books – Page 14 – Success Strategies

How They Started…Writers Tell…

Ever wanted to write? Ever wondered how other writers got started? What’s their Funnel? We are intrigued by writing veterans the likes of Stephen King, and countless others. Many wannabe writers are scared to take the leap. So it was with a breath of fresh air that the writing tips asked the question about how writers got started. Intrigued, I dug deeply. Here I share excerpts of some of their thoughts.

I Write Because….

I hid in my words starting at 10 to hide from the pain
My cousin said that I looked like someone who writes poetry. So I gave it a try, and fell in love with it.
I always loved reading and wanted to create stories. Then my parents took me to see the dolphins when I was 8 or 9 years old, and I wrote my first story about this adventure. After this I feel in love with writing because sometimes the stories we create or even just a part of them can become true.
I was 5 years old and wrote about a superhero
I didn’t want to do my math homework but still wanted to look like I was being productive, and that’s how I’ve written about two books.
I had a dream and wanted to make a story out of it
I can’t remember a time I haven’t been writing! Before I could write I drew the pictures and told my parents what to write
What really pushed me into writing other than school assignment was role-playing
When I was younger I had a speech impediment the only way I could truly talk was through writing. Still to this day I write better than I can talk.
My baby sitter wrote stories about the group of kids from our neighborhood who were superheroes. I loved listening to her read them, my love of reading and writing was born, I was 3-4 years old
My siblings and I used to create the most intricate imaginary games. As I got older, I began wanting to write them down. I haven’t stopped.
A sixth grade narrative assignment. Upon handing it back, my teacher said I had talent and could make it as a writer. I was speechless.
So I could be right-brained in school while looking like I’m working on my assignments
I started when I was mentally at a shitty place and needed an outlet to how I was feeling. Writing became my therapy. It healed me.

Are you a writer? Let’s hear how you got started.

Cheers!

My Success Journey in 3 Minutes…

You can do and be anything you want to be

I Looked around and saw the need in society to encourage youths and ethnic minorities to go after and seek to do what they wanted to do. This quest took me on a journey… through a process of highs, and lows. Highlights include:

1. Giving up my well-paying job/career to accomplish my dream. Sometimes you have to give up the good to achieve the great.

2. Embarking on a Journey that dug deep into Leaders and how they achieved Success

3. Publishing my research in a book on Success Strategies and leadership

4. Publishing Workbook on Success and how you too can do it

5. Publishing a book with Motivational Quotes To Help you stick to your dream.

6. Publishing a documentary video to share with others

It’s humbling to see the impact this sacrifice has made in the lives of others. So as we approach the start of a New Year, if you find yourself wondering about your purpose; wondering about your future; wondering about how to get where you want to go, then do what I did…Just start. Find a mentor or coach, or speak with a trusted family member or friend.

So today, take the step to do what you want to do. Otherwise you’ll find yourself at the end of another year being stuck and never accomplishing anything.

Come on, just do it! Age is not an issue. If you need help, contact me now. Let’s get started on your own journey to success.

Cheers!

Books That Changed The Lives of Writers…

Books have been known to inspire, motivate, encourage and change the lives many individuals. Entrepreneurs Strut their stuff gleaning pages of business books to find success strategies. Careerist search to find the secrets to a better job/life. Children Gingerly fantasize of fairy tales, lovers dream, and some gravitate to the scares of horror, action or adventure.

We dare not forget books that have spiraled into movies that entertain readers and non-readers alike. Well known authors such as Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, John Grisham, and many more, spring to mind.

Curiosity sparked, one publisher asked writers to share the name of a book that has changed their lives. The responses came in droves. Here I share a few:

Outliers
Transparency of Evil
Alchemist
Night
You can heal your life
The Secret life of the Bees
Rich dad Poor Dad
Catcher in the Rye
The Four Agreements
Unlimited Power
The Bible
Good to Great
The Power of the Subconscious Mind
I am That Girl
Conversations with God
Who Moved My Cheese
Hummingbird
What I know for sure
The Grand Design
Love Warrior
Into the Wild
Just Kids
The Giver
The Mastery of Love
When The Enemy Strikes
Code of Extraordinary Minds
Life is Good
Think Like a Man
Atlas Shrugged
On Writing
Pride and Prejudice
The Power of Now
The Game of Life and How to Play it
Excuses Begone

Do you share the sentiments of any of the books named by responding writers? Can you add any?

Cheers!

Believe That You Can…

In order to Succeed, You Must First Believe That You Can…

Leaf

Does Being Rich Make You Successful?

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I have always been fascinated by the topic of Success. So much that I decided to do three (3) years of research on success and leadership. I interviewed leaders at the top of their organizations to find out what they considered to be the traits that led to their success, and the Challenges they had to overcome. Then I was lucky enough to have the findings published in the Journal of American Academy of Business Cambridge (JAABC), as well as other books.

These days when I go around to speak or attend conferences and events, I take the opportunity to find out what success means to individuals. Listen to Miko Branch Founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s as she shares her definition of success. Miko is recognized as Pioneer for transforming the haircare industry for natural and curly hair.

Brian Tracy asked the question “Does Being Rich Make You Successful?” Responses came in many forms from those responding “YES–But“, to the more common “No’ responses giving their reasons why.

Thinking further about this Pest-like Lusted phenomenon that defies many, I heard of an ailing executive rolling in the $$$, who had an incurable condition. He was asked the question to which he replied that he would give all his money in exchange for life.

Isn’t that crazy? What most dream and become obsessed about, those who have it would exchange it for life’s normal everyday living.

Define Success

Personally, I believe it is important to define what Success Means to you. It’s no Coincidence. How will you know when you have achieved it? Defining it helps you to visualize your expectations, whether it is to be ‘rich’, get an education, start a family, land that dream job, or become that all time successful entrepreneur. Whatever your goal for success, take the step today to achieve it.

Now its your turn. Do you believe being rich makes you successful? Can’t wait to hear your take.

Cheers!

Need help with taking that next step in your career? Let’s Connect

Tailored Writings…

Always a pleasure to share Tailored writings with readers, booklovers and fellow writers. Looking forward to this occasion when we will Speak, Sign, and Sell. Copies of Success Strategies available at Here

Cheers!

NSU | FCE Graduate Publishes 2 Books on Her Research…

It’s humbling yet satisfying when hard work pays off. Such an honor to be recognized by Nova Southeastern University. The Quill of Life’s writings.

Never Give Up on your dreams.

No Right. No Wrong. Just Write…

Catapult Impression

Just Write…

Panicked? Don’t. Just Write.

9 Steps To Writing Your First Book

Write. Just Write. When writing, forget about being perfect. Just focus on getting the information out of your head and on paper

It’s such an exciting time to think about publishing your very own book! It certainly was for me when I did my research and got it published in the Journal of American Academy of Business Cambridge (JAABC), as well as my books on success strategies and leadership. I am now busy writing a new inspirational book. Tons of Lush near Edible excitement especially when you receive the first printed copy! Woo-hoo!

I have been getting requests from interested first time writers and decided to share my personal thoughts on how to get the writing done in order to get published. To be honest I understand the Seriousness of this goal. So here are my own 9 steps to get you going.

9 Steps to Getting Your Book Done

1.Develop that mindset.
Goal achievement begins in the mind. Think of the saying “if you can imagine it you can achieve it”. So get your mind focused and begin the steps to achieve!

2. Write What You Know
Write what you know but be realistic. Don’t start learning a new skill in order to write a book. Use your own life experience. Do you have a skill? Are you an expert at something such as managing a business, a hobby, relationship experience, or other? Why not consider writing your biography ….your own life story. Whatever you decide, make sure it is important to you and something that you are passionate and knowledgeable about.

Write. Just Write

3. Write. Just Write.
Once you have decided what you’re going to write about, just write. It’s that simple. Write in your laptop, iPad, desktop, phone, or even the old fashion hard copy steno-book. Your choice. Just write.

4. Forget About Editing During The First Draft
When writing, forget about being perfect. Just focus on getting the information out of your head and on paper, or whatever means you choose to write in.

5. Take Breaks.
Go to places that inspire. Walk on the beach. Embrace nature. Do your favorite activity. Watch a movie. Read. Pamper yourself. Simply do something that inspires you. Something that ignites your passion… your writing

6. Capture Those Thoughts
Lest we forget, always keep a medium to capture those thoughts handy. It’s not uncommon to see something that inspires you even though you’re not in that ‘writing space’. Just get it written down… somehow. Missing that moment often leads to frustration when you get back to your space and can’t remember what you wanted to write.

7. Set Deadlines
Defining a deadline for completion helps you achieve your goal. So for example if you decide to get published by year end, then set a plan to write everyday, every weekend, or plan a vacation getaway or retreat just to write. Plans are like road maps or GPS. There is a starting and an ending point. If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there… and I dare say that you may not like where you end up.

8. Don’t Be Hard On Yourself
Enjoy the ride. If you miss a day, two, three or more, don’t get stuck. Just get back on track and write.

9. Don’t Quit
Achieving a goal has never been easy. Be Aware. Keep the momentum going. Cry if you must at times but keep going. If it will help, get an accountability partner or coach who will help you achieve your goal.

So there you have it . 9 Steps to becoming that author you’ve always dreamed of. You have it in you… so go for it!

Cheers!

How to Improve Your Writing Today…

Writing (though a rough Uneven and bumpy road), doesn’t have to be complicated. It is a muscle that if used improves. Write here. Write now. Just write. Edit later.

Write something everyday and you’ll get done. That’s one of the most important advice I received and adopted while doing my dissertation.

It worked

It worked! I wrote everyday and before long I had finished my research; published a peer reviewed journal article on the Leadership Challenge; published 2 books on Success Strategies; and am onto my 3rd inspirational book titled GreenLight. Woohoo! Writing (though a rough Uneven and bumpy road), doesn’t have to be complicated. It is a muscle that if used improves. Write here. Write now. Just write. Edit later.

Jessica Stillman wrote How to Radically Improve Your Writing in Under 2 Minutes In summary she recommended:

Delete the word “that“; which we often use but is unnecessary.
Delete the words “I think“. Doing so strengthens your sentences.
Avoid words ending in “ing“.
Write short sentences. Short paragraphs. Keep paragraphs to less than three sentences. Yea I know’ that‘s hard for some (here goes ‘that’ word again).
Shrink your opening sentence.