Susan Rich Talks, and here’s why you should listen the week of February 6, 2012

5 days, 5 shows, pure fun

Susan Rich, the get-you-noticed-now marketing pro and journalist-blogger, talks daily on internet radio station w4wn.com. Join her 8 am PT / 11 am ET every weekday morning for your daily dose of the FEM factor: Fascinate. Educate. Motivate.

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Law of Attraction: Use it to build your business

But first, let’s talk about your vision board.

You do have one, right?
Mine is tucked away on a shelf in my closet, but after chatting with Steve Gamlin, I think it’s time I created a new one.

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Shel Horowitz and a day at the beach

It’s true: Marketing your book is hard work.

With more than 3 million titles published in 2010 (including self-published and mainstream), there’s a lot of competition. It’s hard to get noticed by the media, and just as challenging to engage new readers. But it can be done, and Shel Horowitz hung out with Susan Rich and Annemarie Schuetz on Living the Writing Life to share some of his advice.

1.  Spend 1-2 hours a day marketing your book. Of course you’re going to use Facebook and Twitter, plus guest blogging and sharing thoughtful insights on blogs that are part of your niche market. For book promotion, try to keep it to 1 “buy me” message for every 20 shares. You want to connect with, not over-sell, your market.

2.  Become an expert. Can you get the media to interview you? It’s worth a try. Answer reporter’s queries on Help a Reporter Out, Reporter Connection, Pitch Rate, and Radio Guest List. The credibility is worth the effort.

3. Make your story topical. The way to build media interest is to find hooks in your story that reach dozens of outlets. Is your heroine a hairstylist-sleuth?  See if you can’t sell your book in salons. Maybe run an ad in an industry publication. Try to land a review or endorsement by reaching out of the box and into the market where your readers really hang out. 

But no matter what you try…marketing is hard work. It’s a slog. It takes time, energy, focus, and commitment.

It’s not a day at the beach.

That would be this week’s writing prompt: Write about a day at the beach.

If you’re like Annemarie, never having seen the ocean’s edge, use this to inspire 100 words.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

 And if you’re like Susan, this is one of her favorite photos from a trip to Oregon’s ever-popular Cannon Beach.

Otherwise, tell us about your own beach day memory. Just submit it in the Comment box below. You might win a copy of Susan’s book, Write it Rich! Tips for Reluctant Writers.

Last week’s winner: Karen Larkin. Here are her words:

Our first family dog, Scooter found us at the SPCA. We had looked through all the cages, looking for her. We didn’t see any older labs, as was our preference. Dismayed; we started to leave and I said “I guess there are no labs here now.” Our oldest daughter said, ‘Mom, there IS a lab, she was back in the outside cage!” As we turned back toward the outside cage, we saw this beautiful black lab was attempting to crawl under the fence towards us; as if to say; “Wait for me, I am here!” She recognized us; her family.

Tune in to next week’s show

Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life airs Monday mornings, 8 am PT / 11 am ET on w4wn.com, The All Women’s Radio Network.

Call in with your questions: 561.422.4365

~sr~

Next week on Susan Rich Talks!

FEM Factor!
Weekdays, on Susan Rich Talks

Join internet radio show host Susan Rich, the get-you-noticed-now marketing pro 8 am PT / 11 am ET every weekday morning for your daily dose of the FEM factor: Fascinate. Educate. Motivate.

For the week of January 30:

 Monday: Living the Writing Life – Our guest is guerrilla marketing pro Shel Horowitz, and we’ll be talking about innovative ways to promote your book. Also: Writing prompt for prizes, question of the week.

Tuesday: Rich & Gluten-Free – Jen Fugo explains why our shift to gluten-free can create a sugar addiction and Michael Prager talks about his journey (and book): Fat Boy, Thin Man.

Wednesday: Love & Lifestyle – Numerologist Michael John Fiero tells us what 2012 really means and Karen Koenig shares insights into chronic dieting and how to heal our relationship to food.

Thursday: Your Marketing Plan – Steve Gamlin will talk about how to use the Law of Attraction to grab attention and drive sales – an inspirational approach to running your own business. Also: Call in for your mini marketing makeover – host Susan Rich offers free, get-you-noticed-NOW marketing strategies.

Friday: Potpourri + Retro Kitchen with co-host Annemarie Schuetz – Little House on the Prairie meets modern day living. This weeks guest is illusionist Brian Glow, and his magical food drive.

All shows 11 am ET on the All Women’s Radio Network.

 Join Susan Rich Talks!

Would you like to be a guest on her shows?
How about a co-host — share the mic with Susan Rich and really get your name out there!

If you’d like some extra marketing love, please sponsor Susan Rich Talks! Reasonable rates, great exposure. Ask for more info.

~sr~

Writing prompt: Write about a dog

Write 100 words, maybe win a prize.

Aren’t dogs amazing? That’s what we talked about this morning on Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life. Our guest today was Charmaine Hammond, author of On Toby’s Terms. And in honor of her remarkable best friend, we’ve got the perfect prompt for dog lovers (or haters) everywhere:

Write about a dog.

In the comment box below, share your super-short story about a dog: Yours, the neighbor’s, the lost dog poster you saw on your way to work this morning. Write about a dog in a shelter, or one you saw perform a super-cute trick.Write about a good dog, or a bad one. Talk about a dog bite, a dog fright. Just tell us your doggone story.

Win a prize

One winner gets a copy of my book: Write it Rich! Tips for Reluctant Writers.

Tune in to next week’s show

Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life airs Monday mornings, 8 am PT / 11 am ET on w4wn.com, The All Women’s Radio Network.

Call in with your questions: 561.422.4365

~sr~

Susan Rich Talks: Show Review

Just a quick share…

…on who was on Susan Rich Talks, what we talked about, and where you can connect with these fabulous authors and experts on your own.  But why read about it here? Please join me 8 am PT / 11 am ET every weekday morning for your daily dose of the FEM factor: Fascinate. Educate. Motivate.

 For the week of January 16:

1.  Monday: Living the Writing Life – Mark Bosnian, author of Sing Free Now! shared the challenge of translating his vocal lessons technique to the printed word. And author Keith Kornell told us about Super Born, Seduction of Being: A modern take on a female super-hero. Spidey, your days are numbered.
2. Tuesday: Rich & Gluten-Free – Carla Ulbrich, the Singing Patient, shared how humor, laughter, hope infuses her madcap melodies and brings joy to people dealing with chronic illness.
3. Wednesday: Love & Lifestyle – Taffy Wagner, Ph.d talked about finances both at the end of life and when you’re about to get married. Make it easy on your loved ones folks – be brave and write your will and issue that Power of Attorney. And, before you wed, have the money talk, avoid those hard surprises that can actually undermine your marriage. On the lighter, tastier side of things, Cheese Impresario Barrie Lynn gave yummy cheese and wine pairing tips. Artisnal cheese? Check your hometown grocer, they’re becoming very popular.
4. Thursday: Your Marketing Plan – It doesn’t matter if you’re promoting your book an app or launching a new business. It takes planning. Mari Selby, director of Selby Ink, shared tips on what to do (and not do) six and three months out before your big launch. Also: This is a call-in show featuring your mini marketing makeover. Host Susan Rich offers free, get-you-noticed-NOW marketing strategies
5. Friday: Potpourri + Retro Kitchen with co-host Annemarie Schuetz – Little House on the Prairie meets modern day living. This week Diane Lang talked about positive thinking and gratitude – when you wake up and before you lie down, take just a few minutes to think about what makes you happy. At mealtime, ask your children what they are grateful for.  And then Annemarie read the news…her news…and told a gut-busting story about how people are knitting sweaters for featherless chickens.

 Yeah, you had to be there. And that’s my point. Join us weekday morning for the FEM Factor – fascinate, educate, motivate on Susan Rich Talks! All shows 8 am PT/ 11 am ET on the All Women’s Radio Network, w4wn.com.

What’s coming up on Susan Rich Talks? Tune in and find out!

Fascinate. Educate. Motivate.
It’s the FEM Factor, and you get it weekdays on Susan Rich Talks.

Susan Rich, the get-you-noticed-now marketing pro and journalist-blogger, talks daily on internet radio station w4wn.com.

Join her 8 am PT / 11 am ET every weekday morning for your daily dose of the FEM factor: Fascinate. Educate. Motivate.

For the week of January 23:

1. Monday: Living the Writing Life – We’ll be talking with Charmaine Hammond, author of On Toby’s Terms. Also: Writing prompt for prizes. Write, win, get published.
2. Tuesday: Rich & Gluten-Free – Author Susan Ingebretson talks about FibroWHYalgia, and shares her recovery from baffling disease.
3. Wednesday: Love & Lifestyle – We’ll re-broadcast last week’s show: Taffy Wagner, Ph.d talks about finances both at the end of life and when you’re about to get married; Cheese Impresario Barrie Lynn talks about the cheese highway.
4. Thursday: Your Marketing Plan – Caterina Rando shares tips on how to become a sought-after public speaker. Also: call in for your mini marketing makeover – host Susan Rich offers free, get-you-noticed-NOW marketing strategies.
5. Friday: Potpourri + Retro Kitchen with co-host Annemarie Schuetz – Little House on the Prairie meets modern day living. Inspirational speaker Mark Black talks about his amazing recovery from transplant surgery.

All shows 8 am PT/ 11 am ET on the All Women’s Radio Network, w4wn.com.

Call in: 561.422.4365
Skype: w4wnradio

~sr~

How humor helps songster Carla Ulbrich heal herself and others

She’s the Singing Patient, and oh, does she have a song for you.

Whether it’s an ode to Prednisone, a send-up about spending hours in a waiting room, or a reading from her book, How can you not laugh at a time like this, singer/songwriter Carla Ulbrich knows how to make you smile.

Such boundless good cheer is a surprise from someone who has battled lupus since the early 90s, and that’s what Carla Ulbrich and Susan Rich talked about on internet radio’s Rich and Gluten-Free. You can read the rest of the story here.

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Authors Mark Bosnian and Keith Kornell talk about songs and super-heroes on Living the Writing Life

Have you ever wanted to sing?
Or maybe you’ve yearned to be a super hero?

That’s what Susan Rich and co-host Annemarie Schuetz talked about this week on Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life. Singing and saving the world are pretty powerful dreams for most people.

In fact, learning how to sing is an act of courage for many, and that’s why singer/songwriter Mark Bosnian penned his first book, Sing Free Now! 3 steps to Power, Passion and Confidence. After working 1:1 with students for dozens of years, Mark finally heeded their request to write about his vocal techniques. The result is a how-to book unlike any other: It includes step-by-step instructions, yes, but also online tutorials to help the singer better hear what to do and what not to do.

“Challenging” is how Mark described the process of translating his verbal lessons into words that inspire trust. Rewarding might be the other word: Initial response to the book is so strong he is now writing a companion workbook called 30 Days to a Confident Voice.

If you want to Sing Free Now! you can order your copy online, OR you can tackle this week’s writing prompt – the prize is a copy of his book.

And if you’re wondering…can the book deliver? Host Susan says YES! A former student of Mark’s, she says, “His approach is clear, easy-to-follow and it taught me how to sing with confidence. If he distills that magic into this book, it’s a must-buy.”

Super Born: Seduction of Being

Imagine: You’re a single mom, early 30s, and suddenly crammed with super-powers. What would you do with them? That’s the question faced by the heroine in this genre-busting novel authored by Keith Kornell. Of course we women already know we possess strengths and ability beyond mere mortal men, but it’s nice to have someone write about us for a change…!

Like his heroine, and many women today, Keith walked the talk of his main character: Because he was struggling to balance family, career, and writing, he understands the Herculean efforts women (and, yes, men) take to pursue their dreams.”It took passion, commitment and focus to write Super Born,” he says. He once wrote 160 pages – in his head – during a ski trip.

Buy the book! For a limited time, you can buy a copy of his book (hardcover price $15.56), send him a copy of your Amazon sales receipt, plus your snail mail or email address, and Keith will send you a rebate check for $30! Want to score an extra $10? Just post a review on Amazon after you read the book. Email him your screen name, and you’ll get an additional $10! That’s $40 total for a $15.56 book – a great way for you enjoy Super Born and buy another book of your choice.

Weekly Writing Prompt

We have a weekly writing prompt for prizes. This week’s give-away is a copy of Sing Free Now!

Here’s the prompt: When I woke up this morning…

All you have to do is post your 100 words in the comment section in this blog post.

And a shout-out to last week’s winner, Vicki Jo Indrizzo-Valente. She gets a copy of Lela Davidson’s book, Blacklisted by the PTA. The prompt was, Write about a song you love. And here are her words:

Tap. . . Tap. . . Tap. . . the silence of the march fell upon the frail woman as the soldiers approached. Please, Madam, accept your son’s purple heart with our condolences . Angelique grasped the offering of the Purple Heart without fully absorbing the Lieutenant’s sullen words as numbness enveloped her soul. Her heart ached and she knew the only way to get through this moment was to repeat over and over, just smile, although your heart is aching, when there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by . . . if you just smile.

Don’t miss next week’s show!

Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life airs 11 am ET/8 am PT every Monday on The All Women’s Radio Network. Call in with your writing questions, chat with an author: 561.422.4365.

Next week’s guest is Charmaine Hammond, author of On Toby’s Terms. Find out how this troubled dog discovered his true purpose, and how he ultimately delivered joy and delight to his owners and children everywhere.

We’re not in Kansas anymore: The Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Adventure on Susan Rich Talks

It’s one of the most-loved, most-watched movies of all time.

If you’ve seen the Wizard of Oz – or read the book by L. Frank Baum – you’ve likely heard reference to it several times a day, notes Nathan G. Castle, O.P., author of And Toto Too: the Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Adventure. First published in 1900, the Wizard of Oz was made into a movie in 1938 and has been part of our pop culture ever since.

Father Nathan was a guest on Susan Rich Talks, and he, along with Susan Rich and co-host Barbara Saunders, discussed how language shaped the story, and why the simplicity of this children’s tale has resonated for so many years.

The magnitude of Dorothy’s journey, the characters she meets, the trials she overcomes, is a classic hero story. It’s also a tale that Father Nathan believes has strong roots in Judeo-Christian teachings, and its themes are also reflected in other world religions. After years of study (and collecting amazing memorabilia), his recently published book presents Dorothy as “every man” and Toto as a manifestation of God’s love, thus giving readers a new way to connect with a classic story.

Although Father Nathan is a Dominican priest, the book is aimed both at religious scholars and people just embarking on a spiritual journey. It’s a quick, gentle read and appropriate for questing adults or families with young children.

Will laugh for hot fudge sundaes

Earlier in the show, Susan and Barbara got the giggles over news of the weird.  Friday Potpourri is all about ending the week on a lighthearted note, so talking about the basset hound that gobbled a $4,500 diamond ring or apples raining from the sky in England, added some spice to the mix.

Tune in next week!

Susan Rich Talks…Potpourri airs 11 am ET every Friday on w4wn.com, the All Women’s Radio Network. Learn about upcoming guests here.