In Her Own Ink

Before I dive into my book project I commit to a few initial steps. They establish the foundation. I carry out these practices to ensure focus and motivation. While there are several approaches to book writing, I’ll bring our attention to getting organized. Setting the Foundation      First, create book objectives. This is the purpose of the book. Also, your promises to the reader. As the author, what book goals do you have? Why are you writing the book? How will you empower your reader?        Answering these questions will help you determine the makeup of your book design. Generally, two to five objectives are ideal. The entire book is committed to solidifying your promises to the reader. Your Motivation for Publishing      Second, create three to seven reasons you deserve to publish. This list can be used as a tool to rekindle your passion. When you hit writer’s block, refer back to your list of reasons. Reflecting on them will help y...

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...

Every week we meet with our department heads to discuss business. Some of us meet with our supervisors daily to get directives on how to enhance the game. How can we improve our services/sales? How can we become more efficient? For 2026, you’re minding your business, and you’re publishing that book.       Therefore, it’s time you plan ahead by taking accountability for your goals, now. What does accountability look like?      Who has time to write a book? Who has time to take off work? Nobody. We make the time. I encourage you to develop a writing schedule.       Are you a morning-person? A night owl? Dedicating a timeframe during those precious hours, which you’re willing to create will help bring your dreams into fruition. Put your writing time slot on a calendar. Give yourself a reminder; you do it for your supervisor, regularly.       How long will you commit to developing your content? Are you striving for a...

Let me give it to you straight. Working with a book coach provides the inside scoop on a wide range of book developmental elements. As a self-published author, and book coach, I have a clear understanding of the Amazon KDP guidelines to ensure your book goes live on the first attempt.       Over the years, I’ve made plenty of common indie author mistakes, however, working with me will enable you to bypass an array of flaws.       How can you uphold a professional presentation alongside the large publishing companies? If you want to hang with the big boys you must follow the rules. It’s in the details. For instance, the front matter is everything prior to chapter one. Including the introduction. The book’s introduction shouldn’t start on page one. The introduction pages are Roman numerals. Chapter One, starts on page one.      Always review the work, including your editor’s, before you publish. Editing a book is kind of like discipli...

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...

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...