| Becoming a successful author is very much like | | | | flex the writing muscles. |
| the growth of bamboo. | | | | I've been doing it for more than 15 years, almost |
| Bamboo is an interesting plant. Its growth starts | | | | never skipping a day, and I highly recommend it. |
| underground, where the rhizome system that | | | | It makes writing feel as natural as breathing after |
| supports the canes are developed. For three | | | | a while. |
| whole years, the plant establishes itself | | | | Of course, if you don't have the time or inclination |
| underground and there is no apparent growth. | | | | to become a good writer, but you want to publish |
| Nothing appears to be happening. | | | | a book because you have a great message, you |
| In the fourth year, shoots appear. The bamboo | | | | can always hire a good ghostwriter. |
| canes grow in height and diameter for only 60 | | | | Either way, though, you won't become a |
| days every spring. After the 60 days, that | | | | successful author without a solid product. Your |
| particular cane will never grow again. | | | | book needs to be well written. |
| However, because of the rhizome system, the | | | | Develop Your Following |
| next spring the shoots that come up will grow | | | | In publishing industry speak, this is called "building |
| much taller and faster in those 60 days. After a | | | | an author platform."' |
| bamboo grove has been establishing its rhizome | | | | This too takes time, but with today's technology |
| system for 5 years, the canes that grow in that | | | | tools, especially social media tools, it can happen |
| fifth year can reach as much as 90 feet (for | | | | much more quickly than before. You can create a |
| certain species, in certain conditions)--all in 60 days! | | | | blog and begin to connect with like-minded people |
| Becoming a successful author is largely about | | | | via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, other people's |
| establishing a strong "rhizome system" that will | | | | blogs, YouTube to market your book idea. |
| support the growth you can experience seemingly | | | | Make sure as you do so, though, that you're |
| overnight--growth in the number of people who | | | | really connecting. Look to create relationships with |
| are exposed to your message and who | | | | other people who are in your arena. Always |
| themselves will begin to spread the word. | | | | remember: book marketing is always about |
| What are the components of a strong "rhizome | | | | relationships. |
| system" for an author? | | | | And good relationships take time and energy and |
| Hone Your Craft | | | | attention to grow. |
| First, you must learn your craft--or hire a good | | | | Not unlike bamboo... |
| ghostwriter. | | | | So think bamboo, and never be discouraged! |
| I personally write for the first 30 minutes of | | | | Remember that every effort you make is |
| every day. I learned it from The Artist's Way and | | | | contributing to your rhizome system, that |
| Becoming a Writer, two books that advocate | | | | foundation that will one day spring up into |
| "morning pages" as a way to clear the mind and | | | | something amazing. |