Role Models in Writing and Marketing

Who are your heroes? JK Rowling? Amanda Hocking? Stephen King? How about George RR Martin? Now there’s a guy who knows how to write big books. (Yes, I write big books). Go George!

King, for me, has been an important role model–not because he’s so successful–but for his writing style. Few authors are more loyal to their characters. King isn’t afraid of offending you. Hell no. He figured out a long time ago offending you–making your skin crawl–brings you back for more. His book, On Writing, was just what I needed. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. I laughed out loud in several chapters.

Daniel Quinn has been an even more important role model–not just because he is true to his characters, but his entire philosophy on life. Few people have started movements based on fiction. Quinn has. If you haven’t read Ishmael, you’re missing out on one of the greatest books ever written. Remember: “There is no one right way to live.” Which basically means, even if you disagree with him, he’s OK with it. Brilliant. And for you, there is no one right way to write and market your books.

And then there’s Douglas Adams and Robert Aspirin. These guys just know how to have fun.  Apririn’s Aahz is wickedly brilliant. And, who doesn’t love Arthur Dent? Years ago I wouldn’t have thought fun would end up in my writing voice. In my teens I was a Tolkien wanna be. But it turns out I’ve got a ton of fun in me. And when I let it out, my character’s voices are authentic. A lot of us want Tolkien voices, but do we really need another Tolkien in the world? The guy nailed it. I’ll leave the hobbit-ing to him.

Music can be just as inspiring. Lyrics from bands like Megadeth often dip into sci fi territory, fueling us with big ideas through searing vocals, throbbing bass, and shredded riffs. Iron Maiden’s Speed of Light is a perfect example. Rock gods … sci fi gods … even if you’re not a headbanger, you see where I’m going here. Some of the best sci fi shorts are sung, not read. Pure inspiration for a kid straight outta the eighties, like me. God bless the E-chord.

I started paying attention to Hollywood directors too–how they capture their characters on screen. Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 was a breath of fresh air but I found Elysium to be a let-down. How much garbage can you spread around a movie set? But, I digress. My point is that if you start paying attention to the details that excite you, you’ll be a better writer for it. Inspiration–role models–can come from anywhere.

Whoever your role models are: why do you like them? If you’re just interested in their millionaire or billionaire status, you need new ones. Who do you gravitate towards? Do they make you laugh, cry–want to start a movement? Have they achieved the type of goals you want to achieve? Have they taken marketing risks? Are they considered pioneers in one way or another? Does their creative side spark something in you that’s been itching to get out?

I identify with King, in part, because he’s from New England. People out here don’t mess around with their words. Their wit is sharp. They’re fiercely loyal. (Just ask Dunkin Donuts.) And they curse like sailors–because half of them are. It’s a hard-knocks kind of charm you don’t get anywhere else. Bostonians, in particular, live up to their Hub of the Universe lifestyle–always ready to take on (and endure) anything. For me, they’re not just entertaining but easy to identify with. The old “write what you know” advice definitely has some merit. Most characters in my first book, The Warren, live in Cambridge, Mass. King helped me find my writing voice, as did comedians Denis Leary and Bill Burr. You see where I’m going here–the whole East Coast thing. I guess you could say I write “Hub”.

Role models–sources of inspiration–don’t all have to be writers. They just have to keep you coming back for more. The most important lesson they’ll teach you is not to be like them. They’ve already made their mark–nailed it. The world doesn’t need another Stephen King. The world needs something only you can dream up. So, start dreaming. Take the spark they’ve given you and run with it. Make it your own.

It was my characters who inspired my marketing efforts. Their short list of loves: Tesla, video games, and heavy metal. Guess where my target markets are? I’m testing out some new ground. Or, at least, relatively new ground, with ideas straight out of The Warren. A real interactive holographic Crystal Skullz video game someday? A girl can dream.

Having role models is important, but they’re not everything. I’ve learned the hard way to get creative–trust my gut. I often hear I have to ‘do this’ or ‘do that’ as a new writer. All that does is push me to introduce something different–something no one else has tried before–win the game my way. If you’ve checked everything off on your marketing list that matches what you’re role models have done and you’re still not where you want to be, you have to pioneer your own efforts–build a different sort of platform. Come on. It’s easy, right? You’re a sci fi writer. Imagination is your biggest weapon. You’ve got this. Just remember: don’t always think about what your fans want. What are your characters telling you? If you’ve been loyal, they can be role models too.

Here’s a couple of articles worth reading:

• TheGuardian.com: Amanda Hocking, the writer who made millions publishing online.
• io9.com: The most successful self published sci fi and fantasy authors.