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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

WRITING HERO: Kristen Lamb

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For a long time now, Becca and I have wanted a way to acknowledge the people who have helped us develop into stronger writers and who add to the writing community as a whole. As a feature here at The Bookshelf Muse, I will give some well-deserved shout outs to those who really make an impact…people who truly are Writing Heroes.

It is my pleasure to announce this month’s hero: KRISTEN LAMB.

I realize that for most of you, Kristen needs no introduction. Her passion for helping writers is legendary, her ability to navigate the expansive landscape of Social Media is unparallelled, and her vision for a better world for all Creatives is truly one-of-a-kind. Refreshingly honest, Kristen doesn’t shy away from being the voice we all need to hear–the one that encourages us to be the very best version of ourselves.

Kristen’s books, Are You There Blog? It’s Me, Writer and We Are Not Alone: The Writer’s Guide to Social Media have helped thousands upon thousands of writers! Her blog is a treasure trove of wit and meaty wisdom about writing, social media and the publishing arena. She’s also the creator of the #MyWANA hashtag on Twitter, which allows thousands of writers a way to engage, make friends and offer support in an otherwise vast and sometimes intimidating social network.  This year, her central support concept of We Are Not Alone transformed into WANA International and its sister social site WANA Tribe, which together have become a hub for all Creatives to learn, grow, collaborate and become empowered.

Francis the WANA Mascot

One thing I love about Kristen is that she thinks BIG. Not  big like The World’s Biggest Bacon Explosion, or The World’s Biggest Bacon Double Cheeseburger, although those are baconliciously awesome in their own right. No, Kristen studies the wide screen version of how people and technology meet, and instead of getting bogged down in doing what has always been done, she looks for the fork in the road that can take things to an alternative future–a better one. I’ve often called her a visionary, and I think this fits the bill. While others in Kristen’s position might be content to simply focus on writers and how they can navigate the Indiana Jones’ route to the holy publishing Grail, she also takes on the industry, supplying solutions to bring about big changes. I think that’s pretty cool.

In truth, I could find another million reasons why Kristen is a heroic advocate for writers, but I think you get the point. If you see her at a conference, introduce yourself! If you are hungry for insight and new ideas, swing past her blog and check out her books. If you want to learn and grow and find a tribe, you’ll discover that at WANA International. But most of all, find her doing what she does best on social networks–tweeting, FBing and Google plussing. You’ll learn a lot, and have fun doing it.

Thank you Kristen, for being one of my WRITING HEROES. You inspire me!

To pay it forward, I will give a 1000-word critique to Kristen. She can then choose to keep it for herself or offer it as a giveaway on her blog! As a resident writing hero, she will also have a permanent link in our header.

So tell me Musers…do you know Kristen Lamb? Has she helped you or your writing in some way? Please tell us in the comments and help celebrate this amazing WRITING HERO! 

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****PSST! Also, if you would like to find out more about how to show your character’s HIDDEN EMOTION, come visit me at Strands of a Pattern!

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cindy Dwyer says

    How exciting to see a name I know recognized in such an awesome way. I’ve been following Kristen’s blog for a while now – great information that’s so helpful to writers of all levels.

    Well deserved!

  4. Angela Ackerman says

    I am so happy to see so many swing by and let Kristen know what all her hard work means to you. Kristen, it was an absolute pleasure to profile you. People like you are hard to come by, and we all appreciate you doing what you do to make the writing world a friendlier place where we can succeed together. 🙂

    Angela

  5. Anonymous says

    Absolutely and hear hear! Kristen is a heroine to me too. Ever since buying a copy of her book We Are Not Alone, two years ago, I’ve followed her slavishly. Like a little adoring puppy am I. When she says ‘Jump’ I say how high?
    Yvette Carol

  6. Cathryn Cade says

    Angela,

    I always check in on your blog, and thanks for Hero-izing Kristen Lamb.

    She truly cuts to the chase about social media, writing and living our best writing lives.

    MyWANA is so helpful, too.

    thanks to both of you,
    Cathryn Cade

  11. LTM says

    Hey! Very cool, guys! I’ve been hearing about Kristin for a while, and I saw that myWANA hashtag and wondered what it meant. I’ll run over and check out her blog. She sounds super-impressive.

    Thanks for the heads up, and big congrats to Kristin! <3

  12. caitlinjacobs says

    I love her blog! And I agree – she truly is a hero to many people, myself included. I started a blog with help from her book, and have taken countless writing tips from her to use in the novel I’m working on. So thanks, Kristen!

  13. Kristen Lamb says

    You guys are making me blush *turns red*. It was so lonely and confusing when I got started as a writer, so I never wanted any new writer to feel as alone as I did. I am so happy that I’ve been blessed with this opportunity to serve. It is very rewarding to help so many writers and to take the fear factor out of social media and publishing.

    Thanks for this award. I really appreciate it!

  15. Gina Fava says

    Kristen’s MyWANA tribe and her books on blogging and social media have guided me with invaluable lessons. Her spirit has inspired me to write more, connect more, and to stay positive.
    Thank you, Angela and Becca for recognizing her achievements. Well done!

  17. Angela Brown says

    Oh yeah, Kristen Lamb. Think I heard a few things about her here, there…no, make that EVERYWHERE! And all I’ve heard is truth and awesomeness!

    So I’d have to agree that Kristen is a definite HERO…minus the cape 🙂

  19. Becca Puglisi says

    Kristen is awesome. While the rest of us were looking around in paranoid confusion over the Roni-Loren-blog-image-lawsuit-fiasco, she jumped to action and did something about it by setting up a free image resource for everyone to contribute to. And her book We Are Not Alone is a great resource on effective social networking for writers. I think she’s brilliant, and incredibly generous. Excellent choice, Angela!

  21. Natalie Aguirre says

    I don’t follow Kristin’s blog as much as I should but I love it when I do. She’s a fabulous choice for a writing hero. Congrats Kristin! You so deserve the award.

  22. Susan Roebuck says

    Oh yes, I always follow her blog and I’m a member of the WANATribe. I like Kristen’s no-nonsense approach and her advice is always clear and interesting. And you know she has a hidden following too. I’ve often been on a general chat or had an email from someone linking to her blog because there’s something of interest on it.