Lisa Tener's Blog: Lisa Tener's Writing/Publishing Blog, page 5

It’s Not “Just Journaling”: Benefits for Writers

During a recent Get Your Writing Done session, a writer apologetically shared that she was “just journaling”—not working on her specific writing project, such as an article or book. I reminded her—and all of us—that journaling is a superpower. Never apologize or feel less than for journaling instead of producing writing for the masses. Journaling...  Read more

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Can You Write When You Feel Like an Imposter?

A writer recently said to me, “I feel like an imposter. How can I write as an expert when I’m working through these same problems again that I am supposed to be teaching in my book?” This author was writing about relationships and suddenly found himself struggling with a specific relationship topic in his partnership—an...  Read more

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Should I Quote Experts in my Book’s Introduction?

This excellent question came up in Get Your Writing Done last week: “Should I share expert stories in my book’s introduction?” The author was considering sharing compelling stories from Wayne Dyer and Anita Moorjani. What Is Your Reader Looking for in the Book Introduction? When you write the introduction to a nonfiction book, think about...  Read more

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Are You Being Selfish Enough to Finish Your Book?

To write our books we need to be fierce about our boundaries. I write this moments after our Get Your Writing Done Zoom meeting has ended and one person reported that she did something very selfish. She put her book above a person in crisis, someone she’d been supporting for a long time. Consider the...  Read more

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When the Last Lighthouse Keeper Retires: What AI Means for Writing

Some folks are all hyped up about how AI is making their jobs as writers easier–from outlining to research to organizing ideas and creating marketing plans. They’re psyched. On the other end of the spectrum, many authors complain about the glut of AI-generated garbage on Amazon that’s making their books harder to find. One prominent...  Read more

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The Benefits of a Slow Start

My 2024 is starting off slow. And I’m realizing that’s a good thing in many ways. Just before Christmas, I got rear-ended while patiently waiting to turn when the driver behind me was distracted (looking behind her at her passenger!) and didn’t see me in time. As I heal, I’m needing to limit screen time...  Read more

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“How Should I Publish My Short Stories?”

In my most recent post, I answered a soon-to-be-published author’s questions about distribution for a traditionally published book; today, I answer their second question: “How should I publish my short stories?” So, short stories are not in my purview, but I know enough to provide some guidance to this writer. My goal was to ascertain...  Read more

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“Is My Traditional Publisher Book Contract a Good Deal?” + More Publishing Questions

Today’s publishing questions come from a writer in South Africa who just received an offer from a traditional publisher. They have questions about the offer and contract and about publishing a book of short stories. Let’s address the book offer first, and in my next post, I will address the short stories. “I need help....  Read more

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Thankful in 2023

Each Thanksgiving I list all the people I am thankful for in my work. Plus books, nature and other inspiration. Here goes…but first, I want to say this: Given all that’s going on in the world, including the incredible polarization and demonization of opposing viewpoints, it’s more important than ever to focus on gratitude, foster...  Read more

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How to Write From Your Heart

Your Muse Wants You to Write from Your Heart Today’s post was inspired during our “Get Your Writing Done” session a few weeks ago. I’d offered that if anyone ever needs a little private laser coaching, they can request to do a short breakout group on our Zoom calls during the writing portion of the...  Read more

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