Jeff Goins's Blog, page 88
October 29, 2012
What E.T. Taught Me About My Life
Today, I have an article featured on Prodigal Magazine, inspired by the Spielberg classic, E.T. Turns out, this little extraterrestrial has a thing or two to teach us about the story of our lives.
Here’s an excerpt:
Batman & Robin (the one with George Clooney) was on television this weekend. If you’ve never seen it, you’re not missing anything. It’s by far the worst of all the Batman movies; I can guarantee this.
But for some reason, knowing all this, my wife and I thought it would still be a good idea to watch it. Call us gluttons for punishment, I guess.
The movie was as bad as I remember it — worse, in fact. Granted, I believe the filmmakers were intentionally trying to recapture the campiness from the old TV show, but it was all a bit much: the dated special effects, nonstop puns, and contrived stunts. It was painful to watch. They might as well have employed cartoon signs with “Pow!” and “Blam!” to illustrate the fight scenes
On the other hand, E.T. was also on.
I was surprised to hear my wife didn’t remember seeing it. I grew up with that movie; I thought all kids from the 80s did.
As we watched it, I was amazed at how good the film was, how it still measured up after all these years. As with most Spielberg movies from that era, it only gets better with time.
We watched the movie from the comfort of our living, as our newborn son slept on the couch cushion next to us. We don’t get to see many movies anymore, so this was a welcomed escape — even with the commercial breaks.
We didn’t make popcorn, but we should have.
At the end of the evening, having seen the highest of highs in modern cinema (and the lowest of lows), I wondered: Why do some films stick around while others become obsolete? Why do others get rich with time while most grow stale within a few years of their release?
Maybe it has something to do with story.
Read the rest: What I Learned about Life from E.T.
E.T. isn’t a movie about aliens; it’s a movie about friendship. And this is true for all great stories.
Our most beloved tales are timeless. They’re classics, because their themes never change. Human beings always need connection with each other, and the best stories (especially our lives) demonstrate this fact.
So what’s your life’s story about? Share in the comments.
October 23, 2012
An Insider’s Secrets to Getting Published (Plus a Kindle Publishing Guide)
Note: The free Kindle publishing offer has expired, but you can still get a great deal. Read below to find out more.
Do you feel you have a book in you? Like you’ve been given a message to share with the world… but you’re not sure where to start?
Join the club; most people feel that way. The good news is there’s hope. Turns out, getting a book published isn’t as far from your reach as you thought.
Your turn to get published
My friend Michael Hyatt (former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and one of the world’s most popular bloggers) has recently released a great resource on how to get published.
The coolest part? He’s offering an exclusive deal to my readers, plus some other bonuses you can’t find anywhere else. So if you’re interested, read on.
(Warning: I’m about to encourage you to buy something. If that’s not your bag, you may want to stop reading. You’ve been fairly warned.)
What’s the big deal?
If you haven’t heard about GET PUBLISHED yet, here’s what just some of what it includes:
21 audio sessions from publishing veteran Michael Hyatt on writing a book proposal, finding an agent, landing a book deal, and more!
Lifetime access to an online membership website with downloadable content
Four bonuses worth over $150, including a PDF and audio session from yours truly (not to mention a whole lot of other goodies)
An exclusive $100 discount
Bonus tips on how to build a business around your writing, launch a best-seller, and more
Why you need this
Listen. You’re a smart person. I’m not going to try to convince you this is something you can’t live without. You probably already know that.
If you know this something you probably need, I encourage you not to hold off until later, because Michael is offering it at a one-time, super-low price — just for my readers.
If you’re still on the fence, consider the cost of not getting this program: Do you have a message the world needs to hear? What is it worth to you to finally get that out? To have your voice heard?
It would take you decades of experience and tens of thousands of dollars to learn what Michael shares in this program. And he does it for a lot less than he could. Which is why it’s so easy for me to recommend GET PUBLISHED. I don’t think it’s going to be hard for you to see the value.
Not gonna lie — I’m a fan
I’ll admit it: I’m a fan of Michael Hyatt. Few people can break down complicated processes into simple, systematic steps like he can. And this program is no different.
I’ve gone through the material myself and can personally vouch for it — it’s excellent. In fact, here’s my endorsement:
This is the most comprehensive guide to publishing and launching a book I’ve ever seen. The quality is beyond that of anything else out there. Even as a published author, I’m taking notes and finding LOTS of nuggets to apply to my own platform and writing career.
There are so many mysteries and misconceptions to getting publishing, and Michael takes the guesswork right out of all of it.
I wish there was something like this when I was trying to get my writing noticed years ago. It would’ve saved me a lot of headache and heartache.
If you’ve been wondering about writing a book or feel like you’ve been going around in circles, this may be just what you need.
A pretty sweet offer… just for you
GET PUBLISHED is the kind of program people pay at least $1000 for. In fact, I’ve seen “discounted” ones that go for over $500 that aren’t half as good as this.
So it’s pretty amazing that this 21-part audio course which is usually available for $397, is available for $100 off. Plus, Michael is throwing in over $150 worth of bonuses (including my guide to Kindle publishing).
This offer won’t last forever, so if you’re considering it, grab it now. (If you’re not 100% satisfied, you can always ask for a refund. Michael offers a 90-day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee.)
And since this is a digital product, you get instant access to the content as soon as you order. So you can literally start today (and you should).
There’s never been a better time to get published and give your work the attention it deserves. (Feeling inspired? Tweet that.)
I hope you consider getting started, especially if you’re unsure of the next step in your writing journey. This will help you.
Access to my Kindle publishing program (plus other goodies)
As part of GET PUBLISHED, you’ll get access to my Kindle publishing program, “How to Start Publishing for Kindle,” which usually sells for $47.
I created this program for an upcoming writers course I’m launching and was happy to feature it as an additional bonus for Michael’s program.
This program includes a one-hour audio session plus a 1300-w0rd a PDF guide that walks you through the specific steps you need to get an eBook published and promoted on Amazon.
In it, I explain the Kindle Direct Publishing process and what it takes to bring visibility to your book. Also, I share how I’ve used Amazon to expand my platform and generate thousands of dollars per month in residual income.
In addition to this complimentary audio program, if you sign up for GET PUBLISHED now, you’ll also get three other bonuses worth over $150. These include:
a guidebook for the course
two free eBooks on writing book proposals
a 45-minute video on becoming an author
So… what are you waiting for? Get published today.
Remember: If you want to get this audio course, don’t wait. The $100 won’t last forever, and neither will these complimentary resources worth over $150. Don’t miss it! Click here to get started.
Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means if you buy anything through it, I get a commission at no extra cost to you. Just my way of paying for diapers. Oh and remember: I never endorse stuff I don’t use and believe in. I think I made it clear in this post why I’m recommending this course.
An Insider’s Secrets to Getting Published (Plus a Free Guide to Kindle Publishing)
Do you feel you have a book in you? Like you’ve been given a message to share with the world… but you’re not sure where to start?
Join the club; most people feel that way. The good news is there’s hope. Turns out, getting a book published isn’t as far from your reach as you thought.
Your turn to get published
My friend Michael Hyatt (former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and one of the world’s most popular bloggers) has recently released a great resource on how to get published.
The coolest part? He’s offering an exclusive deal to my readers, plus some other bonuses you can’t find anywhere else. So if you’re interested, read on.
(Warning: I’m about to encourage you to buy something. If that’s not your bag, you may want to stop reading. You’ve been fairly warned.)
What’s the big deal?
If you haven’t heard about GET PUBLISHED yet, here’s what just some of what it includes:
21 audio sessions from publishing veteran Michael Hyatt on writing a book proposal, finding an agent, landing a book deal, and more!
Lifetime access to an online membership website with downloadable content
Four bonuses worth over $150, including a PDF and audio session from yours truly (not to mention a whole lot of other goodies)
An exclusive $100 discount (this expires at the end of the month!)
Bonus tips on how to build a business around your writing, launch a best-seller, and more
Why you need this
Listen. You’re a smart person. I’m not going to try to convince you this is something you can’t live without. You probably already know that.
If you know this something you probably need, I encourage you not to hold off until later, because Michael is offering it at a one-time, super-low price — just for my readers.
If you’re still on the fence, consider the cost of not getting this program: Do you have a message the world needs to hear? What is it worth to you to finally get that out? To have your voice heard?
It would take you decades of experience and tens of thousands of dollars to learn what Michael shares in this program. And he does it for a lot less than he could. Which is why it’s so easy for me to recommend GET PUBLISHED. I don’t think it’s going to be hard for you to see the value.
Not gonna lie — I’m a fan
I’ll admit it: I’m a fan of Michael Hyatt. Few people can break down complicated processes into simple, systematic steps like he can. And this program is no different.
I’ve gone through the material myself and can personally vouch for it — it’s excellent. In fact, here’s my endorsement:
This is the most comprehensive guide to publishing and launching a book I’ve ever seen. The quality is beyond that of anything else out there. Even as a published author, I’m taking notes and finding LOTS of nuggets to apply to my own platform and writing career.
There are so many mysteries and misconceptions to getting publishing, and Michael takes the guesswork right out of all of it.
I wish there was something like this when I was trying to get my writing noticed years ago. It would’ve saved me a lot of headache and heartache.
If you’ve been wondering about writing a book or feel like you’ve been going around in circles, this may be just what you need.
A pretty sweet offer… just for you
GET PUBLISHED is usually available for $297, but somehow I talked Michael into giving you a crazy discount.
Through the end of the month, the readers of my blog can get this program for only $197. That’s $100 off the normal price, but only if you grab it this week.
This offer doesn’t last much longer, so if you’re considering it, don’t wait. (If you’re not 100% satisfied, you can always ask for a refund. Michael offers a 90-day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee.)
And since this is a digital product, you get instant access to the content as soon as you order. So you can literally start today (and you should).
There’s never been a better time to get published and give your work the attention it deserves. (Feeling inspired? Tweet that.)
I hope you consider getting started, especially if you’re unsure of the next step in your writing journey. This will help you.
Free access to my Kindle publishing program (normally $47)
As promised, I want to give you complimentary access to my Kindle publishing program, “How to Start Publishing for Kindle.”
I created this program (which sells separately for $47) as a bonus for Michael Hyatt’s GET PUBLISHED program. It’s best consumed along with all the other content in the course, but it can be pretty useful by itself, too.
This program includes a one-hour audio session plus a 1300-w0rd a PDF guide that walks you through the specific steps you need to get an eBook published and promoted on Amazon.
In it, I explain the Kindle Direct Publishing process and what it takes to bring visibility to your book. Also, I share how I’ve used Amazon to expand my platform and generate thousands of dollars per month in residual income.
To get access to this free resource, enter your email address below and I’ll send you a link to download the MP3 and PDF right now (click here to tweet this offer to your friends):
Remember: If you want to get this audio course, don’t wait. The price goes up by $100 at the end of the month (which is only a few days away). I don’t want you to miss it. Click here to get started.
Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means if you buy anything through it, I get a commission at no extra cost to you. Just my way of paying for diapers. Oh and remember: I never endorse stuff I don’t use and believe in. I think I made it clear in this post why I’m recommending this.
October 19, 2012
How to Become a Professional at Your Craft
A professional is someone who gets paid. Someone who is respected for their craft, who’s taken seriously. So… what’s holding you back from being a professional?
Maybe the answer is you.
Photo credit: Matthew Keefe (Creative Commons)
Recently, I had a conversation with Aaron McHugh and Justin Lukasavige for a podcast they co-hosted (I was the guest). They asked a lot of great questions, and it was a fun dialogue about comfort, calling, and building genuine relationships online.
I have a lot of conversations like this but rarely get to record them. I thought the insights were valuable and might be interesting to some of you. So I asked if I could share it on my blog, and they were kind enough to let me.
Listen to the interview
Download: Jeff_Goins_-_Goinswriter.com.mp3
Show highlights
Here are some of the highlights from the show:
How I found and developed my writing voice
What it takes to connect with influential people online
When I stopped acting the amateur and finally turned pro with my craft
The 1000-hour rule of proficiency and practice
Why artists need to claim their craft before they create their best work
How to serve your way into influential relationships and get people to take you seriously
Be sure to check out Aaron’s site. He has a lot of great thought bombs. Justin also has a great site, full of helpful content. They’re both good. 
Resources
Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield
Poke the Box by Seth Godin
Wrecked by Me
The Most Overlooked Secret to Influencing People
If you want to hear more of these types of interviews (or have a podcast that you want to interview me for), check out my Media page.
When did you become a professional? Or are you still waiting to become who you are? Share in the comments.
Disclosure: Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means that if you buy the above books, I get a commission at no extra expense to you.
October 16, 2012
Why Writers Write (Hint: It’s Not for the Money)
The other day, I was having coffee with a friend who said she thought writing was a waste of time. She went on to ask why I spent so much time at the computer.
October 15, 2012
5 Facts About Publishing That Could Change Your Writing Career
According to a survey conducted by The New York Times, 81% of Americans feel they have a book in them. But most haven’t written it. So what’s stopping them?
Photo credit: starmanseries (Creative Commons)
I hear people tell me all the time they want to write a book. But wanting and doing aren’t the same, are they?
It’s time to shed the myths about book publishing and start facing the facts. If you’re one of those eight in 10 people dreaming of writing a book, this might change everything for you.
What if everything you’ve heard was wrong?
We’ve all heard the old wives’ tales and urban legends about what it takes to get a book contract or hit the best sellers list. We’ve been subjected to silly little formulas and hype about how to go from “writer” status to author.
And we’ve all been duped.
I’m not here to tell you everything you know about publishing is wrong. But I can tell you for five years I believed a lot off lies that kept my writing career from taking off. Here’s what I believed:
“I can do this on my own.”
“All it takes is a good message.”
“Once I land the contract, the publisher will do all the work.”
“Media attention = best seller.”
“Once I’m published, I’m all set.”
Turns out, none of those were true. And for the longest time, I resisted acknowledging this, because I was scared of doing the work. But when I finally succumbed to the truth, it set me free.
Maybe it will for you, too.
Fact #1: You need an agent
If you want to publish a book through a traditional publisher, you’re going to need a literary agent.
Sure, you can start pitching your proposal or manuscript on your own, but the fact is authors with agents tend to be taken more seriously and get higher advances.
It’s in your best interest to hire an agent. You don’t pay this person until you actually get signed (much like how a real estate agent works), so it’s to your advantage to get one.
It’s always a win-win. He or she doesn’t make any money until you do.
Fact #2: Everyone needs a platform (yes, even fiction writers)
In the case of nonfiction work, your platform is often a blog or some kind of content delivery platform, like a radio show or podcast. It can even be your speaking schedule.
For potential novelists and the like, it’s your body of work. Which could mean a blog, but more often it’s something you’ve already published. Like a short story in a literary journal or magazine. Or a previously self-published book. It could even be your newsletter list.
A platform is a way of proving you have what it takes to sell books. In either case (nonfiction or fiction), the point is you can’t succeed without people knowing who you are — and a platform accomplishes this.
(Side note: Can you get a book contract without a platform? Absolutely. Is it a lot harder than someone who has one? Definitely.)
Fact #3: The publisher won’t do all the work
A friend who’s been in publishing for decades told me this when I got my first book deal:
Assume that the publisher won’t do any of the work to promote your book, that it will all be up to you. And if for some reason, they do something to help you, then it’s an added bonus. But never expect it.
Publishing is venture capitalism.
This means that the publisher puts up all the money, taking the financial risks. And you are the investment. You need to come up with all the bright ideas and clever ways to get your idea or story to spread. They’re just the bank.
From what I’ve seen, publishers love it when authors think like this. It takes the pressure off of them to think like an ad agency and instead do what they do best: create great products.
But make no mistake: the only one who determines your book’s success is you.
Fact #4: Publicity doesn’t sell books
Getting on The Today Show won’t sell a million copies of your book. Neither will a ton of ads.
Think about it: When was the last time you bought something just because someone on TV talked about it? If you’re like me, the answer is never.
Granted, those things can help spread the word, but ultimately what sells books is word-of-mouth. Friends telling friends. That’s it. Nothing special or mystical about it.
So whatever cute ideas you have about getting your writing in front of a lot of people, try not to veer too far away from this basic strategy:
Ask permission.
Build trust.
Be generous.
If you are a first-time author (or about to be), the best thing you can do for your book is get a lot of people to talk about it. Even if it means giving it away for free. This is how Paulo Coehlo became an international best-selling author. It can work.
Fact #5: Publishing one book won’t make you rich
There’s a popular misconception that once you publish a book, you are now a full-time author and a pretty big deal.
This belief hails back to the early days of Stephen King and Michael Crichton when publishing was a different animal. Those guys wrote their first manuscripts and got six-figure advances… for their first book!
It doesn’t work like that anymore. There’s too much supply, too much competition. These days, you have to write a few books before you can even call your writing a “career.”
Even then it can be difficult, because most royalty rates aren’t that great (8–20%). That’s why it usually takes years to make any kind of meager salary through writing books.
The alternative, of course, is to not try making money off your books. Instead, consider them a business card — an introduction to a premium product or service you offer.
This could be a course or seminar, even be something like a membership website or a video series. For a lot of authors, it’s their speaking platforms. The book spreads the idea and builds an audience; it’s up to you to make money off it.
What other facts about publishing would you add to this list? Share in the comments.
Want to learn more about how publishing works? Check out Michael Hyatt’s Get Published program. I highly recommend it and even contributed a lesson to it. Get it now before the price goes up. Find out more here.
Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means if you buy anything through it, I get a commission at no extra cost to you. Just my way of paying for diapers. Oh and remember: I never endorse stuff I don’t use and believe in.
October 12, 2012
Learn How to Be a Writer with This Four-Part Audio Series
Not too long ago, my friend Rob Still and I got together for a half-day to track a four-part audio series I’ve been wanting to do for awhile.
Rob interviewed me about the themes and topics covered in my recent eBook, You Are a Writer: So Start Acting Like One. We chuckled, teased one another, and each learned something new.
Photo credit: Nicolette Caldwell (Creative Commons)
We ended up calling it “The Writer’s Studio,” since it offers practical tips for any writer who is just beginning or wanting to go to the next level — and I’m excited to share it with you today.
What’s in it?
The series is broken up into four parts:
Becoming a Writer
The Tools Every Writer Needs
Relationships and Connections
Getting Started Writing
There is wit, sarcasm, and some useful content that you won’t find anywhere else. If you enjoy audio books and expert interviews, you’ll like this program. We had a lot of fun recording and mixing it, and there’s a lot of great material in it.
Why should you get it?
This audio series is for:
Anyone who wants to get started writing professionally
Anyone who is interested in getting published in magazines
Anyone who longs to write a book
Anyone who has been frustrated with rejection from publishers
Anyone who feels ready to build a platform, but doesn’t know how to begin
This practical series of Q&A will get you started on the path leading to growing in your craft and getting your work noticed.
What you get
This audio program is a companion piece to my best-selling eBook, You Are a Writer, so it’d be a crime for you to get the audio without the book. I’m throwing in a few extras, as well. Here’s what you get:
A copy of the hour-long interview between Rob and me.
A writing worksheet with six exercise to help you hone your craft (and love for writing).
Complimentary copies of my eBook in PDF, Nook, and Kindle formats.
All of that is valued at over $35… but I’m making a special offer to my community. For a limited time, The Writer’s Studio is available for $19.99. If you’ve been holding off on making an investment into your writing career, don’t wait any longer.
Ready to up your writing game?
Grab this audio series, and get your writing journey started now. If you hate it or feel like it’s a waste of your money, I’ll refund you — no questions asked. In other words, you take no risk.
Honestly, I think a lot of you will really like it. The audio quality is excellent (we even have kinda snazzy jazz music to book end each section!). So go check it out and stuff.
It’s time to take your writing to the next level. Get started with The Writer’s Studio today. Find out more here.
*Photo credit: Nicolette Caldwell (Creative Commons)
October 11, 2012
3 Steps to Creating a Beautiful Book Site for Less than $100
Since launching my book, Wrecked, lots of people have asked me, “Who designed your website?” Well, I did.
My book site
But before you start thinking I’m some kind of web coding genius or graphic design savant, don’t be fooled.
All I did was use a couple of simple, easy-to-use, out-of-the-box solutions that are far less complicated than you might think.
Don’t break the bank
Most writers start out on a shoestring budget. They know they need the right tools to be taken seriously (and right at the top of that list is a beautiful website), but they just don’t think they can afford it.
Look. You don’t need to drop $1000 to design a great-looking website. And you don’t need to hire a graphic design firm to do the job.
If you’re rolling bank with your writing, feel free to dish out that kind of cash. But until that’s the case, I wouldn’t recommend it.
So what did I do? And how can you do the same? Glad you asked.
Here’s what I did in four steps to create a beautiful-looking website for my book for less than $100:
Step 1: Unleash the awesome power of WordPress
WordPress.org
This is a given for me, as I use self-hosted WordPress sites for everything I do online: blogging, landing pages, community sites, etc. It’s fast, free, and fully customizable.
(Note: This is different from WordPress.com, which is a free social network. WordPress.org is the software, which is also free, but once you download it, you’ll need a host, which will cost you some money.)
Here’s how to set up WordPress on a website:
Get a host. I recommend using Bluehost.com. This will cost you about $5 per month, and it’s where your website will “live” online.
Install WordPress. Bluehost has a one-click install process that is super-easy. If you use another service you will have to download the software atWordPress.org and then upload it via your FTP, which can get a little technical. That’s why I recommend just using Bluehost.
Create your login ID and password.
Login to make sure your credentials work.
In the following video, I show you how to set up all this stuff in less than eight minutes:
Now that WordPress is up and running, pick a “skin” for your website. The great thing about WordPress is it allows you to use various design templates (called “themes”) that allow your website to look professional without you having to do much work.
In fact, many themes are free, but I’m using a paid premium one for this project.
Step 2: Get a great theme
For my book site, I used the Genesis framework, which is a basic design architecture for your site that’s built by StudioPress (a company owned by Copyblogger Media).
Genesis is what a lot of big-time bloggers, including Chris Brogan and Problogger, use.
StudioPress
Once I had Genesis set up, I uploaded a “child theme,” which allows more customization options.
What, exactly, is a child theme? The best analogy for this that I can think of is the interior design of a house. Once you’ve designed the house, you still need to paint it and fill it with furniture. That’s what a theme (in this case, child theme) does.
The Tribe Theme
The child theme that I use is called Tribe, and is a design scheme that my friend Martyn Chamberlin custom-designed for me (it’s what I use on my blog, too). Here’s what it looks like:
To get Tribe running on your WordPress blog, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Buy the Genesis Framework. Click this link and you’ll be taken to the StudioPress website, where you’ll be given an option to buy a bunch of different themes. Choose JUST the Genesis Framework (should be about $59.95).
Buy the Tribe Theme. Click this link to preview the theme and then buy it. Note: you will be prompted to buy Genesis, but you’ve already done this so ignore that. This should be about $79.95.
Install Genesis. You can do this by logging into your WordPress dashboard, going to Appearance, then Themes, and then click Upload and select the ZIP file for the Genesis Framework. Then click “ACTIVATE” to activate the theme.
Install Tribe. Repeat the process in #3 for Tribe. (Note: Do NOT install Tribe without first installing Genesis, or you’ll crash your site.)
Step 3: Make a rockin’ header
Wrecked header
Part of what makes the Tribe theme look so great is the large header image, which you can easily adjust in your WordPress dashboard.
My publisher sent me the images from my book cover, so I just used that. But if you’re having someone design your book cover, you should ask them for a site header as part of the package.
However, if you don’t have access to those images, you can do any of the following:
Hire someone. Some affordable options are 99 Designs or Crowdspring. If you have a larger budget, you could ask the guys at Perfection Coding (which is my friend Martyn’s company).
Ask a friend. I did this with another site, and they did it for free in exchange for some business referrals.
Do it yourself. If you have Photoshop or a similar program, open it up and figure it out. There’s lots of free tutorials on YouTube for this sort of thing.
The default width and height of the header image is 965×231, but you can change that to whatever you want when you click the Genesis menu and then choose “Conversion.”
Once you’ve got the image, next you’ll need to upload it, which can be done by clicking Appearance, then Header, then Choose File, and then upload.
Uploading your header
Start publishing
That’s it! You’re done. At this point, your book site should be live, and you can start creating pages. Content is essential (even with a snazzy website design) if you want people to find your site.
I recommend publishing at least 10 pages on your site. Use these to talk about your book (these can include book excerpts, reviews, endorsements, or even a blog with short articles).
To see what I did, click here. And if you want to find out more about the design of my latest book, check out this page: Can You Create a Beautiful Book Site without Breaking the Bank?
What tips or questions do you have about creating beautiful book sites? Share in the comments.
Disclosure: Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means if you click them and buy something, I get a portion of the profits. However, this is at no cost to you.
October 9, 2012
Every Writer Is a Mentor (Or Can Be)
My writing mentor always whips me into shape. She slings her red pen like a training whistle and sends me sprinting. And I love it.
Sure, the critiquing exercises hurt, at first. But my work always grows stronger as a result.
Photo credit: Tulane Public Relations (Creative Commons)
We all need someone like that, don’t we? Someone who believes in us. A mentor who recognizes our potential, helps us reach it, and pushes us beyond it.
Who looks up to you?
If you’re a writer, you’re a mentor. I’m serious.
Think about it. Many of us writers have blogs. We make a habit of cracking open our souls so other people can peek inside — and comment.
I do this. Maybe you do, too. Sometimes, I catch responses to my writing that push the air right out of my chest:
“This is exactly what I needed to hear today.”
“Your insight makes me want to be a better parent.”
“I am so glad somebody else understands.”
And that’s when I realize I’m more than a writer. I’m somebody’s coach. I’m a mentor. And I need to start acting like it.
Your story is bigger than you
As a freelance writer and work-from-home mom, it’s easy to focus inward on my laptop, my deadlines, and the peanut butter smudges on my chair.
But comments like those remind me I’m not writing just for myself.
An audience lives and breathes beyond my desk — people who clip coupons and pack lunches just like I do. And they reserve a few minutes of their precious nap hour to meet me online, because we “get” each other.
I write to encourage them.
Why do you write?
Do you write because you love the craft? To capture memories? Fuel a movement? Those are all valid reasons to write, but I think the universal answer is simpler than all that:
We write because we have something to say. (Click here to tweet that.)
Our stories and words help people, encourage them. Whether you realize it or not, writers carry tremendous influence influence. Time to start handling it wisely.
But how do we do that?
When we see ourselves as mentors, our ambitions take on a greater purpose.
Expanding our reach is no longer about numbers or platforms or even us. It’s about making a difference. Giving back. Shining a light on the path we travel so others won’t stumble along the way.
Mentors share their stories and experiences in order to help others, regardless of the topic: parenting (my favorite), relationships, careers, lifestyle, etc.
I believe in mentoring and the people that are a part of it. I’m learning my words have tremendous power — to inspire, encourage, and challenge. All through my writing.
I can’t think of a more meaningful and fulfilling way to add value to other people’s lives. Can you?
So… what’s your story?
You’ve got a story to share. I’m sure of it.
What are you good at?
What shaped you?
What drives you?
What would you do differently — if you could do it all again?
You have a tale to tell, and someone needs to hear it. The answers to those questions are the beginning to a whole new world in which your words are about much more than you.
How can you start using your words to mentor others? Share in the comments.
You can join Becky and other mentors on Mentorsaurus to learn more about how a whole community of people are living, learning, and sharing together. You can also connect with them on Twitter and Facebook.
October 6, 2012
Why You Need to Finally Face the Fear of Failure
A friend of mine said to me recently, “Tim, it seems like every time I turn around you’re succeeding at something.” I don’t say this to toot my own horn. I say this because it is completely NOT true.
Photo credit: dcJohn (Creative Commons)
Truth be told, I fail a lot. Far more than most.
The majority of my ideas, my plans, and my dreams end up dying way before anybody knows about them. They usually die in my head. They sometimes die in my computer. And they occasionally die in the court of public opinion.
But, trust me: they die. Frequently.
I have had a few successes. But I have had a TON of failures. Businesses and books, auditions and adventures — I’ve come up short on all of them.
Despite the seemingly endless string of unfinished and unsuccessful projects, my goal has always been to live by this motto: I would much rather fail at greatness than succeed at mediocrity. (You can tweet that if you want.)
There is reason for hope
I take heart in the fact that:
Michael Jordan missed more than half of the shots he took.
Henry Ford went broke five times before finally starting Ford Motor Company.
Thomas Edison went through thousands of prototypes before finally inventing the light bulb.
Winston Churchill failed the sixth grade and lost every public election he entered until being elected Prime Minister of Great Britain at age 62.
John Grisham was rejected by 16 agents and 12 publishers before getting his first book deal.
Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg, Abraham Lincoln, Beethoven, and Babe Ruth failed countless times, too.
None of these people would have made history if they had been frozen by failure.
But what if my pessimism is right?
Unfortunately, the realist deep inside reminds me that for every Edison and Grisham and Spielberg story, there are a million other inventors and authors and directors working fast-food or retail because their idea didn’t stick.
Every creative, subconsciously, feels like their big idea should work, but that it probably won’t work. Taking the first step toward a dream feels like taking the first step toward your pessimism being proven right.
It’s fair to say these types of fears have derailed more scientific breakthroughs, revolutionary businesses, and great works of art than anything else in history.
How many best-selling books have never been written? How many blockbuster movies have never been made? How many vaccinations and antidotes and cures have never been found?
There’s something worse than failure
This month, I took a risk. I put a 10-year-old dream of mine out there for all to see, knowing full well that it could easily fail in spectacular fashion. I don’t want my dream to die, but I know it can’t possibly live if I never try.
So, I’m trying. Will it succeed? Maybe. Maybe not. But the fear of never knowing whether success was possible is far more intimidating than the prospect of failure.
I’m guessing you have a few hopes and dreams, too. You have a book to write, a business to start, a trip to take. You just haven’t done it yet for fear of the dream dying once you try.
Which of your dreams need to risk dying so that they can have a chance of succeeding? Share in the comments.
To find out more about Tim’s big project, check out “Don’t Blink: Tiny Towns, Funny Names” on , and consider supporting it.
