In Her Own Ink

Planning to publish next year? Getting on track right now is crucial. Planning ahead for 2026 starts now.       Every year we aspire to strive for a higher quality of life. Common New Year’s resolutions include: quitting smoking, losing weight, and self-publishing among a lengthy list of others. However, from author to author there are several steps to wrapping up a project. Let's focus on your book now to get it done in 2026.      What’s slowing your progress? - Writer’s block? Lack of accountability? Don’t know what to do next? I’ve dealt with these issues and overcome them.        Learning from an experienced author is highly effective in self-publishing. In fact, I had a book coach assist me with my first published work.      Partnering with an author and coach will help you navigate the system. I’ll guide you on how to maneuver, show you the ropes to getting published on Amazon efficiently with optimal spee...

You’ve created a title for your book. Can see it and envision the satisfaction of publishing, evident by that smile on your face from ear to ear to yourself. You’ve even started writing the introduction and first chapter.  Yet, overlooking a process would be disastrous. That is, writing your book free-hand, off the top of your head, will unfortunately cause you to bump your head.  Like a Puzzle: Preparation is Key We can't write a book overnight, and certainly don’t want to try to write it in chronological order from its beginning to end. Instead, we aim to tackle our project like a puzzle. Working on different parts of the book to minimize overwhelm and to deliver intentional messages. By avoiding a book-writing technique, you are setting yourself up to be easily derailed and ultimately not finishing your work. How do I know? I’ve tried that strategy over and over again! It led to many disappointments. Planning the course of your writing journey will help you gain laser focus...

As a self-published author I strive to deliver excellence. Over the years, I’ve made many mistakes. I’ve identified common pitfalls that we’ll  discuss in order to manage them. I’ll bring attention to three areas: Foreword Versus Preface and Introduction Author Biography Professional Editing Presentation is essential to the finished product. Yet, some of us cut corners which is disheartening because it could dim opportunities and credibility. My book, In Her Own Ink, shares the differences between the Foreword, Preface and Introduction. Can the Author Write the Foreword? Depending on the type of narrative we’ll include a Foreword section. However, a lot of authors get this element of the book confused. The Foreword is NOT written by the author. In fact, it typically is authored by an expert in the field, or someone who specializes in the book’s area of focus.  The expert will promote your book. Giving readers a glimpse of their insight as a specialist, their relationship to yo...

Writing the first book is paramount not only due to the magnitude of completing the project, but also understanding the essential building blocks. Over the years, I’ve created a system for my books’ development. My cheat sheet for producing a book’s blueprint lies in the order of production. The System As mentioned in my book, In Her Own Ink, I follow the same format of designing my books. Here are some of my proven-strategies to starting a draft: List Titles Identify Objectives Create an Outline I dive into my book’s design by jotting down a list of titles. Eventually, this list will guide me to either the title of my book and/or its chapter titles and subheadings. All of these ideas are helpful to organizing my story.  Prior to writing anything, I identify my book’s argument and purpose, otherwise known as the objectives and reader takeaways. Then list an overview of the manuscript; from the front matter to the very end of the book - About the Author. Once I’ve identified sectio...

Executing a writing ritual is essential to enriching a creative mindset. Self-belief, confidence and motivation will help activate your thinking cap. It's important to practice discipline. To establish power thoughts redirect your attention onto positive messages. As you know, focusing on producing your work requires self-motivation. Master consistency in jump-starting your writing session. Proven Methods to Start Creating There are several action steps to rekindling my readiness to get into the mental work. Consider my strategies to kick off your time to dive in and create. Here are some proven strategies: Exercise Prayer and Meditation Reciting Powerful Affirmations Watch/Listen to Inspiring Presentations Are there any approaches that resonates with you? Can you identify additional activities to implement self-discipline? Reinforcing Positive Messages Generally, I utilize most of the techniques listed. Over the years, I've developed a system. Transitioning focus by taking bri...

After we’ve taken an extended break and want to dive back into the pool of book-writing, it’s essential to stick to our guns and get to work. It starts with your decision to press onward despite distractions and temptations to procrastinate, and not get started on your book. It’s the decision to write. No matter the alluring invitations to do something else, and thus, getting consumed in writer’s block, we’ve decided we’re moving forward with the book’s development.  The Blueprint to Rebuilding Laser Focus How do you rekindle your flame to get into tunnel vision? What are some techniques we can practice to stay focused in order to get back into the zone? Answering these questions will undoubtedly support your passion, trigger the concentration needed to get back into the game of creating content for your book. To write well demands a strong foundation. Create an outline. It doesn’t have to be lengthy and tedious but it does need to come into fruition. Brainstorming ideas and separa...