Two Hats, One Woman
By Guest | October 18, 2015 |
Our guest today is Dee Willson who felt the writer’s call at fifteen, when she penned her first novel and received her first rejection to go with it. Over twenty years later, Dee Willson has published short stories, interviews, contributed to blogs, and wrote the soon-to-be-released novel A Keeper’s Truth. She currently resides in Burlington, Ontario, with her husband and their two daughters.
I find it hard, sometimes, to wear two different hats. I’m often envious of friends who can devote the bulk of their time to their craft, to writing, and sometimes wish I could do the same. But wearing a corporate hat has its advantages, and the vantage points are unique. I’ve learned a lot, and enjoy the prospect of sharing my experience with my friends at Writer Unboxed.
Connect with Dee on her blog and on Twitter.
Two Hats, One Woman
In the Writer Unboxed universe, I wear a bright yellow hat. It’s fringed and funky and doesn’t match my corporate attire, but it’s ME, if you know what I mean. It’s my writer hat, the one that screams in bold, has my heart embroidered on the brim, and makes the sun shine on the dreariest of days. I love this hat.
I also have a grey hat. It fits well—all prim and proper—at home in the corporate boardroom. In it I feel professional, experienced, a woman with a head for industry on a large retail scale. I love this hat, too.
Two hats, one woman.
What does this mean in regard to writing? Well, it means my path to publication came with two hats and no dress-up instructions. And believe me, the combination is not always pretty, but I’ve learned a few things from each. I’ll use the four P’s of marketing to bring things into focus.
Product
Seven years ago, when I first donned by funky yellow hat, I sat at my computer and let a story pour out. It was a ten-week whirlwind that had me laughing, crying, dancing in the streets, and when it was over, I had A Keeper’s Truth, my first novel. The feeling was exhilarating, and I cherished this yellow hat like no other.
Soon after, I had to wear my grey hat, the one I have for my day job working for the head office of Canada’s largest book retailer.
Me in the grey hat understood A Keeper’s Truth was now a product, one I could tuck into a drawer for personal satisfaction or publish as a product for sale. The grey hat, wanting to see A Keeper’s Truth on shelves, gave the yellow hat a shake, insisting the product needed refining. So, the yellow hat was dusted off and set to work.
“Edit, edit, then edit some more,” it sang.
It took both hats over three years to make A Keeper’s Truth enticing to a publisher, another three years to hone my craft writing two other novels, and six months with an editor to make it ready for retail.
What I’ve learned: I am in my element in my yellow hat, but if I choose to put a product of that passion into the marketplace, I need to don my grey hat and do what it takes to make that product marketable.
Place
Place, in regard to marketing, is distribution, or how the product gets into the hands of the consumer. For books, this is largely brick-and-mortar and online retailers, and to be honest, this is where me-in-the yellow-hat parts ways with me-in-the-grey-hat.
In the yellow hat, I want nothing more than to play, relishing in my craft. Self publishing, big five, small press, epub, print, the endless array of choices just distract my yellow hat from what it wants to do: write.
But the grey hat, well now, it researched options and decided an agent and traditional small press was the right choice for A Keeper’s Truth.
What I’ve learned: I enjoy my writing time immensely, and therefore choose partners who share the publishing burden, so my time is better spent.
Price
Price, in this case, is the pretty bow. It’s the retail price, the shelf spot, the blurb, the cover. The yellow hat views this as frill, details led by emotion. It picks the prettiest bow without the slightest thought to the consumer.
The grey hat knows the bow is uber-important. A price point can open or close a market. A cover can pull the right consumer in or turn her away. The grey hat sits in board meetings discussing margin vs. markup, sales ratios, sell through rates, profit and loss, a gamut of terms which form the fog in a buyer’s crystal ball.
What I’ve learned: I need to create the best product (story) I can, then package it with the prettiest bow. A great story is more likely to be read and shared when a consumer actually picks it up. Beyond that, it’s anyone’s game.
Promotion
The funky yellow hat likes to write, not advertise. Even with A Keeper’s Truth launching this winter, the me donning the yellow hat is happiest surrounded by book lovers, chatting about writing and reading.
Most would think the grey hat takes over here, getting all bossy. It is the one in the matching business suit, after all. Sure, the grey hat makes lists (email lists, social media lists, review lists, etc.) working hand-in-hand with the publisher to give A Keeper’s Truth its best shot, but even the grey hat knows this is not really advertising.
What I’ve learned: Instead of thinking of promotion as advertising, I prefer to think of it as sharing my passion, mingling with like minds, and making new friends. These things could, someday, result in sales, but I probably won’t know since there are few systems in place to track the results of these endeavors anyway. What I’m guaranteed is a good time with great people. And that, my friends, doesn’t need the four P’s of marketing.
Now, there is no question you all wear hats, hats of all colors and sizes. How do these hats alter your perspective? How have these vantage points changed your path to publication?
Many thanks to today’s guest.
You can read more WU guest posts by visiting this link.
Dee! So happy to see you here! Congratulations. I can’t wait to read A Keeper’s Truth.
First let me say to all the UnBoxers, I met Dee at Uncon. She was my roomie (Best. One. Ever) and a huge inspiration in how I changed my outlook re my writing. Your analogy of the yellow hat and the grey is perfect, and I’d like to note how well you separate the two.
I know many of us worry about the platform-building and we tend to put the cart before the horse (I’ve done it), but until our WIPs are completed that grey hat should be way, way, way back in the closet. You’ve brought up terrific points especially choosing the right partners–so important whether you self-publish or go the traditional route.
Congrats to you, roomie!
XOXOXO
Rebeca
Such kind words, Rebeca, thank you. What a great time we had at Uncon, huh? We’ll room together for the next one!
There is no shortage on writing advice, and every path looks different. Ultimately, a writer needs to follow their gut, and make choices right for THEM. Stay true to yourself, Rebeca. Only clear skies ahead, my friend.
Big hugs right back at ya.
Dee
Hooray, Dee! Like Rebeca, I’m still plugging away at getting that first P right. But I love the idea of promotion being seen as an opportunity to make new friends. After all, if we’re writing the book of our hearts, the kind of book we ourselves would want to read, then the work of making it worthy of being read by others is a labor of love. We’re trying to connect with others who feel a similar passion. It’s the most basic and elemental human endeavor – to connect with our fellow humans. (Btw, my version of the gray hat would probably be a baseball cap from a lumber company. I still have several, and look forward to donning one again.)
Thanks for sharing your experience, Dee! Can’t wait for A Keeper’s Truth! I just put it on deck over on Goodreads.
Hey, Vaughn! Working on developing your craft is never a negative, only positive. So happy to hear you enjoy the process. You learn every single moment you put your fingers to the keyboard, every time your characters dance in your head.
Loved this: “After all, if we’re writing the book of our hearts, the kind of book we ourselves would want to read, then the work of making it worthy of being read by others is a labor of love.”
And sharing with like minds, well, that’s just the icing on the cake.
How lucky are we, huh?
Big hugs,
Dee
Yay Dee!!!! So good to see you here, and such good advice. I especially appreciate the final P — approaching promotion as a great time with friends, rather than the scary hard sell. Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you for joining us, Liz.
Yes, I really struggle with the final P, which is funny considering I have a marketing degree and over 20 years experience. For me, writing is far from all that, a way to enjoy the passion I feel for the craft, and the promotion sounds more like work. LOL
I’ve come to terms with it by only doing what I enjoy, and having a blast while at it.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hugs,
Dee
Wow! What an excellent post, Dee, the type that first attracted me to Writer Unboxed and keep me coming back to the well. You really captured the dichotomy writers often feel, even those without a a foot in both worlds; or hats for two (or more) worlds, as the case may be.
So much to commend in what you’ve written, but this resonated most with me:
“Instead of thinking of promotion as advertising, I prefer to think of it as sharing my passion, mingling with like minds, and making new friends”
The day I realized that was the day marketing became my friend instead of my nemesis. Along with that realization came the wisdom that I didn’t want everyone to read my debut novel, not really anyhow ;). What I wanted was to promote the story in ways readers who would most appreciate it could find and consider it. Decisions then became easier, from the message of promotions, to the blurbs that would be most effective, to the aspects of the tale to emphasize. I guess you could say I found a hat suitable for both worlds, which do at times intersect.
Congrats on your success in finding ways to complement your creative juices with corporate smarts. It’s a skill every writer needs to hone in today’s publishing environment.
What a wonderful attitude you have, John!
Kudos for the inner strength to see that your work won’t resonate with everyone, and that it doesn’t need to. What great advice you offer here:
“Along with that realization came the wisdom that I didn’t want everyone to read my debut novel, not really anyhow ;). What I wanted was to promote the story in ways readers who would most appreciate it could find and consider it.”
Exactly! If we make ourselves vulnerable, out there, offer places to connect, the audience interested will share the joy, along side you. And what fun you’ll have!
Thanks for commenting, John.
Dee
Not a writer just wanted to say Dee your family is very proud of you…
Congratulations Dee
Hope you have great success with your first novel !!!!!! Can’t wait to read it ….
Aunt Lori
Ha! Gotta love it when family chimes in. Thanks, guys!
Hugs
Dee
Great advice, Dee. I have the same dual personality. By day I am an executive, but my passion is writing. I love to let the creative side of me play through my writing. My business side knows there is more to success in writing than simply being creative. In particular, marketing requires a specific skill set that does not come easy for many writers. Thanks for the wisdom.
Wise words from you, too, CG.
Your note made me think of all those reality shows, the ones showcasing talents. These contestants have a passion for singing, dancing, etc, but it’s the whole package that dictates their success: hard work, determination, ability to learn, change, a connection with the audience, just to name a few. It’s not always the one with the most talent who takes the prize.
And I agree with you, the greatest prize for writing is the fun we have doing it. :)
Dee
Not sure I’m allowed to call attention to Julia here, but I’d like to say thanks for all her work behind the scenes at WU, arranging my guest post, and many others, I’m sure. Thank you, Julia.
Julia’s a (mostly) behind the scenes godsend! Thanks, Julia!
You absolutely are allowed to call attention to Julia. Three cheers to Julia, for all of her great help here at WU!
Thank you, too, for a wonderful post, Dee. I tend to have trouble switching hats myself– especially when it’s time to wear the promo hat. I think you have the right attitude, though: Focus on what has made you passionate about your work and hopefully the promo will feel natural.
Looking forward to your debut, Dee. Congratulations!
Thanks, Therese. It was an honor to sit on the other side of the WU desk for the day. What great people you’ve collected here. Kudos.
Hugs,
Dee
Dear Dee,
I couldn’t be happier for you…this is beyond wonderful, and I can’t wait to finally read this story of yours that I heard about all those years ago over coffee!
All the best and every success to you!
Thanks, Kent! See, now you’ll have to read it! :)
Hugs
Dee
So fun to see you posting at WU, Dee. And so excited that your novel is coming out this winter — I’ve been waiting for that since our conversations about it last year at the UnCon. I appreciated everything you said in your piece, but confess that I’ve mostly been thinking about what kind of hat my creative/writer hat would be: I think a fedora, a little fun, a little mysterious, but also able to block out distractions and tell people to go away, I’m serious about my craft!
Love it, Natalie! I can totally see that hat on you! Wear it with pride. :)
Dee
Congrats on the novel, Dee! I can’t wait to read it. Good advice here too. My favorite hat is the yellow one, but in this life I have such a rack full… makes me empathize with the Mad Hatter.
Ha! Yes, Bernadette (fellow redhead), my heart is with the funky yellow hat as well. All are needed though, to get through ‘this thing called life.’ It’s knowing when to don which hat that’s the trick. :)
Thanks for joining us today.
Dee
Congrats dee. All your hard work and dedication is finally going to be read by others. What an accomplishment. No one understands the Labour of love and devotion to the craft that is involved in the making of a good book. I am an avid reader and I appreciate the time and effort it must take to actually put a story in print. You did it……you go girl
Thank you! Readers who appreciate the time and effort it takes to write a book are very much appreciated here on WU. Thanks!
Dee
Dee, you are such an inspiring woman, in all of your brilliant hats! Enjoy the unveiling of your hard work and the many crazy projects that I know -somehow- will find their way to you.
Xo.
Thanks, Vera!
For those of you who haven’t seen my new author website, Vera is the creative genius behind the cover art for A Keeper’s Truth. A truly amazing artist.
Thank you for the kind words, Vera, and the BEST COVER EVER!!!
Hugs
Dee
As a writer and hat fancier, I loved this post, Dee. I’ve always looked at marketing and promotion the same way I viewed Chemistry in high school, as something to get through, not something to love.
Your hat metaphor lets me see it through fresh eyes. The quote I’ll post on my memo board:
“Instead of thinking of promotion as advertising, I prefer to think of it as sharing my passion, mingling with like minds, and making new friends.”
Making new friends? Yay!
Can’t wait to have my own copy of KEEPER’S TRUTH in my hands, your autograph inside the cover. And to read more of your blog posts on Writers Unboxed.
Awesome, Rita! Making friends is my favorite part too.
I’m looking forward to signing that book for you as well. The pre-order launch will be sometime this December, I think, and the book will be out Jan / Feb! Exciting times!
Thanks for your kind words.
Hugs
Dee
Dee, congrats on a wonderful article and on entering into the next phase of your publishing journey. It’s very exciting for us to be in any way a part of it. You are a joy to work with no matter the hat, but I have to confess to loving the yellow hat the best. When we talk about your book, your enthusiasm and belief in it shines through and makes me smile thousands of miles away. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the world getting to experience the story as I have been fortunate to.
Suz
So great to see you on WU, Suz. I know you’re an avid follower.
Thank you for the kind words. I feel the same about you and Driven Press. The experience has been wonderful, and I am giddy to think of all the exciting moments still to come. Thanks for being a big part of bringing A Keeper’s Truth to life.
All hail the yellow hat! :)
Hugs
Dee
I was privileged to have read an early draft (or two) of A Keeper’s Truth and can tell you folks: you are in for a treat. Dee weaves such marvellous characters that you walk away from her stories with a whole new group of friends.
Great post, Dee, and can’t wait for your novel(s).
Thanks, Tanis!
I’ve been thinking about your hat… I think it’s indigo blue with an anchor decal and frilly tassels that sway with the breeze.Your writing hat!
Hugs,
Dee
Dee, having met you in person, I would have predicted you’d find a warm, positive way to meld your inner marketer and artiste. Congratulations on the book. Pub day is getting closer…
Thanks a bunch, Jan!
Yes, pub day is coming soon and I couldn’t be more excited. Funny how we spend years working on a book and then go totally nuts when it’s set free, huh? You’d think I’d be more prepared and less nervous!
Thanks for chiming in, it’s always a pleasure chatting with you.
Hugs
Dee