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How to Write a book in 2009: You’ve pictured yourself on Oprah and run through the interview a million times. Now it’s time to actually write the book that’s going to prompt the interview. 1. Make the commitment: Hey, if you don’t commit, it won’t happen. Good intentions are like snowflakes. They eventually melt. Commitments…
Mary Beth asked, in a recent comment in response to my blog post Too Painful To Write: “I know that some day I will write a book that will help ME, but I’m terrified that people reading this book would be very hurt by it. Just by telling my story from my point of view,…
I just ready Cathy Stucker’s blog on Writer’s block and she brought up a good point about fear being a common cause of writer’s block. And, of course, the thing to do to get rid of fear is to do it anyway. However, As a writer and writing coach, I find that stress and depletion…
I recently received the brochure for the 2009 course, Publishing Books, Memoirs and Other Creative Nonfiction, which is offered March 26-28 at Boston’s Fairmont Copley Hotel. Several of my writing coaching clients have told me they’ll be there. Will you? Even if you’re not a medical professional or health writer, I can think of a…
I am writing in response to Mary O’Connor’s comment/ question for the writing coach: “What advice would give to someone with a fully formed book about addicted mothers of young children? I don’t know how to frame the format and include my personal story, my professional story and the macro effects of current policy on…
Sometimes I hear from someone who’s finding it too painful to write their story. Usually, they’re referring to a memoir, but sometimes they’re writing a self-help book that touches upon a painful real life story, or even a novel based on the author’s life.
My best advice is…
I began my retreat with an ayurvedic massage, followed by a walk in nature that led me to a beautiful labyrinth. As I walked the labyrinth, I found myself feeling peaceful. Afternoon yoga brought more peace and feeling centered in my body. By the time our writing workshop began at 7:30 pm, I felt ready…
My writing retreat starts tomorrow morning at 8:00 am as I drive north and westward. I’m only taking notebooks (the paper kind). Not sure why, but something is telling me I need to write long hand. I’m tempted to bring notebooks and folders full of notes for a couple of books I am thinking about…
The last two posts have been in anticipation of my personal writing retreat next week. Carol posted a comment saying she’d never been on one and can’t wait for her own turn. This post is for Carol and anyone else who thinks they have to wait for their turn. I will attempt to address every…
I am still dreaming about my writing coach’s writing retreat. One week to go.
How does one prepare for a writing retreat? In the past, I’ve packed up all my notes on the book I’m working on, maybe some research to read over, and thought hard about what I would accomplish.
This time, my writing coach (me) suggested I try something new. I’m clearing my mind in preparation. I’m not even sure which book I’m going to work on. I probably won’t take any of my preparatory notes for my works in progress.
I admit, this is my book writing experiment…
As a writing coach, I think I have one of the most fun jobs in the universe. I love the process of helping people:
* Clarify their book ideas
* Learn the secrets of good writing
* Write a compelling book proposal
* Attract a top agent and publisher
* Enjoy the benefits of being a published author
There’s just one problem…