Every few weeks, hubby John and I get together with another couple—it’s our dinner and a movie night. Sometimes it’s a movie; others, it’s a TV series. Last week, we dove into Netflix’s House of Cards fourth season with Kevin Spacey and Robin Penn. I was a fan from the get-go. We were sucked into the BBC series that surfaced in 1990 that starred Ian Richardson—the four eposides that aired were not to be missed in my household. As I watched the first five episodes of the American House of Cards, I viewed scenes that shouted out how to make a point (both in words and visuals); how to hook a listener to totally focus on what the actor was saying; and how to close a deal.
As the fifth episode aired (and the one we all agreed—enough for the evening), a phrase popped that could easily become the mantra for we authors: If you don’t like how the table is set, turn over the table.
My aha was this … if you don’t like what is going on in and around your book … change them. Flip them. Make things different in what you are doing.
And here’s my PS … many turn up there noses at TV—some proudly state, almost shout out, “We don’t own a TV in our house.” Really … are you kidding me?
If you are in that side of the room, get over yourself. Your readers, your audiences when you speak, are watching TV. When you can make a point, link it to a popular series; something that is trending or hot in the news stream, you move into your reader’s space. My most successful presentations and workshops always included me citing lines from current movies, shows that I knew were popular with my audience type. I connected—they got that I got them. Are your readers getting that you get them … or do you just get yourself?
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 34 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #34 was published this summer: The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers. Get your copy.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2016, the dates are June 23-25th. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching … call in to Judith’s Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 … have your questions ready–there’s a full hour to ask and listen.