Social Media For The Socially Awkward with Kate Forsyth

Discover how to connect with potential readers and share your story with the world.

Writers are generally shy introverts who work in solitude, and spend a great deal of time listening to the voices of imaginary characters. Their work requires contemplation, introspection, silence.

Yet most also long for an audience.

Readers! Followers! Fans! Superfans!

It is a truth universally acknowledged that, nowadays, an author who wants an audience needs an author platform (marketing speak for the ability to connect with people who might want to buy your book.) Yet how (and where) do you begin? What are the best social media sites and tools? How much time should it take? How can you help your voice be heard in the clamour? This workshop will answer all these questions and many more.

Learning outcomes

• Learn the basics of social media marketing for authors - including the best and simplest tools to help you build your author platform
• Discover your unique story and how to use it to find your market
• Identify what your personal strengths are and how to use them to your advantage
• Learn how to slowly build a community of like-minded people who will support you, cheer you on and amplify your voice
• Have a chance to ask questions from an internationally bestselling author who has an active and engaged social media presence but still somehow has time and energy to write.

Format

This is an in-person workshop with a focus on author sustainability; it will be held at State Library of Queensland. This workshop is suitable for writers of all levels and writing backgrounds.

About Kate

Dr Kate Forsyth is an award-winning author, poet and performance storyteller called one of ‘the finest writers of this generation’. Novels for adults include Psykhe, a reimagining of the ancient Greek myth; The Crimson Thread, set in Crete during World War II; and Bitter Greens, a retelling of Rapunzel which won the ALA for Best Historical Fiction. Non-fiction titles include Searching for Charlotte: The Fascinating Story of Australia’s First Children’s Author, longlisted for the 2021 Readings Non-Fiction Prize. Her books for children include 'Kate Forsyth's Long-Lost Fairy-Tales', illustrated by Lorena Carrington. She runs literary and creative writing retreats in Australia, Greece, and the UK.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info