A kingmaker, according to the Pocket Oxford English Dictionary, is a person who
brings leaders to power by using their political influence. I’m going to borrow
the term and use it relation to the influential people in your circle.
As
authors, our ultimate goal after writing our story is to get that story out to
the masses. Naturally, we’re going to do all we can to get our latest work
noticed. Part of that would be shouting in the town square, which in my mind is
the equivalent of the social media scene.
Other
than that, we turn to the ‘Kingmakers’ among us for help with promotion. There
are folks like Alex, the
Ninja Captain, who is good enough to even while
you’re working up the courage to ask and there’s Arlee Bird,
the founder of the Blogging from A-Z Challenge.
Add to those, Mike Offutt,
one of my favourite blogging buddies and Nick Wilford.
There
are several women who I’m always pleased to have participating in anything I
do, who are staunch supporters of the blogging crowd. Among these are Damyanti Biswas,
Mina Burrows, Denise Covey,
Clarissa Draper,
Elise
Fallson and Michelle Wallace. Last, but by
no means least, are two Jamaican ladies who’ve made the blogosphere a not-so-lonely
place for this islander. I’m pleased to call Sheena-Kay Graham
and Peaches Ledwidge
friends.
Note
that association with persons who own high-traffic blogs is not a guarantee
that your book will be successful, but your product will benefit from a
significant level of exposure.
I’m
sure there are persons I haven’t thought of, but who might be within your own circle
of influence. So, when organizing your tour, think about persons who might not
necessarily be able to host you, but who make a difference to your visibility level
and also make the journey less lonely.
Since
I haven’t come up with any nutshell items. Can you think of any?
Thank you, Joy! Highlighting and featuring others became my focus when my blog's following went over a thousand. I knew I could be effective in gaining exposure for others. And helping others is one of the greatest joys in life. It's what God has called us to do! Thank you for placing me in such fine company.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly do make a difference to the blogging community and yes, I agree that God calls us to shine brightly where we can.
DeleteI always enjoy visiting Angela Brown. She makes me smile just seeing her great picture. Then there's Natalie Aguirre's place--always something there of interest. Bish on Random Thoughts always gives me a mini-vacation when I visit her and she's posting about her island paradise. I've enjoyed meeting Mark Means, too. Comics fascinate me. There are more, but I have dozens of blogs to visit today. I'm out of here! Thanks for post.
ReplyDeleteAlex is definitely a Kingmaker. So glad you mentioned me and I'm glad to know a fellow Jamaican blogger and writer in you as well J.L.
ReplyDeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy visiting Angela as well. I'm sure to meet new characters. Haven't checked out Natalie's blog. Yup, the pictures alone on Bish's blog make me long to be at the beach.
Alex and Lee have done so much for the community. Denise and Clarissa are wonderful, too. Another key player is DL Hammons. He organized Write Club and the Blog Blitz.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane. D.L. Hammons is one of those special people, along with Stephen Tremp.
DeleteThe blogging world is full of so many amazing, giving people. I wish I'd joined sooner!
ReplyDeleteSo true!
DeleteKingmaker--interesting way of looking at certain blogs! A high-traffic site can definitely help you bring something into the spotlight.
ReplyDeleteFor sure and you want that for a new book.
DeleteYou named so many great people. And Kingmaker is another great nickname for the Ninja LOL. :D
ReplyDeleteTrue that, Julie.
DeleteSo true! It's not what you know, it's who you know, eh? And you've listed my kingmakers. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Crystal. I wish I had that kind of influence since there are so many good writers who don't get the recognition they deserve. :)
DeleteI've never thought of using the blogs to the extent you describe it here. I am sure that once you develop lasting relationships on here, some benefit could really come from this blogging thing. For now, I'm just using it to meet new friends, and read and learn new stuff (like here!), and have a place to do occasional brain dumps. ;)
ReplyDeleteSure appreciate the sweet words you've left on my blog. Thanks for coming over. I am sure glad I followed you back.
Dana at Waiter, drink please!
Hi, Dana,
DeleteMany of us start blogging as a means of building a platform. We're told to do that as writers, but more often than not, we use that platform to meet new people and form friendships.
Great word and this is a fantastic list of power bloggers.
ReplyDeleteMedeia,
DeleteThe English language does have some really interesting words and their origins are also fascinating.
Really interesting post - I like to think I do a bit of Kingmaking myself on my Retreat West blog (http://www.retreatwest.co.uk/blog)where I host authors talking about their latest work and other projects they are involved in. I need to find my own kingmakers now :-)
ReplyDeleteHi, Amanda,
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, I agree that what you do qualifies you as a Kingmaker. Kudos! Will be checking out your blog.
Seriously, the blogosphere is full of amazing people, especially writers and readers. I'm incredibly grateful that they've made my own journey less lonely.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! :-)
I was surprised, I actually recognize most of the names you mention! Which totally proves your point--these people have got presence in the blogging world. Great post--interesting and professional.
ReplyDeleteLexa, so true. I've learned a lot from the bloggers I've come in contact with.
ReplyDeleteColleen, thanks for dropping in. Yeah, some people do have a strong presence in the blogging world.
Oh Joy, thanks for the shout out!
ReplyDeleteLittle ole me mentioned alongside some highly influential bloggers? Gosh, I feel so honored!
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