It’s summertime. Vacations. Picnics. Days at the lake. Thoughts tend to drift toward leisure activities, knowing that “back to school” season is just around the corner. So, is summertime a good time to write? Or is it the time to replenish and restore one’s soul? It depends. It depends on your needs, and it depends upon your goals and aspirations. …
This past month I hit a major milestone in my career and business. I’ve now officially worked with 100 professionals and helped them become published authors! I get excited about this milestone, not as much what it means for me, but what it means for the world. The authors I’ve helped have written books about innovating human resources, creating positive …
Why is it so hard to start a big project? Maybe it’s because it is so big that it seems daunting, or that it’s difficult to identify the best first step. Starting your book can offer the same challenges: how do you get started in a productive and confident manner? Here are six ideas about what NOT to do when …
“Cathy, I just did a presentation and it went really well. I’m concerned because someone from my session asked if they could use my content. What do I do?” It’s the dilemma faced by most speakers, trainers, consultants, coaches, experts, and thought leaders who use their expertise in the course of their businesses. We want to be regarded as thought …
Have you ever picked up a book and after a few pages, put it down saying, “This isn’t for me.” Have you ever listened to a speaker and found yourself turning away, thinking, “This guy doesn’t get it.” Or have you met with someone offering professional services—perhaps a consultant or coach—and walked away, saying, “We just aren’t on the same …
Excerpted from Cathy Fyock’s Presentation for the HRD World Congress, Mumbai, February 2017 Why are stories so powerful? I’ll answer that question by telling a story. In this tale we meet a student who is being taught by his teacher through stories. One day the student asks, “Teacher, why do you always instruct about truth by telling stories?” The teacher …
You’re going to use your “About the Author” information in many places. You’ll use an abbreviated version on your book jacket or cover, and you’ll likely have a longer version within the book. You’ll include a bio on your one-sheet for promoting your book and speaking; you’ll include a bio on your website; you’ll need an introduction for speaking, and …
There will be times in your writing where you’ll be . . . a little stuck. Maybe your outline is perfectly fine, but there’s a little catch in it somewhere and you just can’t express the idea correctly. You’re sitting there, mouth half-open, and you’re staring at the screen, waiting for your fingers to move. And they’re not moving. This …
Seasonal blogs can have a role in your Blog2Book; after all, the target of 52 posts means one per week, and it could make sense to split up the book by “season” or theme. This is an especially good idea if you want readers to use your book as a tool they will pick up and think about each week, …
I often give aspiring authors a button when I meet them for the first time. When I give it to them, I explain that it’s a magic button. Some laugh or smile nervously when I say that. “It really is a magic button,” I tell them, “but only when you wear it.” The button says Ask Me About My Book! …
