Developing your writing craft is not easy. As authors we stick to it because it’s our passion. The zeal with which we are connected is likened to a web but one in which we wish not to escape.
Many are the traditional thinking that authors hardly make money, let alone survive while working on their craft. But what do you say to the likes of Stephen King, Poet Maya Angelou, Harry Potter’s J.K. Rowling and countless others. You may say that they are successful because they are well known. Banish that thought and delve into the story of Stephen King who was rejected so many times that he actually threw in the trash his best selling novel. Were it not for his wife, the world would not have enjoyed this story’s amazing work.
So here I share excerpts of my presentation on the topic of “From Books to Bucks”, held at the South Florida’s Writers Book Festival.
Books 2 Bucks
Write Quality Work
Books can have babies. Think of workbooks, series, and so much more
Convert your book to Audio
Create an audience through tapping into Podcast listener-ship
Translate your Book into a different language. Oh the new audience it brings
Convert your book to film, movie, documentary
Written non-fiction? Immense business opportunities exists. Think of workshops, how-to events and more
In the arts? Use your book as the stepping stone to fashion and design
Want to develop and grow your passion? Stick with the right people
Become a Conference Speaker. Share your expertise
Don’t sit on it, enter your book for an Award
Want to go from Books to Bucks, Select from the list, focus your craft on the point(s) you believe you will get best win, then promote, promote, promote. Marketing your work is the key to success and it does not have to cost you a ton. Use social media wisely. It can help you grow into something you never thought you could be.
I end with encouraging you to Be Serious about your craft. SHOW UP and promote, promote, promote.
Wow what a decade! Amazing Achievements! Births, marriages, deaths, regrets. But that’s called life…right?
I’m a firm believer in looking back to forge ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance. Often it’s even mandated. Eons ago, I adopted the custom to apply the same principles to my own personal life. For that reason, as we approach the end of 2019, here are a few of my major points gleaned from the past decade.
Writings. Publishings.
Beyond beating the books I experienced a new phenomenon. A dream I never knew I had, but a dream that poof! became real! I published six books including an article in the JAABC Business Journal. My research on leadership and success paved the way to my journey. Success is a Phenomenon that has defied many. As I delved into the opportunity I had to explore a topic for my dissertation, I reflected on what I could research that would satisfy my desire to help others. And oops there it was!
I decided on leadership and success. Whether we like it or not, we all lead…if not others, we lead ourselves. I thought it fitting to use my research to publish books on Personal Development including Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs; Success Strategies which tell how to gain success in your Career, from preparing your own public profiles through acing those nerve-racking interviews, as well as what to do when you land that new job. All are points of focus.
Suffice it to say, it’s not enough to focus only on the tangibles. Our inner prowess is essential to our spiritual well-being. I concretized my thoughts in book GreenLight comprised of inspirational short stories and exhortations to drive your inner self-talk.
Over the years, I also chose to satisfy followers’ passion and post daily motivational Quotes on Instagram. Documentary video created on the campus of Nova Southeastern University is available on Facebook for engagement. It depicts the discussion on immigrant leaders sharing their views on Success and how they achieved it.
Accomplishments
I was almost floored when I learnt from an alumni (who I had never met), about the recognition I had received on Nova Southeastern’s website. The journey became real. A selfless person as I have been told, imagine my surprise when I clicked the link and saw my face. Wow! Satisfaction indeed.
Since then, I have coached many and helped doctoral candidates on their journey. Sharing how to publish their own research has been my joy. It’s also been a delight to have contributed to other authors realizing their own writing dream. Among them two famed figures including Reggae Music’s iconic founder, Pat Chin. Her book The Reggae Music Journey is set to be launched in 2020 memorializing her 40-year sojourn to the industry. Among labels she built are famed artists the likes of Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, and many others.
Recognition was also received from the South Florida Writers of Color for contribution to the community and organization.
Community Service
It’s always a pleasure to lead the panel of judges at the annual 30 Under 30 Millennial leaders who are making distinct impact on leadership ventures across the United States and the Caribbean. Millennials are engaged in initiatives in film, engineering, educational development, farming, and more. The event is held annually by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Washington DC, hosts the event.
Serving on the board of the Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, over the past few years has been meaningful. As I sought to identify talented keynote speakers for developmental offerings to HR industry leaders, it has fostered my own 20+ year growth in the profession.
Giving thanks for partnership with Writers of Color, that paved the way to various community centers and library presentations throughout South Florida. Stay tuned for continued signings and community presentations in 2020, especially through new book “Ditch it. Switch it“, to be launched early 2020. Other signings were held in New York and Washington DC. Listen out for book tour in the coming year.
On A Personal Note
As we all know, life happens. I lost my mom (one of society’s first female automobile mechanics) and my brother, a-day-apart. Then later I lost my sister due to the ravages of cancer. Nonetheless, I use their life’s journey as my motivation to climb to higher heights.
On a brighter note, I’ve experienced the delights of my daughter’s two lil ones during this decade. They’re now pushing me beyond my comfort zone with their quest for me to drive my YouTube presence (eyes rolled). One to never back down, I have accepted the challenge (though not for the reasons they assume ha ha).
As always the decade was filled with travels. My greatest personal memory was that shared with my girls when we visited New Orleans. Just leave it to my oldest who is a travel enthusiast with a thirst for new experiences. Tons of smiles as we went live at Essencefest with Queen Latifah and the cast of ‘Girl’s Trip‘, which made the visit all the more fun. Oh and let me not forget my quick getaway weekend in Paris! Short but amazing time. Thanks girls!
Paris
This proud mom also watched her younger daughter accept double degrees in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, while the older one continues to climb the corporate ladder. Yes my girls are growing …though I wish they’d stay my lil girls forever (smile).
Finally, looking back on the past decade, the memories made, the difficulties and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the Great expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and the hope that all will be well in 2020, and beyond.
Time. Overthinking. Distractions. Those were some of the thoughts from writers as they reflected on the issues encountered when they want to write. Here I share 21 as writers chimed in response to the forum question:
What do you struggle with the most when writing?
1.Time
2.Starting
3.Grammar
4.Self-doubt
5.Ideas
6.Focus on one topic / idea at a time
7.Setting
8,Remaining focused
9,Getting paid
10. Revising
11. Knowing when to stop
12. Taking what you’ve learned and start another book
13, Marketing
14, Losing traction
15. Sitting down to actually write
16. Starting but not completing a story
17. Editing
18. Writing
19. Distractions
20. Being left alone
21. Overthinking
As a writer, can you identify with any of the above Struggles? Any missing? Do share. We would love to hear.
I sat staring into the distance. Pondering. What to write? What to post? Haven’t we all been there at one time or other? Times when we don’t know what to write-be it social, blog, or book. Jen dePaula shared 40 Things to inspire your writing. I liked 19 and share these below.
Share a motivational or inspiring quote
Share a link to your new blog post.
Highlight a fan with an @mention and thank them for their support.
Share what you’re currently reading and tag the author.
Do a #TBT (Throw Back Thursday) by sharing an old picture.
Share one of your favorite writing tools (whether it be digital or a physical tool).
Share an interesting article or blog post that someone else has written – be sure to tag them in the post.
Share a picture that your child (niece, nephew, friend) drew.
Share some of your favorite songs/albums you like…
Waves splashing. Seas rough. Birds chirping. Softly. Quietly. Then louder as if composing a song. As if complaining … oh why so rough?
Now they fly. They soar. They meander. Still chirping high above beneath the sky. The white clouds embrace.
Waves calm down. Storm’s afloat. Passes by the outskirts as if to say, I’ll stop by next time…whenever that is. Behind it leaves weeds on the shore. Washed up. All aghast.
She Reads By The Sea
Book in hand she reads by the sea. Listening. Listening to the sounds of the waves. The birds. People shouting indistinctly in the distance. Soaking up the sun. Then softly covered by the clouds. Be still my soul.
Trees. Palm trees sway softly. Tenderly. Hear the birds call. The sun shines brightly against the afternoon’s wave.
The Right Time To Write
‘Tis the right time to write. To pray. To listen to the still small voice. Speak. Help me listen. Help me hear you. Don’t let me miss what you must say.
Who would have thought a flock of birds would create such havoc? Yes indeed. Though extremely rare as one in a billion, it happens. The movie Sully shared the real life story of the pilot whose quick decision saved passengers on an aircraft he was flying. He landed in the Hudson River, and Miraculously saved over 150 lives. It’s a story of humility, bravery, admiration, fear, teamwork, leadership, and most of all calm in the midst of tragic circumstances. Doesn’t this story inspire you?
Who Inspires You?
Brian Tracy asked his audience “Who inspires you?” Many responded giving answers such as God, family including mom, dad, spouse, as well as leaders like Brian Tracy, Oprah, John Maxwell, mentor, teacher, coach, political leaders, and more. But surprisingly, one response stood out when a male said that he was not inspired by anyone or anything. Bewildered? Should this be reason for…
Spending time alone is one of my absolute pleasures. I’m sure I’m not alone. You may also like to do that as well. A few years ago I shared that I had some planning to do and decided on a whim to jump into my car and drive to the beach. A few hours later, I had mapped out plans for my top goals for the rest of the year! yea! I left feeling totally satisfied to get things done! What seemed like an drilling exercise turned out to be quite productive, in a serene atmosphere.
Self-Care
Jo Chunyan shared a list of things do alone. I decided to pull my top 15 to share.
Journal. Write up a list of things you would love to do. Declare your dreams and intentions or simply empty out all your thoughts into your notebook.
Spend a day at a museum or art gallery
Meditate – sit. Be still and devote time to listen to your spiritual thoughts. Breathe.
Have dinner on your own in a nice restaurant – take time to really enjoy the food
Go for a walk and enjoy breathing the fresh air
See a film at a cinema on your own
Rearrange your wardrobe and discover old clothes again.
Donate old clothes, books and furniture. Make room for the new by clearing out the old.
Go somewhere in the city where you have never been
Give yourself a mini retreat weekend…eat healthy food, go for a massage, spoil yourself and really relax!
Sip a cup of tea and look out the window
Be Athletic. Go for a jog or walk on the beach. Breathe in the salty sea breeze and watch the waves lick the shore.
Study. Sign up for an online course in any topic you have an interest in and learn something new
Take a photo to depict each hour of your day
Travel on your own. Learn something new about yourself.
