In Her Own Ink

Meeting our writing goals are important. However, not being fully-present won’t get us anywhere when it comes to producing content. After getting some rest I encourage you to follow at least one of the six tips discussed.  Don’t fight your body’s clock. I f you know you work better in the morning than at night, follow your body energy’s peak hours and tackle that book in the morning time. If you’re a night-person, work on your book at night. It’s easier on the eyes. Take baby steps. Organize your outline. Tighten up by reviewing pertinent pieces of your book. You could gain more insight on the bigger picture. Plug in your quotes, scriptures and questions wherever they belong.  Like a puzzle. Don’t work on your book in chronological order! That will trigger writer’s block and become overwhelming. We know writing a book demands a lot. When stuck on that one chapter you can’t pass go nor collect anything.  Develop your manuscript in sections. To reduce getting caught up in o...

A false start is whenever an individual is gung-ho about their book. Initially, they’re unstoppable, ignoring the naysayers and pressing forward no matter what. However, life throws curve balls and the author gets off track and their goals steadily slip into distant dreams.  We’ve all been there! At least I know I have several times. Here we’ll discuss contributing factors but also techniques to get back on course. Creating A Solid Foundation Whenever I had a false start, it was because I didn't have a system in place. I did things that landed me in the dark over and over again. I dived into my book chronologically. I would write the introduction and a couple of chapters or so and then get overwhelmed. Through my excitement I just started writing my book off of the top of my head! Then I wondered how I got trapped into writer’s block. First, go hard on creating a solid foundation. Develop a good outline. This starts with having specific objectives and messages for our readers. I re...

Consistency is the backbone of discipline. How can we hit the target every time? As an author of eight  books, I’ve developed a system for thinking and creating content. I’ll discuss a few approaches for you to incorporate into your process of producing.  Working in a Writer-friendly Environment.  What are you meditating on? Creating the atmosphere to write looks like generating content in a workstation that screams positive energy. For example, my computer screen is decorated with post-its which consist of affirmations.  Here are a couple of affirmations you might use to get started: 1) you are capable and ready. 2) You’re a game-changer, stay focused. Like a sharpshooter, we can stimulate our practice by working in a writer-friendly environment. Listening to Uplifting Talks or Sounds.  What are you listening to? To enhance the flow of my creativity, I listen to empowering talks. They reiterate the power I have within me to direct my energy and get results. Alt...

“So often, we envision beautiful, grand ideas and begin to work on them, but  unfortunately, we don’t finish. Could it be that we were unrealistic? No. Goals are attainable. We must stay motivated like we were in the beginning to complete the assignment” (In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author, Ashley Smith)      This book elaborates on different ways to stay motivated and disciplined. Here, we’ll discuss three approaches to keeping your flame lit in order to continue producing content energetically. Know Your Reasons Visualize Your Success Meditate on Your Inspiration Know Your Reasons      Whenever I start a book project I identify my reasons for publishing. - Why am I tackling this dream? Why do I deserve to publish? Accepting your publishing goals as a part of your purpose will stir your emotions and reinforce laser focus to stay on task. Let your reasons for publishing motivate you to finish drafting your book. Visualize You...

You’ve started writing your book and the motivation drops as well as your progress. How do you stir your passion? How can you rekindle your flame? When I hit a roadblock, I’ll do one of these three activities or all of them.  Reflect on my reasons. Revert to my writing ritual. Review the list of questions my reader may have. Proven-Strategies for Creating      In the beginning stages, I’ll jot down my reasons for publishing. Five or more reasons I deserve to publish. I keep this note in the miscellaneous section of my binder. I discussed these tasks in my book, In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author.      The writing ritual is where motivation meets discipline. What motivates you into action? Which song, quote, or image gets you moving? Generally, I watch a couple of performances on YouTube that spikes my professional keenness, and produces passion. I do this repeatedly, prior to diving into the mental work of my book development...

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...

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...

What are some common approaches to helping writers build the mindset and focus to write better? How do you dive into your writing session? It's all about preparation. I've published seven books and understand the self-doubt, writer's block and many challenges to endure to finish writing books. There are more than 7 habits strong writers practice, however, we'll explore those methods at top of my list.  1. Master Self-Approval.  Prior to writing I recite affirmations. I build myself up to take authority and proceed with the task. Sometimes, I lean on motivational speakers by reciting their anthems in order to take flight on paper. Uplifting myself is essential to building the confidence to explore inner thoughts. Creating a fierce mindset that allows me to take control of the narrative and produce an appealing read. Recently, I generated these empowering statements: You're a game-changer, stay focused. You're a boss, make better decisions. You have thick skin kee...

What is the most important thing a new author should focus on? There are many elements to writing a book, especially publishing your first. I've identified two of my three contributing elements of the writing process. The last one is of utmost importance. Here are the three things a new author should consider: 1) Why? Why do you deserve to publish? 2) Know your target reader, and 3) "Finishing is better than starting..." (Ecclesiastes 7:8, New Living Translation). Create an Outline How can you finish your manuscript? What is the fastest most effective way to ensure completion? Create an outline. This ensures success. Writing becomes a little easier. Even if you don't stick to the outline, develop one anyway.  Having an outline reduces rambling and getting lost in the woods. I've done these enough times. Get excited about an idea and book. Pour onto the page without direction and go drive into a dead end.  Always ending up on something of insignificance that takes ...

What is the most important thing a new author should focus on? I already identified one of three elements a new author should consider. First, the reasons you deserve to publish. Now we'll look at another factor. Our target reader.  Bringing attention to our audience it vital. Who are you writing for? What are their needs? How can we engage our target reader? These are just some of the questions to pinpoint early on in the beginning stages of production.  Research A fellow author who writes children's books told me she figured out she wasn't tapping into her audience well. Her goal was to write books for parents to share with their little ones. After researching competitors, she discovered her language was for older kids. Also, her storyline was a bit lengthy for the young ones. Now she's working on another children's book and will better cater to her audience. Understanding who you're targeting builds your foundation on solid grounds. I encourage you to switch ...

What is the most important thing a new author should focus on? This is a good question that we could debate all day. However, I'll discuss my top three elements to writing a book for new authors to digest and practice. In fact, we'll discuss these three components over the next few articles. Real quick; the last one is a no-brainer, or is it? First, we must be intentional by understanding our why. Why? Why do you deserve to publish? Believe it or not this approach is a very important step that I want to bring to the forefront. Trust me your reasons will better serve you throughout the process.  Create Urgency Recognizing your why will create an urgency. Believe it or not I record my reasons prior to diving into my book projects early on. In fact, I had 10 reasons for writing IN HER OWN INK. One of mine reasons might be on your list. For instance, 1) the idea was God-sent and is a part of my purpose, and 2) I want to empower others with the information. Yet, I'm not dictati...

"Yes, being an author has its challenges, but the greatest obstacle is yourself..." I wrote this on Facebook. This roadblock; lack of confidence is widespread and a real dream-killer. Stuck Before I published my first book, I was stuck but comfortable. Staying in one spot I told myself I had a story to share and will be an author; one day, some day. This idea repeatedly popped into my mind. I had the audacity to share my dream with others. Likewise, they agreed with me that I had a good story to tell. Nobody held me accountable and asked me when I would publish my book. I lacked the confidence to take a step. I never planned on doing anything about it. I was just sitting there. Waiting. Waiting for what? That someday. It wasn't until I met a self-published author who was willing to get me unstuck and out of my shell that I finally did something and made a move. Still, stuck I couldn't envision my name on the cover of a book. Frankly, I wasn't ready. Then God put m...