Saturday Savvy Sensation: Deirdra Eden Coppel

Today's Savvy Sensation is Deirdra Eden Coppel.  She has experience in both the digital and print world, and is both an author and an illustrator. Just visit her blog to get a sense of her visual creativity.

LB: First, who are you?

My name is Deirdra Eden Coppel I write MG and YA paranormal and historical fantasy.

I am also an illustrator and graphic designer specializing in the publishing industry (book covers, book marks etc.)  I teach at writer’s workshops and at writers conferences. I love working with authors!

LB: Where can we find you online (blog, twitter, facebook, etc.)?

Deirdra: My blog is http://www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

People can connect to my Facebook and Twitter via my blog.

LB: When did you begin your online platform building?

Deirdra: I started promoting myself as an author in 2001, through T.V., radio and tours.

In 2010 I began a blog just for fun and my followers hit over a 1000 in less than a year.

LB: What is your message, if any (is your blog about anything specific, for example)?

Deirdra: I want to help other writer’s succeed. It’s hard being a writer, not as hard as being married to one, but it’s still hard. I believe that if we are going to succeed we as authors must support each other.

My blog is a “self help” blog for authors. When I say self help I don’t mean “editing” I mean, emotional encouragement. I have other authors come on and share their publication stories.

With the many opportunities available for publication, every author must find their own path to publishing. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Whether you self-publish, get an agent, indie publish, etc. every author needs to decide what will work best for them. There are pros and cons to every type of publishing. Its wise to learn what they are and hear other's experiences before you decide how to publish.

 

I also bring on literary agents, editors, promotion specialists and other literary professionals that give advice to authors, both published and unpublished.

LB: How have you built your followers -

What have you done that has been the most successful?

What have you done that has failed?

Its easy. I read the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.

It works for getting blog followers too.

You really need to be the one to initiate. I go to other blogs similar to mine or blogs by authors and avid readers and compliment them on something I found interesting on their blog.  I usually will follow them to show my support. I tell them a little about my blog and how it will help them, and then I send them the link.

What else should we know about you?

I love people and love making new friends.

Any additional advice for our readers?

Just don’t give up fighting for your dreams. We can do this!

What makes you unique?

LOL! Well, I can shoot a bow and arrow while standing upside down and bending over backwards.

Thank you so much for this interview. It’s been great!

Please come by and say hi at http://www.astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

Thank YOU, Deirdra! Feel free to pass on your Savvy Sensation award. Everyone else, stop by her blog and say hello.