queensvoice

6 Passion Performing Rituals To Help You Crush It

1. Every passion is bloggable - With the whole world at your fingertips and webcam you probably can locate like-minded souls interested in just about any hobby, turned passion, that you'd like to transform into profit, idea. There are great examples sprinkled throughout the book of enterprising individuals who are succeeding at carving their niche of the blogosphere pie. 

2.  Why your scribe needs a personal brand - Instead of brand, think identity. Each person has their own thoughts, opinions, experiences, passions that are as unique as your fingerprint. To make your stamp stick in the cyber minds of your audience you must identify what makes you different. Whether it's your voice, niche, appearance, or style, figure out how to shout above the crowd so your individuality stands out. You may not have heard it laid out like it is in Crush It!  

3.  Tweet Tweet NOW! - Twitter takes time, thought, and transparency but where else can you reach such a volume of people interested in what you have to say for free? From large conglomerates to the single scribe, business owners are chatting, collaborating, comparing, and consuming at an accelerated pace. If you're not imprinting your identity along the giant Twitter shores you are missing the yacht.

4.  Get excited about each friend, follower, and commenter - It starts with one, then one handful, then two, and with consistent hard work your audience expands. But never forget that your fan base is made up of individuals who agreed to share some of their attention with you. Don't rate your excitement level along the same scale as the number of your readers but rather on the quality of each conversation.

5.  The best medium for you - Should you choose text, audio, video, or a combination for your marketing? The written word is always a favorite form of expression for me. I find that there's a place for audio, such as performing excerpts of your book and sending voice messages through the email. Video is great for educating your viewers, personalizing your message, and recording live events to post on social media sites. Try all three and decide which you like best and which one delivers your desired results. Gary does an excellent job of sharing his favorite method.

6.  Live your passion and it will outlive you - Are you creating something that will exist beyond you? As writers your words, characters, and plot creations will continue to circulate through the stratosphere long after you've been called to serve on another plane. Record the details of your life so future generations of your family have memories to reminisce over and pass down. Write books and record media so your fans can continue to learn from, be inspired by, and pay tribute to you. And choose a cause where you can make a lasting improvement in other people's lives. Legacy - A thought provoking chapter.

Crush It is an energetic, engaging read. Afterward you'll be ready to learn, love, and live your deepest driven passion!

Have you transformed your passion into a business? I'd love to hear about it!

10 Ways The Book Going Rogue Can Help Your Writing

1.  The feel of a memoir - Have you uttered the words, one day I'm going to write a book? Many do but few will. This is what the accomplishment looks like, feels like, sounds like. Take out your journals, photo albums, videos, old family letters, trinkets, treasures, and every other recording you can find. Depending at what point you are in your life you may have enough of a collection to tell a story the world is ready to hear. No one has stood exactly where you have been in your footprint. Whether you write it for public consumption or as a family gift the time is now. Make a plan and break it down into small parts to be done daily.

2.  Discipline of writing on a strict time line - Completing a 400 page book in four months takes diligence. Granted it helps to have the incentive of a sign, sealed, delivered sure to be a hit deal, which most of us scribes do not begin with. But imagine what you could achieve if you committed to writing 3 pages a day? In four months you'd have a 400 page novel. If you can tell your story in less than you'll be ready to meet your editorial genie that much sooner! 

3.  Develop a solid foundation of support - No matter where Sarah's political and authorial adventures take her she's always most at home with her feet planted on Alaskan soil and her family at her side. Whether you're traveling the globe or just through each day, what or whom forms your support system? Remember playing tag as a kid. There was always one area that was safe. Base we called it. Where is your base? The place and people you can return to where you feel grounded, loved, supported, and safe, or at least sane again. 

4.  Being led by the conviction of faith - This is a challenging one for me because I'm not spiritually centered in this way. I've included it here because I am impressed with Sarah's firm belief in following the path and direction set forth by God and the confidence, peace, and success this brings her. I do believe there is a universal force at work in our lives and that desires, requests, and searches for solutions are answered and delivered upon. Wherever yours originates from, faith in yourself and your writing is a necessary trait when navigating the publishing waters. 

5.  Fighting For what you believe in - Out of confidence emerges leadership and leaders take a stand and defend it regardless of controversy and obstacles. Sarah's track record illustrates numerous examples of her ability to remain firm and do whatever it took to achieve the desired outcome. Writing is a very powerful platform, especially with the internet today. Use it wisely to carve out your niche, express your convictions, and offer value. In the global arena you'll find like-minded souls out there to connect with.

6.  Setting the record straight in your own words - Definitely a perk to writing books, blogs, and articles. Sarah was able to tell her side of every story, which enables readers to understand what was really going on behind the scenes, a more accurate account than anything the mainstream media reported. Maybe every move you make and every word you speak is not on public display but most of us have experienced wrongs we'd like to write. Fiction can offer you a path to healthy expression that won't get you into trouble and non-fiction can provide healing and a way to help others who may be going through similar challenges.

7.  Commanding attention - These people attract a loyal following and sell books! What can you do with your scribe style, subject, voice, that will make you stand out from the crowd? Your personal brand and your experiences are unique to you. That's what people will pay attention to and come back for more of.

8.  The powerful get things done - While some talk, others do. Sarah's victories are well defined in this novel. Part of being powerful is taking tasks all the way to completion. Do you have writing projects that you've started and never finished? Make a list of them and all the steps necessary to complete each one. Then before you move onto something else do one of the tasks. It will spur you onto fulfilling another.

9.  Focus on the lunch hour reader - Sarah relates to, listens to, and communicates with the everyday proud American people. Some of your most loyal customers may be the avid readers that take your characters along with their chicken sandwich on a one hour lunch break. Are you listening to what your audience wants more of?

10. Your environment shapes you - Growing up in Alaska lends a unique perspective in opinions,decision making, and habits. Wherever you were raised you learn, act, and behave according to your life experiences. Capitalize on the first chapters of your story. They created your individuality and when spilled on the pages of your next best seller will enable you to gain the attention of a dedicated selection of fans.

You empower yourself by reading. You inspire others by writing. When you discover a great book that benefited you in some way pass it on!

What books are on your top 3 list of favorite reads and why?

Search For Edible Tagline Reveals A New Talent

I went from "can't write a poem if my life depended on it," to cranking out a silly little four liner for Tipsy, The Cocktail Chef, on her cooking blog, some 2 line marketing rhymes, and now this cold weather tribute for my Florida friends. I know it's a little late, as you're happily nestled back in the comfort of your summer temps and you might give me a social media smack down if I say, save it for the next cold wave...

It happened at Starbucks, one of my fave spots for penning the next great American novel. Must be the air of java that kicks my creativity into high gear. I was in search mode for an edible attention grabber for Tipsy. I had no idea that my culinary alter ego would end up welcoming visitors with "Doubts dissolve in a hurry..." Have to visit http://www.tipsyculinaryqueen for the full visual affect!

I have a couple of friends who are wonderful at line after line of poetic prose complete with all the pauses held at just the right moment. For me, I understand the meaning of my words, not the spaces in between.

Experience the live performance which is quite a hoot, at least it felt like it was when I recorded it. For the text lovers I've got you covered as well! 

Words can offer your readers a metaphorical shoulder to cry on, a timely nudge in a better direction, a confirmation of correct choices, or just a shiver of laughter!

No way, snow in Florida! I cried.

I've no sweater or coat to protect my hide.

Brrrr. My Miami is so cold,

But I will be strong, courageous, and bold.

Summertime feels many months away,

But I'll not complain, just smile everyday.

I forge a trail to my next business place,

More people to help, better pick up the pace.

Damn these flip flops in this fluffy white slop,

Bring it on Mother Nature, but I will not stop.

As the snow leaves behind its reflective veil,

I focus on goals and know I'll prevail.

The warmth will return to my Sunshine State,

For in South Beach I've discovered my destiny and fate.

So which do you prefer? Text or audio for your blog posts? Does it depend on what kind of information is being delivered?

Appreciate Your Brain-It Creates Your Individuality

Imagine...if you were born with only half a brain or, as in this story, had to have half of your brain surgically removed?

We program our brains for success. As writers, our minds possess the ability to take one object, situation, or an overheard conversation and transform it into a spellbinding story by way of our imaginations. Our individuality, our strength to survive, our determination to live life on our own terms, our need to love and be loved, and our desire to share, all originate from the electrifying energy between our ears!

How does our brain accomplish all this and more? Scientists and doctors are constantly discovering more and more about our cranial capacities. This video illustrates the brain's ability to recreate cells, compensate for missing parts, and still perform.

I find stories like this phenomenal, inspiring, and a great reminder that if you have a fully functioning healthy brain don't waste it on un-resourceful thoughts. Teach it, train it, utilize it, relax it, and most importantly appreciate it!

What have you done for your brain today?

Emulating People Helps You Write Goals

What three people in this world would you like to emulate? And why? Maybe it's for their business achievements, the way they conduct their lives, their personality traits or the overall life they live.

Emulate means (to try to equal or excel; imitate with effort) I love the terms excel and imitate with effort. It's not about just copying someone but rather a proactive part of goal setting. Perhaps starting with a blank sheet of paper with the heading 'What Do I Want?' is too overwhelming. Instead begin with, 'Who is living the life I want?'  Choose three, list them, and write a paragraph on why you admire them enough to declare them role models. What is it about them that interests and attracts you? Then write what skills they have and traits they possess that create their success. Which of these do you need to acquire to close the gap between where you are and where they are?

That should get you started with goals to work towards and an action plan on the skills you need to learn and the person you need to become on the inside to achieve what you desire on the outside.

They probably have an online presence you can track. Become a virtual voyeur. Study them, read their stories, the struggles they overcame. Check out their website. Watch them be interviewed. Read their book if they have one. Follow them on Twitter. Join their Facebook fan page. This keeps you in touch with the exciting things they're doing and the causes they're involved with. These activities reinforce your vision, which strengthens your will to strive for what you want no matter what obstacles land in your path. 

My three are Nora Roberts, Rachael Ray, and Sarah Palin.

Nora for her humorous writing style, strong character development, innovative themes, original plots, and work ethic! She's a one woman story scribe machine who had 68 New York Times Bestsellers between 1991 and 2001. And since 1999 everyone of her novels has claimed a seat on the bestseller list! Nora's won numerous awards and had nine of her books made into movies! She's a word smith master and in each book she finds ways to colorfully create new combinations. 

Rachael. How can you not enjoy watching this entertaining, fun, passionate chef? If you're a foodie like me you delve deeper and admire her for her fourteen bestselling cookbooks, three TV shows to the tune of 285 episodes a year. I love her creative culinary ability to make each delectable dish her own. That, along with her endless dedication and energy makes her a wonderful role model for this Cocktail Chef!

As a conservative woman, Sarah gains my vote for emulation because she stands strong for what she believes in even against the toughest opposition. Her individuality shines through. She's different, charismatic, vivacious, passionate, and accomplished! Sarah has a dedicated, loyal following, and commands attention wherever she goes! Out of the gate she's a refreshing change that evokes powerful emotions.

These woman are fast paced, pulsing with electrifying energy and living lives I aspire to. Just watching an interview clip on UTUBE can snap me back into focus. Touch base with your role models daily. With the internet it's so easy to stay connected. Who is it that engages you when you read about them or watch them on TV? You can do, have, or be what he or she is but you must first decide who you want to emulate, write down why, and devise a plan to make it happen.

Who do you emulate? Do you have multiple aspirations with a role model for each? Is yours in the public eye or someone closer to home?

Who Do You Admire And Do They Know?

Who do you admire? Parents, siblings, grandparents, other extended family members? Your best friend, a new friend? Your spouse, significant other? Your boss, employees, coworkers? Someone who’s accomplished what you desire or is the kind of person you want to be?

What inspires your admiration in an individual? The way they conduct their lives? The feats they’ve accomplished? Their ability to triumph over adversity? Their pivotal climb to the top of entreprenuerialism that you desire to emulate?

Do they know how you feel? Sometimes we’re quicker to let people we barely know that we admire them then we are those closest to us. It’s important to share your feelings now, not later. Don't assume they know or have been told enough times that they wouldn’t appreciate hearing it again. Admiration is a way of showing gratitude to people you care about. Thank them for being who they are, a person you look up to and a relationship you cherish.

I have a good friend who has conquered three cancers and is being forced back onto the surgery, chemo battleground with a fourth attack. Pancreatic this time. I’ve known her through the last two and watched her fight valiantly while still finding the strength and fortitude to keep writing and go full steam ahead to reach her dream. To be a writer, you must write! It can be challenging enough during near perfect circumstances to tie yourself to the keyboard and spill out meaningful best selling words on a consistent basis. But coping with illness at the same time can hinder creativity and focus, if you let it. She doesn’t and I find that very admirable!

She and I travel through writing, rejection, re-writes and re-submitting in search of the one editor who will believe in us and our stories enough to rent us real estate on the most sought after retail bookshelves. Her advice, dedication, and inspiration means more to me than I can articulate in words. Right now she’s working diligently to complete her latest novel to send off to a publisher for a guaranteed read. As a writer when you have two editorial eyeballs waiting to consider your original masterpiece that you’ve slaved away on for months it is an exciting day! The only one more exhilarating is when that same publisher calls and says Yes! We’d like to publish your book! I’m praying every day for her health, happiness, and the authorial success that she deserves more than anyone else I know.

Let your family, friends, business partners, and mentors in on your admiration of their choices, resilience, achievements, and trainings. Whether you send an email, text, video, pick up the phone or mail a card, express your wonder and esteem today without hesitation or delay!

Ignite The Five Senses In Your Story Settings

Settings establish the environment, attitude, and ambiance of your story. I've been doing some research on developing story settings so I decided to do a series of posts on why they're important and some ideas on how to to develop the ideal location to place your saga in.

Amazing Michael Jackson a cappella tribute

Amazing Michael Jackson a cappella tribute.

Hard to believe this arrangement was accomplished by only two people. The guy on the far left is doing the beat and the rest is one voice. Great example of using creative talent to express your individuality! And, It's wonderful to see a positive tribute to such an incredibly talented artist and limitless humanitarian.

Triumph Over Title Writing Torcher

I can write long hand articles all day long but ask me to encapsulate the mesmerizing tale into a one line attention grabbing headline and it seems to take me longer than writing the whole piece.

Here's five triumphant tips I've used to develop titles:

Is Writing Really Therapeutic?

ANNOUNCEMENT - P THRU Z OF MY BEST SELLING AUTHOR SERIES WILL BE CONTINUED IN AN EBOOK IN SEPTEMBER! STAY TUNED FOR MORE EXCITING ADVICE ON HOW TO BE A WRITER NOW NOT SOMEDAY!   

Recently, my horoscope said, if you have a challenging dilemma that you're having a difficult time moving past, write about it in detail and then move on and focus on the positive of the situation. Now I'm not an astrological advocate but I occasionally read them for kicks and this was one of those rare occasions when it hit home because there is a work/personal issue that's been weighing on my mind. So I thought, I should be able to scribe my feelings into a notebook. Cheaper than therapy, quicker than involving anyone else in conversation, and hey, provides blog material that may help someone else...all around win, right?

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - O Is For Overwhelm

Overwhelm - to overcome completely in mind or feeling:  to cover or bury beneath a mass of something, to load, heap, treat or address with an excessive amount of anything.

Two of the best ways to avoid overwhelm are to clarify exactly what you will and won't do and who you will and won't follow for advice. Look at your life and figure out how you can create more happiness and eliminate stress. I call this stress prioritizing.

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - N Is For NOW

NOW - at the present time or moment. Without further delay; at once.

"DO IT NOW"! These three little words pack a wallop of a punch that can propel your mind and body into action. Brian Tracy, a popular motivational speaker, offers this advice in his time management series. Repeated out loud, the words get your mind back in the game and re-focused throughout the day.

5 Ways To Live Life NOW Not Someday

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - M Is For Momentum

Momentum - Force or speed of movement of a physical object or course of events. A property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force.

You need a force like a hundred horses inside you speeding towards the end of each paragraph, of each page, of each chapter until you reach The End! How do you create this velocity? It requires conditioning the mind and body.

Here are 5 ways to stimulate momentum in your writing career:

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - L Is For Listening

Listening - To give close attention in order to hear. To wait attentively for a sound.

It's not what you say, It's what people hear, according to Dr. Frank Luntz in his book, Words That Work. Have you ever wrote or spoke something and the person receiving interpreted a different meaning than you intended? Dr. Luntz explains that you need to consider how your audience will interpret what you're writing and verbalizing.

In the subjective world of fiction, our words can take on a variety of meanings by our readers as they incorporate our stories with their experiences, mood, desires, and background. Here are some simple suggestions to make sure you're speaking the language of your chosen genre?

Talk to people - Very normal habit for most of us, unless you're stuck in a 6 x 6 cubicle all day. Ask your friends, colleagues, clients questions. . .what do they read and what do they like best about it? Be observant of their home and office bookshelves. These definitely tell a story.

Social media - Ask your Twitter peeps, Facebook friends, and Linked In connections if they read fiction and, if so, who their favorite authors are? And don't forget to find out why?

Blogging - Another great two-way communications tool. You can post excerpts or whole chapters of your current project and ask for feedback. Ask about certain books or which characters they tuned into and related to the most?

Websites - Check out websites for the books you like. They usually have reviews and sometimes audio clips and author interviews. Another opportunity to hear what's being said.

Online communities - Go to where the writers in your genre are hanging out. If mystery is your specialty, join a sleuthing club. Romance your passion, they too have their own pocket of cyberspace. This will provide you with a wealth of ideas, tips, and inspiration!

In-person networking - It'll never go out of style completely. Face-to-face is a great learning opportunity. Plus imagine how excited they'll be when they can say "remember when" after you get rich and famous, traveling and doing book signings. . .

Local bookstores - If you have them in your area, especially independently owned smaller shops, visit them and cultivate those relationships. You'll get much closer with them, faster and easier, than you will with the big boys (until you're published).

Listening is a skill writers need to master from the idea to the book store shelf. In the beginning you're learning what your readers want and how to write it and along the journey you're making sure to satisfy that craving. Just listening is not enough though. That's the first step. Your actions and your readers positive reactions are the proof you've really heard them so be sure to follow through!

How has listening improved you storytelling?

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - K Is For Knowledge

Knowledge - Familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through actual life experience or study; practical skill.

7 Ways To Gain Best Selling Knowledge

1.  Current News - Not always the most positive way to spend time, however, the real life drama
     surrounding us daily can offer us writers many ideas on how to love, lust, kill, kidnap, seek
     revenge, and solve crimes in our 90,000 word worlds.  

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - J Is For Journey

Journey - a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time;  passage or progress from one stage to another.

Maybe it's the destination of seeing your story in print, your book occupying real estate in Barnes and Noble, the book signings, a flexible schedule, or the money that keeps you moving forward. But it's the journey you'll spend the most time on. So how do you stay motivated in the present, while writing towards your destination?

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - I Is For Individuality

Individuality - The particular character, collection of qualities and traits that distinguishes one person or thing from others; sole and personal nature.

Individuality is formed by what you're born with, situations and people in your environment, and then ultimately, by the choices you make for your life. We were meant to be different from the moment our bald (or in my case, curly topped) heads emerged into the world. If you're a parent you've witnessed how different your children are. Even twins possess distinct personalities. How do you contrast from your siblings? My brother and I are complete opposites.

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - H Is For Habit

Habit - A recurrent often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition.  An established disposition of the mind or character.

7 Success Habits For Writers

1.   Read books in your genre. Whether you write suspense, romance, sci-fi thrillers, or children's books, you need to keep in touch with what's selling. This isn't only about kicking back and relaxing with your favorite novel. It's necessary research on your market and it strengthensyour talent. My critique group recently commented on improvements they could see in my suspense novel with character development and dialog. I credit alot of that with studying other books.

2.   Maintain a constant flow of positive input. Yesmore reading, or listening to tapes and Cd's, which I prefer. The main person that must believe in you, is you. There's alot of negative language tossed around in this world. One of the shields you can use to deflect any that comes your way is the personal development material you absorb. Breaking into fiction is challenging. Keep your attitude positive by reading Mark Victor Hansen, Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Jack Canfield, Bob Proctor, Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie. Anything by these guys and many others will help keep you focused and your attitude positive through multiple drafts, rejections and rewrites.

3.   Study how-to books on plotting, characterization, setting, attention grabbing introductions, unexpected twists along the way, and the grand finale! Fiction takes more than an active imagination. It requires that you take time to learn your craft.

4.  Attend conferences. When you send your manuscript to an agent or editor that you personally met at an event you have a much better chance of moving that book higher up in the pile of stories mailed in to be considered. If they requested it, even better. But at least you'll be able to write on the material when and where you met them. You also get to network with other writers and participate in great educational workshops.

5.  Make writing goals. Decide when you want to complete your book. Then figure how many chapters or pages you need to complete weekly and daily to accomplish your goal. If you're serious about seeing your stories in print you must schedule it like any business appointment, only this one is with yourself. Make your goal realistic according to the other responsibilities in your life but not so easy it's not challenging. It's good if you have to stretch a little and the reward will be well worth the effort!

6.   Visualize your book on the shelves in Barnes And Noble. See the crowds of shoppers at your book signings. How tired is your hand from personalizing all those copies for your loyal fans? How off the charts exciting is it when you receive that first call from an editor informing you they want to buy your manuscript? One of my favorite disciplined fantasies is me and my laptop traveling to Colorado, Maine, Vermont, Spain, Greece, Italy, wherever my characters playground is for my latest novel.  I recently went to the doctor and my blood pressure, which is always normal, was slightly elevated. There was no medical reason and I wasn't nervous. I was exhilarated because on the way there I had been visualizing about an upcoming mystery writers conference, my suspense novel completed, an editor calling and a bunch of other exciting images rolling around in my head!  Turned out to be an interesting lesson. When you see your future as a best selling author it should be so real and feel so amazing that it has a physical effect on your body! That will help propel you to reach "The End" AND "The Beginning" of your new life!

7.   Participate in social media trends. This is a huge topic and will appear in future posts. One of the most important benefits of blogging, video, and social networks is that they give back some of the power to us. There used to be alot of smaller publishing houses and less competition. Now those have either been bought or merged into conglomerates which have made it difficult for first time authors to gain an initial foothold. Now we can go online and have a published voice in a matter of minutes, reach a global audience, build a loyal following of readers, and make valuable contacts without even leaving our offices.  It takes time, but less than mailing off a manuscript and waiting four to six months for a reply.

Each of these habits support the most important one, writing. Fingers to the keyboard, creating colorful characters and developing page turning plots. Nothing replaces that. If you've adopted some unproductive habits try replacing each with one of the suggestions listed here. Just one a week can turn things around and help you produce outstanding results!

What other habits have you found beneficial to your writing?  Please share!

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - G Is For Gratitude

Gratitude - A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. Kindness awakened by a favor received.

Have you noticed that gratitude seems to be contagious throughout the blogosphere?  Well I've caught the bug as well!  One of the questions I ask myself each night is what am I grateful for? My friends, my health (which was challenged this year), amazing clients, Facebook friends all over the world, teachers, and business accomplishments.  One area that is most worthy of appreciation is my writing so that is where my gratitude focus is this season.

Stages Of Gratitude For The Writing Mogul

Thank you for the initial burst of inspiration while watching a suspense movie at a friend's house. The heroine was a writer whose book inspired a serial killer to copy the murders in real life. I cannot explain why this sparked the desire for me to become a writer. I was always good at writing in school so perhaps the novel gene was lying there dormant for years and chose that defining moment to emerge. Unfortunately, it never occurred to me way back then to turn it into a career. 

Thank you right brain, for a never ending supply of ideas for future books and for the ability to be able to access my all knowing subconscious mind through meditation if I run up against any challenges developing a gripping introduction, consistent characters, or an intriguing plot twist.

Thank you for my priceless critique group that I meet with every other week. Their guidance, support, and inspiration encourages me to keep going forward and become a stronger writer.

Thank you universe for sending people, trainings, and situations into my life that are helping me to expand and enhance my children's book series into a conglomerate whose mission is to empower and transform the lives of children all over the world.  

Thank you for blogging, social networks, VM Direct and their video technology, which landed me inVegas and inspired the edgy setting of my suspense novel, the Mask She Wore.

Thank you readers, for taking time to read this post!

Start with one idea. Focus combined with action makes it grow. Your gratitude causes it to multiply. When you concentrate your energy on parts of your life that are falling into place, more of those items show up and confirm that you're on the right path. Remember, we do not have to do this, we choose to live this life of creative expression and that's a very powerful place to stand!

How has expressing gratitude impacted your life and business? 

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - F Is For Fantasize

Fantasize - To conceive fanciful or extravagant notions, ideas. To daydream or Imagine. To portray in the mind.

This morning I was at a night club in Vegas dividing my time between a hot bouncer named Cage and the devilishly handsome Detective Altez in my latest thriller, The Mask She Wore. Tomorrow my personality will be divided into four parts, each one representing a 12 year old that is helping to save a classmate suffering from cyber bullying.    

As a writer don't you love to escape reality for a while and see things not as they are but anyway you want them to be?  You can paint the pages of your novel any color you choose. Characters can do, be, and have anything you want them to! We get to fantasize without being accused of non-productivity, as long as the words do emerge from our minds and land on a book or blog page. Whether you start with a character, place, or particular situation try free-fall fantasizing and enjoy the journey that you and your characters take!  

Each author approaches the story building process differently but it takes some form of letting your mind go so you can play the what if game. For example, a 30 year old woman is passing through a small Kansas town. What if she stops for the night at the Town Inn and witnesses a large object wrapped in what appears to be a blanket that is being stuffed into the trunk of a car? She thinks nothing of it until a red-streaked arm pops loose and dangles lifelessly. What if she keeps going and says nothing? What if she stays and reports it? Why is she there? What's her story? How does this interfere with her plans and prevent the achievement of her desires?  Who does she meet there? Who helps her? And of course for tantalizing conflict, who threatens her?

Wow! I might have to explore this one myself. Another addition to the idea box of future J.D. novels...

Let's try one more. You're in Colorado for a week and your first day you take a skiing lesson. You see the usual bib overalls, ski goggles, and parka. But then he speaks. . .in a French accent. (Sorry guys, this one's for the ladies. But feel free to substitute the ski instructor of your choice and carry forth) Is he really giving you preferential treatment or is it your hopeful imagination making it so? That night, in the lodge as you turn around to warm your back by the cozy fire, there's your suave Frenchman, holding your favorite drink, a White Russian. How did he know? What if you accept, what's next? Do you take on the challenge? Not so easily though. Watch out! What's really behind those designer duds and penetrating dark eyes?  Better end the post here before this fantasizing gets me in trouble. Oh, and let me not forget to mention one more vital ingredient of a page turner, leave 'em in suspence. . .

Anybody have any exercises or helpful tips on developing ideas that light up a page?  

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - E Is For Enthrall

Enthrall - To captivate or charm. Hold spellbound.

What is the vision for your current writing project? Can you describe it in a way that enthralls each and every person you talk to? I'm taking an amazing workshop to help me launch a new children's book series. One of the most rewarding lessons so far has been discovering the best way to articulate my vision to others. We had to write it out and present it to 10 people. I received some great suggestions on changes to make but I realized that I deliver the details of my dream in a different way each time I discuss it, depending on who I'm talking to. This leads me to believe that it is the way and not the order of the words that instigates enthusiasm from other people. There's alot of excitement surrounding the books I'm creating so I figure I must be doing something right even with my casual delivery. You have to get behind your book from the beginning and give your passion the freedom to drive your mission in a way that's comfortable for you. 

Another assignment was to create a written vision for everyone else's dream and goals that they're trying to accomplish.  Being a writer, it's no surprise that their stories came to me in fictionalized form illustrated with individual characters. It was wonderful to get out of my own head and business and into helping others plan their futures. If you participate in any type of brainstorming session I'd recommend trying this exercise. It's also exciting to see what they come up with for you.  When you gather a group of like-minds together synergy ignites and extraordinary things develop.

Whatever venture you're launching write out your vision on paper and memorize it or improvise, but make sure your performance enthralls your audience.

Do you have any tricks and tips for gaining excitement for your books?

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - D Is For Decision

Decision - The act of reaching a conclusion or making up one's mind. Firmness of character or action; determination

Have you decided that you're a writer?  I was recently asked if I considered myself a writer even though I haven't been published yet? Absolutely, I do! I've done journalism and been paid as a copywriter but even if it weren't for that I'd still be a writer. Why? Because I've made the decision to be one! Tony Robbins says, in Awaken The Giant Within, "Remember the true power of making decisions. It's a tool you can use in any moment to change your entire life. The minute you make a new decision, you set in motion a new cause, effect, direction, and destination for your life. You literally begin to change your life the moment you make a new decision."  

Are you waiting for a publisher to come along and brand you a writer? Instead, the next time you are asked, "What do you do?" Start with, "I'm a writer and end with, whatever else you call your livelihood. They'll probably ask if you are published yet? Reply with, "I'm on track to be by this time next year or sooner."  OR Try, "It's my goal to complete my manuscript by (insert appropriate date) I'm searching now for publishers I'd love to partner with." The point is you've made the decision that you are a writer and people will believe what you project out. By publicly declaring your decision, you place yourself in a need to deliver position because alot of people will remember when they see you again. Depending on where you live, shaking hands with the next Stephen King or Nora Roberts will be riveting enough to invoke curiosity. Remember, internal decision + external projection = audience belief.

So proudly claim your piece of the best selling pie because the more people you get to buy into and focus on your writing dream causes it to multiply in the universe and manifest in ways you've yet to imagine!

If you decide to try this suggestion please share how it worked out?  Have you made any decisions with your writing that have set exciting things in motion for you?

A - Z Series. . .Become A Best Selling Author - C Is For Crusade

Crusade - any vigorous, aggressive movement for the defense or advancement of an idea or cause.

What if you treated each of your books as a crusade?  Something you believe in and fight for until it's finished. From developing that mind gripping opening to all the page turning fillers, a few stunning twists along the way, and dazzle your readers with an outstanding finale!

There will be people who think writing fiction is a frivolous attempt at a career and say you can't. Ignore them. Stay focused on your crusade. The day job may threaten to bite into the writing time. Don't let it. Get up earlier, write during your breaks, go to bed later. You may have conflicts with friends, family, significant others. Discuss,move quickly to a solution then carry on with your crusade. Your past may collide with your present when you least expect it. Concentrate on the crusade and protect your future. You might experience 'writers block'. Find a critique group, talk to fellow writers, turn to your social networks for help but stick with your crusade.(more about a cure for WB in a future post) The financial rewards aren't immediate but forge forward on your crusade. When you begin sending out manuscripts, yes, you'll probably get some rejection letters. File them, get over it, and stay on course.

Writing can be a solitary existence, which does require self discipline and the ability to strap yourself to the chair and relentlessly peck away at the keyboard. To maintain a consistent schedule you need to have a strong desire to reach for. How serious are you about seeing your book on the shelves at Barnes and Noble and online at Amazon? Only you can answer that question, give your mind a clear cause to reach for, and do whatever it takes to conquer anything that threatens your dream. 

How do you overcome obstacles and maintain a steady course to advance your writing crusade?

A - Z Series...Become A Best Selling Author - B Is For Bold

Bold - Beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action, imaginative. Courageous, daring.

What effect could being bold have on your writing? Think about the voices you enjoy reading. What makes them stand out? When you read your favorite fiction which characters do you laugh at, cry with, root for, and follow consistently?    

A unique voice is your ammunition in standing out against heavy competition in the publishing and business world. It starts with knowing who you are, building everything around that foundation and being so comfortable in those shoes, that you stand strong against any criticism and challenges as you persevere towards your writing goals. If you're a fiction writer wading through the agent, editor, and publisher trenches you know one of the universal traits they look for when reading your stories are bold characters with mighty voices.  

Writing begins with you, the person behind the words and how your reader relates to you, whether your medium is books, blogs, or articles. Don't be afraid to add some sass and pizazz when you ignite the page with those colorful personas.  Think of your blog as a character with it's own personality. Your distinctive style needs to shine through. It's what keeps readers coming back for more! 

A strong voice makes you interesting and marketable. So the next time you create your next brainchild think of how you can verbalize your point of view in an unusual way?  Are you defining your characters  three dimensionally? A few bold choices can attract a loyal following that clamors to read the words you express! 

What techniques have you found beneficial in developing strong distinctive voices for your fiction stories and blogs?

A - Z Series...Become A Best Selling Author - A Is For Action

ACTION - Organized activity to accomplish an objective. Habitual or vigorous activity; energy

You have to kick your butt into action to accomplish anything. What constitutes action? Brainstorming, planning, setting goals, phone calls, appointments. 9-5 job, your business. In addition, as a writer you must write. That one action will do more for you than any other. Much like exercising conditions the body, writing sharpens the mind. It keeps you observant of your surroundings and always searching for new ideas. What should you write?