sunday
Summer is nearly here !!
You might have done some spring cleaning with your blog and socials clearing out inactive accounts.
Now it’s time to find new engaging content by sharing your links!
Please leave any and all social links in the comments and check other comments to connect with other bloggers!
If you haven’t already please consider preordering
my next collection Where I Ache!
I’d love to connect with you all as well on my pages so take a look! Thank you all for the support!
Twitter // Instagram // Goodreads // Amazon
how to come up with a Book marketing strategy
Marketing your book is tough business and your book’s success depends on your ability to get it right. I’m going to tell you how to implement a book marketing strategy using the 5 month timeline of my book release. Just a heads up, most research would suggest marketing 12-6 months out.
Beta Readers / Marketing Research
Early february – Beta readers play two important parts for an author. First, they are a fresh set of eyes that can find any last minute mistakes. They’re a great tool for marketing too since they’re your first focus group on your new project. Their initially feedback will help you learn how first time readers will interpret your book. This will help you decide how you will want to market your book and what you want to draw a reader’s attention to. You can ask beta readers (focus groups) specific questions that may be concerning you and they may bring to light questions you hadn’t considered.
Blog Tour
Mid march – Blog tours are a great marketing tool where different bloggers will reviews your book, interview you, or just share information about your book. Blog tours are a big scheduling task though so getting it organized early will save you a headache later. For my release, I’ll be contacting poet interviewers now and hopefully start the tour in early may and have it finish the week before the release date. Since I’m leaning towards interviewing, the more time I have to answer questions, the less stressful the marketing release process will be for me.
ARCs
April – By Late February you have the feedback from your beta readers and you’ve made your final changes to the collection. Now you’re ready to send out ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) to book bloggers, fellow poets, and anyone else that will help market your book. Free ARCs are given to readers in exchange for their honest review of your book. If you’re selling on Amazon, it’s super important to have a lot of reviews close to your release date to boost your book in the rankings. The higher in the rankings you are, the more people will see your book and consider purchasing it.
More Frequent Posting
May – We’re 6 weeks out from release date and it’s time to pick up the marketing. This is when my blog tour starts, this is when you’re highlighting reviews that have been coming in due to your ARCs, and when you’re posting on all social medias so that everyone knows when and where to buy your book! Support and momentum are really important during the weeks surrounding your release date!
Celebrate!
Release Date – June 10th! You’re book is officially released! Time to shout it to the world and celebrate!! You’ve just accomplished something super amazing! Continue to love on your book, but try not to drown your followers in too much noise. Congratulations and best of luck to your book!
25 before 25 list
It’s time to see how I did on my list of 25 before 25.
1. Go on a caribbean trip
6 month check in: I’ve finally booked a trip for February!
Totally lied lol, we ended up using that money to go to California instead!
2. Figure out how all this self hosting works (how can I find my view sessions?! lol)
6 month check in: It’s a work in progress.
It’s actually going well!! Last month, I reached my highest monthly view yet! I also became a member of a few affiliation programs and made $12 from Google Adsense, so slowly but surely I’m figuring it all out!
3. Breakeven on my self hosting investment
6 month check in: That is definitely not happening lol
One of the things I often discredit is that my books are actually products so the money I make there could be used to counter my self hosting costs. First year, I did not make money, but maybe I’ll breakeven this second year.
4. Sell 100 copies of my debut poetry collection Cracked Open in its first 6 months
6 month check in: haha definitely not… but I have made over $100 so I’ll take what I can get
Cracked Open is a year old and I am definitely not near 100 sold copies but I do have high hopes that Where I Ache will do much better than my first collection. Fingers crossed!!!
5. Go hiking regularly in the warm weather
6 month check in: I didn’t get out much as I wanted it
I’m hopeful I can get back into hiking this Spring/Summer!
6. Advance my career
6 month check in: Still hoping to
I’m actually switching career paths! I’m very excited to be heading in a new, happier direction.
7. Write 125 new poems
6 month check in: I’m at about 50 so I’ll probably only get to 100
In addition to this 50, I also wrote over 50 exclusively for Where I Ache! But I fell short of 125 by a few since I’ve been using my older poems on the blog.
8. Create some healthy eating habits
6 month check in: Some weeks I do, some weeks I don’t
I don’t have the self discipline for this… lol
9. Be more active with my dog
6 month check in: Definitely taking my dog on more walks
Had to slow down with the winter weather but I’m planning some doggie park adventures!
10. Go kayaking
6 month check in: Didn’t get to it this summer
I think I’ll try something else this summer, leave some suggestions in the comments!
11. Go to a concert
6 month check in: I didn’t this summer but who knows with the holidays
I went to a Post Malone concert on New Year’s Eve with my boyfriend!!
12. Publish 200 new posts
6 month check in: I post 3 times a week and with 52 weeks in year, I’ll be about 50 short. (should have done some better math before making this goal lol)
Still fell short but I actually have switched my posts from 10 times a month to 12-13 monthly so I am posting more content!
13. Dye my hair a new color
6 month check in: Indeed I did! It’s blonde now
Check out my different hair colors through the years!
a
c
b
14. Start organizing for my next poetry collection
6 month check in: You know it! I have over a 100 poems ready for this one.
WHERE I ACHE COMING OUT JUNE 10TH!!!!!! Guys I am soooo excited!! I’m so happy that this collection is longer than the first and features a lot more diverse content. I’m also so so happy that I got to work with my boyfriend for this project!! Grab your copy of Where I Ache to see his amazing illustrations!!!
15. Surprise my boyfriend (no more details incase he reads this)
6 month check in: I surprised him with a dinner cruise for our 1 year anniversary!
This reminds me that I need to do something nice for my boyfriend! He puts up with a lot from me haha
16. Grow Blog and Twitter following immensely (hard to put a number on it right now)
6 month check in: I’ve been working hard at this one!
From April 2018 to this April my blog gained 1,810 followers
From April 2018 to this April my twitter gained 2,595 followers
17. Get another tattoo
6 month check in: I’m not in a rush and I’m still thinking about what I might want
Since I’m changing career paths I need to be more financially conscious so this is on hold for a while.
18. Attend a sporting event
6 month check in: My boyfriend took me to a baseball game.
I also saw a college basketball game!
19. Have half of the finances needed to buy a house
6 month check in: I think I’ll reach this goal
Starting on a new career path is going to push me back a few years unfortunately.
20. Visit another state
6 month check in: I think I will be, still working out the details
Went to California with my boyfriend over the winter!!
21. Visit 20 new places
6 month check in: I’ve been to quite a few new restaurants and local attractions.
I think I’ve reached this one!
22. Go to the golf range more often
6 month check in: Nah didn’t happen
I’m not as interested in this goal this spring.
23. Go on a boat ride
6 month check in: You bet I did!
24. Get stronger so I can start seeing my chiropractor less
6 month check in: I am seeing the doctor less
I haven’t seen my chiropractor at all this year and I’ve only had a few shoulder flare ups!
25. Have some adventures this summer – fun and carefree!
6 month check in: I definitely got to do some new things and see some new places!
Summer is around the corner yet again, I can’t wait to get a tan and spend time with my family!! Lots of celebrations coming!
Quarterly Favorites Recap
Every 3 months this year I’m going to review some favorite things that have been going on in my life. It will be fun to see how things progress and change as the year goes by!
- Favorite show: I just finished season one of I’m Sorry on Netflix, it was funny and I didn’t have to be paying 100% attention all the time which is just how I like my shows. Similar show that I’m also enjoying is I Feel Bad on Hulu. Both funny, cool moms struggling through life sitcoms.
2. Favorite tweet: Check out who I said would be a good trivia partner
3. Favorite blog post: Was when I announced my next Poetry Collection!!!
4. Favorite phase /word to say: I recently started watching Letterkenny on Hulu and they frequently say “Pitter Patter let’s get at’er” so I’ve been parroting that a lot. More Letterkenny quotes here Letterkenny Sayings. (I got to the second season but stopped watching the show, it’s an acquired taste for sure).
5. Favorite thing you did: I went on a trip to California with my boyfriend! It was great to experience something new together and see him so happy and energetic! We also learned I’m a very hangry person… ( sorry for being moody)
6. Favorite artist: I’ve been in some stressful moods due to school work and listening to Post Malone always helps.
The Urban Flair Etsy Shop
7. Favorite Poem: Your Loss is one I recently published on the blog even though I wrote it back circa 2011. I’ve really been enjoying going through my old poems and seeing which ones are still holding up with time. This one is short but still holds substance, Take a look!
Social Saturday!!
I know most bloggers probably went into the New Year will goals for their blogs. I have to imagine a lot of those goals included increasing engagement and view/follow numbers so I figured I’d try to help out!
Please leave any and all social links in the comments and check other comments to connect with other bloggers!
I’d love to connect with you all as well on my pages so take a look! Thank you all for the support!
Have a great weekend!!! ❤
End of the Year Goals
I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving in the US! 2018 has just a little over a month left! I can’t believe it’s nearly the start of a new year already! My blog has taken a back seat in my life lately but I want to set some goals to make sure I stay motivated in these final weeks of 2018. Here are some of my goals.
Blog/Writing specific:
- End the year strong by not having an empty queue or falling behind on my publishing schedule.
2. Have the final monthly advice column installment completed and in queue.
3. Have leads for next year’s special installment series (excited to share with you guys what it is!!!).
4. Continue the uphill rise in monthly blog views.
5. 150 more followers for each of Twitter , blog, and Instagram
6. Produce new content on Instagram (realllllly slacked on this the past few months)
7. Enter editing stage of my next poetry collection (SOOOO EXCITED to tell you all more about it soon!)
8. Promote Cracked Open more and in new places (also really slacked here 
)
Personal:
Decide if I’m going back to school or not.
Figure out next job for the new year.
Execute next year’s living plans.
What are your goals before 2018 ends? Write some in the comments!
Follow Friday!
I’ve been getting some new readers lately and I wanted to give everyone a chance to network so feel free to comment your social media pages!
I’ve also been wondering if I should make an Instagram for the blog/poetry, do most of you have separate instagrams?
Thanks for all the support, this blogging community is amazing!
Happy Friday!
Follow Friday!
I haven’t done a Follow Friday in a while and I’ve recently seen some new followers so comment a link to your blog below and a little blurb on what you write about!
And a fun something about yourself, like your favorite date idea/activity? 🙂
Leave your social media links too if you want!
