There’s No Time Like The Present…

Come and write with me!

I have been in deep reflection for several months now, and it has heightened even more over the past week.

I won’t go into details on everything that has come to mind, but one thing that I am acutely aware of is the need to become more action-focused than ever before. Procrastination has absolutely no place in our path for progress. I know that it’s easy to type this vs. live it, as that is my personal experience as well. But I know that progress needs action, and sometimes quick action is required.

What have you dawdled about since January 2024 that has not yet been established? It’s November; another January will be here before we know it. Whatever you have on your to-do list, place a priority on those tasks and start checking them off, like I have been doing today.

One thing that you may have on your list that you have hesitated about for a long time is writing your book. If you are in Charlotte NC or surrounding areas, I am ready to invite you to spend 3 hours with me on a Saturday afternoon in January 2025 to do just that!

You may be new to writing, or this may be your next project. You were trying to figure out how to start, how to develop your plot, what to say (and how to say it), etc. We only have 3 hours together, but I am determined to make those 3 hours count!

I’ve included the flyer here with details. Note that the exact location was not added. We are still finalizing the contract. Once everything is settled, all registrants will be informed of the exact spot. It will be in a beautiful area, with convenient parking close by.

The itinerary for our 3 hours together will include a talk from me with helpful tips that you can implement as you write, with Q&A for the first hour. The next two hours are for you to spend time writing. I will be available to assist during those two hours for brief one-on-one consultations.

To keep things intimate (and overhead costs minimal), I cannot go beyond 30 attendees. If you know that you want to be in the room, review the flyer and visit this link: https://bit.ly/miniretreat2025

Registration will close when we reach our maximum capacity.

See YOU there!

Birthday Tribute to My Mom

Hello!

If you’ve known me for some time, you have heard my story of my mom’s inspiration and influence that led me to the path that I am now on as an editor, author and book strategist.

Her birthday was September 12, and I shared a heartfelt tribute to her life and her legacy.

Click on the link below to view my video tribute to Mrs E. Cameron, my first best friend on her birthday – September 12, 2024:

I love and miss you so much!

So…there’s this debate…

Hi!

I’ve tried to stay away from this debate that I’ve seen in writers’ spaces, but I decided to stop by and share my thoughts on this question: Should anyone pay to publish a book?

There are different ways to handle this question, but I will start here: You absolutely CAN publish a book without paying one dime, but everyone is not skilled or patient enough to do it. Some may have the skills but may not want to do it.

If someone wins a publishing contract to publish traditionally, they do not pay to publish (unless they hire editors or beta readers). If someone decides to self-publish (there are different reasons why authors choose this route), there’s the daunting task of figuring out how to self-edit, how to create a book cover, how to ensure that everything is formatted and lined up just right for the publishing platform to approve the files, and how to set everything up on the platform to ensure that all the moving parts fit correctly to produce the book of your dreams.

This is where the hybrid publisher comes on the scene. Authors will pay for certain packages to get their books completed without surrendering their rights. (Traditional publishers purchase the author’s rights when a contract is signed.)

Over time (since 2015) I’ve evolved from one-on-one writing coaching, manuscript editing, to publishing – mainly because clients have asked (and asked….) and I decided to give it a try. To be honest, it was not very difficult because I have 5 books listed, but it was different doing this for someone else. Now with several clients on my publisher’s list, I am preparing to get more into this space. This means becoming more educated on the finer details and preparing to offer clients high-quality service as needed in a timely manner.

So, do you have any questions about hybrid publishing? Do you believe it’s a necessary service, like several of my clients believe?

Readjusting Your Focus

How has life been treating you lately? Do you find yourself readjusting your focus often? Keep reading!

Life has changed so much since I posted the last time on this website. My son is now an adult who works. We relocated to another state to start over. I am continuing to balance a 9 to 5 and my expanding business.

All of these things are only a tip of the iceberg, as a change of any kind will push us to review our bearings again. Are we in the right space mentally, emotionally, or even physically? What else do we need to change (aside from what has been changed beyond our control)? What needs to stay the same?

Readjusting your focus includes looking inward, then outward, and reminding yourself of what matters most.

When life is over, what do you want to be able to say?

As a writing coach, I think of my clients’ work often. It’s not just another job to me. I see what I do as a way for people to fulfill a part of their purpose when I help them flesh out their manuscripts for their readers. I help them readjust their focus, because it’s easy for them to feel discouraged, or to think that their message isn’t relevant. Once they are encouraged and they complete what they’ve started, I watch from the sidelines as they step center-stage, share their work, and door after door opens for them. It’s refreshing to know that your work helps others refocus.

What about you? What are you doing now to refocus?

If you are ready now to work with me to complete your book, let’s connect here: bit.ly/authorconsults

I’m BACK!

Hi everyone,

It’s been quite a while since I stopped by. Thank you for continuing to subscribe to my blog. I appreciate the support, as I’m getting closer to 10 years of blogging.

There’s been so much happening! Now I’m coaching new authors one-on-one. I’m enjoying that experience so far. And…..I have another book coming out soon. Stay tuned for that one!

I am also a contributing author to an anthology for younger women. I’m not old (by a long-shot), but I’m not in my 20’s any more. I believe that I have some wisdom to share with the next generation so that they won’t make some of the same mistakes that I made. If you have a young lady in your life who may need a book of practical tips to guide her, visit HERE and pre-order her copy, along with her matching journal.

With various events popping up on my schedule, I’m inviting you to stay connected – and we could meet in person someplace  !

I’m excited about what 2017 will bring. I hope you feel the same way too.

All the best to you, until next time.