Weekly Update ⚔︎ 6 April 2023

Hello from the Dragon’s Lair!

It’s been two weeks since my debut novel, A Matter of Execution, was released, and I have been sucked into the morass known as advertising. I’ll spare you the details of building email lists, constructing product and keyword campaigns, and sifting through all the platforms where I can promote my work. However, a subtle but important aspect of advertising is “simply” developing a social media platform. Simply? Like most authors, I’m rather introverted and, quite honestly, there are aspects to social media that escape me. But I’m working on it!

One thing I’ve learned is that if I want people to follow me, I need to give them a reason to stop by. This is something I can most certainly do! So, my Facebook page will be a gateway (one of several) to my website, where I will offer tips on writing, story prompts, humor, deep dives into my stories, weekly flash fiction stories, and samples of my artwork. I’m also detailing my novel-writing process, letting you inside my head as I take an online college class and craft a new story (Currenty a fantasy novel called A Griffin’s Choice). You’ll also be able to read the novel, my notes, and my outlines as I go. I’m calling this blog Conflict Between Characters in a Time and Place, and the first post will be released today!

Besides the free material on my website (wcmarkarian.com), you can check out my current works-in-progress, which are available on Kindle Vella. The first three episodes of each story are free, and Amazon gives new Vella users tokens to open some locked episodes, too. So, if you are intrigued, please take a peek. All of my published stories on Amazon can be found on my Amazon Author Page.

Elsewhere, you’ll find me on Instagram as @markarianarts, where I’ll soon post my character art, story scenes, and maps, as well as my whimsical doodles—a few of which are already posted. The plan is to make a variety of merchandise from these drawings if there’s enough interest.

As of this week, I have an author page on GoodReads, too. There you can see what I am reading and follow my critical reading blog. As a writer, I am constantly analyzing the stories I read for techniques I like and dislike. So if you are on GoodReads, please look for me and see what I have to say.

And lastly, I am stepping out of my comfort zone and developing a TikTok channel (@w.c.markarian.author). I plan to share quick tips on writing, short excerpts from my stories, examples of how I revise/edit my work, and fun promos/trailers for my stories. I’m sure you’ll meet my pets, get a tour of my house plants, and see a more personal side of me. I imagine there will be humor and hijinks, too. Because, well, I can’t help myself.

If you’ve made it this far in this post, thank you. The best way to grow is word-of-mouth. So if you can, please spread the word.

Best wishes,

WCM