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THINKING AHEAD

What’s Different This Time?

I mean, there’s gotta be something…

4 min read3 days ago

Woman wondering something with thought bubble “What the heck?” — Author’s image using ChatGPT

To riff on writer Rita Mae Brown: when you repeat the same set of events and expect a different result, it’s usually a problem (or maybe “insanity,” as she called it).

That’s what's on my mind as I look ahead to 2027 and prepare to roll out my fourth book in my Alfred series. I’ve always known that there are gaps in my book-launch knowledge. Those gaps are where good books die in a field littered with books.

So, what exactly are my gaps?

I have a low-to-no presence on social media: I once tried recording a short video on BookTok (TikTok’s book site) and quickly learned I couldn’t do it. My diction, my message, my look… everything was off, and the competition was stiff. I’ve aged out of LinkedIn. I’ve never loved Facebook. I call it “The brag machine.” Now, I know there’s a limit to how much I’m willing to reinvent myself on social media to find readers. Becoming a TikTok sensation is not in the cards, but what could I do?

I have a too-small local writers’ network. I’ve noticed that writers — especially female writers — support other writers within their communities. I am late to the game. I appreciate followers on Medium and Substack, but they will not be attending my bookstore launches.

Jill, sometimes the most important question isn't whether things have changed, but whether we've changed enough to approach them differently. Real growth begins when we stop repeating old patterns and start recognising what we can do better this…

Jill, it sounds like you should pick at least one of your plans and really commit to it. You said you liked working with seniors groups. Start with what you liked and continue it.
Also, it’s a random idea, but create an Alfie bookmark and hand them…

Nudge

THINKING AHEAD

What’s Different This Time?

I mean, there’s gotta be something…

Written by Jill Ebstein⁠

Published in Nudge

Responses (9)

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