In Her Own Ink

Publishing on Amazon has been a fruitful experience. However, if I wasn’t familiar with the system it could be frustrating.  Publishing on Amazon My experience publishing online dates back to 2014. Before Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing there was CreateSpace. Fortunately, I had a book coach guide me through the publishing process. Likewise, I can share my insight on how you can maneuver the guidelines and rules of the Amazon platform. I published another book on Amazon: When You Look Into the Mirror. This book is a daily devotional and journal with prayers, affirmations and self-reflection questions to empower you. Designed for women, the book dissects a Biblical story of a queen to reinforce the power of our inner-strength and need for self-encouragement. Even though prayer isn’t the sole way to build a relationship with The Creator this prayer book will enhance your spiritual health. Meeting Deadlines My goal was to have a draft ready for editing by February 1st in order to have ...

Are you a perfectionist? - A little bit. I’ve been there. Can’t pass go to collect? Can’t see the end of the tunnel? Stuck. Stuck on a blank page?      I understand. I couldn’t get those creative ideas out of my head either. Sometimes, it’s gets so bad I can't get pass the first paragraph. Can you imagine?      My greatest struggle is the first paragraph. The first few lines aren't enticing. They can't hook a reader, and aren't appealing enough. Can you relate? How can we overcome perfectionism?  Making Power Moves: Strategies to Overcome      I discovered methods to redirect myself and hit the bullseye, every time. Nowadays, I overcome setbacks such as this by practicing power moves such as changing my approach.       Opposed to aiming to write an awesome chapter, my goal is to write something , anything. The objective is to make progress, not a masterpiece on the first attempt. I’ve developed a strategy. I change m...

 

 

I know a fellow author who completed her book in two weeks. I must admit I tried to meet that deadline. However, she wrote her book while in a manic state. She was full of high energy with little need for sleep. Not beast mode but superhuman mode! I am reflecting on common practices to avoid as inexperienced authors. Common Pitfalls      Don’t aim to write your book at light speed - it’s a trap! There is a mindset we must overcome. Writing our books swiftly within a significantly short-time period. You are not superhuman! Let’s do this project right. It’s very important to you. Therefore, don’t cut corners by wrapping up your manuscript prematurely to achieve a separate goal; to write your first or second book swiftly on the first attempt.      “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” I rewrote my second book at least three times. I wanted to make sure it was right. Likewise, I want you to feel confident with your finished manuscript. Therefore, if...

“Discipline is based on the practice of following a routine - executing a task and delivering results. It manifests itself by honing the keys to self-motivation. Like a sharpshooter, your consistent approaches to review go on autopilot, enabling you to hit the target every time.” (In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author, Ashley Smith)      When I wrote my first book, I worked with a coach. We dived into my book project religiously. Although she was a drill sergeant, she kept me on track and disciplined to keep the course. I encourage you to work with IN HER OWN INK to stay accountable to your dreams and make them become reality, NOW. However, don’t be alarmed, I’m not a drill sergeant! You can fulfill your vision and come out on top of the writing demands. Being Receptive      Before I begin working on my book I carry out a routine. This habit is my warm-up. It prepares me to get into the zone. Initially, I set up the atmosphere to be ...