In Her Own Ink

In my book, In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author, I discuss the importance of naming our book projects early on. Opposed to calling it simply “my book project,” give it a name. Fruitful Lists Before diving into any project, I create a list of titles to help create the book’s identity. During this brainstorming session I allow my thoughts to flourish. Every idea is a “success thought.” I’ll use the extra titles for chapter titles and headings. Also, I keep all lists, because I might use the title for another book down the road.  Building on Solid Rock In the beginning, your list of titles might seem of little importance. Still, your remaining titles help carry the messages in subsequent sections, especially during the development of your outline. Thus, it plays a significant role in building the foundation of your book design.  Adding Your Special Touch Personally, I like to use subtitles to bring clarity and to help the reader recognize the topic. Whil...

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 ...

You have an outline and start writing but your originality has plummeted. The content is there but it's plain and dry. You need something to help revitalize your confidence and creativity. How can you replenish your innovative energy? How can you generate your imagination tactics? Let's dive in. Beyond utilizing a Thesaurus, consider the following approaches: Recognizing Analogies and Comparisons Reflecting on Journal Prompts Based on Events Referencing Popular Stories and Messages  Analogies. Produce comparisons and explain how that connection solidifies your main points. Having setbacks such as snacking on sweets despite the commitment to counting calories. Mastering a hurdle such as climbing a mountain. Standing firm like an anchor. Regaining focus to targeting goals like a sharpshooter. Once you've found an analogy paint the picture from start to finish to bring home the message and clarify how it relates to your narrative.  Journal Prompts. Another way to reset your c...

Why are you a book coach? A few people told me I inspired them to write their stories. I'm an author, book coach, peer counselor and trainer. First, I love writing. Writing comes easy to me. I've been journaling since I was a young girl. Teachers complimented my writing throughout grade school. Plus, I'm competitive. I believe I can make your light shine brighter. Like a beautician who enjoys styling people's hair and enhancing their appearance and confidence. Likewise, I like guiding authors on designing and finishing their books. Mental Health Field I like to help people. Aside from writing books and mentoring, I'm a peer counselor in recovery. Otherwise, known as a certified peer specialist. Currently, I work with people on their health plans. Specifically, I support individuals on their wellness to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Moreover, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience in training people. We all have a story, and I believe I can help you sha...

I've self-published seven books. I didn't wait for the perfect opportunity; I created one for myself. Now I have a writing approach that works well, and I want to share it with you. However, I didn't develop my own rhythm to writing overnight. I had a book coach help me self-publish my first book. My Book Coach Experience My book coach was a drill sergeant. If I didn't do my homework and come prepared to the sessions we didn't work on my book. Initially, I was intimidated by my project. Yes, I had a story and knew it forward and backward but expressing it to the world in print was scary to me. I couldn't envision being at the finish line. My fears overwhelmed me. I couldn't see myself publishing.  Therefore, I borrowed her vision to move forward. Her coaching was the perfect foundation for me because it showed me how to take control of my story. My coach reinforced the importance of staying organized, recording notes and goals, and staying the course. Once I...