inspiration

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The hidden days in EVERY year are almost here! What’s your plan?

I was just telling Ben today how much I LOVE the days between Christmas and New Years. It feels like a huge push to get to Christmas with endless preparation, shopping, cooking, and cleaning. (And lights to see, songs to sing, yummies to eat, and traditions to create or honor…)

Then on December 26…

The whole world takes a collective pause.

The stores are busy, but they lack that crazy pre-Christmas frantic-ness. (Yes, even with long return lines, the stores are quieter.)

The trimmings of the season are still out, still beautiful, but they’ve faded into a quiet background – the anticipation has worn off.

Kids are out of school but there’s not much on the to-do list.

I find that these days are the most underused time of the year! It’s so easy to fritter it away noshing on leftovers, watching bad TV, and creating a Kim-shaped dip in the couch. The world is on pause – and it’s easy to get caught up in the nothingness of these five days.

Then New Years Day comes in a rush – with glossy magazine articles about resolutions, goals, and forming new habits. All of which is punctuated by the fact that you just did nothing for the last five days!

And you’re perfectly poised to make the most of the collective pause. (Be sure you’ve grabbed Writing Through the Holidays Workshop – it’s $9 well-spent!)

Then, take some time and decide if 2024 is the year you write your book.

I love the “fresh-slate” feeling of a new year and I’m not ashamed to say I’ll be taking full advantage of the upsurge of “New!” energy to jumpstart some exciting offerings. Let me know what YOU would like to see from me in 2024 – courses, events, and coaching.

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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 Super-Secret Ritual to Write Faster

You want your book to change lives. You want to Help People. (Yes, with a capital H.)

So it’s only natural to agonize over every single word.

The challenge is that then writing takes forever. And you’ve probably already spent weeks, months, YEARS “writing” your book.

#truthbomb

It’s far easier to edit your writing into brilliance than it is to write every single word brilliantly the first time.

#moretruth

It’s impossible to edit what isn’t on the page!

That means that part of writing your book is getting your ideas out of your head (and heart!) and onto the page. As quickly as possible.

Here’s my super secret Ritual to write faster:

Say this mantra three times:

I have everything I need, in this moment, to write.

These ten POWERFUL words have unlocked authors just like you. And the best part about this ritual is that when you’re reciting this mantra, you can change the emphasis to give you power and motivation for where you’re stuck.

Writing in a waiting room, without your preferred tools, (instead of in your writing space)?

I have EVERYTHING I need, in this moment, to write.

Writing when you’re feeling unsettled and like all your ideas are lacking?

I have everything I need, IN THIS MOMENT, to write.

Writing when you’d rather be scrubbing the toilet – so it feels a touch forced?

I have everything I need, in this moment, TO WRITE.

What I love best about this ritual is that it is ten words that I can do anywhere, any time. I don’t need a candle or silence or a meditation cushion or a singing bowl or any THING fancy.

Me.
Pen and paper.
10 words.

GO.

Need a little extra help to get writing? I recommend The Book Idea Workbook. This mini-course allows you to QUICKLY get the ideas out of your head and onto paper. Then to figure out where you want to start – which is the difference between a “Yes! I want to WRITE THAT BOOK” and a “well I guess I should write that book, since I guess it’s time and I kinda have to.” (Aka a “should” book.)

Get The Book Idea Workbook Here

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Daily Actions for Bootstrapping Your Book

This is far more than saving money! It’s also about saving time. Because while you can write your book but putting one word on the page after another, that road is long, time consuming, and lonely.

Take my client Holly, for example. She started her memoir over ten years ago. Holly is a skilled author and has written books before. The memoir was something close to her heart – that shared her message in an intimate way. No room to “screw it up” or to get out there with “good enough.”

Holly’s natural writing skills pulled her through the first three chapters.

And then…

Crickets. The book sat on her hard drive for YEARS.

Then Holly and I found each other. (We’d actually been business acquaintances for a while at that point!) Once Holly had my proven system, the one I teach in my course, Finally Write Your Book, she was able to finish the book in a matter of months.

After struggling for YEARS.

Bootstrapping to save money is GREAT! And there are hard-cost expenses with writing your book like editing, formatting, and cover design. Many of these can be farmed out to low-cost vendors like Fiverr (although you do need to fully vet any contractor, just like you would with any other project.)

The one place where you can’t hire it out is writing your book.

(Yes, you can hire a ghostwriter. The best start at about $30,000 and go up from there!)

You’ve got write your book yourself. You need to put in the thinking time, the time to organize and structure the book, and the quality time where the pencil meets the page – writing it.

So where do you bootstrap writing it?

By joining the course, Finally Write Your Book.

This course will bring you small, daily actions that teach you how to write your book. And it’s not just endless writing exercises that build your skills but not your page count! Everything in the course is designed to take you from idea to written book – quickly.

You no longer have to struggle for months or years – you can write your message-driven book easily.

There will be a Flash Sale happening September 22-23 so get on the waitlist!

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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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Ask this ONE Question Before Starting Your Book

Before you start writing your book, you need to ask yourself this one question:

Why am I writing a book?

If the answer is anything at all like, “So-and-so said I SHOULD write a book” or “I’ve gotten to the point where I feel like I SHOULD write a book” then STOP.

Do not write a book.

But if the answer is anything along the lines of:

  • I’m not reaching enough people and I need to get out there in a bigger way!
  • I can’t WAIT to share my message!
  • I want to help more people!
  • I love writing!
  • A book can help people while I’m sleeping!

Then it’s time for you to write your book.

The difference is between an external force telling you that you should write a book (heavy energy) and an internal force saying, “if I don’t get to write this book, I’m gonna explode!” (light energy.)

Inspiration waxes and wanes but if you aren’t inspired at all to write a book – don’t.

The best way to make sure that this is the time to write your book – and WHICH book you should write – is by honing in on ONE red-hot idea. An idea that COMPLETELY lights you up. That’s where my mini-course, The Book Idea Workbook comes in.

You’ll walk through powerful (and easy!) exercises to go through ALL the ideas you might have (and create plenty of ideas you didn’t know you had!) and then get laser focused on the ONE idea that really lights you up!

This isn’t a course that drags on and on! In fact, it’s designed to be done in a couple of afternoons. Perfect for when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated.

And to make it an easy YES! The Book Idea Workbook is just $97 – for a limited time. (It’s normally $197 and is TOTALLY worth it at full price!)

Not only will you get clarity on the best idea for your (next) book, you’ll have plenty of ideas for future articles, social media posts, blogs, talks, and more!

Get The Book Idea Workbook Here >>> $97 for a Limited Time

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