We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yatta Rose a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yatta , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally when I witnessed the profound impact my storytelling had on people’s lives. As I began to write and share my stories, I received heartfelt messages and inboxes from readers who expressed how my narratives had saved them, helped them heal, and provided them with much-needed inspiration. These interactions made me realize the incredible power of creativity to connect with and positively influence others. It was at that moment that I felt a deep calling to dedicate myself professionally to the creative arts, knowing that I could use my talents to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through the magic of storytelling.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an author from the city of Chicago who is passionate about the art of storytelling and its profound impact on people’s lives. My journey into the writing world began with a deep love for literature and a desire to share my thoughts and creativity.
I started writing at a young age, initially as a hobby and escape from reality, but as I honed my craft, I realized the potential to turn my passion into a profession. Over the years, I’ve delved into various genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and have explored different themes and narratives. My writing journey has been marked by a dedication to crafting stories that resonate with readers on a personal level.
I provide a range of creative works, including novels, short stories, and articles. I aim to transport readers to different worlds, challenge their perspectives, and evoke emotions that linger long after reading.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the problems I solve for my readers. Through my storytelling, I aim to offer escapism, provide insight, provoke thought, and sometimes offer solace. Many readers have shared how my words have helped them navigate challenges, find inspiration, or escape everyday stresses.
My commitment to authenticity and the depth of emotions I infuse into my work sets me apart. I strive to create characters and narratives that feel real and relatable. Moreover, I believe in the power of storytelling to address world topics and connect people from diverse backgrounds.
I am most proud of my connections with my readers and my stories’ impact on their lives. Knowing that my words have made a positive difference is incredibly fulfilling.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work reflects my passion and dedication to storytelling. Whether you’re looking for an immersive novel to lose yourself in or an exploration of the human experience, I’m here to provide stories that resonate with you on a deep level. I believe in the enduring power of stories to inspire, heal, and connect, and I’m excited to continue sharing my creative journey with you.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, is the opportunity to build a profound connection with readers and share my world through creative writing. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my words and stories can bridge the gap between my imagination and the reader’s experience.
What truly makes this journey rewarding is the ability to be relatable to touch upon universal themes, emotions, and experiences that resonate with a diverse audience. When readers can see themselves in my characters, and find relief, inspiration, or a fresh perspective within the pages of my work, it’s a remarkable feeling.
Ultimately, the greatest reward is the knowledge that I might be changing lives one page at a time through my creative endeavors. The ability to inspire, heal, and impact people in a positive way through the art of storytelling is a unique and profoundly gratifying privilege as an artist or creative.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
IT WAS EASY when I first started building my audience because I always hopped on the latest trends. I was getting over 50,000 likes and shares to getting 300 or less. The big drop happened because I wasn’t consistent in my engagement, and my audience reach was everywhere. One of my author friends told me that I should refrain from speaking on controversial topics while trying to build a solid audience. I learned the hard way when I spoke on touchy issues on social media, and many unfollowed me for that opinion or how I looked at the matter. You must be careful about what you say and how you say things when building a brand. Some things are better left unsaid or kept to yourself.
If I could give you 12 Key steps I wish I had learned, it would be…
1. Identify Your Target Audience: Before you start posting, you must understand your target audience. Consider the demographics, interests, and preferences of the people who are most likely to be interested in your content.
2. Choose the Right Platforms: Not all social media platforms are alike. Different platforms cater to different audiences and content types. Select the platforms that align with your content and where your target audience spends their time.
3. Create Valuable Content: Content is king on social media. Share valuable, informative, entertaining, or inspiring content to your audience. For an author, this might include excerpts from your books, writing tips, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes insights into your writing process.
4. Consistency is Key: Regular posting is essential to keep your audience engaged and attract new followers. Develop a content schedule and stick to it.
5. Engage with Your Audience: Respond promptly to comments, messages, and mentions. You can engage in conversations related to your content and build a community around your niche.
6. Use Visuals: Visual content performs well on social media. Include eye-catching images, videos, and graphics to accompany your text posts.
7. Hashtags and Keywords: Use relevant hashtags and keywords to increase your content’s discoverability. Research popular hashtags in your niche and incorporate them into your posts.
8. Collaborate and Network: Collaborate with other authors, influencers, or accounts in your niche. This can expose your content to a broader audience.
9. Promote Your Social Media: Share your social media profiles on your website, in your books, and in your email signature. You can encourage readers to follow you on social media.
10. Analyze and Adjust: Most social media platforms provide analytics tools. Use them to track the performance of your posts and audience engagement. Adjust your strategy based on what works best.
11. Be Authentic: Authenticity is valued on social media. Be yourself and share your personal story. Authenticity can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
12. Patience is Key: Building a significant social media presence takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see rapid growth. Focus on providing value and building genuine connections.
Remember that success on social media is not solely measured by the number of followers but by the quality of engagement and your impact on your audience. Building a loyal and engaged following takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent in your social media efforts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yattarosepresents.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/authoryattarose
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/authoryattarose
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/authoryyattarose