As writers, we are often told that we need to begin to build an audience well before we have a finished product to promote. But, how do you do this, and what can you possibly talk about that will be of interest? In this 3-part series, JRW’s Director of Programs & Communications, Brynn Markham, will help you build a content calendar (sometimes called an editorial calendar or a publishing schedule) in order to have a consistent presence online with the goal of growing and maintaining an audience that will have genuine interest in your work when it’s ready to go out into the world. Brynn will cover what, exactly, a content calendar is; which online platforms (social media, blogs, etc.) may be the best fit for your work; where and how to mine for relevant content; what tools you can use to stay organized and on task; and more. You’ll leave this series with actionable items to get started and fully form your own content calendar.
When you register for this series, you will have the option of filling out a questionnaire about your own work, and Brynn will choose one registrant’s information to begin to form a content calendar that will be shared live during the final class.
Each class in this series includes: a one-hour online workshop, access to the recording, the powerpoint used during the class, and additional resources.
_____
FEBRUARY 6 | Part 1: The Essentials
Brynn will walk you through:
-Choosing the Right Platform(s) for You
-Tools to Build Your Calendar
-Structuring Your Content Calendar
_____
FEBRUARY 13 | Part 2: Finding Your Focus
Brynn will walk you through:
-Identifying relevant themes in your work
-Identifying Potential Audiences
-Using AI
_____
FEBRUARY 20 | Part 3: Putting It All Together
Brynn will walk you through:
-A Sample Calendar (built from one of our registrants!)
-Q&A
_____
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Brynn Markham is passionate about connecting people and organizations in ways that strengthen communities and amplify the strengths and talents of everyone involved. Prior to joining James River Writers as Director of Programs and Communications, she spearheaded nationally recognized and award-winning marketing campaigns and events in her communications and outreach role at VPM, Richmond’s PBS and NPR affiliate. Projects she’s especially proud of include: The James River Writers Annual Conference; The Great American Read; Ken Burns’ The Vietnam War; Great Performances’ Hamilton’s America; PBS KIDS Summer Challenge; and the nation’s largest screening events for series premieres of Downton Abbey two years in a row. Currently, she loves working with writers to help connect them to resources and people to help them reach their goals.
Nuts & Bolts | Essentials in the Craft & Business of Writing