If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably an author or writer looking for a little inspiration on how to show up online, connect with your readers and grow your wonderful community along the way.

You may have an amazing book that you want to share, or maybe you’re currently right in the middle of writing one (how exciting!)? Perhaps you already have an incredible series out and you’d like to reach lots more lovely readers who will really enjoy your books. I wonder if you’ve just had a beautiful book of poems published that takes your readers on a nature and seasonal-filled journey?

Maybe you’ve had your writing featured on a well known website, in a beautiful magazine, or your own online space (please do send me the link!). Or you might have a lovely little corner of Substack that you’d simply love to grow.

Below, I’ve listed 10 prompts (along with some inspiration for each one) for how you can easily show up online and share the amazing things you’ve written, along with lots of ways to create connection and growth, and so your lovely followers and readers can get to know you better too… because that’s always a huge win!

Plus, these ideas aren’t just limited to social media either. If you have a blog, they’ll work so well on there too. And on Substack! If you’d like to share them on social media, you may find they’d be great for a reel or a carousel. They’re yours to interpret however feels most natural and comfortable for you.

They may even lead you to another piece of content. You might hit publish and suddenly think, “I know exactly what else I could share.”

…But please don’t feel disheartened if the ideas and words for your content creation aren’t flowing quite as easily as your writing. That’s exactly what this blog post is here for and why I’m here to help.

Never be afraid to ask for help. We all need a little inspiration, guidance and encouragement from time to time, and that’s perfectly ok.

Share what you’ve written

You’re probably thinking, “but that’s obvious”, but let me share a little true story with you…

A while ago, a lovely creator shared that she needed to sell the remaining copies of her book because sales hadn’t gone as well as hoped. My immediate thought was, “Wait… you wrote a book?” As I read through the comments, I realised I wasn’t the only one thinking that. Comment after comment said the same thing: “I had no idea you had a book!” People who already followed and supported her honestly didn’t know.

We often assume people know what we do, what we offer, or what we’ve created. But often, they really don’t. And it’s not because they don’t care, but because they just haven’t seen it yet.

Where do you write?

I absolutely love these types of content! I very much enjoy having a little nosey at where other people like to write, what they’re desk set up looks like and all the lovely things that’s on there (I wonder what stories of their own they hold? Could this be an idea for a mini series?), or they’re favourite coffee shop they love to work from… and what their favourite drink is too, of course!

Maybe you pack a notebook and pen and have a favourite spot which always inspires you, like a bench which overlooks the most beautiful view, a hidden gem that not many people know about where you’re surrounded by nature. You may enjoy working from your local library, or maybe your town has a fun quirky little spot that never fails to get your creative juices flowing.

What time of day do you enjoy writing most?

This is a lovely piece of content that could also be interpreted in so many different ways, like little rituals you do before you begin writing, or maybe it’s taking a big mug of tea outside with you in the afternoon and sitting in the garden. You may enjoy getting up extra early and write as the sun comes up, or perhaps you’re a night owl and really enjoy setting some time aside later in the evening… a perfect time to get extra cosy and light a candle too!

This can also be a helpful and inspiring piece of content for other writers too (it may resonate with others a lot), and those who are new to writing. It’s a really great way for your readers to get to know more about your writing process. It’s a little behind-the-scenes peak at how you, as a writer, create the content that they love to read.

Do you write a bit at a time, or a lot?

Again, this is giving such a lovely and more personal look at how you write. I personally find this question so interesting. Like with so many of the other ways for showing up online that I’ve listed, it can be interpreted in lots of really great ways.

You might like to share some personal reflections on this, wile encouraging other writers to do what feels most comfortable for them. Or you might have some really helpful tips that you could share, or a few of the little lessons that you’ve learned when it comes to writing.

Who/what inspires your writing?

Maybe it’s an author you’ve loved since you were young and their stories are still ones you enjoy today. Perhaps those books were what first drew you into writing.

Some of my favourite books when I was very young were the Tales of Beatrix Potter. I loved the animals in them and how much nature plays such a huge part. Maybe that has influenced your own writing too.

…And this question is not only a lovely way to reflect on the authors, books and writers you love, it’s also a great chance to tag them on social media or on Substack (if they’re on there). They will really enjoy knowing they have inspired you.

Have you always written?

This might be a really fun way to dig out some of your early writing to share. Perhaps like me, you used to create your own comic books (mine was based on the adventures of a sock puppet called Horris that my mum made for me!), or maybe you were always making up little stories and adventures for your cuddly friends?

What was one of the first things you wrote?

This is a beautiful way to share your early writing and to reflect on how much you’ve grown as a writer. I wonder if some of those first pieces planted the seeds for the characters and stories you write today.

What have you written that you’re most proud of?

Sometimes sharing the things we’re most proud of can feel a bit uncomfortable, and it kind of like we’re showing off or tooting our own horn. But honestly, that isn’t a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Why shouldn’t we share and celebrate the things we’ve worked hard on and feel proud of? Those moments most definitely matter and they very much deserve to be recognised. I think you’ll find that your lovely community wants to celebrate with you too.

What are some of the challenges of being a write/author?

When we go through challenges of any kind, it’s easy to feel alone. In reality, there are many other people going through something very similar and who would really value hearing your thoughts and reflections.

It can also be a wonderful chance to share what has helped you along the way and the things that have supported you through those challenges.

If you could spotlight one character or person from your writing (fictional or real), who would it be and why?

Is there a character you’ve written who feels extra special to you? Maybe there’s a reason they’ve become so memorable. It could be someone who appears across a series set in the same town, or a character inspired by someone you know. Or perhaps someone even asked as a bit of fun if you’d include them in your book, and you did!

As a big book lover myself, I always enjoy learning more about the characters in the stories I read, especially when I’m a little sad that a book has come to an end. Sharing more about their background and how they came to be part of your writing is a lovely way to keep their story going a little longer.

I really hope you’ve found these content ideas helpful. I’d love to know which one you’ve chosen to do first?

Content Ideas for Authors and Writers