So honored to work with so many incredible people on their author journeys.\ https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ0G5auxx8G/

I found this book at my favorite cafe in South America. Reading it again this morning. Thank you @johnstrelecky for writing it and sharing it with the world 🌍. #readingrebels #readersofig #booksbooksbooks

"Don’t ask your writing to support you. Support your writing." My Friend Alex Strathdee gets to talk to all the coolest authors. Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of The War of Art is back on Before The Bestseller to share personal book marketing tips. We also discuss breakthrough moments, his book marketing journey, and lasting success. Listen to the full breakdown here ⬇️ 🍎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/btb185-steven-pressfield-millions-of-copies-sold-35/id1352053720?i=1000772719365

Here’s what they gain: 1. **Accountability That Actually Works** @Carlie Kramer and @Brittney Dunnigan have established an accountability buddy system. Our Friday co-writing sessions feature 2-hour collaborative blocks where writers share their goals, write together, and celebrate their progress. Monthly 90-day goal reviews help maintain focus, with Sierra Melcher guiding us to check our 30-day milestones. Weekly meetings create a rhythm and ensure everyone has something to show. 2. **Safe Space for Imperfect Work** We’ve collectively decided that "imperfect first drafts must be intentionally imperfect." @Barbie Applegate shared her 1,500 words, which she considered "poor quality," and the group reinforced the importance of the first draft process rather than nitpicking. @Leslie Barber advised against focusing on minor details like punctuation and capitalization, emphasizing a big-picture perspective instead. 3. **Time Management Breakthrough** @Carol Britton struggled to find writing time due to life interruptions, is not alone. @Sierra Melcher struggles too and suggested creating space by performing less critical duties poorly or delegating. Using five-minute increments can prevent procrastination, and the proof is in the results: 40-minute sessions can yield 1,500 words and plot breakthroughs. 4. **Concrete Structure That Removes Guessing** We’ve introduced a one-minute elevator pitch format, clarifying what writers need to prepare. This eliminates confusion about what to bring and allows for optional deeper sharing for those seeking feedback. 5. **Peer Energy, Not Solo Grind** Our Friday co-writing sessions foster a collaborative accountability group atmosphere. Writers reconvene to share progress, providing a boost of energy for their projects, supported by a community calendar for easy access.

1. Sharing Your Work Doesn't Require Perfection @Brandee Melcher shared a paragraph. @Emily Sutherland shared a screenplay pitch. @Sierra Melcher read an excerpt. @Carlie Kramer shared a concept. None of them were "done." All of them got useful feedback. 2. Specific Feedback Beats Generic Praise - Not "I liked it" but "The emotional stakes land" - Not "It's good" but "Add sensory details in the buildup" - Not "Cool idea" but "Focus on the protagonist's motivation" 3. The Group's Feedback Reveals What You Need to Know - Emily discovered her core story question (narrative arc vs. biography) - @Brittney Dunnigan learned what actually makes her premise work (human motivation) - Brandee got direction on craft (sensory detail) - @Barbie Applegate saw a bigger vision (TED talk stage) - @Tracy MacDonald got validation to move into rewrites 4. Safe Space Doesn't Mean Soft People got real feedback. Constructive. Honest. But in an environment where you know they want you to succeed. Brittney said it: "Receiving feedback in a safe, collective environment was reassuring." How This Works in Week 3 You share: - A pitch (one minute) - A paragraph - An excerpt - An idea - Whatever "living, breathing" work you have right now You ask for what you need: - "Does this concept land?" - "Does the emotional core work?" - "What questions do you have?" - "Encouragement right now more than critique" The group responds: - What works - What questions they have - Specific suggestions (not vague praise) - What they want to know more about You leave with: - Clarity on what's working - Direction on what to deepen - Validation that you're on the right track - Renewed energy to keep going The Monthly Rhythm Every third week of the month, we do this: