We recently connected with Tasha Hutchison and have shared our conversation below.
Tasha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
As an author in 2024, it requires a combination of adaptability and authenticity. The literary world is highly dynamic with digital 4platforms, social media, and self-publishing playing major roles in how stories are shared and consumed. We authors need to be versatile in our writing and marketing strategies. It is forever revolving.
Success as an author also hinges on creating high-quality works and an understanding of your audience. By focusing on what genuinely inspires you, authors can create stories that are original and impactful. This will help you stand out in a crowded market and build a legacy.
Tasha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey to becoming a published writer with a traditional publishing contract was a blend of perseverance, extensive research, and a steep learning curve. For months, I immersed myself in understanding the intricacies of the publishing world. I read articles, books, and forums to absorb every piece of advice I could find on how to write query letters, synopsis, and submission guidelines. I familiarized myself with the expectations of publishers. The waiting period after submissions was extremely challenging. Some publishers require exclusivity. So, that means you can’t submit to other publishers while submitting to them and waiting for their response, and who knows how long that could take. But I eventually received an offer for a traditional publishing contract, and the rest is history!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
After receiving a rejection letter from a publisher, I was advised to consider submitting my work as women’s fiction rather than romance. This feedback highlighted that my stories were more centered on the journey of self-discovery than on romantic relationships. I embraced this insight and pivoted my focus. This shift allowed me to delve deeper into my characters’ personal growth and life challenges, enriching my storytelling and aligning my work with a genre that better suited my narrative style.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building an audience on social media has been a journey of giving before getting. I learned that transparency and authenticity are key to connecting with people. I share behind-the-scenes content, and offer a glimpse into my day-to-day life and the process behind my work. This helps my audience feel a personal connection to me. I do my best to be engaging on their pages and share their posts. It has been a process, but I am slowly creating a genuine and engaged audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tashahutchison.wixsite.com/writer
- Instagram: AuthorTashaHutchison
- Facebook: Author Tasha Hutchison
- Linkedin: Author Tasha Hutchison
- Twitter: AuthorTHutch