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Can an “Older” Book Be a Best-Seller?

I totally understand the quest to be a best-selling author:

  • That title can give you credibility to your readers and to your potential clients
  • It makes you feel famous
  • It sounds cool

Here’s the truth of how being an Amazon Best-Selling Author works:

There are no “checks and balances” and to way to research which books are best-selling books and which… aren’t. That means that you might have been #1 in a category for a matter of minutes – or it might mean that your book never was, you’re just claiming that you’re a best-selling author.

Learn the TRUTH about being a best-selling author! Click To Tweet

Then, you have to create your personal decision about what exactly is a best-selling book or a best-selling author.

  • Best-selling in a category – no matter how many titles are in the genre?
  • #1 or anywhere in the top-ten? Top 5?
  • Best-selling in another country – where the competition might be less?
  • Kindle book or physical?
  • How long do you have to be on the list?

With so much emphasis on book launches and when a book is freshly released, what happens to books that are a year old? Or two? Or FIVE?

Can an older book still be a best-seller?

Teehee – GREAT question! And the answer is (drumroll please)

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What Makes a Boring Book?

When I work with clients, I’m always asking them about the stories they’re including in their book. And through the phone, I can hear their skepticism; what place does story have in a serious book that has a serious message that helps people change their lives?

And I think that’s the exact problem! You’re so concerned with your message (very important) and showing your expertise and credibility (also important) you miss the most critical piece:

Connecting with Your Reader.

Frankly, your reader is NOT going to keep reading if your book is boring. And then your message goes right down the drain because they never read it!

What Makes a Boring Book?

It’s when your reader can’t relate to the material; it doesn’t feel relevant, they can’t imagine themselves in that same situation. There’s no emotional engagement.

STORY combats that all.

Using stories in your writing is the antidote for a boring book. #amwriting #brewyourbook Click To Tweet

I was once hired to edit a book about using the power of the Internet to build a freedom-filled life. It was all about websites and email marketing and social media. It should have been engaging (after all, I’ve got an online business!) but it wasn’t.

There wasn’t a single personal story in there. The author could have been… anybody. She didn’t share anything about her struggles, mistakes she’d made, or successes she’d enjoyed. Nada.

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Video – How to Maintain Your Creativity During a Big Project

You know that moment when you’re *ALMOST* done with a big project, the finish line is almost in sight, but… you’re just exhausted. Your creativity, your drive, and your energy is just DONE.

So, what do you do?

I was facing this exact same situation – so I share my plan of attack to know when to take time for self-care AND when to just get ‘er done!

How to maintain your creativity during a big project. #video #amwriting Click To Tweet

In this 2-minute video, I also share how to spot the difference between needing to pause and regroup versus when your mental monsters have you beat. Here’s how to maintain your creativity during a big project.


You can get the free eBook I mention in the video, “5 Mental Monsters that Keep You from Writing Your Book”, at: http://5MentalMonsters.com

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The Power of Setting Mini-Goals

You want to write your book – yay! And you’ve already discovered that you can successfully write for a few days (or weeks) before your excitement dries up and… crickets. Your book lies untouched for weeks or months before you find another spurt.

(Hint: That’s a recipe for “working” on your book for YEARS with nothing to show for it!)

Friend, there IS an easier way.

You know I’ve written about the power of making a decision for your book. And you know I’ve also shared tips to develop consistency in your writing.

But today I want to bring you something straight of my VIP Client Playbook:

Setting Mini-Goals

You’re going to PICK one of these (just one!) and then do it Every.Single.Day.

How many days a week?

SEVEN!

Trust me, no matter HOW busy you are (or think you are) you CAN do this.

Discover the power of setting mini-goals to FINALLY write your book. #amwriting Click To Tweet Keep Reading!

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Are you living under a rock?

Are you living under a rock? Feeling out of touch with the world and with your writing?

Friend, me too!

Life lately has been happening Really Fast. (Yep, with capital letters and everything!)

During May, I’ve had NINE speaking engagements, TWELVE phone meetings with prospects, TWO launches, and…

Ben is leaving on Memorial Day for his summer job in Nebraska. We thought it was a July 1 start date but they need him early. (He’ll be spraying crops as a helicopter pilot. Super cool but he’ll be gone for two and a half months. *sniff*)

Oh… And we ordered new carpet so I’ve been busy moving, purging, and painting.

So yes, I feel like I’ve been living under a rock. The type of rock that comes crashing out of the sky to flatten me.

And in chatting with lots of friends, clients, prospects, and business owners, I know I’m not alone. Maybe it’s something in the air, maybe it’s the moon, or just too many dog farts in my office… So here are my top 5 tips to help you crawl out from under that rock – and get back to writing!

1. Acknowledge the rock
For weeks, I tried to ignore the fact that I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I thought if I just changed my attitude – focused on the positive – I’d feel better and be more in control. It took naming what I was feeling – and acknowledging why I was feeling that way – to turn the tide.

Take some time, maybe with a trusted friend, to acknowledge the rock and give it a name. It doesn’t solve the feelings but at least you’re not running away from them!

Keep Reading!

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