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Six ways you can stop procrastinating – and start getting writing done

Writer’s block just could be something else?

Six ways you can stop procrastinating – and start getting writing done

Procrastination was called the ‘thief of time’ more than 300 years ago by the English poet Edward Young.

While procrastination may or may not be the thief of time, it will certainly steal your peace of mind.

Putting things off requires mental and emotional energy.  Most who procrastinate are not at all lazy, they just shift emphasis to different things for different reasons.

When we are writing, is it possibly because we have made the task is too difficult, time-consuming, not your favourite part or just your mind playing tricks.

Why do we do it when it eats up peace of mind and vitality? Putting things off is just that – it’s just delaying action, and the more you do it the more there is to keep track of and worry about.

Already you are wasting time and energy and the stress is building up. You haven’t done any writing or editing yet and the day is drifting.

Gradually, it takes more and more effort to “not think about it”.  Yet the crazy thing is you’re going to have to get back to that chapter sooner or later.

The only difference procrastinating makes is that you have a gradually increasing level of stress and uneasiness and, when you eventually do get around to acting, you do so under pressure rather than from choice.

Here are six steps to help combat procrastination:

1. Take a few minutes to think about something you have been putting off and to feel, just how much stress putting this off has already caused you since you first realised the task needed action.

2. Think about, and feel, how much stress it is causing you – how much time you spend thinking about it (or trying to not think about it), feeling guilty about it, being reminded about it and so on. Again, get in touch with these feelings of discomfort.

3. Think about how much discomfort it will cause you if you continue to do nothing about it for another few weeks or even another a few months.

4. Okay, you have just experienced the uneasiness and unpleasantness involved in procrastinating on this issue, now let’s look at the benefits of taking action. Take a few moments to really feel how good it will be once you have taken action on this and put it behind you.

5. Think about how just how much time and effort this task will actually require. And compare the cost of taking action (in terms of energy, effort, etc) with the cost of not taking action.

6. Now do it. Right now, while it is still fresh in your mind and in your emotions. Or at least begin doing it. Or plan to take action within the next day or so – and make sure you stick to this commitment.

This post is contributed as Guest post by Alison Blackler. You can contact author on her website www.2mindsnlp.com

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The Surprising Success Secret to Making it Big as a Writer

Do you know the most powerful success secret to make it big as a writer?

Is it:

Natural talent?
An English degree?
How many awards you’ve won?

Dale Carnegie said this back in 1937:

15 percent of your success comes from your technical skill. The other 85% comes from how well you deal with people.

If you think

that’s outdated, check this out.

Google did a survey of managers in 2009 called Project Oxygen. The researchers wanted to know:

if managers matter
if so, then why do they matter
what skills are responsible for their success

Here are so

me of those skills:

Be a good coach.
Empower; don’t micromanage.
Be interested in direct reports, success, and well-being.
Don’t be a sissy: Be productive and results-oriented.
Be a good communicator and listen to your team.
Help your employees with career development.
Have a clear vision and strategy for the team.
Have key technical skills so you can advise the team.

Do you see a theme running through these?

Every one of these skills involves dealing with people.

“Your success as a writer depends more on your people skills than your talent.”  Frank McKinley

Success Secret #1 – You need other people.

Success doesn’t depend much on genius. It does depend heavily on how well you know and relates to other people.

Here are some quick and easy ways to supercharge your human relations IQ.

Be courteous. Say thank you when others do you a favor.
Do favors for other people. Don’t come asking first. Give if you want to receive.
Ask for what you want – and frame it so the other person comes out a winner.

The bottom line is this: treat people as well or better than you want them to treat you. When you do this, you’ll set the standard for how you’re treated.

Success Secret #2 – Don’t wait for people to come to you.
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Four years ago, my son and I visited a new church.

Here’s how I got him ready.

“Drew, there are probably a lot of nice people in there. Some of them may come up to you and introduce themselves. But there’s no guarantee of that. Don’t wait around. You introduce yourself to people first and good things will happen.”

I thought he’d just nod his head and do nothing.

Before I even got a seat, Drew introduced me to 4 or 5 people he’d already met!

After church, the same thing happened.

If you want friends, be one. Make the first move. Invite people to chat, spend time with you, and work together. You’ll be amazed at what might happen!

Here’s what happened when I made the first move this year:

I’ve done 5 expert interviews
I’ve been invited to speak on a webinar and a podcast
I have written for two other blogs
I’ll be doing a Q&A this fall at the popular Tribe Conference

If you want things to happen, do what my friend Anne Peterson told me:

Always be networking.

Success Secret #3 – Always give people a reason to continue with you.

If you struggle with making people connections, let me recommend a book I’m reading called the Improv Manifesto.

If you’ve ever seen the show Whose Line is it Anyway, you’ve seen improv at its best. I’m not asking you to become a standup comedian. Neither am I asking you to become an actor. The point is there is a lot you can learn from this acting if you want to succeed as a writer.

Here are a few takeaways:

Make offers. In other words, give them a reason to say or do something. Think in terms of what they want, not what you want.
Start off strong. The first impression you make will last, so make it count.
Go for it. Reach out and make that connection now. Do the best you can and remember you’ve got nothing to lose.

“You’ll get what you want when you ask for it.”

Frank McKinley

Now Do This

This week set a networking goal.

Here are some suggestions.

Contact an expert and ask for an interview.
Do a book review and send a Tweet to the author.
Offer to write about something your favorite Blogger’s audience needs but hasn’t gotten yet.

“You can get everything in life you want when you help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

Have a fantastic week! I can’t wait to hear how this works for you.

Share your story in the comments.
Feel free to ask me for help if you’re getting stuck.
Want more tips? Subscribe for a new one every week!











Frank McKinley

I help writers engage readers, sell their ideas, and build their tribes.

www.frankmckinleyauthor.com

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Researching – The Backbone of any Novel

When the concept of writing my fourth novel teaming up my protagonists, Jonas Peters and Frank Sanders (their first book together), I knew there would have to be deep research to ensure the readers would believe the words I put down onto the paper. There was no chance I was to spend a year or more writing a tale involving these two fine gentlemen without the diligence of powerful exploration and research.

That is the hallmark of any good writing. Without painstaking research a writer ends up with only a tale without merit. Fictional writing may be what wordsmith’s make out of their creative genius but good fiction must resemble non-fiction to the audience.

When I read a novel I want to be taken away from the present reality and thrust into a new reality. What I did not realize when the idea for ‘Iquitos – the Past Will Kill’ sprang into my head was that I would be spending a month in the darkness of the Peruvian rainforest.

But if the novel mentions the jungle then the writer must visit the jungle.

The forest comes alive at night and hunkered beneath mosquito netting swinging in the heavy moist air in a hammock one knows it is safer to be inside than outside. More than once each night something outside would let loose with a scream and suddenly nothing but silence invaded the air.

During the daylight all one did was sweat in the ninety percent humidity wishing for a breeze. This is a hostile environment and not meant for the faint of heart. Everywhere a person takes a step must be calculated so one doesn’t step onto or in front of something lurking in the canopy or the floor which could be live threatening.

The rainforest is a dangerous place to reside or visit.

On a previous trip to Peru, my spouse (Laureen) and I had made close friends with a naval commander who was able to set up the Amazon adventure including riding for hours in a fast boat. This navy small boat was capable of over sixty miles per hour on the wide and dark river and sported two fifty caliber machine guns. It was a fitting place for Jonas (who was the only character to venture into the Amazon) to hitch a ride and find out firsthand the magnitude of one of the largest rivers in the world.

Islands would appear out of nowhere – the shores teaming with life. Howler monkeys kept eyes on us as we swept by the land masses as well as Toucans and Macaws flying overhead. The skies were often covered with rain fat clouds ready to deluge us at any minute. Often without warning the sky would open up. Suddenly drenched and smiling we would understand the thrill of research – to be somewhere not expected and enjoying every minute of it.

A month on the trail with our good friend Paul Bakas (photographer for our blog – jandlresearchandexploration) we were satisfied with the research.

It takes a special type of person to make it day to day in the jungle. We made but with a guide, prepared food, and constant warnings of the dangers behind every bush. We were spoiled.

As Laureen stated as we headed back to the states; “That was the best trip I never want to repeat.”

‘Iquitos – the Past Will Kill’ is a novel based on a past event involving Jonas Peters in the wilds of Peru which brings that past rushing to the future with deadly results for those involved. It is a journey of discovery and sorrow for both Jonas Peters and Frank Sanders but the story must be told as all stories must.

This post is contributed as Guest post by John R. Beyer.

About the author:

John R. Beyer is the author of four novels – his latest, ‘Iquitos, The Past Will Kill was released in November of 2018. He spent nearly ten years in law enforcement before moving to the educational world as a public school teacher and administrator. His passion for writing as earned him many accolades and recently the ‘Write Well Award’.

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Marketing Tips: Create Your Author Platform and Increase Book Sales

After extensive research, trial and error, and long-time experience, we have discovered the most effective ways to market your books, create an online presence, and connect authors with readers worldwide. In this article, we provide authors with the very best ways, to implement immediately, to increase book sales, and build their brand and platform as a published author.

Create a Complete “Author Platform” Which Must Include:

Your author website
Your blog (have a separate page for your blog and blog regularly)
Your social media presence and profiles. Place your social media icons with links to your social media profiles in a conspicuous, easy to find, spot on your website, so readers can easily click on them, and connect with, and follow you.
Join as many book related sites as possible. Example: Bookbub, Booklife, Authorsdb (google “book clubs” and “book sites” to find as many book related sites as possible.)
Google “free author interviews” to find sites that will allow you to do free author interviews with permanent links on their site. (Yes, they are out there)
If possible, have a book trailer made for all of your books and include them on your website.

Keep Your Website Up-to-Date, Visually Appealing and User Friendly

On your homepage, the first thing readers should see is your books for sale (leave out your synopsis on this page).Include a picture of your book cover with a link to purchase your book that is large and visible. Also link your book cover picture to your purchase site, as well(Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)
If you have more than one book, put all of them on the home page. Readers can scroll down to each book and see your awesome covers and be motivated to purchase them. ALWAYS include your purchase link for readers to buy your book immediately.
Your website domain name should be called your “author name,” not the title of your book or some other made up title. GoDaddy, NameCheap and BlueHost are all easy websites to buy your domain name. Your website host can help you integrate your domain name to your website and set you up.
On your “Homepage,” be sure to have an email sign up box, so readers can subscribe to your website/blog and receive updates about your books, and your creative interesting blog posts. Use your website’s themes email sign up widget. Or you can utilize a paid Email service like Constant Contact or Mail Chimp in order to easily send out mass emails to your readers.
Be sure to use photos and graphics on your website in your blog section. Blog regularly. You can find blogging ideas by googling “blogging ideas for authors”
Have a separate “Author Bio” and page-make it fun, personal and interesting, be sure to add a picture of you or of your very best book cover.
On a separate page, show your book covers again, each should include your books synopsis and any good book reviews that you have received. Title your page “Books & Reviews”
Have a separate page for your blog. This is where you will write about your writing, life, books and other interesting topics. Your subscribers will receive your blog entries in their email box. That is why it is important to have an email signup box on your home page in the top right hand sidebar. Title your blog page “Blog.”
Don’t forget your “Contact Page,” so readers, publishers, industry professionals, etc. can contact you. Use the contact form that comes with your website’s theme.
If you have any book trailers, create a separate page and title it “Book Trailers”

Note: Do not bog your website/blog down with other authors books or reviews. This will distract from your own particular work and books. The only exception to this rule is if you are collaborating with another author, and sharing your books on one another’s sites. But we do not recommend doing that.

Participate in Social Media Regularly

Social media is vital to gaining a following of readers that will look forward to hearing about     and buying your books. You can have discussions with them about books and hook them on   your books. Twitter and Facebook are the best platforms for authors.

Join book groups within the social media platform. Readers groups, writers groups and book  clubs are great for promoting your books.
Create a Goodreads profile and be sure to include your book covers and all your information,   including your website and social media links.
When using social media, don’t just promote your books. Include interesting, humorous and  fun ways to engage with other users and readers. Post eye-appealing pictures to go along with your posts.

 Have a “Complete” Amazon Author Page, Which Must Include

A photo of you
Your full author bio
Add your website and social media links to your author bio, at the bottom of your bio.
Each one of your books, in each format, with links to purchase them.
Utilize the “Editorial Reviews” section for each separate book to highlight the best reviews with a blurb from each one. You can put blurbs from your paid reviews in this section.
Make sure to write down and save your Amazon login information, so you can access it to make changes as necessary.

 Run Plenty of Giveaways on Goodreads

Give away as many signed “paperback” books as possible to get free book reviews.
Include a nice note when sending the paper back to the winner’s, kindly asking them to please leave Amazon and Goodreads reviews for your book.

 Reach Out to Book Clubs: Offer to Speak and Share about Your Book

Speak at local book clubs and associations, book stores and various businesses.
Gain notoriety locally.

 Get as Many Great Reviews For Your Book as Possible

Excellent quality reviews are vital to selling more books. Utilize free and paid reviewers to maximize your efforts and receive the best quality professional and marketable book reviews that will increase your book sales substantially.

 Enter as Many Book Award Contests that Are Available

This will help your author credibility substantially.
Display Your Awards on a separate page on your website entitled “Book Awards & Recognitions.”

 Book Marketing & Promotion

Marketing and promoting your book is one of the most difficult parts of increasing your book sales and author visibility.

We Recommend You Hire a Book Marketing Professional to Achieve the Best Results to Substantially Increase Your Book Sales, and Connect With Readers Worldwide

To increase your book sales and author visibility. Check out Artisan Book Reviews and Chick Lit Cafe. Both have a large readership base with hundreds of thousands of followers across the board. They utilize many book related and book magazine and media sites to market you and your book. They will get your book out there, and it will be well worth the cost effective the price. They get results. Be sure to read their author testimonials.

For a full list of where you can enter book contests, find free and paid book reviews, free author interviews, and find book marketers, please visit our website and contact through our “contact form” to request your free list of resources for authors.

Or feel free to visit one, or both, of our websites for more articles and inspiration, request a book review and to look into their highly effective “targeted” marketing campaigns. @ Artisan Book Reviews and Chick Lit Cafe

This post is contributed as Guest post by Ella James.

About the author:

Article Contributed by Ella James

Editor/Social Media and Book Marketing Specialist/Book Reviewer

University of California

Degree Field of Study: Marketing, Journalism, Business, Management

Contribute a post to Being Author Blog [Submit NOW]

The post Marketing Tips: Create Your Author Platform and Increase Book Sales appeared first on Being Author - Book promotion & authors BLOG.

The Divine Feminine Bible

What if Jesus was a woman? In this translation the most recognizable character in all of literature is female. In spite of tradition and life threatening danger she will attempt to lead her people toward a new way of life.

AMAZON

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The Truth You Didn’t Know

This book is about my life and the struggles I went through as a child, as a teenager, and as an adult. This book will make you cry, and it will make you laugh. This is a great book to read by your fireplace with some hot chocolate eating a bagel.

AMAZON

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On The Road to Saying Bye to Autism

I told autism in my family these vitamins and juice and muffins will help my son’s brain get on the right channel it is supposed to be on. I told autism that you will not win in my family. I told autism that my son will make it. He will graduate high school and go to college. I told autism in my family my son will play sports, he will talk, he will be on the same level as his peers. I told autism in my family I said “Bye, Felicia.”

AMAZON

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Making Sense of Past Time – a novel

Through the prism of memory, middle-aged Harry sets out to recapture his youthful years. As a young man, Harry is not happy about living in his provincial hometown in “the Caribbean”. He is easily bored, restless, and afraid that his life would amount to nothing if he remains there. And so Harry ventures out to a distant land to make something of himself, and the wish to become the “captain of his ship,” by distancing himself from an authoritative father. He chooses a metropolitan city – London – where he expects “green pastures” while treasuring the dream of one day reaching the shores of America. But there are surprises in store for him, as well as a challenge to his character.

AMAZON

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Poplar Hill

She was cold, she was alone, and she knew she was going to die.

In the middle of an epic ice storm, Kitty Stevenson, an eccentric old woman, self-exiled to rural Canada from New York society, realizes that she is having a heart attack. She had survived Nazi Germany – she can survive this too. Her neighbors mount a heroic effort to save her. She lives to tell her tale of self-reliance, incredible wealth, poverty, and escape on the eve of a World War. Kitty is ultimately confronted by what she perceives as a personal moral failure.

A strong character, Kitty Stevenson is molded by the Depression and toughened by an intense encounter with Nazi Germany. In the end, she has only one story left to tell: a tale of murder. But, “It was war, damn it, it was war.”

Poplar Hill is full of characters reminiscent of E. Annie Proulx’sThe Shipping**News,as well as Farley Mowatt’s fiction, with a touch of Tinkers by Paul Harding.

BOOK2READ

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Broken Revelations: Horsemen Rising

Adrian Gray thought he was just an ordinary guy was happy living an average boring life…

That is until his life took to a sharp turn into the extraordinary after a one night stand with a beautiful woman calling herself “The Tattoo lady” leads him to the discovery that he was anything but ordinary as he quickly discovers that he and The Tattoo Lady are Nephal: the children of Angels and Demons, and are two of the prophesied four horsemen of the Apocalypse and meets the other two horsemen Matekai and Iku just in time for all of heaven and hell to break loose and uncovering a renegade angel’s plot to free the pagan gods to cause even more havoc on earth.

Now it’s up to the four horsemen unite to save the world that they were destined to destroy… that is if there anything left to save.

AMAZON

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