The Writer’s Experience Six-Week Book Challenge was launched last week, and we’ve hit the ground running. We are all writing new books; I’m writing my sixth, while everyone else is writing their first book.
It’s scary for new authors. I understand the hesitation when confronted with the idea of pouring out your heart onto pages for others to read. I assured them that this was what was needed. We don’t need any more books to be buried with their authors.
We had homework assigned; one of them is to summarize their book in 150 words or less. Can you summarize your book that you’re working on in just a few words? Send it to me (via email – info@michellegcameron.com) so I can take a look!
As I am typing here, I am reflecting on the power of reading in your own voice.
What is that, you may ask? I’m referring to reading what you’ve crafted, produced and released to the world in written form.
Have you ever considered writing a blog, or an opinion article for an online magazine/news outlet?
We type a LOT on social media, but capturing your thoughts in a reflective format that has more longevity than a post is a great way to connect with the world.
Several of you who are subscribed to me are entrepreneurs; you own your own business. Consider writing a promotional piece to share what you do, and those whom you have been able to help along the way, with examples.
Although I speak mostly about writing books, I haven’t only written books. I used to contribute as a paid blogger for an online subscription newsletter, and I have written voluntarily for other outlets. This is a great way to meet new clients and to expand your audience and your voice. And, as I mentioned….it usually has more longevity than a social media post.
Where can you begin to lend your voice so that others can get to know who you are and what you bring to the table? If you own a business, it is a GREAT way to bring clients in.
I just hosted our first mini writing retreat for 2025 yesterday, and so many things were swirling around in my mind before, during, and after our retreat.
One thing that came to me at full force was this message:
This may sound self-explanatory or simple, but we rarely think of self-doubt as being equivalent to unbelief.
If we are authors who feel that pull or nudge to write, and we doubt ourselves, we are saying that:
our message doesn’t matter.
we don’t write well enough to share it.
no-one can be helped by our message.
we’re not the right person to share this message.
our way of telling our story is unrelatable, so people just won’t get it.
Maybe we’ve even said, “They’ve talked about this already. Why should I bother?”
If you KNOW that you were nudged or pulled on to write, then that is your green light to move towards your goal. Don’t look around and compare; your story is unique to you and your circumstances.
I gave this example yesterday: even if you and your friend had the same home situation: two-parent home, two older brothers, went to the same schools and lived in the same neighborhood – your lives may look the same externally (say, in a statistics or data set), but each person is living a unique life. No two lives are the same. No experience is lived the same. Even if a lot of the external factors match, each person’s internal thought pattern or processing of events will still be different.
I’m saying all of this to say: GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY! Look inward, look heavenward, and let’s get your book out!
So – you are invited to join us for The Writer’s Experience Book Challenge! We are challenging YOU to finish your book in just SIX weeks! I will prepare you and share vital information along the way. We will meet four times out of the six-week period (to give you time to write). We will have our kickoff on Feb 5, then we will meet on Feb 19, Mar 5 and wrap up on Mar 19. These sessions are all on Wednesdays at 7pm ET for ONE HOUR.
Your work will be reviewed by me in-between our sessions, so you must complete and email each assignment back to me for review to keep up.
I am EXCITED to see who will WIN this challenge! Let’s DO IT! I hosted my first book challenge in 2020 – it was so much fun, and several authors completed their books.
You can register now for $295; the price willincrease to $395 on February 1st.
I cannot wait to have you in class next week – Wednesday, February 5!
Register today; see you there! Space is reserved for TWELVE people.
Happy 2025 to all of you! I hope your year has been off to a great start.
I am stopping by to reflect on what I just experienced a couple hours ago.
I lead a group called “The Time is Write” – a free author’s community hosted onsite at my local church. Today during our meeting, the comments came up on whether their writings were “good enough” to be seen by others. I stepped in to encourage them.
Every new writer goes through this; we tend to compare our work to what we’ve seen in award-winning books from lifelong career writers. Everyone started somewhere, and you are no different. The purpose of our group is to groom and develop writers, and to support them as they launch and expand their brands and write other books. I remind them that it takes practice and reviews from others who understand the journey to help us all get better at our craft.
This includes beta readers, proofreaders and editors (there are at least 4 types out there!). If we never start writing, no-one will benefit from what we know or what we’ve experienced. Trust that your Creator would never give you something that is wasteful or a waste of your time and resources. He has readers out there – near and far – who want what we have to offer.
So, soon I will be reviewing the readings of my newest writers in our group. We are excited for what is to become of us this year!
And – it’s with that level of excitement and encouragement that I want to invite you to join me next week, Saturday, January 25, as we review some key information to help you with your writing, and then dedicate a block of time to sit down and write. You can stop me for questions, and I will explain or answer as needed.
We will meet VIRTUALLY at 12 noon, and end at 4pm ET. Let us get together and start our journey! See you soon! Register HERE: https://bit.ly/miniretreat2025
Last week I spent some time speaking about one of my clients.
One thing that has amazed me over the years is the progress of each person that was able to complete their book with my business. They worked on their books with me through cohort coaching/workshops, VIP Day, editing, and/or publishing. They are now speaking on significant platforms, coaching (other authors and in other areas), became certified therapists, opened their own publishing companies, and more.
If you are ready to share your story or your expertise with the world and you need a helping hand, I am ready to help you. You won’t need to walk this journey alone. We are ending another year, and a new year is around the corner. Let’s get your book out, starting now! If you work with me, be prepared for the major doors that will open once your book is completed.
This photo represents the end of Day 2 – two days of recording my client’s audiobook! We started our journey on Sunday, December 1 when I picked her up at the airport here in Charlotte, NC.
We spent time at brunch, and then I performed a final review of her manuscript to ensure it had what she needed – including formatting the text to make it easier to read during the recording.
We provided a copy to our producer so he could follow along, and I had my laptop open to make on-the-spot changes as required.
We recorded over two half-days to give her voice time for recovery.
The studio was amazing….and I did not think to take a video tour of the location – but it was beautiful!
The producer ensured that we paused for external sounds (like cars, a train, etc.) to have a cleaner sound. He is completing the post production work now. I cannot wait to share an audio sample so you can hear the premium quality of the recordings.
We will be ready to help you soon with your audiobook (including new and experienced authors). If you KNOW that this is what you want to do in 2025, connect with me ASAP HERE >>> info@michellegcameron.com to join our waitlist for audiobook recordings!
We have access to voice actors if you prefer not to use your own voice.
Pricing is reasonable, considering the typical costs for studio rental and production hours.
If you are at that stage where you are ready to choose a publisher but you aren’t sure what to ask (whether you’re reviewing traditional or hybrid/self-publishing companies), click HERE to view my list.
I’ve compiled a strategic list for you to add to your arsenal as you vet who will help you get your message out into the world.
Let me know how much the list helped you when you are ready to publish.
I am looking forward to serving you inside one of my programs or offers.
REMINDER: The Edits Sale ends TONIGHT (Tues, Dec 3, 2024) at 11:59pm ET.
Payment plans are available, and if you act TONIGHT, your discount will be applicable anytime between now and June 30, 2025. That’s $200 savings! IMPORTANT NOTE: Your manuscript must be at least 30,000 words.
Life, Love and Other Topics: My Commentary 