Saturday Savvy Sensation: Elana Johnson

Today's Savvy Sensation is, wait for it, Elana Johnson, author of Possession!!  I know can you believe it? Sqwee!! If you don't know anything about Elana then I have to first say, where the heck have you been?? And follow that with: go and read every blog she's ever written plus her books (especially From the Query to the Call if you are or ever will be querying) because she knows her stuff. Oh, and here's some random trivia for ya: I went to school with her husband (who I considered a very good friend) and her older sister (yes, that means I'm older than Elana Johnson) so I kinda feel cool to be only 2 degrees away from her on the whole separation stuff.  

LB: Who are you?

My name is Elana Johnson. I write angsty teen girl novels, mostly. My debut, published by Simon & Schuster in June 2011, is called POSSESSION. I blog at http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com and http://leaguewriters.blogspot.com. I also co-organize WriteOnCon (http://writeoncon.com), teach elementary school, and enjoy bacon.

LB: Um, like all of those things are SUPER AWESOME. Who missed WriteOnCon? Cuz you shouldn't of.  I digress...Where can we find you online (blog, twitter, facebook, etc.)?

Oh, I put that up there! Ha! Okay, here’s the rest of my online endeavors:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elanajohnson

POSSESSION fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/possessionthebook

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ElanaJ

Author website: http://elanajohnson.com

POSSESSION website: http://possessionthebook.com

LB:When did you begin your online platform building?

I started blogging for the QueryTracker blog in January 2009. That’s a full 2 ½ years before my book came out, 11 months before I had an agent, and 14 months before I sold my first book.

LB: What is your message, if any?

Hmm, I’m not sure I have a message. I just like to interact with people online. My blog motto is “Navigating the publishing world with splashes of real life.” That’s basically what you’ll get on my blog.

LB: How have you built your followers -

What have you done that has been the most successful?

Comment on and follow other blogs. This is almost always reciprocal. You want more people to comment on your blog? Comment on theirs. I’ve also found that giving away free stuff brings people to your blog, as well as participating in promotions with other authors that reach outside your network.

LB: What have you done that has failed?

Organize very complicated giveaways. They’re a headache for me, and everyone else.

LB: What else should we know about you?

I enjoy reality TV, sleeping in, and laughing.

LB: Any additional advice for our readers?

Write the best book you can, and then be brave and submit it!

LB: What makes you unique?

I’m double jointed in my hands, which means I can bend the first knuckle on all my fingers without bending any of the others. It’s quite freaky.

No,Elana, freaky is that you are on my blog because I think I'm a super fan (is that a little weird? ok, pretend I didn't say it).  And everyone else, I have to say from what I have seen Elana is one of the hardest working, most genuine, and generous authors out there.  There is much to learn and admire from her.  Not that you need an award, but here it is, Elana. Feel free to share it if you like and thanks so much for being here today!! :)

WOC Marketing Posts

First, thank you so much for all the congrats and support for reaching 100 followers. It's truly been so enjoyable. And Sharon was the perfect winner because she had been having a pretty bad day until she got my email.

Next I have to tell you how glad I am that my older kids are back in school. Even though that means other things in my life will get busier, I have so much more time to do things, even with my toddler still at home.  Maybe it's not more time I've gained, but just more structure.

Which is why I finally have had time to give you a little recap of WriteOnCon. It's been a week, but here's a few highlights I'd like to share, mostly from a marketing perspective:

• Author J.S. Lewis posted on Successful Marketing and Promotion with School Visits. I enjoy working with kids as well as writing for kids and his ideas are the kind I am actually planning when I am eventually (hopefully!) published. Very few authors will take up his advice so you are at an advantage if you do.
• Excellent advice was given from Agent Sara Megibow On Platform.  Seriously read this one. She tells you what you should have on your website/blog BEFORE you query here. Yes, I said before. So get working on that.
• Authors Lisa and Laura Roecker talked about Collective Blogging and Book Promotion. Great tips for online and in person. And a good reminder that you don't have to do everything alone.
• Editor Liesa Abrams gave a very insightful post on An Editor's Perspective About What Authors Should and Should Not Talk About Online. Read it and check your own presence.
• Finally, because it's inspirational, Author Beth Revis said Don't Give Up. It's also interesting to see how one writer works on her revisions.  But mostly it's just an awesome reminder about the value of failing.

One other item of business:

Do you see that picture to the right that says I'm a Platform-Building Campaigner? That means I am part of Rachael Harrie's Platform-Building Campaign.  Are you? Get over there and join! Sign-ups end August 31st!

I have ten minutes before my kids get home. I better jump in the shower.

What did you enjoy from WOC? I'd love to hear what really helped/touched you.  Are you part of the Campaign? Do you have kids you're glad are in school? Share it all!

Facebook Friday: Facebook Sunday?

Wow, it feels like forever since I've posted anything on this blog! But I have been very much consumed with WriteOnCon fabulousness this week, and today I find I have to actually work at those places that earn me a living.

Anyway, today I am just not ready with a Facebook Friday post.  But I do have something really cool I want to share with you about Facebook, and don't feel like waiting until next Friday to post.  So come back Sunday and I will have amazing FB advice that you just can't live without. Seriously.

If you are dying to have some FB info today, then visit here for some Facebook Trivia or here to take a FB quiz.

Meanwhile, how was WriteOnCon for you?  Please share your favorite advice.  I'd love to hear wha you got out of it!

At WriteOnCon

This week I'm at WriteOnCon.  Get over there and love it if you aren't there already. I'll be back Friday.