Charlotte/ C.K. Volnek - Author - Story Teller
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Building a Promotional Platform – the Personal Side

6/7/2011

10 Comments

 
Picture
For many months now I’ve been working on building my platform to market my brand and promote my books. Through my many friends at MIU Publishing and so many others I’ve met on-line, I’ve been encouraged to branch out, to reach beyond my comfort zone and put myself out there, exposing myself in more ways than I thought possible…no, not THAT way…grin…shame on you for thinking that. Ha.

But building a platform wasn’t exactly easy for me. I’m usually the one in the shadows, an insecure introvert. I had always been happy to focus on the little world revolving around me…my husband, my children, my job. That was enough, wasn’t it? It was hard to step beyond that. Would the rest of the world accept me? Was I worthy of having such outstanding authors and people befriending me?

Little by little, the light of platform crept into my world. I forced myself out to ‘chat’. I imposed myself to be part of the group…and I found I liked it! I found most people to be kind and gracious and supportive; like I want to be. And as I stepped beyond my comfort zone, I realized ~ the world doesn’t revolve around me! I must revolve around the world. If I don’t make a move, the world will keep spinning and pass by me. If I want something I must take that first step; to be the one to make the first gesture.

It was an ‘aha’ moment for me; not just in building my writer’s platform, but in my personal life as well. With this fact emblazoned in my mind I reached out, first to those closest to me, trying to create more solid relationships, trying to be a stronger person and friend. It wasn't about what others could do for me, it was about what I could do for others.

The hunger grew and I reached even farther. You see, I had a very special older brother who drowned when I was eighteen. He had two of the most darling daughters by his first wife and for some reason over the years we’d lost contact with them. In my small introverted cocoon, I’d been too blind to notice. I had not seen them for 20 years. I did not know how or why we lost touch. I only knew I missed them. With my new mindset I took a chance and mailed a note to their mother, apologizing for my many years of absence and asking her if I could get in touch with the (now adult) girls. I mailed the letter on Tuesday. On Thursday, I had a facebook friend request from one and by Monday I had talked with both of them on the phone. I could barely contain my happiness as we proceeded to share pictures and information of the missing times of our lives. Within a few weeks I was in for an even greater joy, the girls planned a visit to my house, their families in tow. What a fabulous reunion! Many tears were shared, hugs were abundant and talk was never-ending. All because I finally grew up, realized the world didn’t revolve around me and reached out with hope that someone would reach back. If I hadn’t jumped into life and made this move, life might have passed me by and I would have missed out on the joy these two girls and their families bring me.

So, thank you to all my family, friends and acquaintances. Life is truly what you make of it, and I hope to only make it better by building my writing and personal platforms each and every day. May you all do the same.
God Bless
C.K. Volnek

10 Comments
roseanne dowell link
6/7/2011 01:33:26 pm

What a wonderful story. Congratulations on reaching out.

Reply
C.K. Volnek
6/7/2011 01:38:44 pm

Thanks for stopping by Rosanne. I feel so blest to have such a wonderful family...and that includes my writing family! I'm glad you're in my life. Thanks for all your support.
C.K. Volnek

Reply
Shawna link
6/7/2011 01:48:30 pm

A great ending. To a not uncommon issue for writers. After all, most of us have to get quiet to hear all those voices in our heads clearly. ;)
The 'thing' that helped me begin to push beyond my comfort zone, Way beyond, was to remember how I felt going and doing all these new things that every writer must do, and then think about the other people I saw doing it as well. When I began to think about the others feelings and reach out as I wished, or has someone sometimes reach out to me, it did make it easier. A bit. anyway. ;) Gets a bit easier as you go and do it. And Just keep at it!

Reply
C.K. Volnek
6/7/2011 02:04:07 pm

Thanks so kindly for the kind words Shawna. It's nice to know I wasn't the only who felt so overwhelmed when I started. You're right, it does get easier...I just have to keep reminding myself of that some days. ;-) Thanks again for stopping by.

Reply
Shawna link
6/7/2011 02:16:25 pm

It's rather like writing - there always seems to be 'those' days! ;}
But obviously you didn't give up on writing. ;)
And since I don't intend to either, it's learning from our mistakes, and learning what works for us, and what doesn't, and just keep on keeping on - hmmm, again, not unlike writing, huh. ;)

Reply
Daniel de Culla
6/7/2011 03:50:11 pm

Lovely¡ You're Yes. I adore You and Yr Verb.Yr witings are Brilliant, and I enjoy Yrs so much.
Kisses and Blessed Be¡

Reply
Ros Gemmell link
6/7/2011 06:11:33 pm

That is such a beautiful post, Charlie - I actually have tears in my eyes reading it (I'm a bit of a softie). So glad you reconnected with your family.

Reply
Susan
6/7/2011 10:05:59 pm

Beautiful post, Charlie. I understand the platform thing, throwing yourself out there, stretching beyond your comfort zone - I get it...but even more beautiful is the reaching out to lost family. Touching. Thank you for sharing your life.

Reply
C.K. Volnek
6/7/2011 11:56:46 pm

Shawna, you're so right...platform is just like writing, have to keep on keeping on.

Daniel, thanks so much for stopping by and your sweet comment.

Ros and Susan, thanks for the support. I do so appreciate my new writing family. Just like my close family, they help the world so much brighter! thanks for being you and all you do!

Reply
lovellyjoy link
10/28/2013 01:52:46 am

Great site, was just reading and doing some work when I found this page

Reply



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    Ghost Dog of  Roanoke Island
    - a tween ghost story with a twist of Native American Folklore and based on the real life mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island.

    Available in Print and E-book
    Picture
    View the Book Trailer for Ghost Dog of Roanoke Island
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbJEF9TjZzo

    A Horse Called Trouble
    A troubled teen must overcome her abused past to save the defiant horse who taught her to love and trust again.
    Available in  Print and e-book
    Picture
    View the book trailer for 
    A Horse Called Trouble

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    Hi. I'm C.K. Volnek, Author and Story teller. I love books and photography, dogs and horses, hiking and tulips, kids, pasta, sunsets and of course…writing. Please come back often and share your passion in writing.. 

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