So I’ve reached that stage in the proceedings where it’s necessary to kick things up a notch. I’ve been writing away for some years now, but have largely got by without any internet presence save forums and what-have-you, and after surviving Clarion South my rambling monster-truck of a blog over at Livejournal. Seeing as the old Fisch-blog has become a dumping ground for bad puns, youtube clips, and the occasional writing related tid-bit, I’ve decided to start up my “I’m actually serious about this writing thing” official author website.
Coolest of all, there’s an email address attached to this thing, so I’m always reachable at mail@jasonfischer.com.au
I’ve collated all my writing-related achievements and put them behind the shiny buttons you see at the top of the page. Many thanks of course go to Nyssa Pascoe (she of awritergoesonajourney.com fame) for her assistance in getting this website kicking, and of course for designing my nifty banner, with just a wee hint of Undead Camel.
This move to a paid domain and a Real Writer’s Website is partly related to the Writers of the Future win – I’m heading over to the workshop shortly and need to start thinking like a professional, conducting and promoting myself better. With that in mind I’ve also printed off a bunch of business cards, which is another first. I shall now have to learn business card etiquette – how does one distribute these without being a prat? Do I require a spring-loaded case of rare leather, to shoot these into someone’s eyes the moment they say hello? These are all things I shall endeavour to learn.
Re: business cards — as you know, I come from the Land of Self-Promotion and Shamelessness, but nevertheless I have been able to modify my business-card technique so that it has (so far) not seemed to alienate Aussies. Give business cards out in the following situations:
1. When asked for one (that’s easy).
2. When you would otherwise give people your email address, particularly when asking THEM if you can read one of their stories or similar (“Hey, I’d LOVE to hear more about what you’re doing with that radio station — I’m really interested in spoken-word fiction. Here’s my card — can you email me and tell me what’s in the works with that when you’ve got a moment?”).
3. When you have a freebie up on your site that you genuinely think the other person might enjoy (“I’ve got some links to a few of my zombie stories on my web site — when you’ve got a moment you might like to read one or two” or “A blog post I did last week has a bunch of links about that very thing that you and I were just talking about just then — you might want to go check a few of them out”).
4. When YOU want to work WITH THEM (not *for* them) on something of mutual interest and benefit (“I’ve been looking for a guest blogger with expertise in your area. Here’s my card — if you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email”).
You see the trend: you give someone a business card when YOU have something to OFFER them that is of direct benefit to them at no cost or trouble to themselves, NOT when you want something FROM them (such as reading your MS or whatever). You offer a business card when you can be of genuine service to them. It’s a mark of humility and helpfulness if you approach it from that angle.
When you do NOT foist a business card on someone: when you feel like you’ll DIE if they don’t think you’re special, when you really really NEEEEEEED them to do something for you, when you are absolutely convinced that if only they’d just read your MS they’d see what a big favor you’re doing them by even talking to them.
If it’s about *them*, about helping them or about something wonderful you can do *together*, offer a card. If it’s about *you*, keep it in your pocket.
HTH — Laura
Ooh! You rule, Laura 🙂 thanks for your timely wisdom. These unfamiliar situations are kinda like being asked out to a fancy dinner without knowing one’s table manners.
You have just saved my dumb arse, for which I humbly thank you.