Laina Turner's Blog, page 49
August 20, 2015
Where do I get my ideas?
I get asked all the time how I come up with ideas for what I write and my answer is a really clear, I don’t know. They just come to me at random times. It’s not like I sit down at my desk and tell myself I’m not leaving until I’ve come up with an idea.
I get tons of ideas when I’m not able to write them down right away, such as in yoga or the shower, then I’m faced with the task of remembering them long enough to write them down. I know it sounds silly but that doesn’t always happen. I like to blame it on age.
Sometimes ideas come to me too fast and I end up the way I am right now with 4 different stories half started and I can’t focus on any of them. I do this a lot and then I get to a point where I am so frustrated I just close my eyes and pick one up to finish.
The reason I do this is I can come up with ideas easy and the first ½ of a book is the easiest to write. Then inevitably I hit a wall and can’t think of where to take my story. That’s when I go to my next idea.
Because it’s much easier.
But at some point I have to make myself stop and think the plot through so I can finish even if it’s super difficult. If I didn’t force myself to do that I would end up having a thousand unfinished manuscripts lying around and a million blog posts in drafts.
Instead of the mere 32 I have right now.
Ideas are plentiful…persistence…now THAT’s the challenge.
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August 18, 2015
Don’t Be Content With Mediocrity
Being fabulous is a hard job and takes a LOT of energy. But the alternative is to not be fabulous and really, who wants to be less than fabulous?
None of us do. I know that. It’s easy to get tired, overworked, burned out and turn in less than 100%. I know I sometimes think I just have to get this project done, get this email out, get this blog post posted and focus more on just getting the thing I’m working on finished rather than worrying about the quality of what I’m putting out there.
That’s the wrong way to approach it.
I don’t feel good turning in less than something that reflects my true ability and skill. So it’s not worth rushing to get something done and yet still have stress because it’s not good quality.
It’s also easy to get in a rut and be satisfied with the status quo. To not push yourself to learn new things, try something you haven’t tried before, to think outside your normal box. We can get into our routine, we get good at it, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort, and sometimes easy is nice.
But will easy get you to the next level? Will it get you closer to your goals?
Are you willing to accept easy? Or do you want to be your most fabulous self?
If you can improve an area today by 1% and another area tomorrow by 1% where could you be in a month? A lot father ahead is where.
It’s called the marginal gains theory, and it works. You don’t need to overwhelm yourself thinking you need to make these huge improvements. Take it one baby step at a time but do it consistently, and you WILL achieve all you strive for.
I challenge you to stretch yourself this week. Think of one thing you think with some effort you could do better and then what that better could do for you overall.
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August 17, 2015
Don’t Be a One Trick Pony
We all want to hit upon that ONE product that will make us millions. While it’s not impossible when you’re waiting for that one thing to take off, you should keep thinking of other things you could produce to sell.
It’s the theory of the Long Tail which in simple form states that it’s much easier to sell a few of a lot than a lot of a few. Based on my personal experience it’s completely true. Not to mention the more you put out, the more known your and your products/services get and that in turn will increase sales.
That’s the hardest part of being an entrepreneur. It’s a constant hamster wheel of creating, selling, and promoting, then start the process all over. It’s never-ending and if often exhausting. You have to keep bringing products and services to your customer.
Keep them excited!
Keep them engaged!
Keep them wanting more from you!
Have you heard the saying, Good Things Come to Those Who Wait?
Did you know the full quote was said by Abraham Lincoln and is actually, Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle?
LOVE that quote. I also love thinking about Lincoln telling someone to HUSTLE!
And it IS all about the HUSTLE!
Having a great idea is a key element of success but you can’t sit on the couch and dream it to happen, you’ve got to work it.
What’s your plan this week? How are YOU going to hustle?
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August 14, 2015
Fab 5 Friday
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume – Judy Blume is an icon of young adult fiction. Except her books aren’t exactly fictional. While the characters she creates may not precisely exist in real life, the issues she approaches in her works definitely do. For decades, Blume has transformed literary dialogue to encourage children and adolescents to talk about physical and emotional transitions in life and to have potentially awkward and difficult conversations with adults and with one another.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton – If Are You There God?… is typically geared towards young girls, then The Outsiders is a must-read for boys. Written during her high school years, Susan Eloise Hinton brilliantly captured the complicated adolescent mind coupled with the rebellious youthful spirit. A West Side Story of sorts sans musicality with commentary on socioeconomic struggle and instead of romance at the center, there are trials of brotherhood, friendship, and growing up.
The Giver by Lois Lowry – Also written from the perspective of a young boy, Lowry’s first book in her notable Giver quartet explores the utopian-dystopian world of a futuristic “community” established to eradicate war, poverty, and suffering. As a side effect, there is also no music, love, or color present in this new society. Through the protagonist, Jonas, The Giver illustrates the complex balance young people must attempt to create between coping with new, unfamiliar pains while learning how to love one another.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding – Quite a dark story, Golding’s novel explores the perilousness of human nature. When preadolescent British boys are stranded on an island, it doesn’t take long for a hierarchy to form…and then slowly disintegrate as needs and desires become unaligned between the boys. Flies strips away the constructs of civilization to reveal a more primal lifestyle that is never too distant when we feel threatened, even for young’uns.
What are your favorite YA books?
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August 13, 2015
On Improving My Writing
I am a lifelong learner. I have a wide variety of interests and always want to learn about new things. When it comes to my writing the more I write the better I get because we all know practice makes perfect.
In a crazy moment, I decided to take some graduate classes in creative writing. I thought it would not only make me a better writer but as an educator it would be add credits to my dossier of what I’m able to teach. I really don’t know what I was thinking because I am strapped for time as it is but in the now 2 weeks I have been back to school I AM loving it and it’s worth the extra stress.
However, last week I had to do an assignment, which is probably the hardest I’ve ever done. It was to write a 500-word fragment of a story all in imperatives. Imperative is Latin for command so writing a story all in imperatives means to write a story made of only of commands. Sounds kind of easy. So NOT easy!
Here is the assignment I turned in. I warn you, it’s not pretty!
The Kitchen
Fix yourself lunch. Just figure something out and make it. Look in the kitchen and see what we have. Stop bothering me, I’m busy, just go make yourself lunch. Make me lunch while you’re at it. You need to give me chips on plate too and fetch me a diet coke. Don’t forget something for dessert while you’re at it. Do it anyways, just go!
What did you do in here? You need to clean this place up. Shut that refrigerator door. Open the door up again, put the milk first, and then shut the door. Put the jelly back too. Stick the peanut butter jar back in the pantry and close that door. The bread belongs back in the breadbox.
Wipe those crumbs off the counter. Get that glob of jelly too. Pick that crust up off the floor and grab the broom. Sweep up every little crumb and speck. Grab a wet paper towel to get the dollop of peanut butter. Put your peanut butter knife and you jelly knife in the dishwasher. Rinse the utensils off first and then out them in the dishwasher.
Stop staring at me. Can’t you just do what I ask? Can’t you think for yourself and take care of this?
Hope it was good for a laugh:)
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August 12, 2015
The doctor is in?
Last week I wrote about Playing Doctor and having that Ah-ha moment where things just fell into place for me. Since that revelation things have been amazing.
I know, I know, it’s only been a week! But don’t kill my buzz ok.
But really…my whole attitude has shifted. I feel like I’m on the right path, and things are flowing in the direction they need to be going and I’m confident this feeling will continue.
I spent time this weekend reflecting over the last few years and the different things I’ve done. I thought about what had been successful and what hadn’t, and all the successful aspects pointed to what I talked about last week. Coaching and mentoring women in business has been my strong suit, and it makes me happy.
In fact, spending time reflecting on past successes gave me the confidence to renew something I did years ago that was moderately successful but stopped because I lost focus. I wasn’t sure where to take it. But I loved it and have missed it.
I’m going to relaunch my weekly podcast in September to help build the buzz for my book release Sept. 30th and also as a companion tool.
I need YOU to help me think of a name.
It will be a 30-minute podcast, and I want it to be bite-sized business tips. I’m not a serious person so I don’t want it to be super serious. I kind of feel I need to utilize my MBA or Ph.D. credentials to show that I have the background, along with my experience, but I don’t want to seem pretentious.
Matt (my fiancé) really likes Playing Doctor and while that’s cute I’m too afraid people would think it’s a sex show and THAT’s not advice I want to give. Over a podcast anyway.
Anyone have any great ideas? I’m listening!
And join my mailing list (see sign up on sidebar) to get the book 50% off when it releases.
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August 11, 2015
How I plan my Blogging Time
Last week I wrote about being protective of my writing time. In that context, I was talking about my novels so today I’m talking about blog writing time.
While both those types of writing take my creative juices blogging, for me, is easier because it’s shorter. I’m writing something start to finish in 500 or fewer words (usually), so I don’t have to remember each day where I left off and where the story is headed. Not to say that I don’t have my fair share of staring at a blank screen.
I try to have my blog posts written a couple weeks in advance (try is the operative word). Prior to sitting down to write the post I usually have notes gathered which is how I got the idea in the first place.
I don’t usually outline a blog post I just sit down and write. I know it typically takes me about 2 hours from start to finish so I block out 2 hours on my calendar each day to review/edit the post I wrote the day before and write the day’s post.
I like to stay consistent and write a little each day instead of needing to write 5-blog posts all in the same day – which has happened on occasion.
It’s so important for me to plan my time each day. There are too many things I have to get done, and things can easily slip through the cracks.
How to you plan out your blog post writing?
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August 10, 2015
10 Things I Love About Summer
Summer is by far my FAVORITE season and it’s flying by WAY TOO FAST!
The warmer the better. I don’t even mind sweating (yeah I know that sounds gross). I prefer to sweat than freeze even though I know you can always put more clothes on.
Anyways…the things I love about summer…where to start.
HOT HOT HOT weather! LOVE it.
Love being able to eat and work outside. I feel much more creative when it’s sunny and warm.
Sundresses. I love the loose, flowy garments.
Sandals and open toed shoes.
Ice cream…who doesn’t love ice cream.
Ice cold wine (ok, fine I LOVE that year ‘round).
Having friends over to grill out.
Running outside.
It being light at 6am and until 9pm.
Fireflies. Those bugs will never cease to fascinate me.
What do you love about summer?
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August 7, 2015
Fab 5 Friday and a Link up!
Is the title question really a question at all? Whether you want to get down to Cancun for some resort life, trek the Appalachian trail, try escargot in Paris, or see the jungles of southeast Asia…everyone wants to do some sort of travel. Here are some great tips and reminders whether you’re in the thinking-about-it stage, the planning stage, or the already-bought-your-ticket stage.
Chickpea in the City – Wild Salmon & Egg Burrito
Looking to go dairy-free, but just can’t give up cream cheese? This lunch wrap includes a spread made from almonds! And that’s just one layer of this delicious looking (and healthy!) sandwich alternative.
Reading, Writing, Working, Playing – High Summer Read-a-thon 2015 Wraps Up! #HSReadathon
Books set in Italy have a certain something to them…a pizzazz we could call it. Maybe it’s the gorgeous landscape or the sensual romantic notions that accompany the Italian culture; stories set there have an almost fairytale-like quality and this post recalls a classic. Also, a mention of a book series that has recently been turned into a mini tv series on PBS if you’re looking for some paper-to-screen action.
Who What Wear – The Best Celebrity Closets on The Coveteur
If you want to simultaneously lust over the wardrobes of celebrities while jotting down ideas for a home improvement project (i.e. bigger master closet) then look no further. I can’t decide which makes me more envious: Jessica Alba’s shoe collection or the all-black cabinetry of Chrissy Teigen’s dream portal.
apartment therapy – Amateur Hour: When Having No Idea What to Do With Your Home is the Best Gift
I resonate with the words “decorating novice” used in the very first sentence of this post. Here is some food for thought to perhaps apply to that extra exposed shelf space that you have absolutely no idea what to do with or that new guest bedroom you quickly skip past so as not to avoid thinking of a theme. Perhaps.
Now LINK UP YOUR favorite post of the week (or any other week). Share YOUR fabulousness!
One of my personal mantras is Being Fabulous is a Skill. I guess because I like to think I’m fabulous. Some days I feel this more than others but I truly believe we are all fabulous in our own way. It’s just not always as effortless as we make it seem (ha).
In today’s link up I want to celebrate the fabulousness in each and every one of you by sharing your fabulous blog posts (I know I’m probably using the word fabulous too much).
Being Fabulous is a Skill Link Party Guidelines
Link to any post that shows your fabulousness
Link to the specific post
You can link up to 3 posts each week
Please don’t link to shops or other link ups
Make sure to comment on other fabulous blog posts
And most importantly…HAVE FUN!
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August 5, 2015
Playing Doctor (And A Secret)
If you think this is a post about the childhood game you’re wrong. It’s not about the adult variation of the same game either so get your mind out of the gutter (smile).
I apologize if you’re disappointed – ha! That’s a different post for a different day.
It’s about answering that age-old question What Do I Want To Do When I Grow Up?
Or the less dramatic version, Where Do I Want To Take My Writing and Blogging?
That’s a question I’ve pondered for years. I’ve written many times on my blog about having a focus and finding a way to narrow down what I do and what I write about but it took an awesome podcast episode by Darrin Rouse of Pro Blogger. to hit home with me and give me the guidance I needed to solve this dilemma once and for all.
At least move a little closer to it.
I love writing. It’s my jam, as my kids would say. BUT I’m also a college professor with an MBA and PhD. in Business who has spent years teaching and coaching students and business owner’s business planning, strategy, and how to handle HR issues.
I started my writing career pretending that side of me didn’t exist, and while I have loosened up a little, I don’t blend that world into this once much.
Which I think is to my detriment.
The topic of Darrin’s podcast was Creating Post Ideas. He said take a piece of paper and make 2 columns and write down these 2 sentences.
Column A – who is the reader who comes to your blog.
Column B – who do you want that person to be when they leave.
Then you brainstorm all the post ideas that can make that happen.
That hit home for me. I know why the people who read my fiction books come to my blog and it’s different from the people who come to my blog for the blogs sake.
That’s the voice I’ve struggled with.
I want people (the non-book audience) to read my blog and get inspired, motivated, and learn something. I’m not a cook, I’m not a DIY’er, and I’m not a style maven. I like to blog about those things occasionally to show the personal side of me, but those aren’t my strengths – my skills.
My strengths are teaching and coaching people to be the best version of their fabulous selves and feel confident to accomplish their dreams – in business.
I look at my past ideas and ventures and see that’s the path I’ve tried to take many times. Just in the wrong way.
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that end up making the most sense.
So I’m drawing my line in the sand.
I’m taking the plunge.
The business book I’ve been working on forever and putting off forever.
I’m setting a launch date.
Yep. I’m doing it.
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015.
Writing is a Lifestyle – the business edition will launch!
More details next week. I’m off to write!
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