Tell Me a Story: Lessons Learned from the HR Desk

“What your manuscript needs is more stories.” That’s the number one piece of feedback I offer my clients when reviewing their manuscripts. As writers we know that stories are central to our craft. Stories instruct, provide context, and perfectly illustrate the truths contained in our narratives. Yet why is it so hard to write a good story? I was thinking …

July Visual Prompts (Courtesy of Daniel Light)

Are you interested in more visual writing prompts to spark your writing? Here are ten prompts to help you generate fresh content and exercise those writing muscles! July Visual Prompts 2022.pptx

Five Reasons Listicles Work with Guest Contributor Kevin Williamson

Everyone knows what a listicle is. Even if you can’t quite define the term, you know a listicle when you see one. Still, definitions help. So what, exactly, is a listicle? A listicle is a list with enough enriching copy to count as an article. It is extremely common, though not mandatory, for a listicle headline to include the number …

How and When to Research for Your Book

Often, when signing up new clients for book coaching, they say that they will get busy on their research. My response: Stop! Do not research! I’m pretty emphatic about this, and I tell my clients that jumping in to do research as you begin to write your book is really an exercise in productive procrastination—putting off the thing you most …

Own It: The Transformational Power of Authorship

Sometimes I think I oversell the value of writing a book. I often say that your book is “magic” and can do supernatural things for your career or business. And then, when I speak with new authors and hear their transformational stories, I think perhaps I haven’t sold the ROI of writing a book enough! There are the obvious benefits …

Is a VIP Writing Experience Right for Me?

Denise Gabel wanted to write her book, but discovered, like many aspiring authors, that life had other plans. She needed a timeout when her soulmate and life partner Dennis fell gravely ill and passed away. Her world was rocked. After a one-year sabbatical, she decided she was ready to move forward with her book, but had a new thesis and …

Help! I’ve Hit the Wall (and my book isn’t finished!)

“Cathy, I don’t think I can look at my book another minute,” were a client’s opening words to me on a recent coaching call. “I get it,” I confided. “I’ve been there many times myself.” “So what can I do?” I thought about my response, and shared with her a number of ideas that I’m sharing here. First, don’t despair! …

The Art of Saying Thank You: Writing the Acknowledgements Page of Your Book

My mother taught me that when you receive a gift, you must write a thank you note. In fact, I was not being allowed to play or even leave the writing table until my thank you notes were written. Mother’s advice still holds true: it’s important to say “thank you,” especially once your book is written. You needed the help …