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Marketing Podcast TTT Sally Cronin Season 3 Storytelling Writing

Season 3 Episode 27: Sally Cronin on Writing, Marketing and Telling Your Story

Sally Cronin
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you for listening in!

I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. 

I am delighted and thrilled that my blogger friend and writer, Sally Cronin and I are connecting Ireland and Canada, a distance of over 7,000 kilometers.  What would take 10 hours flight time has taken 10 seconds in the magic of WIFI time.

Sally is a storyteller.  As a child, she used poetry, song lyrics and short stories to bring narratives to life.  She is an indie author and proud to be one. Her greatest pleasure comes from those readers who enjoy her take on health, characters, and twisted endings… and of course come back for more.  Sally’s support and encouragement of the indie community is legendary.   Today, we will be exploring writing, marketing, and telling your story.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you for joining Sally and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.

And a special thank you, Sally, for sharing your insights and philosophy of writing, marketing and telling your story.  You have inspired me, and I know that you have inspired readers and listeners to embrace a creative journey.

I invite you to meet up with Sally on her blog Smorgasbord Blog Magazine,  which was created to be a watering hole that provides a wide number of topics to chat about. You can reach Sally at  sally.cronin@moyhill.com. It is a place that welcomes lively conversations and fresh perspectives.

Until next time, dear friends, keep safe and be well.

Sally Cronin on Writing, Marketing and Telling Your Story – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

By Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

128 replies on “Season 3 Episode 27: Sally Cronin on Writing, Marketing and Telling Your Story”

We had a wonderful time, Sally. Don and I enjoyed every minute of our conversation and we are looking forward to your return. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I am grateful to the indie community that supports and encourages – and I am grateful for writers who bring us stories. It is wonderful to connect with kindred spirits. Many hugs!

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I love love love this episode. Saly is such a great writer and supporter of the writing community. I have been following her since before we moved to Spain. It was so wonderful to hear her speak. I agree about the power of photographs as I get many of my ideas from my collection.

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I knew you would love this discussion, Darlene. I had so much fun talking with Sally about storytelling and marketing books. Writers must wear many hats – writer, artist, marketer, social media expert and more. Indie writers continue to amaze me by their ingenuity and dedication to their calling.

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It is lovely to see Sally here. She is very knowledgeable and talented ( I have confess to being a bit partisan here, because she is also a friend. Plus she acted as a mentor to me, for which I am forever grateful. Talk about amazing encouragement to fellow writers- the woman is a certified gold star!) A wise old owl indeed – at which I hear Sally vehmently protest … Hey you! less of the old!
It was incredible to hear Sally’s voice as our friendship was entirely via email. She is a great speaker and a born storyteller.
The conversation was a marriage made in heaven. I could literally feel the electric sparks arching their way across the hemisphere. A meeting between two strong, individual, but in many ways similar, voices. I hope there are follow up conversations as I suspect the two of you have only started to scrape the surface of all possible adventures.

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Thank you, Paul, for listening in and for being the one who introduced me to Sally’s blog. What is wonderful about communities is that our circle of friendship widens the more we reach other to connect with kindred spirits. I agree that Sally’s encouragement and mentorship ignites possibilities. She has promised to come back, Paul. And I am also looking forward to your return to TTT. Sending many hugs.

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Terrific conversation, Rebecca and Sally!

Great, Sally, that you traveled to, and lived in, many different countries. I can see how that would strongly impact your books.

Also impressive is your wise book-marketing advice for authors (including introverted ones) and the way you help aspiring authors so much.

Last but not least, interesting mention of memoirs by not-famous people who have lived fascinating lives.

An extraordinarily valuable nineteen minutes of podcast wonderfulness!

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Thank you so much for listening in and for comments, Dave. I agree wholeheartedly about memoirs and extraordinary lives. I was inspired by Sally’s enthusiasm, her willingness to share information. Her statement that curtesy was essential, that people chose authors before books, resonated with me as did her commitment to embracing new challenges. As Misty reminds us – the adventures continue, Dave!

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Thank you for the wonderful interview. In the past, I was always afraid, of not understanding a single word, while listening to English-language recordings. It all depends on who is speaking, of course, and this interview is fantastic in that regard too. Thank you! 🙂 xx

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It’s terrific to hear Sally’s enthusiastic voice through this podcast. I’ve followed Sally for quite some years. It surprised me to realize that Sally promotes indie books for free. I got more promotion and attention from Sally’s promotion than other book clubs with paid membership. I’m especially impressed that she keeps up and posts updates on all the authors’ recent reviews. As soon as she realized that I was going to publish a children’s book, she made sure to welcome me to her Children’s Reading Room. She helps me to keep up with authors whom I’ve known for a while and meet some new authors.

Thank you, Rebecca, for this podcast. The podcasting brings me one step closer to these author friends by hearing their voices. ❤

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I am delighted you listened in, Miriam. Sally is a force for positive energy! I am hoping that more writers will read their stories and share their insights. WordPress and Anchor have made it possible for writers to give voice to their stories. It is exciting to think of the possibilities that will come to writers through technology. I am excited to follow Sally’s next steps.

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I am delighted that you listened in, Colleen. Sally’s voice has a marvelous authenticity that ignites possibilities. “Yes!! Let’s do it! Let’s go for it! When in doubt, dive in. It will be so much fun!”

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Thank you so much for listening in, Carol. I agree – Sally has a marvelous way of building a compassionate community. In fact, Sally introduced me to your delicious blog!

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I am thrilled that Sally joined me on TTT to share her insights on storytelling and how to market books. I especially appreciated when Sally said that, even in the midst of so many new books being published, writers could market their books successfully. That is a powerful message to hear. Thank you for sharing this podcast conversation on your social media venues, Debby! Very much appreciated.

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Thank you so much for listening in Audrey. You have brought up a point that I have been thinking about for several years – audio and the use of voice to convey information and emotional nuance. Podcasts have increased exponentially over the past 5 years because “radio” technology is now available to individuals. WordPress and Anchor have come together to offer bloggers the ability to transfer their posts into podcasts. Voices, as with cursive handwriting, add – as you said so eloquently – extra dimensions. As my 90-year-old mother, Frances, said to me the other day via Zoom – I remember our first phone and now I am on Zoom. Who knew?!

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I’ve only been blogging for about two years, Rebecca, but I can confidently say that Sally is the real deal. She goes the extra mile for her fellow indie authors. I describe her as a true ambassador for her fellow writers.

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I am delighted that you listened in Pete! I agree wholeheartedly that Sally goes the extra mile for her writing community. She inspires us to challenge ourselves, to leap (not just step) out of our comfort zone. I am looking forward to her next steps and a return to TTT. She is a force for positive growth.

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It is fabulous to see Sally featured here, Rebecca. I have never heard her voice before and she sounds just like I imagined she would. Sally is the blogger who inspired me and I have tried to model my own blogging journey around hers as much as I am able too. It is exciting she is going to start a YT channel. I’ve neglected mine for the past few weeks, it is harder to hide your feelings and thoughts on camera than through messages, but hopefully this weekend, I will be inspired again.

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I have been enjoying following your blog for several months, Robbie. I immediately recognized your commitment to the writing community. Your book reviews are outstanding and I look forward to your shares of poetry, short stories, books and more on your blogs and Facebook pages. I love your YT channel. I know you will get, as Sally says on the podcast, your mojo back. Did you know that I first was introduced to you through Sally’s Smorgasbord Magazine. You and your Dad continue to be present in my thoughts and prayers.

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Thank you so much for listening in, Toni, and for your heartwarming comments.. Sally’s positive focus and viable marketing strategies offer fresh perspectives to featuring books.

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What a great interview! I loved hearing Sally’s voice and enthusiasm 🙂 I’m grateful for all she does for our community and took away some new knowledge today that will help along the writing journey. xoox

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I am thrilled that you listened in and joined the conversation. Very much appreciated. I have been following Sally’s Smorgasbord Magazine for several months and was inspired by the amount of time and effort that went to each post. She was strategic in how she introduced new authors and poets. I was not surprised when she said she spent time reviewing Amazon and Goodreads profiles. She is experienced, knowledgeable and a great communicator.

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Thank you to the two of you for this valuable and instructive conversation. I appreciated the fact that the author has travelled widely from early youth and throughout her life. This gives a wide experience from which she can give instruction and encouragement to a wide range of readers and writers. I will be referring to this rich place to find information, instruction and encouragement. I found it interesting that a writer of such wide experience would be interested enough to help those of us with little experience! !

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Thank you, Frances, for listening in. I knew you would enjoy this conversation. Sally’s commitment to the writing community is legendary. She shares her ideas, promotes writers and poets and offers support and encouragement. Writing is a solitary endeavour so when it comes time to feature your book, it is life-affirming to belong to a community that works for the betterment of all. Many hugs!

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Thanks very much Frances and I was lucky enough in my career to have mentors who helped achieve my goals and ambitions. I don’t believe that anyone in any work should have to start from scratch and reinvent the wheel, when so many have the experience to share. When I wrote my first book twenty years ago is was a very different publishing environment and we are so lucky today with the technology to share our work around the world to a vast audience..there are a few shortcuts to doing that and if I can help in anyway let me know.

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Rebecca! Thank you for having Sally as a guest (quest) on TT&T!
Sally, you are a marvel! So much of what you have said rings my home’s bell.
First, Amazon… I have been boycotting amazon for 5-6 years now. Yes, you use them, but you are still independent.
Right on! I still won’t buy anything on their platform, but you are, in my mind, with some dignity.
Yes, the work authors must put in! Yes, the connecting! Yes the ageism! Yes, the blurb! Yes on and on!
Your plans for your future are scintillating!
I’ve recently joined Kobo, because I want to read Teagan’s serial, Dead of Winter.
Amazon is not the only card in the deck.
Let’s shuffle!
Thank you both of you! This is a most invigorating podcast.

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Resa – you always make my day with your comments, fresh perspectives and scintillating conversation. Advances in technology will continue to usher in opportunities that will allow writers to structure their marketing plans to respond to their unique requirements. You mentioned to me before that marketing requires a strategic mindset, which is reflected in Sally’s conversation. I enjoyed meeting up with Sally and look forward to our next conversation. By the way, Kobo is great! Shuffling! Hugs and more hugs!

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Thank you very much Resa.. and I agree Amazon has such a monopoly now on ebooks and to a degree print books. As an author living in Ireland I cannot even buy my own print books, published by Amazon on the UK site which is our main buying site. I have to go to Germany to buy them! However, I have had kobo from the start and I also have a free kindle reader on my PC called calibre. As an author I also produce all my ebooks in Epub for Kobo and other devices so they can be sold through other online retailers. Amazon is definitely not the only card in the deck and agree let’s shuffle…xx

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Liz – your comments are always so heartwarming. Thank you for listening in and for being an amazing support in our blogging community. I knew you would enjoy this conversation!!!

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You are not the only one LIz, and reading down the comments is it touching to see just how many of us Sally has touched with her generous spirit and unselfish sharing of both her platform and knowledge. Sally always has a special place in my heart.
When someone has a gift, that flame burns so bright as to light up everything around (and don’t get big headed but I equally think that applies to both you and Rebecca). Sally is not only a great communicator but a dexterous writer who can turn an emotion on a sixpence – leaving you smiling or misting up in concurrent paragraphs-, can produce an apposite phrase that quite simply captures the reader’s breath and has an impish sense of humour which permeates all her work. If you have not read it, I recommend Just An Odd Job Girl, Imogen wins your heart from page 1. There is such tenderness, balls and humour. It is beautifully written.

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Paul – I just downloaded “Just An Odd Job Girl, Imogen” and read it aloud to Don as I was having my morning coffee. You are so right – Imogen wins your heart from page 1. I can imagine Sally’s voice reading the words nuanced with humour.

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Thanks very much for you glowing testimonial Paul..and your boost for Just An Odd Job Girl, a story for personal reasons close to my heart. One of the things that has become clear to me over the last 18 months is that you need to keep moving forward and that age is no barrier to expanding into new areas. I love what I do and this last ten years have been amazing.. I want to build on that and to a degree my writing will be impacted by that decision and time to write the next blockbuster novel is going to be hard to find. I really enjoy writing poetry, short stories and linked stories and I love it that they are enjoyed. The next year certainly will be focusing on the audio and finding new ways to promote and support you guys out there writing such amazing and creative novels and series. hugsx

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I loved this! Amazing to hear Sally’s voice for the first time. And though I knew much of her history and have read her thoughts for years, it was completely different to hear her share her personal story and her thoughts verbally. Her energy and enthusiasm comes through so beautifully. I’m excited about her new collections in the works.

Sally’s marketing knowledge and strategies continue to amaze me. She’s incredibly creative and innovative. I can’t wait to see how she expands into new areas. I’ve learned from her over the years and continue to do so. This was a wonderful interview for new writers and those of us that have been around for a while.

And finally, I’m so honored that Sally mentioned my books. My husband heard that from the kitchen and made me play it again. Lol. Just another example of how kind and generous Sally is in supporting authors. Thanks Sally and Rebecca for a wonderful listen.

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I am delighted that you listened in, Diana. But even more delighted that you suggested that I contact Sally to be a guest on TTT. I share your anticipation of on Sally’s next adventures as she expands into new areas. What I appreciated most about Sally’s message was that we need to “pick ourselves” rather than hope someone else picks us to feature and market. This message is important for all of us – we need to showcase our creativity, be proud of our accomplishments. This does not mean that we are egotistical. Simply that we are celebrating our stories.

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That’s a wonderful way to put it, Rebecca… “celebrating our stories.” I remember struggling with self-promotion of my books, and then someone said to me, “We all have to do it. It’s expected. It’s okay.” I never forgot that and how it brought such relief. I’ve also noticed that this is a reciprocal community in many ways, and what goes around comes around. What we put into it we get out of it. Sort of like love. 🙂 I learned that (part of marketing) from Sally. She gives and gives and I hope she receives to her heart’s content.

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Thanks very much for coming over to join us Diana and I love your books and you opened the door to fantasy for me that I had only peeked around before. I am excited by the future and want to be a part of the new innovations that are becoming available (except the block editor lol). And wonderful to see new authors joining our writing community every day and they so deserve to get the support and any help we as a group can offer them.. love and hugs Sally

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Like so many of the others here, I’m indebted to Sally for her support and encouragement which she’s given unstintingly (and freely!). Again, it’s great to put a voice to the face and Sally’s positivity and determination shine through. The help she gives to so many people could only be done by someone with that grit, kindness and generosity of spirit. Her expertise and ability to explain things to eejits like me is invaluable! Many thanks for this opportunity to hear the voice behind the friendly face.

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Thank you so much for listening in, Alex and for your heartwarming comments. I agree wholeheartedly that Sally’s support of writers, bloggers, and poets is legendary in the writing community. She shares her knowledge and experience with enthusiasm and genuine compassion. I am looking forward to her next adventure – I’ll be tagging along!

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[…] invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia: Sally Cronin on Writing, Marketing and Telling your Story.Recently I ran a series Public Relations for Authors which focused on how we are perceived by those […]

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[…] invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia: Sally Cronin on Writing, Marketing and Telling your Story.Recently I ran a series Public Relations for Authors which focused on how we are perceived by those […]

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Having read and communicated with Sally a lot over the years (she is one of the bloggers I’ve been following for longer, and she is a beloved part of the blogging community), it is a delight to hear her voice and her advice. I am sure all her projects will be successful, and, as usual, she will find a way to get everybody to participate and profit from the experience. Thanks for the opportunity to get to know even more about Sally, Rebecca, and congratulations on such a great feature and blog.

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I am delighted that you listened in, Olga and for your uplifting comment. Sally is a force for positive outcomes. I hope that more writers consider reading their books. Anchor and WordPress have come together so the technology is advancing for writers to explore new ways of featuring their books. Looking forward to following your blog and connecting.

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When Sally and I were in conversation, she said that many of in her writer community had never heard her voice before. Sally has a voice that exudes enthusiasm and possibilities, doesn’t she? It was another confirmation to me that voices, like handwriting, hold the essence of who we are. Voice and writing carry our inward thoughts to another venue. How I wish I could hear the voice of my grandparents again. Technology has made it possible to take our stories to a wider community. I especially appreciated Sally’s thoughts on memoirs – that our stories are memorable and must be captured, whether in a book, letters, diaries, e-mails, podcasts, etc. Thank you for your ongoing support of TTT, Mary Jo. Looking forward to your return visit.

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I am late joining in here, but this was such a wonderful interview! I did not really want it to end! I believe it is one of those ‘magical moments’ captured on a podcast that I will return to again!!! Thank you!

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You are never late, Linda. The party is just starting. Sally has a marvelous way of sharing knowledge and wisdom. I am delighted that you listened in and joined the conversation. Sending hugs your way.

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I do too!! That is why I so enjoy your door series. Doors as a symbol of choice and possibilities and words that ignite our imagination with fresh perspectives. Images and words are a compelling combination.

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