Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life -- Anne Lamott
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation -- Lynne Truss
On Writing Well, 25th Anniversary: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction -- William Zinsser
Mark David Gerson: The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write
After finishing a movie, I watched all the "extras" that came on the DVD along with it. That started me thinking about what a book's extras might be. And I realized we already have book extras. They're the articles, videos and audios we put on the book's website, or on our author's website. I also realized these "extras" serve two main purposes...
Writing
Tip: Whatever your reason for not wanting to write when you've promised
yourself you would--whether you feel too tired, busy, or blocked--write
anyway for 15 minutes. There's magic in putting pen to paper (or
fingers on keyboard).
The 15 Minute Writing Rule
When you've promised yourself that you're going to write, then write--no matter what--for 15 minutes.
If you're scheduled to write for an hour, it doesn't matter. Write for 15 minutes.
Sometimes the desire to write sparks some inner resistance. That's why excuses are so easy to come by. The antidote is to grab hold of the idea of writing for ONLY 15 minutes.
That small amount of time isn't intimidating. And because it feels doable, it gets you to start writing, which is the key that unlocks writing's magic power.
You see, the act of writing frequently…
energizes you when you're tired
And often, once you start writing, you catch fire and simply write and write and write.
All
of these good things happen because the things you think you need
before you write, in order to write (inspiration, feeling connected to
your project, energy, clarity, enthusiasm), all the things you're not
willing to write without--are what you get FROM writing.
Even when writing doesn't give you all, or any, of these benefits, and you actually do end up writing for only
15 minutes, you feel good that you at least wrote something on a day
you promised yourself you would, and rest easier knowing that you
really were too (tired/busy/blocked/etc.) to write, and weren't just procrastinating.
The idea of writing for only 15
minutes may be what lessens your resistance, draws you in, and gets you
to start writing, but it's the act of writing, itself, that is the
miracle.
Try it and see for yourself.
I recently received copies of my latest book,
"Conscious Entrepreneurs: A Radical New Approach to Purpose, Passion &
Profit." If you look the book up on Amazon.com, you'll see that my name is
not on the cover. It is, however, on the table of contents. I wrote chapter 37,
"Writing: A Journey of Creativity, Consciousness, and Connection."
I LOVE anthologies! I recommend them wholeheartedly. They
offer a variety of benefits:
They're equally open to new and experienced writers.
Here are some links for anthology calls for submissions:
This link takes
you to Chicken Soup for the Soul's website. Go to: Submit a Story/Possible Book
Topics.
Anthologies Online may not be the prettiest website, but it has monthly listings of new anthologies looking for content, including poetry, short stories and stories about your life.
This link takes
you to the online classified section of Poets & Writers Magazine. The current magazine's listings are always
online.
Creating
your own anthology can also be fun and profitable. You can write a book
proposal, gather some sample stories, and find an agent or publisher (I have an
anthology book proposal currently making the rounds that's been seen at
HarperSanFrancisco and Inner Ocean Publishing, among others), you can
self-publish, or you can turn your content into an ebook.
The biggest benefit of creating your own anthology is that your name goes on the cover. You are considered the author of the book, whether your name follows "edited by," "compiled by," or stands alone. It makes a great first book. If your own author's platform isn't very strong, get some name authors to commit to your anthology and stand on their platforms. Once you have a book published, you've got your foot in the door and it's a little easier to get your "next book" published. Make no mistake, however, an anthology is still a book and takes time, commitment, and lots of work.
Here are four tips that revolve around the dreaded "S" word--should. They all view the word (and the "less than" feeling that comes with it) from a slightly different angle. When you put them all together they form a powerful antidote to the negative effects of telling yourself that you "should" be doing something different, or differently, than you are.
1)
Do
You Use the "S" Word?
Do you use the "s"
word--should? If so, how do you use it, and how often? And how does it make you
feel? Start paying attention and keeping track.
Should is a
slippery word, because it looks good on the outside. Yes, I should be writing
more, and faster, and better, and differently. I want to. But should judges more
than inspires. It beats you up.
To say that you
should be doing something else, is really saying that you shouldn't be doing
what you're doing. It implies that you're somehow wrong, or bad, or not good
enough. You need to keep a close eye on the "s" word. Start thinking about what
you'd like to say to yourself, instead.
2)
The
Opposite of "Should" is "What Is"
The word should is
a judgment about what you're doing, right now. It insists that you should be
doing something else, or doing whatever you're doing differently. Should takes you away from being fully
present, relaxed and open in the moment. And in doing so, it stifles your
creativity.
So when the voice
in your head says:
Answer yourself
back, "I am where I am, and it's the
perfect place for me to be, right now. In fact, I SHOULD be doing exactly
what I'm doing. How do I know? Because I'm doing it. When it's right for me to
write or do something else, I'll be doing that."
3)
The
Journey From "Have to" to "Want To"
Often, when you feel you "should" or "have to" write something,
such as when you're facing a deadline, it brings up resistance. You may take on
the project, but your emotional response is, "But I don't want to," or, "Don't
tell me what to do," even if the project was your idea and you're the one
telling yourself to do it.
When you feel any resistance to writing, or a particular project,
simply recognize it and then let it go. One of the easiest ways to do this is to
focus on the reasons why you WANT to write this
piece.
Ask yourself:
While using these questions to focus on what you want, at the same
time:
4)
What
Are Your "Shoulds," and Can You Let Them Go?
What are your "shoulds?" In your life? In your
writing?
Make a list, and ask for each item…
A "should" doesn't inspire or encourage you, on the contrary, it
raises resistance and resentment. I'm not suggesting that you drop the thing you
think you should do, only that you drop your sense of "should." If it's
something that you want to do, bring yourself back to a sense of wanting to do
it. Desire is in alignment with inspiration, should isn't. If it's something
that you need to do, by all means do it… because it's important, not because you
should.
What are your "shoulds," and can you let them go?
While
To Do lists can be a useful productivity tool and extremely helpful, most of the
time, they can also--far too easily--become a source of stress and
self-condemnation. This happens in several ways:
Your relationship to your To Do list is everything. If you see it,
primarily, as an organizational tool that can help you be more focused and
productive, you'll probably be alright. But if you see it as a taskmaster, as a
list of things you "have to" do or "should" do, you're more likely to run into
the above thoughts and feelings.
If
you've turned your To Do list into a taskmaster, the quickest and easiest way to
turn it back into a fun and useful productivity tool is to rename it. Your To Do
list is now your Treasure Map! The best part is that it's absolutely true. Your
To Do list IS a treasure map, which, when followed, will take you to every good
thing you've ever wanted.
Do
you want to write a book? Create a Treasure Map to take you there.
Do
you want to become a full-time freelancer? Create a Treasure Map, and follow it
until you reach your dream.
Seeing
what you used to call a To Do list as a Treasure Map does several powerful
things:
If you're having trouble getting to, or completing, the items on
your To Do list, throw your list away! Create a Treasure Map, instead, and name
the treasure you desire.
Whatever your goal is, name it and place it on your treasure map.
As you keep your goal in front of you, surrounded by fun and forward moving
energy, you'll get more done more easily than you ever thought possible.
Try it and see.
Your true stories may be in demand by Chicken Soul For the Soul.
UNPUBLISHED AUTHORS BEWARE!
Or better yet, BE AWARE that according to Ken & Dahlynn McKowen, co-authors of four Chicken Soup For the Soul books, including the newly released Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul, “approximately 40% of the stories accepted by Chicken Soup are from unpublished writers.”
So send your stories to "Chicken Soup" on these topics:
* Results Stories
Have you read a particular Chicken Soup story and, after
reading it, found that it changed your life? We are looking for stories on how
a story made important changes in your life and what specifically happened to
you after you read it. Please be sure to let us know the title of the story
that touched your life.
* Christmas and Holidays
We love holidays! We know you do too. We are collecting
stories for our next holiday book. There is no deadline date for story
submissions.
* A Book of Miracles
Everyone has experienced extraordinary events in their
lives that cause wonder and astonishment. Perhaps the only explanation is
divine intervention. The true stories in this multi-faith book will awe you
with examples of amazing coincidences and prove to you that miracles do happen
every day. The deadline date for story submissions is May 30, 2009.
* True Love
We all love stories about how love started and blossomed;
stories about dating, romance, love, and marriage. We are looking for true
stories and poems about your soulmate, your true love, the one that got away,
and all the ups and downs of your love life. Stories can be serious or
hilarious, or both. The deadline date for story submissions is May 31, 2009.
Please do not submit teen stories for this book -- teen relationships will be
covered in a future book.
* NASCAR
Everyone loves great stories about families working and
playing together, grit and perseverance, and fast cars! We are collecting
stories for the ultimate NASCAR book, coming out in February 2010, in time for
the new season. We are excited to have well-known NASCAR columnist Cathy
Elliott editing the book. The deadline for story submissions is June 15, 2009.
* All in the Family
These serious or hilarious, oh so true stories will touch
your heart and make you see that even in the most difficult situations, other
families are not all that different from your own. Share your stories with
others who may realize we all have the same in-laws, siblings, parents, etc.
Submit under your real name, but rest assured we expect most of you to use pen
names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the
innocent (or guilty!). The deadline date for story submissions is June 30,
2009.
* Dieting and Fitness
Eat less - exercise more! We have all heard these simple
words but, in reality, dieting and staying fit require a lot of work. Tell us
about your commitment to health and fitness. What changes did you make in your
eating habits? What kind of an exercise program did you follow that made the
difference? Were you still able to treat yourself to that occasional delicious
piece of chocolate cake and stay in shape? The true stories in this book will
inspire you, make you laugh, touch your heart, and let you know that you can do
it! The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.
* Endurance Sports (run,cycle,swim)
Whether you are a triathlete, a duathlete, or you just
love to swim, run, or cycle, we want to hear about your sports, your races, and
how endurance sports fit into your life, whether you are an amateur, a student
athlete, or a pro. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.
* Not Really Retired
This book will share humorous and fun stories from those
who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Tell us about your
new careers, your volunteer work, your sports, your travels, and those things
you always wanted to do that you are finally doing. The deadline date for story
submissions is June 30, 2009.
* Teacher Tales
We have all had that one teacher who has made a difference
in our lives. And teachers, remember that one student who made you know why you
decided to be a teacher and who you will never forget? We are looking for
stories from both teachers and students that will tell that unforgettable
story. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.
* Thanks Dad
We are looking for stories of thanks from “children” of
all ages about their dads. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges
will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it
doesn’t matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline
date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.
* Thanks Mom
We are looking for stories of thanks from “children” of
all ages about their moms. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges
will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it
doesn’t matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline
date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.
A Cup of Comfort® is a bestselling anthology series
featuring uplifting true stories about the experiences and relationships that
inspire and enrich our lives. These slice-of-life stories are written by people
from all walks of life and provide unique personal insights into powerful
universal truths.
A Cup of Comfort is currently accepting submissions for the
following books:
A Cup of Comfort® for Mothers:
Stories that celebrate the women who gave us everything
While it's true that each of us has "only one mother
the wide world over," there are many different ways to be a mother and
many different forms and flavors of mother-child relationships. And in this Cup
of Comfort anthology we want to capture it all—with personal stories about a
wide range of mothering and mother-child experiences, including those that test
your mettle as well as those that enrich your life. The book will include
stories written both by mothers and about mothers (by their adult children,
spouse, own mother). Any topic and tone goes, as long as it’s meaningful to
mothers and suitable for Cup of Comfort. Whether a story is endearing or
entertaining, inspiring or insightful, humorous or heartwarming, poignant or
empowering, or all of the above, it must be uplifting and authentic. And most
should be about living mothers/children. Although a story may be about a
deceased mother (or a deceased child, if written by the mother), it should
focus on her life, not on her death. Narrative essays preferred. Story length:
1000–2000 words.
Submission Deadline: May 15, 2009
Finalist Notification: June 1, 2009
A Cup of Comfort® for a Better World:
Stories that celebrate generosity, compassion, and volunteerism
To coin a phrase of President Barack Obama, Yes, we can!
make a positive difference in the world. And this Cup of Comfort anthology will
feature living examples of good Samaritans whose good deeds inspire others to
do their part to make the world a better place or to just make life a little
bit easier—for loved ones, neighbors, strangers, future generations, or any of
God's creatures, great and small. Potential themes include (but are not limited
to) charitable work, random acts of kindness, paying it forward, or lending a
helping hand, a port in a storm, or a shoulder to lean on. Stories must be
uplifting and personal, preferably narrative essays; we are not interested in
journalistic articles or thinly disguised PR pieces for charitable
organizations. Story length: 1000–2000 words.
Submission Deadline: June 15, 2009
Finalist Notification: July 1, 2009
A Cup of Comfort® for Couples:
Stories that celebrate what it means to be in love
It is said that love works in mysterious ways. And this
anthology will reveal the many mysteries as well as the inner workings of true
love. Of course, being a "happy couple" involves more than being in
love, and making a romantic relationship work takes more than romance. So this
book will feature uplifting true stories with a balanced mix of tones—romantic,
poignant, humorous—and on a wide range of topics: From falling in love to the
secrets of lasting love. From celebrating special moments between you to
overcoming bumps in your relationship. From experiences that brought you closer
together to experiences that threatened to tear you apart. From endearing
rituals to challenging changes. From sparkling new love to glorious golden
love. Or any other topic that speaks to the joys, the challenges, and/or the
nature of a romantic partnership that works for you. Narrative essays
preferred. Story Length: 1000–2000 words.
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2009
Finalist Notification: October 15, 2009
A Cup of Comfort® for Golfers:
Stories that celebrate the follies, the triumphs, and the joy of the game
This anthology will feature upbeat, insightful, inspiring,
and humorous true stories about learning, playing, and enjoying the uniquely
challenging and satisfying game of golf. The book will include stories about
golfers of every age and of every persuasion—amateur, pro, casual,
recreational, hard-core, newbie. Most of the stories will be written by
golfers, but the book will likely include stories written by golf "widows"
(or widowers) or other loved ones of "golf nuts." Stories must be
about personal experiences. We are not interested in articles on how to play
the game, profiles/bios of professional golfers, etc. Narrative essays
preferred. Story Length: 1000–2000 words.
Submission Deadline: December 15, 2009
Finalist Notification: December 31,
2009
Cup of Comfort Call for Submissions
Writers Guidelines
September 22nd is the 266th day of the year (this was a leap year). That leaves 100 days until the end of 2008.
The next 100 days offer you 100 opportunities to reconnect with goals that have faded into the background, or that have been moving forward more slowly than you'd like.
The next 100 days offer you a chance to end the year strong! Imagine that it's December 31st and you're looking back over this year. What do you want to feel proud about achieving that you haven't finished, or even started, yet? You've still got time.
The next 100 nights offer you 100 chances to go to bed feeling good about the progress you've made on your dreams and goals.
What would you like to accomplish in the next 100 days?
http://www.SetYourWishFree.com
Debbie Macomber’s new book, Twenty Wishes, spawned an interesting book promotion contest. Although the entry deadline has passed, it serves as a good example of a compelling marketing campaign.
Macomber and her publisher gave away $10,000 to the person who could, in 50 words or less, name their wish and why… hmm… the second part of their contest was described in three different ways:
…why you would like to make it come true
…why it should come true
…why you deserve to have your wish come true
I guess you were supposed to just pick a point of view and then go for it. Between the universal theme, the amazing graphics, and the $10,000, I’m sure this contest garnered them a lot of publicity, and web traffic, for Debbie Macomber's new book.
Even now that the contest is over, the site is still a fabulous sales tool. It's fun, inspiring, and interactive--it helps us to focus on our greatest wish, then to enter it on their site to set it free, as well as allowing us to see and share other people's wishes (over 23,600 so far).
