Lisa Tener's Blog: Lisa Tener's Writing/Publishing Blog, page 40

“I Can’t Get Published”: Oh, Yes, You Can. Here’s How to Get Published

I recently received an e-mail that began, “I have worked so tenaciously to find the right traditional book publisher to publish my memoir…” The author was starting to give up, lamenting that if she were rich and famous her book would be published. “There is no support for first time authors.” I waited to respond to the author because the whole disempowered tone of it irritated me. I knew I shouldn’t answer an e-mail in that state.  So, let’s look at this as an opportunity: Here’s the truth. Publishers do publish first time authors–their memoirs, how-to books and even novels![...]

How to Make Money Writing, Teaching, Editing, and Doing What You Love , Part 2

As I prepare to offer a presentation at The San Francisco Writers Conference on The 6-Figure Author: 21 Principles to Make Money Writing, Teaching, Editing and Doing What You Love, I’ve been thinking a great deal on all the lessons I’ve learned to become a 6-figure writer and the people who helped me get there. I think it’s time I introduced you to some of the wisdom of a few of those folks, two of whom will be presenting at the San Francisco Writer’s Conference. So, let’s assume you read my last post–also on how to make money writing, editing,[...]

How to Make Money Writing, Teaching, Editing, and Doing What You Love, Part I

As I prepare for the San Francisco Writers Conference, I find myself getting more and more excited about a new workshop I’m creating especially for the conference:  The 6-Figure Writer: 21 Principles to Make Money Writing, Teaching, Editing, and Doing What You Love . You see, in all my years working with authors and other writers, I’ve become  passionate not just about helping them write and publish their books, but about helping them make money writing–and doing the work they love. There’s a belief system among artists and creative types that we have to choose between being creative, being true[...]

How to Make Money Writing, Teaching, Editing, and Doing What You Love

As I prepare for the San Francisco Writers Conference, I find myself getting more and more excited about a new workshop I’m creating especially for the conference:  The 6-Figure Writer: 21 Principles to Make Money Writing, Teaching, Editing, and Doing What You Love . You see, in all my years working with authors and other writers, I’ve become  passionate not just about helping them write and publish their books, but about helping them make money writing–and doing the work they love. There’s a belief system among artists and creative types that we have to choose between being creative, being true[...]

What Made MLK an Extraordinary Dreamer? (and BTW, What’s Your Dream?)

There are some people you meet who have a profound impact on how you look at the world and live your life. Tara Sage Steeves is one of those people for me. Years ago, I attended The Dream Party as a guest of my friend Donna Mac. Donna invited me to get with the spirit of the event and, “Come as you aspire to be 5 years from now.” Five years is a long time. What did I aspire to be? A bestselling author? Midwife to dozens of bestselling authors? I looked in my closet for inspiration and rediscovered a[...]

San Francisco Writers Conference 2014: Writing Workshops, Publishing Panels and More

The first writers conference I ever attended was offered by the International Woman Writers Guild. It was both magical and instrumental to my publishing success. There, I met agent Rita Rosenkranz who offered me advice that ultimately got my first book (The Ultimate Guide to Transforming Anger) published. It also taught me the value of being part of a community of writers. Since then I treasure any time at writers conferences–teaching or participating. I’m especially looking forward to my first experience of the famed San Francisco Writers Conference which starts February 13. Many colleagues have shared what an outstanding writers[...]

What Dance Can Teach Us About Writing

On a new year’s dancing retreat at Kripalu Yoga Center in Sturbridge MA, I discovered so many dance metaphors and lessons that apply to the writing life. I hope you enjoy the insights as much as I do. For me, there is nothing like dancing to feel connected to my heart. One of the wonderful things about dancing is that it connects us to metaphor without having to think about the meanings and connections–we can just experience them: Space: As we look for space to dance in a crowded room we can discover inner and outer space we did not[...]

My New Year’s Wish for You

I hope you enjoyed a lovely holiday season with friends and family and found much joy this special time of year. As we look to the New Year, here are some of my wishes for you for 2014 and beyond: A renewed sense of passion about your book and the wisdom you have to share The humility to fully embrace your vision Supportive community to help you complete a truly awesome book—one that has the impact you envision The persistence, confidence and discipline to see your book through to publication Belief in your message and yourself as its messenger A[...]

Brave New Blogs (and Blog Transformations) of 2013

Every once in a while, an emerging author in my Bring Your Book to Life Program(R) will start a new blog, or change the focus of his or her blog, based on the book they’re working on. It’s a bold step. With an existing blog, the topic may or may not be of interest to current readers. In the case of a new blog, the step can be especially bold when your book reveals something about yourself that you’ve kept hidden or only spoken about with an intimate few. So, I want to acknowledge those brave souls who have started[...]

Why I Love to Write

I love the feel of a smooth writing pen across the paper. When I write, the left and right side of my brain stop feuding for control and they dance. Writing puts me in the feeling of flow. I am one with pen, paper, reader, and the source of inspiration. I love ideas. I love to express myself creatively. I love the idea of reaching people across the country and all over the world. I love the feel of writing in a new journal. Eighteen months ago I bought a shimmery journal with stylized horse faces on the cover. It[...]