Kayla Hicks is a multi-genre indie author who is a prominent voice in the X/Twitter writing community. I appreciate how she uses the platform to encourage discussion about the writing business and share her own insights. I recently enrolled in her free, three-day email course for writers interested in using social media to build their audiences, and found great information in each lesson. I hope she offers it again!
Kayla is the author of 14 multi-genre novels covering the young adult, superhero fiction, and children’s categories. Her first, a YA dystopian novel titled Kale Stone: An Outliers Tale , was published in 2017, and her latest, The Day the Gnomes Moved In, came out a few months ago. So in addition to her activity on social media, she is a prolific writer as well. Kayla generously agreed to share more of her thoughts on writing in this week’s Friday Five.
1 – Why is a social media presence so important for a writer?
Writers need a presence online whether it be a website, a blog, or social media in order to reach their audience. Because this is the way the world works now. If you can provide a way for your audience to access your content at any time they are available, this is the best course of action to take.
In addition to this, a social media presence is the best way for writers to market their books, gather reviews, and connect with their audience.
2 – In what ways has social media helped you as a writer?
Without social media, I would have never met other indie authors like Ben McQueeny, Ross Young, Melissa Rogers, or countless others who helped me realize that I could publish for nearly nothing. In addition to this, without social media, I would have never helped gather any of the reviews for the books that I have today. Because it has helped me connect with not only readers but bloggers and book reviewers.
3 – How do you balance the time you spend promoting yourself on social media with the time you spend writing?
I try to separate my work time between writing, content planning, and marketing on social media. And this could look different in terms of the order I do them in day to day, but I try to hit these three areas each day. And by making time for all three of these areas each day, I ensure that I don’t let one slip.
4 – What writers have influenced you the most, and why?
Honestly, indie writers have influenced me the most because they are the most willing to share knowledge and tricks of the trade. Authors like Jon Ford, Sarah Eriksen, Ross Young, Peter James Martin, Melissa Rogers, Ben McQueeny, and so many more. They have helped me want to make my writing better and want to keep going as a writer.
In terms of bigger authors, I would say Colleen Hoover because she treats her fanbase wonderfully and is honest when people ask about publishing. She started self-publishing before getting picked up in traditional publishing. And I aspire to be like her.
5 – What advice would you give to someone who is just getting started as a writer?
Some things that every writer starting out should know are:
- It takes 3 to 5 books to grow a fanbase, so keep going.
- You are going to make mistakes and this is okay, just make sure to learn from them.
- Both routes to publishing are wonderful options, just don’t rush into it (as much as you want that book published).
- Build your author’s platform before you publish your first book (have a website, establish some social media presence, and make a plan to publish).
Follow Kayla Hicks on X/Twitter at @khicks912. You can also subscribe to her weekly newsletter.
Andy writes! 