As a writer you have to have the three D’s: drive, discipline and desire. If you’re missing any one of those three, you can have all the talent in the world, but it’s going to be really hard to get anything done.
Nora Roberts
An author at a Writers forum asked the question whether to attend a writing retreat alone or with a group. Intrigued I dived in. Here are top responses as authors chimed in with their preferences.
A combination. Alone at first to get some writing done, then others can join after to chill
Always with at least one person, Would never travel anywhere alone
Either. Done it
Alone
I like both. But prefer to have a couple of other writers. That way there is someone to talk over plot points and such with.
Would probably accomplish more alone, but a group is nice too
I have done both. You can also go to the location (Tennessee Williams Writers Festival in New Orleans) with non writer friends who will go off sightseeing and leave you blissfully on your own to attend master classes, panel discussions and book signings. But bring your new writer friends with you to dinner so you have something satisfying and intelligent to talk about.
Both could be fun
Alone but towards the end I want to meet up with a friend for dinner
Writing retreats are so fun with a friend, but the point as in writing is not to have fun, but to be productive. Learn, write, make a few new friends after hours but you are there to write.
I think point 10 sums it all up. Writing is indeed fun but the point of writing is to be productive. Personally, I believe writers write alone but after compile the pieces and celebrate together.
As a writer, what’s your preference? Do share. We would love to hear.
We know what matters to you the most Virgo — your health and wellness. How else could you get everything done, you overachiever, you? So take a moment to give yourself the best spa package and fine dining to match with a desert getaway in the heart of Arizona. This world famous resort has an Aqua circuit like no other, with state-of-the-art amenities to boost your body’s ability to heal and overall well-being. Take advantage of the sound healing classes in the evenings to give you the ultimate night’s sleep, and then wake to practice yoga on the lawn. In between, you’ll have the chance for a massage, a reiki session, and a deliciously rejuvenating smoothie by the pool. With gorgeous weather for most of the year, you get the maximum amount of Vitamin D in this sunlit state, so you’ll be sure to feel the lasting results of good health even after you return home.
I’m a hugger! I give hugs. A Hug has always been my mantra to business associates and colleagues. But with the Covid pandemic, not so anymore. A fist or elbow pump or shoe touch had to do. But it’s been hard for huggers and those touchy-feelers. So it’s with great news that the CDC cleared us! Yea. But now we must learn how to properly greet those we meet. Here are 3+ from what those in the news say.
Ask. Just Ask.
Ask just ask. Ask do you mind shaking my hand?
Do an air-handshake. What’s that? It means extending your hand and telling the other person you’re greeting them from a distance (smirk)
Wear a mask. If you feel the need for extra protection, forget about the mass, do what makes you feel safe.
In a place where everyone else is wearing a mask? Do it. The response… when in Rome, do as the Romans do
Yesssss we are still learning the new norm. Hope this etiquette tip that I gleaned, helps. Want to learn soft skills? Check Maxine for more. Any missing from the list above? Do share, we would love to hear.
A person who has an intense dislike for another person or thing
dictionary.com
A hater is someone who speaks trash…said a 5th grader. This term was not as rampant a decade ago. These days, the media shares stories which spread like wild fire at the click of a button. All you have to do is simply tune into any channel. Suffice it to say, writers on a social media forum was asked to Explain what a hater is or tell their experience. Here are 15 extracted.
Someone who despises anything contrary to what they think is right.
A jealous, envious, bitter person angry at another’s success
A person projecting his/her shortcomings to the other person. Unwilling to accept his/her role in the incident in case it is directed at a person or racist/nationalist when directed towards a skin color or a country
Those who can’t do it, teach or complain
The process by which a miserable and/or failed person attempts to achieve equality with a happy and/or accomplished person not by improving themselves but by ruining whatever achieves beauty or virtue. In short an egalitarian of the latrine
Literary folk who discover you write genre
Those who latch out with with vitriol to mask their fear
One who is experiencing the absence of love – the result of serious disconnection
They are those who are so broken inside that they only find joy in causing pain to others they envy
Someone who repeatedly expresses their dislike of someone or something which dislike is firm and unshakable despite any evidence tending to show its inappropriateness or error
Severe dislike or disgust, abhorrent
Someone whose self-esteem is so low, they can see the good in those who are different from them
A person who due to bitterness, envy or jealousy, looks at others with disdain, being incapable of showing them support, compassion of kindness
A person who is obsessively negative about a particular target
Someone without kindness, tolerance or forgiveness
When Haters Hate Fill Them With Love
It’s crazy that we look at such terms these days. In a recent Instagram post, I shared a quote to which a fellow writer expressed surprise that she shudders to think that there are those who wish to see her stagnate. Sadly, as the above definitions show, there are indeed many who dislike the progress that others make. To them it would be wise to not dwell on it but fill them with love.
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough
~Unknown
Travel. See the world. Party. Think about you and making you happy. That’s what they say. But think about that. Do those things bring meaning? Let’s examine this philosophy closely.
Travel. Oh to see new places and bask in the ambiance. A change of pace incites creativity and value for the things that exist. But in your haste to travel, make sure you spend time basking in the culture of another’s land. Understand the host culture. There are always do’s and don’ts. Foreign Language may be a problem. If you’re not prepared, you won’t be able to communicate. For example, once during my business travel, I ordered bacon through room service and got something totally different. Another time during an international conference a colleague wanted to order hot dog during lunch. She indicated to the server “caliente woof, woof”. Bet you didn’t know that means hot dog (well at least by her definition). As hilarious as that was, she received her correct order.
Be Happy
Be Happy. Think Only About You. Well-intentioned but life is more than you. We must collaborate in order to co-habitate. Everything we do affect those close to us–be it family, friend or foe. So think before you act.
Remember, life is about living. But live in such a way that those who interact in your space are positively affected. Definitely something to think about, and remember… only what you do for Christ will last.
The sea. The beach. The waves. It’s my safe place. I never want to leave. I sit coiled at the edge of the lazy beach chair, gazing in melancholy at the morning’s sunrise. All is still as time stops. As the sun began its heated quest, I sat pensively not wanting to leave.
Still fast asleep there’s no one in sight. Just me, as the waves batter the shore. My heart tugs as I long to rid life’s woeful work-related stress. I just want to stay to listen to nature’s quest. In quietness is where the heaven’s awake and gives me the strength to reach forward to start a new day, a new chapter, a time of serenity. I pray that I’ll listen as the spirit quietly leads, guides and directs my path.
In stillness is where I find my strength. Strengthen me lord, strengthen me. Speak and make me listen.
If you’re just thinking of the bad stuff, you’ll never see the good stuff.
Little Xavier was playing rough with his older brother. After many screams and shouts about being hurt to his brother, his mom rushed in. Then he sheepishly said that he was just playing. His mom scolded him stressing about the things that could go wrong…broken limbs, dislocated bones, bruises and more.
The What Could Go Wrong Mentality
Boys will be boys they say. But there is a place for caution. A place for the “what could go wrong” thinking. Personally, I coach about getting out of your comfort zones. Most of us just want to stay there. But in order to progress we have to move ahead, to take chances, to try new things. To get rid of the what could go wrong mentality and focus on doing something different…even if you’re afraid.
Here’s hoping you will try something newtoday. Hey, once you have done it, do share. We would love to hear.
I was asked to speak with students who were about to graduate and take the steps as they embark on their career. In my curiosity to find out how to deal with their needs, I followed up with the enquiry to ascertain the major challenges they face as I spoke on the topic of Burst The Fear. I took the opportunity to share my own personal journey in the hopes that the graduating class would gain some inspiration of my own fears and how I countered them. Sky Dive anyone?
Here I share the top 10 challenges as gleaned and brief insights on how students and graduates can address them.
1.Lack of Money For Tuition
Lack of money is a common concern for students and graduates who wish to pursue further studies. There are many opportunities to combat this hurdle in order to move ahead . 5 include:
Applying for Scholarships
Seek Grants
Use Savings
Apply for Federal loans
Seek Private loans only as a last resort
2.Unavailable Jobs in Their Field
First of all, it is best to research the job market to ensure that you are investing the time and effort into a field that still exists. We are in an everchanging environment and some jobs have become obsolete. In other cases job titles have evolved over time. That said, ensure you look before you leap.
3.Income Levels not Enough to Meet Needs
One great thing that has happened in our changing environment is diversification. That said, job seekers can have a ‘day job’ while simultaneously working on their own to supplement their income. Hobbies anyone?
Separately, it is also very important that students live within their means. For example, if studying full-time, it makes no sense for students to sign up for off-campus housing if they are unable to afford the rent and associated bills. If studying part-time while living at home with parents, this makes things more affordable especially when studying remotely. Can’t afford something? Save towards it until you can have it or do without it until you can afford it. Again, it is very important to live within your means.
4.Uncertainty About What To Study
If you are not sure of what to study, do your research. Speak with your college Career Services. Do assessments. Make it important to check the market to understand what careers exist. Careers are everchanging and besides that you may not like the job if you tried it. So it is best to test the market. This can be done through signing up for:
Part-time jobs
Summer vacation jobs
Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience since employers do not have to worry about paying you. It’s unfortunate but it’s a real situation within the current economic climate
5.Inadequate Role Models To Emulate
It is always good to get a mentor in the area that you are interested in working. There are mentorship organizations that exist that will assist students in providing direction. In addition, your college Career Services has the necessary resources to assist your progress.
You may also find it useful to search for groups online that have discussions based on your area of interest. These exist for any employment or interest area that you can think of. All you need to do is search. Once you find the group you like, become engaged in garnering advice on the forum.
6.Eradicate The False Ideas Of Success
What is success? There are many false ideas of success that exist. Be careful what you follow. Overnight success is hard to reach and may not be lasting or it might be something conjured up by those who choose to defraud. Be very careful who you follow. Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers shared stories of what seems like overnight success in high achievers which turned out to be more than 10K hours of practice over time.
Additionally, Success is not an accident. We must create it on purpose. My research on Success detailed in book Success Strategies share steps to success for those in need of guidance. Similarly, the book titled Ditch It shares the steps for those interested in switching their miserable job that they are engaged in or ditching it for entrepreneurship if they so desire. The book provides information based on research conducted with successful leaders as they shared the commonalities that drove them to achieve success as they defined it.
So be informed. Read. Gather information and Ditch the idea of leaping into ‘quick’ success.
7.Poor Attitude Towards Money
Spend wisely. As discussed in lack of money to invest in studies, be certain to live within your means. There will be times when you have to forego a desire/want in order to achieve your long-term goals. I cannot help but emphasize the quote, “if planning is important, execution is everything“.
8.Lack Of Self-Confidence. What Do Others Think?
Success must be created on purpose. It is in the very act of taking the necessary steps to build your success. Essentially, you take the steps to build your self-confidence. This means a sense of self-esteem and self-assurance when you believe that you can make a difference in the career path you take. To build your self-esteem you should:
Reflect. Look at what you have achieved
Set Goals
Create a plan to take the steps to achieving your goals
Consider your strengths. Write down what you are good at
Motivate yourself. Do this everyday especially when the going gets rough. That’s how you stay focused
Don’t give up
Forget what others think. Focus on you, where you want to go and how to get there.
9.Unaware Of How To Adapt to the Changing Environment
Change is constant. That is one thing we can be sure of. Nothing remains the same forever. Bust the Fear. In order to succeed we must create that resilience to adapt, learn and grow. One of my favorite sayings is to do it afraid. Things change and with that we become fearful. Here are 5 things you can do:
Be flexible and adapt
Try new things which will help boost your confidence and creativity
Embrace Technology
Seek guidance and support from others
Build your skills and keep learning
10.Lack of Self-Awareness
Seek to understand yourself. What are your talents? What are you good at? Step forward, take the leap, and discover triumphs in your abilities that you never knew existed.
Motivate yourself. Motivation comes from within. The more you believe in yourself and your abilities the more you are able to accomplish. Learn how to exert control over your own motivation, behavior and your social environment.
Avoid negative people and situations. If your friends are not going in the same direction you are, find new friends. Those with whom you can strive to accomplish your best.
You can’t expect to just write and have visitors come to you – that’s too passive.
Anita Campbell
Writing is a passion. Authors write because they love it. Many say that you will never get rich from writing. But as time has evolved into the 21st century authors yearn to earn profit from their quest. Here I share excerpts gleaned from a writers forum.
Write quality books
Audible is good especially with streaming services
Do interviews relevant to your book’s subject matter, share link and promo code
Share book reviews on social media
Build your email subscribers from before you launch your book.
Give updates about your upcoming book, or the ones you have written and publishing to your Email Subscribers
Make your Presentations educational and inspiring.
Book Club Readings
Virtual book signings
Speeches
Offer Promotional Book Swags
Videos Promos
Find businesses or local organizations such as Rotary that will benefit from your presence and host Author signings
Regular content creation
Pick a social media channel and stick with it
Engage with your readers. Nurture your super fans
Make products around your book
Get podcase interviews
Network with others to cross-pollinate
Interested in marketing your writing? These tips can help. Any missing that you can add? Do share, we would love to hear.
I love movies! Movies tell stories or teach us something. Most people watch movies for entertainment or to have fun. Movies make us laugh, cry, feel inspired or simply getaway from the here and now (Wikipedia). One of my favorite is Under The Tuscan Sun. That’s because I am a writer and it inspires my own personal growth to do something different. To explore, dream but most important to do something to make a difference. Here are 7 Easter Movies for your binging pleasure.
Reflection, Rest, Relaxation & Renewal
