Defeat Writer’s Block with 5 Simple Questions (Tips for Fiction Writers—and the Rest of Us!)
Some writers have an idea for a story, other writers begin with a character, and some have no clue what they’ll write until they start. But no matter the path, what happens if you’re stumped? What happens if you become consumed by the dreaded “writer’s block” or the fear of one day having writer’s block? Continue reading
Indie-Publish Like a Pro — Podcast with the Wealthy Speaker Jane Atkinson
The saying used to be that “those who can’t get published, self-publish.” With business leaders, like Seth Godin, and fiction titles, like The Shack, proving that self-publishing (aka indie-publishing) can be done well and profitably, that old saying no longer proves true. So what have you got to lose?
With print-on-demand, anyone can publish a book these days. The trick is doing it in a way that boosts your credibility. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Show, speaking coach and podcast host Jane Atkinson and I talk about indie-publishing and using your book as a tool to market yourself and earn more as a speaker.
- The advantages of indie-publishing. 3:05
- People do judge a book by its cover. 7:10
- The most important piece of the puzzle. 9:55
- Write about what you know and love. 15:50
- People judge you by your book, so make it great! 20:20
- Secrets & writing hacks. 26:10
- Murdering your darling. 33:40
- When to hire a ghost writer. 36:50
Listen in! And if you have a question about indie-publishing, leave a comment below.
Are you ready to write your book? Get started today with these 7 Simple, Proven Steps.
How to Write & Publish Your First Book
Do you have a book in you? Popular polls indicate that 81% of people say they want to write a book … someday. If you are one of those people, you are clearly in good company! And if you’re a speaker, coach, expert, or leader, a book is a powerful way to build your brand and share your message. But how do you get started? And what do you do when the first draft is complete?
In this podcast interview on The Simply Marketing Show, host and marketing expert Alison Teare and I discuss some of the most common questions new authors have about writing and publishing.
- Do you need a publisher?
- How do you make a start?
- How do you make money from your book?
- Is Amazon the best place to publish?
- Where to write?
- How much to write?
- Ways to write when you’re not a natural writer?
- The difference between traditional publishing and self (indie) publishing
Listen in and add your own question in the comments below.
Are you ready to write your book? Get started today with these 7 Simple, Proven Steps.
How to Tell a Great Story
Stories help bring meaning to your message. In this interview with Rory Vaden, we talke about the power of story telling–and how to do it well. We discuss the critical elements that make up a great story and the most common mistakes people make.
Interview Highlights:
• People want authenticity and connection. Stories create that connection. –@ErinKCasey
• If you’re writing, you need to have a hook–something that draws people in. –@ErinKCasey
• To be effective, you have to be relevant. –@ErinKCasey
• Tell an “I” focused story with a “you” focused message. –@Rory_Vaden
Do You Have to Be an Expert to Write Your Book?
Not long ago, I was coaching an entrepreneur who wanted to write a book. Every time I inquired about her progress, there was very little to show. She kept procrastinating and simply couldn’t follow through with the writing activities and prompts. She was perfectly clear about the topic she wanted to write about and knew the audience for her book. Her lack of enthusiasm for getting the book done and in print puzzled me.
“What’s really holding you back?” I asked.
“There’s so many books out there by experts. I don’t feel like I’m an expert enough on that topic. Who am I to write this kind of book?” Continue reading
How Much Should I Pay for a Ghostwriter?
A motivational speaker / business coach recently sent me a great question about ghostwriting. Because there are so many variables (and more than a few scams out there), I wanted to share the question and my response with you, too.
Question
What are upsides & downsides to getting book done with a ghostwriter? [I’m] Getting bids from ghostwriters offering to write 20,000- to 30,000-word books using my speaking and coaching recordings at a cost of $250-$400.
Answer
Ghostwriting is an excellent option for people who simply don’t have time to write or who have a story to tell but don’t have the skill or language background to do it well. That’s the upside.
The downside is that it isn’t inexpensive.
A fee of $250-400 is exceptionally low—barely covering the cost of transcription—even for a short book. That might equate to around $8-15/hour if the writer could knock out 2,000 words an hour. As a professional, would you work for that rate? Continue reading
Finding Your Blogging Voice
Aaron Hogan holding his first copy of Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth. An awesome moment for any author!
Blogging is one of those things that most authors, coaches and speakers know we “should” be doing. It helps us test our ideas. It allows us to gauge audience interest. It provides an opportunity to reflect on our experiences and explore new concepts. And it’s a practice that I have yet to master. That’s why I love to hear from people who are doing it well. Aaron Hogan included some great insights on the why and how of blogging in his new book, Shattering the Perfect Teacher Myth, and he graciously offered to share some of his thoughts on blogging here. He speaks from an educator’s viewpoint, but I believe his message is applicable to any field. If you’ve been thinking about blogging or about blogging more consistently, Aaron’s advice will help you find your voice, figure out what to write about, and fit it into your busy schedule.
Finding Your Blogging Voice
Everyone has experiences that are worth sharing. That includes you. (Yes, even with the excuses that just ran through your head.)
But it’s not enough to simply have some experiences that are worth sharing. Thomas Paine said, “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.” Make no mistake–blogging, or any other form of sharing your learning, is an act of bravery. I love that Paine isn’t saying that it’s brave because there’s a big audience waiting or because of what others might think. I think his claim recognizes how hard it is to thoughtfully reflect on our own experiences. What he’s talking about is disruptive.
Make no mistake--blogging, or any other form of sharing your learning, is an act of bravery. ~ @Aaron_Hogan Click To TweetIt’s courageous. It’s risky, yet rewarding. Yet it’s surprisingly simple for you to pull off as a blogger.
Are You Ready to Write Your Book?
Jane Atkinson is a pro at helping speakers launch their careers. In this interview for Jane’s Wealthy Speaker Podcast, she and I talk about the different ways you can use a book to build credibility and expand your reach. Listen in… and then start writing!
Do I Have Anything New to Say?
What can I say that’s new or different from anything that’s already out there?
I hear this question weekly from people who want to write a book and share their stories. They worry that, with all the books, all the blog posts, and all the magazine articles that have already been written, their messages will sound like everyone else’s. Continue reading
Tips for Successful Writing Teams
Writing is very often a solitary task. We think and write in solitude. We rethink and revise the confines of the booth at the local coffee shop or home office. Alone.
That aloneness allows for productivity, banging out words and clarifying thoughts as they turn into words on the screen. But working with others is a unique experience that may help you become an even better writer. Continue reading