Dear Friends, Can you believe it is May already? This is going to be a jam-packed month with school ending, graduation, open-houses, and so much more going on!

In my first blog, I started talking about my journey to becoming an author. So, let me continue telling you about my “full-time, part-time job.” LOL! I Love it!

Networking is invaluable! Through following other authors on Instagram, I have had several cool opportunities to be a guest pod-cast speaker and guest blogger. These opportunities introduce me and my books to new people which may lead to not only more book sales, but to even more opportunities. Remember my vision is to get my sweet books that teach the love of Jesus in the hands of as many families as possible.

Networking has led to helping me build my platform. Platform includes creating a newsletter. My newsletter is Monthly Sunshine by Ellen and friends receive it through email. A sign up for my newsletter is on the Home Page of this website near the bottom. Publishers and agents want to see an email list of at least 500 addresses. I have 180 so far, which isn’t terrible since I just started in the fall. Platform also includes writing a blog, (so here we are…), creating pod-casts, video shorts, and anything online that gives the author an audience. It is really for the purpose of engaging with our readers/audience. My audience includes young children, parents, grandparents, teachers, church staff, children’s pastors, etc…

Future blogs will include companion activities, crafts, songs, snacks, and more, that families can do together after reading my books.

Finally, a bit about marketing. The App called Canva is my best friend. There are others out there, but I like Canva. I have purchased the Canva Pro only because I use it almost everyday. I create my own promo posts, ads for my books, and I even submit my ads to the online magazine Anchored by the Southern Christian Writers Conference. I try to keep my books fresh in people’s minds. I never know when someone might need a birthday, Christmas, Easter, baby shower, or other occasion gift for a child. Canva has also helped me to build my brand. Branding includes the colors, fonts, and imaging I use so people recognize my books right away. Recognition and standing out are all part of marketing.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good….” (Psalm 106:1)

My favorite thing in the world is to read to children. I am available all summer to come and read at your preschool, church children’s ministries, homeschool groups and VBS groups. Just pop me an email at [email protected] and I’ll be there!

Thanks for hanging out with me today! Remember spread kindness wherever you go and keep writing! Love, Ellen