Author Buzz

Where Authors & Readers find each other

Matthew Brown

About Matthew Brown

Matthew is a writer and geek from Kent (UK). He is the founder and current chair of Thanet Creative as well as head geek for Author Buzz. His ambitions include appearing in some future incarnation of TableTop with Wil Wheaton and seeing a film or TV series based on something he wrote. Matt is also responsible for fixing stuff here when it breaks.

bionic hand and human hand finger pointing — Recently I grilled ChatGPT about what it would take to be a full-time author and writer in the UK. A lot of what the AI said was common sense. It sounded right although you should probably do your own homework as ChatGPT is very good at being confidently wrong. My […]

Everything you need to know about being a UK author ...

8th May 2023 in Advice tagged Author Platform / blogging / ChatGPT / demographics / guide / hard work / ideas / networking / questions / readers / sell more books / social media / success / technology by Matthew Brown

As you work to expand your platform consider hosting a book club or reading group. This allows you to not only make friends with like-minded people but foster deep relationships with potential readers. Hosting a reading group is a reliable way to connect with readers and promote your book to […]

Author’s platform tip: Book clubs and reading groups

29th April 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged beta readers / book club / reading group by Matthew Brown

Speaking at local events, such as book clubs, libraries, or literary festivals, is a great way to connect with readers and promote your work. Local event organisers often need speakers to fill out their programs. A volunteer speaker (you) might be exactly what they are looking for. How to find […]

Platform building: If you can, speak at local events

1st April 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged events / public speaker / sell more books / speaker kit / speaking by Matthew Brown

business card VIP — Do not overlook the benefits of attending writing conferences and events. Writing conferences and events are great opportunities to network with other writers, learn from industry experts, and promote your work. When you go, make sure you come prepared with business cards, bookmarks, or other promotional materials. Business cards are […]

Platform Building: Attend writing conferences and events

18th March 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged business cards / conferences / events by Matthew Brown

One way to generate engagement on social media is to ask interesting and fun questions. They do not have to be serious questions but they do have to be enjoyable to engage with. For example, a fantasy fiction writer might ask, “if you were transported to the shire on a […]

Platform building: Ask fun questions

4th March 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged fun / questions by Matthew Brown

colorful abstract wallpaper — One way to increase blog engagement is to make it more visual. Simply adding some related imagery can make a blog post seem more inviting. You can go further of course. How about taking your camera out to take photographs of things that could act as places, ideas, or moods […]

Platform Building with Blogs: Use visual flair

25th February 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / blogging / food / galleries / images / mood boards / photograph by Matthew Brown

close up of beer bottles on wood — One powerful way to increase engagement on social media is to pose open-ended questions. Such questions can often start a conversation (or even an argument). This will make your social media account seem more lively and evidently engaging. Try it out and let me know how you get on.

Platform Building Tip: Ask questions on social media

18th February 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / questions / social media by Matthew Brown

assorted color umbrellas — One excellent way to increase engagement is to offer engagement. This week, think about taking part in things like Follow Friday. Tweets/toots shouting out special or interesting follows is good for both you and the people you shout out. After all, I’m pretty sure that when people offer you attention […]

Platform Building: Tweeting/Tooting nice

11th February 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / MuseMonday / social media / ThrillerThursday / Twitter by Matthew Brown

Thomas Leeds (author) — The BBC published a story about children’s author Thomas Leeds. As a teenager, Thomas Leeds was hit by a car and lost his entire memory. Twenty years on, having learned to read and write again, his children’s adventure book has been published to much hype and a 10-way fight for […]

Thomas Leeds: The author who lost his memory and had ...

6th February 2023 in Authors tagged BBC / memory / Thomas Leeds by Matthew Brown

man in gray sweater talking to audience — While many of us writers like to stay home with a good book, we need to get out there and be seen. Public speaking opportunities allow you to reach new readers, gain new followers, and impress agents. Every time you get to speak at an event, book club, or anywhere […]

Platform building tip: Become a public speaker

4th February 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / public speaking by Matthew Brown

crop concentrated ethnic businesswoman with smartphone — One important part of your platform is building your email list. It might not be fun and I might not like lists, but they matter. One way only you can build your list is to offer something only your can offer. This free gift for signing up could be a […]

Platform Building: Free gifts for lists

28th January 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / email list / free by Matthew Brown