As a bestselling fiction/nonfiction author and professional copywriter, I'm often asked by aspiring writers what they need to do to succeed. Most of their questions center around writing ability. They want to know how to find out if they have the talent to succeed, or if there's a "test" they can take that will tell them if they're a good enough writer to actually get paid … [Read more...] about How to Succeed as a Writer
writing
How the Pandemic Helped Me Stop Worrying and Start Writing
In 2019, I published the third book of my award-winning psychological thriller/mystery series, Secrets of Redemption, and got to work on something new. Which never came together properly. I struggled with it and struggled with it, throughout the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020. Then, Covid came to town, the lockdowns started and the world changed. My first … [Read more...] about How the Pandemic Helped Me Stop Worrying and Start Writing
Need Some New Ideas? 3 Ways Journaling Boosts Creativity
Whether you’re a writer or not, as entrepreneurs, we could all use a creative boost every now and again. After all, creativity plays a big part in many aspects of business. If you ever find yourself experiencing a block in new ideas, consider journaling to get the creative juices flowing. From Julia Cameron's The Artist Way to Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones to … [Read more...] about Need Some New Ideas? 3 Ways Journaling Boosts Creativity
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Book During a Global Pandemic
Shakespeare allegedly wrote King Lear while under quarantine. (And he didn't even have a typewriter back then, much less a computer. He had to write everything by hand!) So, you should have no trouble getting that book done, right? (You know–the one you've been talking about forever.) You’re stuck at home anyway, so why not use your time wisely and finally write The … [Read more...] about Your Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Book During a Global Pandemic
3 Tips to Creating Content That Sells
It's no secret that creating free content (no matter the form—written blog posts, videos, podcasts, etc.) is an awesome no-cost way to gain visibility, build your credibility, grow your community, and attract paying clients. But for a lot of folks, this is one of those "easier-said-than-done" strategies. So today, I'm sharing three tips to help you easily and quickly craft … [Read more...] about 3 Tips to Creating Content That Sells
What the Movie “The Prestige” Can Teach You About Copywriting
Have you ever seen the movie The Prestige? (Quick synopsis: After a tragic accident, two stage magicians engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion while sacrificing everything they have to outwit each other.) In it, one of the main characters dissects the elements of a magic trick. First, you show the object that will be manipulated (i.e. the rabbit in a hat that … [Read more...] about What the Movie “The Prestige” Can Teach You About Copywriting
Is a Fear of Spelling Keeping You From Success?
According to Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way, the fear of being a bad speller is remarkably common in people who want to write but are blocked creatively. It doesn’t matter that the fear is irrational; it doesn't matter that every single word-processing program out there comes with a spell checker these days. Regardless, the fear of not being able to spell still … [Read more...] about Is a Fear of Spelling Keeping You From Success?
The Secret to Writing Memorable Copy
Want to know the secret to creating MEMORABLE copy that actually stays with your customers long after they’ve finished reading it? It’s all about the imagery, baby. You must master the fine art of using words to create pictures in your customers' heads. Think about a favorite novel you’ve read that has stayed with you for some time. I’d be willing to bet that you can … [Read more...] about The Secret to Writing Memorable Copy
Are Creative Stereotypes Holding You Back?
I believe one of the things that prevent people from fully realizing their creative potential is the idea of stereotypes. For example, maybe you think you “can’t” be creative, because you don't look, act, live, etc., a certain way. Unfortunately, that kind of belief can become so powerful, it actually ends up crippling your creativity. That’s why today, I’m wanted to … [Read more...] about Are Creative Stereotypes Holding You Back?
Quiz: Are You Creative?
Here's a little truth about success. If you want to succeed, especially as a business owner or entrepreneur, you have got to be creative. It's not enough to just master the current "hot" marketing tactic. The industry is changing so rapidly that the smart money is on what Stephen Covey called "sharpening the saw" or taking care of YOU. Your creativity, your knowledge, … [Read more...] about Quiz: Are You Creative?