Back to school and back to work

Fall is a wonderful time to jump start your writing and marketing efforts.

The first, and for many people most obvious, reason is the kids are back to school and we have the days to write. This is not the only reason that fall is a great time to get back in to gear. Schools offer a wonderful opportunity to not only promote our writing but to promote literacy by going and speaking to classes.

When you are looking at your marketing efforts don't forget to focus on reaching future readers in general-and not simply your target demographic. With opportunities to speak at career day as well as speaking to English and creative writing classes, authors can offer a great resource to teachers.

Along those same lines is offering to speak at local colleges and universities. Consider contacting the department of Arts and Sciences or other department for a lecture.

And organization...how are you going to find ways to work on your writing when shuttling kids to sports practice, dance and after-school activities? Now is the time for putting together your writing bag. Always have a notebook, pens, pencils and a novel or two in a bag that you can keep with you in your car. You never know when you'll have 10-15 minutes to fill.

So with the upcoming school year look at ways to not only market yourself but also to build your craft and manage your time.

I have to go, I have writing to do!

Your Coach for the Journey, Tiffany Colter