Hi everyone. I was away from skool for a bit. I'm back and wanted to just say Hi to one of my favorite communities. How is everyones book creation and book sales coming along?

Sometimes we say: “I'm writing a book.” Okay. But where are you with it actually? There's a big difference between: I have an idea. 👀 and I've written 40,000 words and can't figure out how the pieces fit together. 🎉 Those writers don't need the same thing next. So, let's find your starting point. Story First™ Exercise Complete these: 🔥 My book right now is... Describe what actually exists. Notes? Chapters? Voice memos? A complete draft? An idea? 🔥 The last thing I completed was... 🔥 The thing I'm trying to figure out right now is... 🔥 The thing I keep thinking I SHOULD be doing is... Now ask: Are those last two answers the same? 👀 Sometimes we're stuck trying to do what we think authors are “supposed” to be doing instead of dealing with what our book actually needs next. Then finish with answering: The smallest useful next step I can take is... 😁 That's your focus. Not the entire book. The next step. Now tell me where your book actually is. 👇 What exists right now, and what’s the next step you’ve identified? 👀 And if you did this exercise and realized you’re not sure what your book actually needs next, tell me that too. 💛 That’s something we can figure out together. ❤️

So, I've been thinking and I realized that I haven't been sharing my newsletters here. I have recently started a newsletter on LinkedIn and I'm curious, would that be something that you all would be interested in? I can turn it into an email newsletter, or share it here. Let me know your thoughts on this since it's just another great way for you all to get information regarding writing! ✍️ Here's the link to the most recent newsletter on LinkedIn. LinkedIn Newsletter

Have you ever noticed that there's ONE part of your book you keep avoiding? You reorganize your notes. Write another chapter. Maybe even research something you definitely don't need to research for three hours. 😂 Anything except that dreaded section of YOUR BOOK! 😱 I don't want to assume I know why you're avoiding it. ❓ Maybe you don't know what you're trying to say yet. ❓Maybe the scene doesn't belong. ❓Maybe you're worried about how someone will react. ❓Maybe you simply don't know how to write it. ✍️ We don't know the true underlying reason until we get curious. So, instead of forcing yourself through it this week, try something different. Story First™ Exercise Write the heading: “The part of my book I keep avoiding is...” Then answer: 🤔 What happens in this part? 🤔 What do I think makes it difficult to write? 🤔 What am I worried could happen if I write it honestly? 🤔 What do I need to understand before I can move forward? 🤔 Could I write an imperfect version now and come back later? You aren't trying to fix yourself. You're gathering information. Because when we say, “I'm procrastinating”, that tells us very little. It would be better if we say, “I'm avoiding this particular scene because...” Now we have somewhere to begin. Share what you come up with and if you need help, reach out to me!

Now, writing can be difficult. 😣 But what can help you stay with it is remembering your why. This can help you during those tough times. It can also drive you forward. So, share your why that gives you the spark to share your story! ✍️ Then, tell us about your story! 📖