Start Later – or – HOW TO HOOK AN AUDIENCE (or reader) INSTANTLY

Guest Post by Paul Strickland — National Storytelling Festival Featured Teller, full-time storytelling artist & coach “My belt loop got snagged on the office doorknob. And for six full seconds, I just hung there like a confused tetherball: phone in one hand, coffee in the other, held captive by my own khakis.” That’s where the story should’ve started. Not with what I …

Why a Book Coach Beats AI Every Time

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, and yes, it can be an incredible tool for writers. From generating ideas to polishing grammar, AI has a place in the author’s toolbox. But if you think AI can replace the role of a book coach, think again. Here’s why. Authenticity matters. Your readers want your story, not a mash-up of borrowed …

Have You Been Thinking About Writing a Book?

Maybe you’ve had the idea for years. Maybe people keep saying, “You should write a book!” Or perhaps you’ve already started writing but need some encouragement to keep going. Wherever you are in the process, my new free ebook, Word by Word, was created with you in mind. After helping more than 250 professionals write and publish their books, I’ve witnessed …

10 Smart Marketing Moves You Can Make NOW to Promote Your Book

Whether you’ve just started writing, you’re racing toward the finish line, or your book’s been out for a while, there’s one truth that always holds: it’s never too early—or too late—to start promoting your book. Here are 10 simple, strategic things you can do right now to build buzz and boost visibility: Design a Cover-in-Progress. Even if it’s a draft, …

What Can 250 Authors Do?

I’m celebrating a milestone, and it’s one that fills my heart with pride and gratitude. I have now had the incredible honor of helping 250 professionals become published authors. It’s a number that feels almost magical, but what’s even more magical is what it represents. Each of those 250 authors is more than a name on a list. They are …