You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.
– Madeleine l’Engle
Personal Growth is a delight and it is a joy to participate in the Hogges and Cowins Book Festval and Writers Conference. Panelists will include Dr. Rose Stiffin, Dr. Susan Davis, Rosemarie Cole and yours truly. We will dive into the Challenges, Mysteries and Magic of Writing on Saturday, April 17th at 5:15pm.
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.
Nowhere is this felt than at events such as the Olympics. Countries gasped in awe when athletes step out flags in hand to represent
A Flag is a piece of cloth or similar material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope and used as the symbol or emblem of a country or institution or as a decoration during public festivities.
There is something special when you hear the national anthem being played with flags flying high. It speaks to unity, respect and achievement. Nowhere is this felt than at events such as the Olympics. Countries gasped in awe when athletes step out flags in hand to represent. I decided to share the original stories of those countries where I have lived. Learning more sparked my interest and I hope the direct extracts listed will cause you to reflect on your own homeland and countries where you too have lived, visited or your favorite writing place.
Canada
On February 15th, 1965, the modern Canadian flag, bearing its hallmark maple leaf, was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. Today, the maple leaf is a recognized symbol of Canada; it has also come to symbolize unity, tolerance, and peace.
Jamaica
The legislative committee responsible agreed that the flag should have the colours black, yellow, and green. … These stood for the difficulties faced by the nation (black), its natural wealth and the beauty of its sunlight (yellow), and agriculture and hope (green).
United States
The flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the American flag or the U.S. flag, is the national flag of the United States. It consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the “union”) bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, where rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternate with rows of five stars. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the U.S.[2] Nicknames for the flag include the Stars and Stripes,[3][4]Old Glory,[5] and the Star-Spangled Banner.
What’s your reason for doing what you do? Is it for pleasure, commitment, learning or other? Sadly Many don’t have a clue. one of the most common pertain to those who go to work daily and before they know it, years passed and they’re still doing the same thing.
Guilty as Charged
I too am guilty of going through the motions. For example, I started this blog many years ago. Took training courses to learn how best to manage it and have been doing it. My goal falls into 3 categories:
To motivate and inspire others to achieve personal growth success using my NSU research
To motivate and inspire those who are stuck or experiencing job stress to keep going
My own personal development as I capture writing tips and share for other bloggers and myself to grow
I have been doing this for over 12 years. Recently I realized that I needed to delve deeper to optimize my blog and be more purposeful in my share with my audience. Funny how time flies without you realizing it slipping away. Something to think about.
The Way Forward
Why not join me in taking a look around your daily activities. Is there something you need to change? Is there a relationship that you need to be more purposeful about? Spouse, children and extended family are great considerations. Could it be time for learning a new skill? A move to a new neighborhood? Yikes!
Change is Scary
Change can be scary but once you make that move, you will ask yourself “what was I so worried about”. So go ahead, do you and while you’re at it, watch for deep thoughts on this bloggers musings.
So those are mine, what’s yours? My intention is to set up an Allergic reaction every time I deviate to keep me on track. Accountability partner, I know you’ve got my back.
Remember to be successful in life you must be willing to do more, think more, and go beyond the call of duty.
Writing is a joy. Being a first time publisher is exhilarating! But what’s difficult is some parts of the writing journey. In a Public forum authors were asked what was the hardest part of writing. Many eagerly chimed in with top issues such as marketing and editing. Here I share the top 25:
The Hardest Part Of Writing
Marketing
Building and attracting an audience
A blank page
Convincing people to read your book
Being confident that you write for yourself first, then the secondary audience – the public
Promoting
Nothing really
Editing because of perfectionist mentally
Letting go…let the editing go to the editor
Staying on track
Not giving up
Patience. Writing the book is the easy part
Getting readers to write a review
Staying on track
Selling
Being original
Self Promotion
Believing in yourself
Starting
Mindset challenges that keeps you stuck
Prepping self for bad reviews
Hoping people like your book
Freedom from distraction and clean concentration
Formatting is a pain if you try to do it yourself
Time, space, peace and quiet
Lots said in the 25 points extracted from writers thoughts and opinions on writing. Each point we can dig deeper. But this gives an good grasp of the opportunities that exist in the book writing industry and for those who love their craft. Get an accountability partner. Collaborate with an experienced writer or coach who can help you ride the waves as you progress along the journey. Personally, I have helped many. But Whatever you do, just don’t give up.
St. Augustine pops on the list that Travel and leisure shared their list of destinations for those longing to travel and must stay home. Road-trip getaways offer an alternative. World travelers only hope. Adrenaline pumping, I was Incredibly excited to dive into the the list of European destinations that can be enjoyed in the USA. Here are my topic 5 favs:
Getaway Vacays Instead Of:
Madrid Spain, St. Augustine, FL
Tuscany Italy, Napa California
The French Alps: Mount Hood Oregon
Nice Fance, Newport Rhode Island
Rome, New York City
Stwitzerland, New Glarus, Wisconsin
Take a close look at the list and start planning your getaway. If there are other US destinations that can be added to the list that makes you feel like you’re on a European vacay, do share, we would love to hear.
I could not miss the launch of Pioneer and Award Winning Actress Cicely Tyson’s New Book titled “Just As I Am” tonight. Two hours later the news broke that she had passed.
She had marked the occasion with an inspiring discussion led by fellow award winning actress Whoopi Goldberg.
I enjoyed the soul-searching private virtual share between both …as Miss Tyson shared her mission which was to make a difference in how women, especially women of color, were portrayed on screen.
Cicely’s life mission depicts how to recognize when to Ditch a career and switch into one of purpose.