When I retired from a successful dancing career back in May of 2011,
I did so thoughtfully, and prayerfully.
I’d been a professional dancer for twenty-six years, and I needed a change.
I loved to write as a teen, but when I sat down to pen something significant, something that wasn’t going to be graded by an English teacher or a creative writing professor, I didn’t know what to expect.
After self-publishing my first book, a murder-suspense thriller, I soon found the biggest challenge set before authors—marketing, sales, and of course, reviews. And yes, these three obstacles can create huge emotional turmoil.
A Lack of Marketing Skills Can Discourage Any Author
Slow sales, few or no reviews, and the lack of marketing skills can truly discourage any author.
For the first several years and my first five books, I struggled to keep my momentum going. But I’d given up my career—I had to make this work.
No. I had no true ambition to become a NY Times bestseller, but I wanted to be competitive.
I submitted my books to virtual book tours, and while that helped slightly, it wasn’t really the answer. I attended many book signing events locally and, on the road, things seemed to get a bit better.
There is Nothing You Can Do to Make People Buy Your Books
I soon found myself weeding out the events that weren’t well attended or events my books simply didn’t fit into. Both virtual book tours and book events can be expensive ventures. I was spending way more than I was taking in. It was frustrating to say the least.
Then I realized, there is nothing you can do to make people buy your books—they either will or they won’t.
I let go, and it’s been a relief. I’m not a NY times bestselling author, but my sales are good, my reviews are very good—no I don’t have hundreds of them, but what I do have are positive—mostly five stars.
I Am a Success Because Someone Has Delighted in What I’ve Written
I have a friend who is constantly fretting over her book sales—that used to me. No more.
I do not allow a period of slow sales and no reviews to destroy my creativity. I enjoy writing and when I read a review that says something like: “No one brings Pittsburgh to life like C.S. McDonald”—it makes my heart swell.
I am a success, because someone has delighted in what I’ve written. Isn’t that what an author is supposed to crave?
I Find Being Sedentary the Most Difficult Part of Writing
Because I used to be a dancer and my evenings were so physical, I find being sedentary the most difficult part of writing. This has resulted in weight gain and weakening of muscles. Not good.
When I am writing, I try to make sure my back is supported properly. Luckily, I live on a large horse farm, so, I try to take breaks and go on walks with my Cocker Spaniel, Allister, several time per day.
I used to attend a yoga class, but that hasn’t happened since the pandemic. I’m almost ashamed to admit, I have a hard time finding the motivation to exercise. Maybe it’s because exercise is all I ever did for over thirty years. But I’m hopeful (as is everyone else) to return to activities soon.
It’s Okay to Walk Away from a Story
Mostly, the joy my characters bring to me personally [helps me stay creative].
I gave up writing heavy fiction (murder suspense, thrillers, and romantic suspense) back in 2016, and started writing cozy mysteries. I find the cozies more enjoyable and relaxing to write.
Yes, there are times I get overwhelmed by a story line and have to simply close-up shop for several hours or even days to let it sort itself out in my mind. By the way, it’s okay to walk away from a story for a few hours or days—sometimes it’s just best, and you return refreshed.
What ruins my creativity is some kind of upset in the family. Someone loses a job or a sick grandchild—that will shut down my creativity immediately. My mother’s death in October made writing very difficult for many weeks afterward.
These Days, I Consider Book Signings My Curtain Calls
Oftentimes, I miss my dance career. I miss the movement and innovation within that movement. I miss the young girls I have watched grow and transform into wonderful, strong, self-assured women.
I must confess, I miss curtain calls. Although, these days, I consider book signings my curtain call.
And yes, sometimes I wish I hadn’t given dance up, but I’m doing something just as creative—bringing characters and stories to life while helping others to escape their problems or unhappiness if for just a few hours. And I believe that’s worth something—everything.
How I Use Video Ads to Market My Books on Social Media
Marketing is tough, and it doesn’t matter what genre you’re writing.
Of course, a social media presence is very important. I’m pretty good at creating video ads for my books—they are more eye-catching than a simple picture of the book. Luckily, I’m fairly good at clever blurbs to go with the videos.
I tweet my videos daily on Twitter, three times a week on Facebook pages dedicated to book promotion, and I advertise my audio books on Facebook audiobook promotion pages twice per week. Whew!
It’s a big commitment, but it’s truly necessary if you want to keep your books in front of your audience. That said, advertising doesn’t always equal sales, and that can be frustrating, but no advertising certainly doesn’t help.
When I’m at a book signing, I stuff my books with brochures featuring all the books in that particular series—I’ve written four series. I usually see an uptick in sales after an event. Talking with other authors about their marketing ideas is very helpful too.
How I Find Time to Write
People ask me this question all the time [how do you find time to write?]. And to be honest, I don’t know.
As I said before, I’m retired, but that doesn’t mean I’m not very busy. I simply manage to carve out several hours per day to sit down and write.
I guess it’s working because I’ve written twenty-four books, three children’s picture books, and four shorts. I do allow myself a hiatus from Thanksgiving to New Years. It’s a chance to recharge.
Advice for a Young Writer: Make Sure You’re In It for the Right Reasons
Absolutely—do it. But make sure you’re in it for the right reasons. You have to love writing. You have to love creating a story, creating characters. If your goal is strictly money or to become that NY Times bestselling author, you could be setting yourself up for grave disappointment.
Write. Enjoy. Thrive. And most importantly, get a professional editor!
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For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer.
In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries has nine books.
Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!
Cindy resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.
For more information on Cindy and her work, please see her website, or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and MeWe.
Murder on Pointe, A Fiona Quinn Mystery book #1: Fiona can’t wait to attend the performance of Coppelia at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. Her old friend, Silja Ramsay, is dancing the principal role. They have dinner after the show, but when they return Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is down one dancer! Ballerina, Alexis Cartwright, has been found dead in the dressing room.
Is this murder a result of hot tempers among the cast members? Or is it a random act of violence? Will there be more murders? Homicide Detective, Nathan Landry, isn’t taking any chances. After finding out Fiona has a strong background in ballet he recruits her to go undercover among the cast of Coppelia.
Can Fiona help catch a killer, or will she be the next victim?
Available on Amazon.
Back to the Burgh and Beyond, Owl’s Nest Mysteries, Book #1: Meet Alexa Owl. She’s returned home to Pittsburgh after a divorce to start a new life and a new business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe. Much to her surprise, she’s getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective Bobby Starr, and he’s no ordinary sleuth.
Bobby is an angel who’s returned to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel Squad. He’s been sent by none other than Saint Pete to acquire Alexa’s help to solve three cold case murders he left behind.
Except, here’s the catch: he’s only been allotted four days to solve the first case! How in heaven’s name is she supposed to do that? Alexa is a professional seamstress—not a detective. Bobby insists the only way to solve the first case is to return to 1953, and Alexa’s not in love with that idea at all!
Available at Amazon.