Writing is a process and habit

Writing is a Process and a Habit

It’s good to keep in mind that writing is a habit — and a book is one potential outcome from that habit. So many want to have the outcome, but they haven’t got room in life for the habit, especially if research is also involved. Let’s take my client BD, a very busy 71-year-old who advises his old business. With overseas trips, interstate trips and 100 family members, he’s got a lot on. His first step involved writing once a week, answering a question on his life (this was a different, automated program). Then he had a weekly or fortnightly call with me for several months to go over small pieces he added to his manuscript. It expanded and I also structured the chronology of events. At the end of nine months, it was almost there. Now just for the…
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keep on writing productively
Writers Mindset

How Do You Keep on Writing and Being Productive on Blah Days?

I often witness non-fiction book writers have a dip in their motivation and self-belief. So what if you have those blah days, and can’t seem to think of a single good idea? The book ‘On Writing’ by Stephen King helped me long ago to realise: you just have to make a commitment to keep sitting down to write, despite not feeling like it. Prolific fiction writer Amy Suto said that a simple mindset shift early on changed everything for her. Her advice, whatever your feelings on the day: decide to show up imperfectly. “I’m going to do it without putting pressure on the outcome. I’m going to do it tired. I’m going to do it imperfectly.” Being a book coach is something that makes for fascinating party conversations. “Oh, you help people write a book? … I always wanted to write…
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Doing research to create a book and blast writers block

Doing Research to Create a Book and Blast out Writer’s Block

One of my favourite tools to bust yourself out of blank page staring (writer’s block) is research. In particular, keyword and audience research for creating a book. This is about how research can help you start writing a topic-based book. A Walk Through Audience Research from Keywords First, you will want to do audience research along with keyword research. One without the other will be giving you herrings, red ones. The tool for this is SparkToro, made by Rand Fishkin, an SEO expert leader. What he doesn’t know about finding an audience isn’t worth knowing. Under SparkToro: Demographics you will find ‘Bio/profile terms’, and you see whether the relevant word appears in people’s bio. Are you onto the right target market? Creation, marketing, development were top 3 bio words of the keyword ‘Book Creation’. I could launch a LinkedIn search…
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positive mindset for writers

The Key to a Positive Mindset for Writers

Today’s post is a little different. I want to talk about cultivating the right mindset, as fear and inaction affects book writers. In my forthcoming book ‘20 Most-Asked Questions on Prosperity’, I give readers some positive framework examples and ideas to re-set their ways of thinking. To get back on track to my own goals, I talk about my use of a ‘letting go’ approach. Prior to this, I felt stuck. But why let go of grudges, frustration and fear? Because it helps you handle stressful events and to implement a positive writer’s mindset. Writes Richard Maloney: The key to being Stress-Free and thriving under pressure, is through continual self-awareness and self-regulation. It’s about recognizing your thoughts and actively changing them where necessary.” ‘Stress Free’ – CoachingLife.com Supporting the feelings of writers It can be difficult to uncover the fears…
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