» Chantelle Atkins

The Benefits of Collaborative Writing

I’ve been writing my whole life and publishing since 2013 and in all that time it never occurred to me that I would enjoy collaborating with another writer on a project. I’m quite a control freak when it comes to my own writing. I have my own style, my preferred genres and also my own…

Issue Four Hundred Nineteen

How to Know If You Are Really a Writer

They say that everyone has at least one good book in them. Does that make you a writer? Or is it more than that? Is it something you decide to be, something you learn to be, or something you have always been whether you liked it or not? The following statements are what I believe…

I’m Not Playing On My Phone… I’m Selling Books!

As a mother and a writer, I often feel guilty when I am working because it means time away from the family. However, I decided long ago that I needed and deserved time to write and I guard it fiercely, whilst making sure it does not intrude on family life too much. In recent years…

Issue Three Hundred Twenty Seven Special Feature

The Benefits of Embracing Multiple Forms of Writing

I’ve loved writing since I was a child, but I suppose I didn’t consider myself a ‘real’ writer until I finally published my first novel in 2013. If you’d asked me back then, what else I wrote, I would have said nothing. In my mind, I was a novel writer and nothing more. In fact,…

Issue Three Hundred Fourteen Special Feature

How To Encourage Young Writers

When I was a child my fondness for writing was often met with smiles and praise, but rarely with helpful or genuine encouragement. In fact, when I announced that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, most people tried to talk me out of it. There’s no money in it, they would…

Issue Three Hundred Nine Special Feature

The Current State of Self Publishing

When self-publishing first exploded around 2010/11, many authors viewed it as an exciting opportunity to sell books without the need for an agent or publisher. There was, however, a degree of snobbery directed at those who chose to self-publish. An assumption that their work was lacking because it had not been accepted by traditional publishers….

Issue Two Hundred Twelve Special Feature

7 Reasons Book Reviews Are Key to Self Publishing Success

Recently, I’ve started contacting professional book bloggers and reviewers who might be interested in reading my books. This is a fairly new tactic for me. There are people out there, who love reading books so much, they set up blogs and invite authors to send them books to read and review. And there are millions…

Issue Two Hundred Six Special Feature

The Reality of Being Unliked (and what you can do about it)

For the author of today, building a loyal following is everything. This applies equally to independent and traditionally published authors, as these days even traditionally published writers are required to do a lot of their platform building themselves. This may include building an email list, blogging regularly, and running various social media pages to increase…

Issue Two Hundred One Special Feature

How To Cope With Feeling Unsupported as a Writer

When I released my first novel in 2013, through an independent publishing platform, I naively expected my family and friends to buy it in droves, share it with all of their friends and loved ones, write reviews, and encourage others to do the same. I soon realized how mistaken I was, and got on with…

Issue One Hundred Seventy Six Special Feature

8 Reasons Why Writing Is The Best Thing Ever

Writing is a tough business at times. It is hard work, financially crippling, and a path filled with self-doubt. Writers often complain of low incomes, and lack of support. Not to mention non-existent critical acclaim. All these things are true, of course, but let’s also not forget how much fun writing is. Putting the negatives…

Issue Two Hundred Thirty Eight Special Feature

Building An Author Platform

Building an author platform is something all authors should be concerned with. It is important for both independently and traditionally published authors. In my opinion, it should not even matter if you have not finished your book yet. You can, and should, start building that platform now. But what exactly is an author platform, why should you…

Issue One Hundred Forty Two Special Feature

What to Look for in a Writing Group

There is no doubt that writing can be a lonely business. Yes, you have the Internet, and the entire world potentially available at your fingertips. However, as important and useful as these online connections and friends are, nothing quite beats meeting other writers in person. It’s not just about building friendships, although that is lovely…

Issue One Hundred Thirty Three Special Feature

3 Promotional Tools I’m Not Ignoring Anymore

When I first dived into the world of independent publishing, I was extremely naive about the amount of time, effort, and money needed to successfully promote my books. I started slowly, and have only recently started to pick up my pace. This is all thanks to the advice, support and shared content of other authors….

Issue One Hundred Twenty Seven Special Feature

Do’s and Dont’s For A Successful Facebook Author Page

Famous Authors On Rejection Not everyone enjoys Facebook, but it does have the potential to be a very useful tool when it comes to building your author platform. Facebook is huge and many different types of businesses use it to reach and sell to customers. As an author, you are trying to promote and sell your…

Issue One Hundred Twenty Six Special Feature

Wattpad: A Source of Support for Young Writers

I joined Wattpad two years ago. When my first novel was recently released, I was looking for more ways to promote it and get my name out there. I knew nothing about Wattpad until I read an article by a young adult author who credited this site with an increase in her following. It made…

Issue One Hundred Thirteen Self Publishing Special Feature

Articles by Chantelle Atkins