Everyone of us has a story to tell.
Everyone has a unique story, and some of us want to put those stories to paper. For some writing a memoir is a healing process, for others it’s a joy to share their ‘life’s lessons’ with the world. Whether you’re writing a fantasy novel or any other work of fiction it is great to be able to create ‘your own world’ in which anything is possible. For me this in itself gives tremendous joy.
As you know, my stories are inspired by my own experiences in life, but aren’t completely autobiographical. Through my writing I convey my optimistic world view and I hope this positive vibe will spread like a ripple, encouraging readers to renew their love and faith in humanity. As an author I don’t expect the whole world to read my books. I just wish that the stories will reach people who can relate to what I have to tell. I want to touch the souls op those who’ve had similar experiences to my own.
Have you written a novel or a memoir? Tell me what was your urge for putting those words on paper? Want to know more about mine? Read this previous blog.
A writer is a storyteller and wants to get their story out in the world. However, most writers dislike ‘self promotion’ and are therefore terrible in the role of a salesperson. Though as an author -especially as a self-published one- you need to be able to market your book. The million dollar question of course is ‘what’s the most efficient way to promote and market your book’, while still feeling comfortable and at ease during the whole process.
How do I reach my target audience?
I don’t have an answer to this question. I didn’t have it back in 2022, and I still don’t have it now in 2025. What I do know though is that when I connect with people, when I have genuine conversations (however brief they may be), people are interested and want to read my book. Sometimes, only sometimes 😉 , pictures say so much more than words 👇
Pictures clockwise: Connecting with an international mom at school ; interacting with a new colleague at work ; selling a copy of CCC at a conference ; making a new friend at a Holi get-together, connecting with a stranger on the train both of us travelling back home after a long flight, and finally meeting another cultural chameleon when she visited my home town in real life when, with Wiebke I connected online through May on the Move.
For me I guess this whole authorship process is all about connecting with others. Forming authentic connections, and reaching out to readers who are able to relate to the topics I write about:
- cross-cultural identity
- where is ‘home’
- quitting corporate stress
- pursuing happiness and sharing it with others
- our shared humanity.
👇This review left on my author page, back in 2022, a few months after I had interacted with a young woman on the flight to India is a wonderful illustration of what I mean. This young brave woman was finally embarking on a journey in search of her true colours, despite what others had to say. We chatted and midway the flight I decided to gift her my book Colours of a Cultural Chameleon as I thought it would resonate with her. There is so much to be read in between the lines of the post she wrote👇. I hope one day we will meet again and that I can hear her story as it continued from that day onward.
So, what are my plans to keep on promoting my book?
Well, more in person events. Like the one held a few weeks ago in a lovely book shop in a neighbouring town. When I interact with people, when they hear my stories, that is when they want to read what I write 🙂
Shakti Hannie 