This post is part of the Talk Thursday Interview Series. Read past interview posts >>> HERE.
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Hello, cooler temperatures! It was 50 degrees in our neck of the woods this week. With cooler weather moving in, it’s a sign that the year is almost over. Have you started thinking about your 2018 goals? What are you planning for the holiday season? Now is the time to make moves.
In this week’s interview, Talya Boerner of Grace Grits and Gardening shares her advice and tips. Be sure to check out her book recommendations at the bottom of the post. The Talk Thursday Interview Series features successful entrepreneurs sharing their experiences and providing social media advice & more. Now, let’s get on with the this week’s interview…
This week, Talya shares her story and sheds light on how she uses social media. I met Talya through the Arkansas Women Bloggers group. I’m a big fan of her blog and her debut novel, The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee. I loved this book. I enjoy spending time with Talya (virtually and in real life). She’s a gem. I’m sure you’ll learn from her.
This Week’s Interview – Talya Boerner
A2F: How has social media impacted your life – personally and professionally?
Talya: Personally, social media has provided me with connectivity to family and friends and allowed me to “meet” people with similar hobbies and interests. Professionally, social media has been instrumental in helping me reach a specific audience for my writing. Within the various social media platforms, I’ve created a marketing plan to promote my novel and grow my writing business. I can’t imagine how a new writer would find readers without social media.
A2F: What is your favorite social media network, and why?
Talya: I’m a visual person who snaps a ton of photos everyday, so Instagram is my favorite for sharing my day. I stay in touch with my core blog readers through Facebook. But, I have a love/hate relationship with Twitter. I always set out to use it for book promotion and business needs, but end up stalking Blake Shelton or my favorite sports teams. (Probably more than you wanted to know.)
A2F: Social media is a common platform to market businesses and services, what other ways are you using social media for your business, site or blog?
Talya: I primarily use social media to start a conversation or jog someone’s memory.
Talya Boerner
Talya loves to write, garden, and read. The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee, released in January 2016 from SYP Publishing, is Talya’s debut novel.
A2F: Which social network have you been slow to adopt or use? Why have you been hesitant?
Talya: Occasionally I use Pinterest, mostly for recipes and crafts. I’ve never used Snapchat and can’t get into Periscope. There’s only so much time in the day.
A2F: Thinking about blogging and/or social media, share one of your highlights or accomplishments? What made it special?
Talya: My favorite blog posts are those that connect someone I don’t know with a place from their childhood, a person they’d lost touch with, or a memory they’d forgotten. This has happened several times to me, and it feels better than my most wildly shared post because it made a real difference to someone.
A2F: For those in blogging and business, what business or marketing major advice would you share with the Addicted to Fries readers?
Talya: Go all in and be authentic. Don’t expect to build an audience overnight. It takes commitment.
Don’t expect to build an audience overnight. It takes commitment.
click above to tweet
A2F: Which 3 books would your recommend for online business owners, marketing professionals or entrepreneurs, and why?
Talya: I read all the time, but I don’t often read marketing type books. The only social media book I’ve read is The Art of Social Media by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick. The book is easy to follow with tips that aren’t overwhelming to someone new to social media. I love everything Malcolm Gladwell writes and can highly recommend Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. All of Gladwell’s books provide an intriguing look into how decisions are made. The third book I recommend to hone writing skills is From Where You Dream by Robert Olen Butler. Butler is one of my favorite fiction writers, and while his book on the craft of writing is geared toward fiction, I find it has been helpful to me when writing blog posts and essays.
More about Talya:
Talya Boerner grew up on a cotton farm in Northeast Arkansas and now lives in Fayetteville with her husband, John, and two miniature schnauzers. She loves to write, garden, and read. The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee, released in January 2016 from SYP Publishing, is Talya’s debut novel.
Follow Talya:
- Facebook – Grace Grits and Gardening
- Twitter – Talya Tate Boerner
- Instagram – Grace Grits and Gardening
That’s it for this week’s interview. Thanks, Talya, for being part of the series. I loved your advice and passion. In addition, I’m sure the A2F readers will learn from you. I look forward to collaborating again in the future.
What do you think? Do you agree with Talya’s advice? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Comments 30
Excellent interview! Really appreciate her spiel on authenticity and not rushing the process.
Author
Thanks for the comment, Valerie! Glad you enjoyed the post.
When she talks about her favorite blog posts, I love that she highlights familiar things and people that creates an emotional connection to make the post memorable. Those are some of the most powerful post there are.
Author
I agree, Elle. Making a connection to your audience is definitely powerful.
Awesome interview. I’m in the middle of building me a platform and it is definitely some work, consistency and patience. It’s a lot trying to reach three different social media accounts. All good and loyal things do not happen overnight. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Yes, I agree, Daria. Building a platform takes time. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Great post!!! Definitely some necessary tips in here! Consistency and commitment are key!
Author
Thanks for the comment, Felecia!
This is a great interview! She had some great tips!
Author
Thanks for the comment, Kasi. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Instagram is my favorite platform as well! Social media is definitely work, and while hard sometimes, it’s so much fun!
Author
Thanks for the comment, Natasha. I love ❤️ Instagram too!
I agree, it does not happen over night. I’ve spent years building a genuine following.
Author
Yes. It takes lots of time and engagement to grow your audience.
Great Interview!!! This sounds like a great book!!!
Author
Thanks for your comment, Carissa. Let me know if you decide to read it.
Blink is such a great read, it will change how you view your decision making process and make you choose with intent.
Author
Thanks for the comment, Gina. I need to read Blink.
My favorite posts are the ones that connect people with their childhood too! There’s something about talking about our roots, good and bad, that is therapeutic.
Author
Thanks for the comment, Eva. I agree. There’s nothing like your childhood memories.
I’m loving these book recommendations. I love to start everyday with a book and just about to finish up my current one. I’ll be looking into those…
P.S. I love that your description says, you’re a female who enjoys fries. Fries are definitely my weakness!
Author
Thanks, Terri! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Definitely check out the book recommendations. Talya gave us great choices.
And, yes, fries are a way of life for me. ?
Great interview thanks for sharing! I love gardening maybe I will check out her book for some tips.
Author
Thanks for the comment, Keisha!
What an awesome and informative interview. I have to check out her book 🙂
Author
Yes, you should definitely check out her book. It’s a fiction story of a young girl growing up in the Delta.
Loved her book!
I can so relate to her comment about only having so much time in a day. All the social media outlets can be mind boggling!
Author
Thanks for the comment, Brenda! Talya’s book was awesome. I can’t wait for the second installment.
Thanks for another great interview. I really need to pick up that social media book by Guy K. I’ve been hearing about it for a while now.
Author
Yes, Stacie. I think you would find great use from his book. Let me know how you like it.