Mindset

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Do Authors Need to “Get Out There”? – aka Are You Afraid of Being Seen?

You have a message to share with the world. And you’re taking steps to get it out—writing your book, launching a bestseller campaign, creating a business, building an email list, being active on social media.

And yet…

You’re harboring a deep-seated fear of having all those efforts actually pay off. You want to make a difference in the world but… do you really have to be a celebrity to do that?

Friend, I’m with you.

For every time when I’m like:

I’m so SICK of being invisible! I’m awesome. My work is awesome! My message matters. I TOTALLY should be serving more clients, having more interviews, and being Out There more! I’m going to be more visible! Post more. More videos. More! More! More!

There’s an equal day that says:

Oh look… my comfy sweatshirt. I don’t want to get out there today—it’s too hard, takes too much time, doesn’t yield results, and I *might* have to comb my hair and put on makeup. I think I’ll hide behind my computer instead.

Being visible is scary. It means that you’re out there in a place where you CAN be judged. (It doesn’t mean you WILL be judged. It just means you COULD be judged!)

So what do you do?

1. Remember your message.

Every time I want to stay in quiet anonymity, I remember MY message:

To help my authors share their messages so that they can be a positive impact on the world.

How can I do that if I’m hiding? So I think about you, my friend, and that if I’m invisible to you, you’re invisible to who needs YOU the most.

2. You’re not as big of a deal as you think.

We’re a big deal to ourselves and we’re a big deal to those closest to us. We want to make a Big Impact on the people we’re meant to serve.

But how many people IS that really?

100? 1,000? 50,000? 250,000?

There are BILLIONS of people on the planet. And the biggest influencers I personally know (not the “celebrities” I’m guessing about) have an honest-to-God reach of well under a million people. Yes, even in these days of Tiktok and Instagram; even with millions of “followers” they can’t REACH them all.

Be a HUGE deal to the people to whom you can impact… and forget the rest.

3. Do the thing that scares you.

I’m not talking about jumping out of planes or getting cozy with spiders! Do the visibility thing that scares you.

If that’s writing your book, then buy one of my courses and get into action. If that’s being interviewed, then get booked on a podcast. If it’s emailing your list, queue up a holiday message. If it’s video, swipe on that mascara.

Me? It’s hands-DOWN video. I don’t have a good reason why it bothers me so much; I LOVE speaking in person so it’s not stage fright.

I’ve worked on this one a lot, and then… if I don’t KEEP exercising that muscle, I go right back to being uncomfortable about doing live videos. It rears its head (again): being fearful of being seen, noticed, judged, commented on.

So what’s a writer to do?

I remembered my tip #2—I’m not nearly as big of a deal in the world as I THINK I am. Whew.

I remembered that I have been seen, and judged, on video. 96,900+ views as a matter of fact. Trolls and thumbs down all over the place. (I turned off comments YEARS ago.) It impacts my day-to-day life exactly ZERO, btw.

And here’s the thing:

Nobody cares!

And (and this is key) I’m letting an old fear keep me from being seen and getting my message to the people who ACTUALLY need me.

4. Remember WHY you want to be seen.

Frankly, this is the most important:

WHY does it matter that you’re getting out there? WHY does it matter that you’re sharing your message?

Doing interviews and Facebook lives and videos (and posts and social media and WHATEVER) is the vehicle – the but heart of the matter is your message. Your message ties it all together, and makes DOING those activities worthwhile.

It’s not about the book or the video or the podcast. It’s about the person who is receiving that information; the person you want to help. The one for whom your message is meant for.

5. What’s getting in your way (and getting in the way of your message)?

For me, back when I was The Outdoor Princess, my brand got in the way. I was so concerned with wearing pink, having the makeup done for the videos, and wearing a tiara, I forgot my message:

Sharing the love of the outdoors (and the technical how to’s) so people could make happy memories.

We often get caught up in the “should” of writing a book – and dive into that heavy energy. It’s the exact same energy that says you “should” clean the kitchen every night and NEVER go to bed with a sink full of dishes. (Hint: that’s a big negative self-talk from external sources.)

Instead, slip into the wonderful feeling of WANTING to write your book. Of GETTING to write it. Of writing the message-driven book that is on your heart.

Let’s make these last weeks of 2023 MATTER. A great place to start is with The Book Idea Workbook. Spend one (powerful) afternoon with these exercises and walk away with clarity on:

  • The book you REALLY want to write
  • TONS of ideas – and honing in on the one that makes you the most excited
  • Forward progress on what goes IN the book (you’ll want to pair this with Outline Oyster) to finalize your outline
  • And more

Get The Book Idea Workbook Now – Just $97

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My Secret to Writing Your Book Like a Boss

Tell me if this sounds familiar:

You’re used to knuckling down and Getting Things Done. You love a challenge and you ALWAYS rise to the occasion.

So when you set the goal to write a book, you thought:

No problem! I’ve got this in the bag!

And then…

  • It isn’t such a straight path.
  • The lists and checklists and templates feel restrictive.
  • You want to be creative, but you’re worrying about “doing it wrong.”
  • Days are ticking by on the calendar and you don’t feel any closer to writing the book.

What’s wrong with you?!

Deep breath, friend. Writing a book is NOT like clearing out the garage! They are both a project, yes, but the steps to clean your garage are more of a “rinse and repeat” process to figure out what you’re gonna toss and what you’ll keep (and how to store it!) Writing a book needs a better plan.

You’ve got mad skills for figuring things out – and you’re really self-sufficient. You’ve probably had great success in the past with getting a tiny bit of knowledge, applying it, tweaking it, and you’re off to the races – successes raining down!

And it’s frustrating that you can FEEL the book trying to come together – but it isn’t.

Here’s my secret to writing like a boss:

Get Better Help.

It’s not about delegating the writing (ghostwriter) but it IS about tapping into the right system that will allow you to write the book that is on your heart, use your gifts, and do it in your own time frame.

No restrictive templates – but a SYSTEM that has worked for authors just.like.you.

It starts with my free training, “How to Finally Write Your Book (5 Steps) in 2023 – Without Sacrificing Your Life!”

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • All you need for your book is to write down your signature talk, right? WRONG! I’ll explain how your book needs to be so much more.
  • If you do this one thing you’ll be GUARANTEED to get MORE writing done… without giving up Netflix, your kids’ soccer games, or locking yourself in your office. (Hint: I’m a busy mom of three!)
  • My PROVEN system to write a message-driven book… so that you can reach the people you’re meant to reach! This is the system I use myself AND it has helped authors around the world to FINALLY start – and finish – their books!
  • AND debunking the Mental Monsters™ that keep you from even getting started… including my brand of Monster Spray that is sure to work. Get this wrong and you’ll NEVER finish your book.

Save your seat and watch the free class today!

3 Honest Truths About Connecting with Your Divine Calling

1. Everybody comes to this planet with a message to share with the world. Everybody. Even you.

2. Not everybody chooses to share that message.

3. Sharing your God-given message is how you can make the world a better place, help the people you’re meant to help, and honor God.

It isn’t easy to get back in touch with your message. When you do, you can create a heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul connection with your reader that allows them to know they aren’t alone.

100% of the people who write their books with me say that they want to help someone. And I know that they are among the minority of people who are not only going to reveal their message, they’ll also do whatever it takes to share it with the world.

That’s you.

And what you need to do, right now, is register for my free class, How to Finally Write Your Book (5 Steps) in 2023 – Without Sacrificing Your Life!, so you can get started writing your book the RIGHT way. After all, the time is NOW to finally write your book and share your message.

P.S. Revealing Your Message IS step 1 in writing a book. And it’s the step that most people skip because it’s not a straight-forward process. (Adults have had a lifetime of practice in hiding their God-given message behind marketing jargon and what they “should” do.) In the Finally Write Your Book course, you’ll learn my “Slide Up Sideways Method” to get back in touch with YOUR message.

Be sure to check out my free class today: FinallyWriteYourBook.com/5Steps

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Steal Bestseller Secrets for Shifting Your Mood – Instantly – to Get Back into the Writing Flow

As a bestselling author (who creates bestselling authors!) I know a thing or two about writing a book. I also know a lot about getting stuck, hopping on the struggle bus, and getting derailed in your daily writing practice.

You don’t HAVE to stay in the struggle. You don’t HAVE to feel cruddy. You don’t HAVE to be stuck. Here’s how to shift your mood – instantly – and get back into the writing flow!

Bestseller Secret #1: Eat. You’ll feel better.

This is one of my “Rules for Life” – and it’s the simplest. When I’m feeling low, my blood sugar rushes to match. So go eat!

While it’s BEST if you eat a balanced meal or snack (duh) this bestseller secret is NOT to eat something healthy. Because when you’re feeling grumpy, sometimes a carrot stick and hummus, while balanced and healthy, aren’t as effective as a cuppa and a cookie in raising your mood (and getting you back into the writing flow!)

 

Bestseller Secret #2: Change how you’re writing.

If you’re on your laptop, switch to your notebook. If you’re at your desk, move to your couch. If you’re inside, head to the porch. If it’s too quiet, go to a café.

Changing your writing tools (from pen and paper to digital, or visa versa) can work WONDERS to lift your mood and get back into the writing flow. And never underestimate the power of moving WHERE you’re writing too.

Even a temporary shift in tool or location can serve to shift your mood!

 

Bestseller Secret #3: Pep talk from a mentor

My students in Finally Write Your Book course have a private, students-only Facebook group where they can come for a pep talk, advice, and encouragement from me AND their fellow authors. That “you can do it” support from someone who is also on a journey to write a book is invaluable.

My most successful authors use this – regularly! Because you’re NOT in it alone.

To learn more about Finally Write Your Book (and get some great tips for your writing that you can instantly put into practice) register for my free class, “How to Finally Write Your Book (5 Steps) in 2023 – Without Sacrificing Your Life!”

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • All you need for your book is to write down your signature talk, right? WRONG! I’ll explain how your book needs to be so much more.
  • If you do this one thing you’ll be GUARANTEED to get MORE writing done… without giving up Netflix, your kids’ soccer games, or locking yourself in your office. (Hint: I’m a busy mom of three!)
  • My PROVEN system to write a message-driven book… so that you can reach the people you’re meant to reach! This is the system I use myself AND it has helped authors around the world to FINALLY start – and finish – their books!
  • AND debunking the Mental Monsters™ that keep you from even getting started… including my brand of Monster Spray that is sure to work. Get this wrong and you’ll NEVER finish your book.

Save your seat and watch the free class today!

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Borrowed Courage for Dealing with Impostor Syndrome

It happens to everybody: you, me, the guy down the street…

Impostor Syndrome.

Suddenly, you’re overcome with the feelings of just faking it. (And “it” changes – today it’s parenting, tomorrow it’s writing your book.)

And while bouts of impostor syndrome happen to everyone, you can’t LIVE in that space. Especially when you’re trying to write your book and share your message with the world. After all, you can’t help the people you are meant to help if you’re stuck hiding.

The best way to get over impostor syndrome is to provide your brain (and heart) actual PROOF that you are not faking it. Here are two things you can do to create courage when you’re faced with impostor syndrome.

1. Grab one of your (unused) pretty notebooks and your favorite pen

That notebook you’ve been saving? This is a great use for it. As you go through your days take a moment to jot down PROOF that you’re a successful writer.

Wrote on your book today? Put that in the notebook.
Got positive comments on a social media post? Put that in the notebook.
Had a press release published? Put that in the notebook.

What you’re creating is a PROOF file of all the ways you succeed as a writer – big and small. Then, when you’re wrestling with impostor syndrome as a writer, you’ve got proof, ready to go, that you’re not.

Start today!

But what if you’re currently in the midst of impostor syndrome and don’t have a proof file ready to go?

2. Grab a blank piece of paper and a big, fat marker

On that (big) piece of paper write in marker (bold!)

I am an author.

Put your hand over your heart and read that aloud to yourself. Again. Again. And each time you look at the words, say them aloud, and feel your hand on your chest.

You may start in a whisper. But I want you to – intentionally – say the words “I am an author” with more volume and belief.

Why are they written, spoken aloud, and you’ve got a hand on your chest?

To hit your brain visually, auditorily, and kinetically. (Yes, it matters.)

Impostor syndrome can also be the Mental Monster™ called “Who am I?” All Mental Monsters™ are insidious. And they often show up in pairs. You can learn about them all in my free class, How to Finally Write Your Book (5 Steps) in 2023 – Without Sacrificing Your Life!

Register Here

Learn from a best-selling author exactly how I help message-driven authors JUST LIKE YOU to write their non-fiction books in 15 minutes a day – even if you’ve struggled for years. (Yes, this works for how to books, process-based books, and memoir!)

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • All you need for your book is to write down your signature talk, right? WRONG! I’ll explain how your book needs to be so much more.
  • If you do this one thing you’ll be GUARANTEED to get MORE writing done… without giving up Netflix, your kids’ soccer games, or locking yourself in your office. (Hint: I’m a busy mom of three!)
  • My PROVEN system to write a message-driven book… so that you can reach the people you’re meant to reach! This is the system I use myself AND it has helped authors around the world to FINALLY start – and finish – their books!
  • AND debunking the Mental Monsters™ that keep you from even getting started… including my brand of Monster Spray that is sure to work. Get this wrong and you’ll NEVER finish your book.

Save your seat and watch the free class today!

 

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5 Essential Ideas for Writing a Message-Driven Book

You, my friend, are full of ideas. And while you may not realize it, you’re also very skilled at taking things that don’t seem like they go together and finding the golden thread that connects them – then creating something brand-new in the world.

That is so amazing!

You can do the same thing for writing your book. But NOT if you’re getting stuck in stodgy templates or formulas that don’t allow the alchemy of your ideas to come through.

Because let me guess…

In your search to write a book, you’ve tried out a few of those “Ten Must-Have Chapters for Your Book” or “Proven Book-Writing Formula”… and they’ve fallen flat.

They don’t take into account your message, your ideas, and your drive to change the world.

Never fear!

Here are 5 essential ideas to harness while writing your message-driven book.

1. Your message matters

This isn’t jargon or marketing speak! You have a message to share with the world, and tapping into it allows you to bring forth all of your passion, warmth, and creativity to the world. And a world governed by “rules” has done its best to keep you playing small.

The first idea I want you to breathe into is…

Your Message Matters.

This is exactly where you start when writing your book – Revealing Your Message. Doing so will set your ideas and your book free.

5 Essential Ideas for Writing a Message-Driven Book Click To Tweet

2. You don’t have to write the book “in order”

Let me guess:

You’ve tried to write your book starting at the Introduction, then Chapter 1, and so on. And you quickly lost interest.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t (or shouldn’t) write a book! It simply means that you’re going about it in a way that doesn’t allow your brilliance and dynamic thinking to shine through. Once you’ve created your outline (Step 2: OUTLINING Your Message-Driven Book) then you are free to jump around in the book – and you know it’ll all get written because you have a plan.

3. Magic happens when you are… you

You are the sum total of your thoughts, experiences, training, upbringing, beliefs, and adventures. Good and bad – they all come together to make you… you.

So let that shine through! All your brilliance – and all your idiosyncrasies. Writing a book IS putting words on a page. But the way you express your ideas, stories, and thoughts doesn’t have to and SHOULDN’T conform to any set of “rules.”

Take all the exciting, magical, unusual ways you get results – and let that shine.

4. Flexibility in how you write lights you up

You wither under too much rigidity. So embrace that you need flexibility in how you write. That might look like a variety of writing locations (cafes, parks, the living room chair) or it might be the excitement of a fresh notebook and a fancy pen.

The bottom line is that the novelty of how you write keeps the ideas flowing. Don’t stifle that!

There are easy systems in Step 5: WRITING Your Message-Driven Book (part of the Finally Write Your Book Course) that will teach you how to embrace all the novelty and flexibility in writing and STILL be able to bring it all together into the structure and format of a book.

Don’t fight who you are! Embrace it!

5. You need a system, not a formula

You know that you don’t know it all! Your ideas sparkle – and you might also struggle with the follow-through. (That’s why a “template” sounds so appealing – structure!)

Here’s some truth for you:

A rigid formula or template will never work – for you. It’s too constricting and doesn’t allow you to access your Big Ideas.

A system, on the other hand, allows you to learn the process of writing a book and then make it your own. I go over my complete (proven) book writing system in my free class…

Once you see the system – which takes into account exactly how your brand of idea alchemy works – you’ll be able to imagine how it can work for your book, your ideas, your message.

See My FULL System for Writing a Book >>> Register here

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A 2-Minute Practice for Creating Space in Your Calendar to Write Your Book

It’s no secret that writing a book takes time. And if you’re finding, day after day, that bedtime rolls around without having found time in your day to write your book then you NEED this 2-minute practice.

And no, it’s not about time blocking, “punishing” yourself when you don’t write, or giving up ANYTHING in your life.

In fact, you can do this practice WHILE you’re doing something else! (I like to do it when I’m brushing my teeth – that takes about two minutes!)

Look ahead into the next 24-hours of your day. Where is the time that your BODY is busy but your mind isn’t?

Examples can be:

  • Dishes
  • Folding laundry
  • Waiting in a school pick up line
  • Waiting a kid’s practice
  • Between meetings

You’re looking for a SMALL section of time – 10 minutes or less is perfect.

Decide NOW that you’ll use that time to THINK about what you’ll be writing in your next writing session.

Use 2 MINUTES of your day to completely END the cycle of not writing! Read more. Click To Tweet

Then, during that “crack of time” instead of listening to music, chatting on the phone with a friend, or zoning out, you’ll be thinking about what you’ll be writing next. (And you’re not LOSING any time from your day!)

This part of the practice should take about a minute. All you’re doing is DECIDING what piece of body-busy-mind-isn’t time in your day you’ll use.

The next part of the practice is to find time when you’ll do your writing. (After all, you cannot manifest a book! You can only WRITE a book.)

For the next minute, look ahead into the 24-hours of your day, and pick two or three times when you could WRITE your book.

Picking a couple of times that MIGHT work mean that if anything changes in your day, you know you’ve got a back-up time!

Your early morning coffee-and-writing gets interrupted when the kids get up with the sun? No problem! You’ve dialed in time after that appointment downtown to sit at a coffee shop and write.

Last minute invite to coffee with a friend in the middle of your writing time? No problem! You’ve already identified another writing time slot you can use!

The school drop-off line goes super fast? No worries! You’ve got time to write while the Instapot does its thing for dinner!

By using just TWO MINUTES of your day – either in the morning for the day ahead or in the evening for the next day – you can completely END the cycle of going to bed with yet ANOTHER day of not writing!

I cover all this and more in my free class, “How to Finally Write Your Book (5 Steps) in 2023 – Without Sacrificing Your Life!”

Register Here!

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