July Newsletter
I remember the day my dear friend told me her dream to have her life story written into a book, and I responded with a tape recorder, blank cassettes, and a naive “I can” attitude. If I could go back, would I stop myself? Honestly, as hard as it’s been, the answer is no. I’ve learned too much from this experience. Here are the top FIVE lessons:
#ONE
It was easy to learn new things in my 20’s, as everything was new! In my 50s, it’s hard and takes relentless courage and perseverance. Having confidence is a hard habit to break when doubts hit. But I can do hard. I can be a lifelong learner.
#TWO
My whole career has been telling the financial stories of business, written with logic using my left brain. Writing a fiction story is right-brain work, creative, with no neat, logical boxes. Less used right brains can grow, even when it hurts.
#THREE
Negative fears and thoughts, like whiney “this is too hard” and “I can’t do this,” paralyze me, but if I change that thought, I change the outcome and start moving again.
#FOUR
It is easy to isolate in insecurity and fears. I don’t like to share those, but as soon as I do, with safe and resourceful friends, I’m cured, like magic.
#FIVE
Last, to write a book, you must always take criticism. I am learning to give myself an edit lobotomy, as no emotions are needed. Just the facts, ma’am, wise as an owl. If yes, accept it. If not, thank you, and trash it!
Pillow Progress
Victory: I paused writing new material and dove into a critique group for my first chapter. This led me to one special critique partner gifted in editing, and I learned so much from him as I labored over Chapter 1. He helped me with that “edit lobotomy” concept. I have now put my finished chapter in the hands of my partner, and I am ready to go back to writing to the end.
Struggle: I did have a month’s paralysis with one particular comment of this critique that overwhelmed me. I finally picked up the phone and called my partner, and we devised a plan. I just need to call before a month has been lost.
Favorite Fiction Fanfare
This month I have to give a hand to Andy Andrews for his book “The Traveler’s Gift.” Andy is an avid reader of hundreds of biographies, and as he says, if there’s a biography on your life, you’ve been successful, as there is no “Loser” section at Barnes and Noble. He took these books and gleaned seven principles for success. Then he found a historical character who showcased that principle with his life.
Lastly, (my favorite part) he wove it all together into a story by taking his fictional character through the lowest point of his life on a visit with each of these seven historical characters in the most pivotal scenes of their lives so that he can receive their gift for success. It was life-changing for this character and, I believe, for all who read it. I have memorized these seven principles and recite them most days to keep them fresh and work on them.
Mispelling Humor
I Pay; therefore, I Am.
Tell your friends!
Publishers are looking for email followers with their authors. Would you help me build my email list by forwarding this to your friends? I promise to keep it entertaining, and the unsubscribe button will be there if it doesn’t fit them. (I’d rather they just hit a quick delete, but I won’t hold it against them if they unsubscribe!)
Follow me on Social Media!
I’ve dug in my heels long enough resisting this! Here’s my white flag of surrender. Find links to my social below.
All the best,
