In Her Own Ink

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...

     Writer's block is when our minds go blank and we can't produce anything to edit. Yet, being mentally drained is different from that.     During crunch-time, I want to finish up but get blocked because my creative energy ran out of fuel and demands a break. After I've put in the work and dived into tunnel vision, I aim to keep going to meet deadlines. I hit walls due to pushing myself too much in order to create.     Societal pressures encourage us to grind, grind, grind to get positive outcomes. It's the norm. We can't operate like robots. That's dangerous to our psyche and overall health. Our culture doesn't emphasize self-care enough.     Yet, the work demands focus. To keep producing quality work we must prioritize self-care. We can't perform at optimal levels if we're not feeling well. To deliver great work we must incorporate wellness practices. Even if it's crunch-time.     Sometimes I go for a walk. Observe thoughtle...

Whenever I start developing another non-fiction work, I dive into it by focusing on my reader. While creating the blueprint of your book, make sure you capture the needs of your reader. Switching places with them by reflecting on how to meet their needs.      I start with a list of questions. I create a series of questions they might have for me as the expert and author. Answering these questions to enhance the substance of the book. This list helps lay the foundation of the book. It is essential to incorporate this in the makeup of the outline.       Producing the list will help you focus on your expertise but also to stay in your lane of specialty. Understanding your strengths and ultimately the focus of the book. Discussing details, you can promise the reader in order to get the desired calculated outcomes.      There are several ways to keep readers engaged. Keeping them entertained with stories, challenging them with questions to po...

A lot of people are self-publishing, but many get discouraged. Having a book coach would help control the fears and process of producing a book. Publishing a book demands a lot of steps. Over the years, I've developed a system to publishing. Here are 7 essential elements to self-publishing for the new indie author: Collaborate with a book coach. Develop an outline. Write the rough draft. Get an editor. Design the book cover. Create a marketing plan. Publish the book. Collaborate with a book coach. To control the intimidation of creating a project of this magnitude I worked with a book coach. My book coach helped me publish my first book. Working with a coach enabled me to bypass a lot of mistakes. I was able to complete tasks effectively and faster. We developed my book from A to Z in less than six months. Develop an outline. Every day is a brainstorming session. Therefore, I keep a journal handy at all times to record ideas and incorporate them into the development phases. Creati...

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...