Your story matters.

Would you even consider reading Jack Scott’s Perking the Pansies, about his move to Turkey as a gay man, if he were neither gay nor lived in Turkey?

Would you pick up one of Dr Phil’s books if you did not already trust he was a good psychotherapist?

Would you buy a cookbook written by someone who couldn’t boil an egg?

Exactly!

When I first read the manuscript for The Thinking Tank, by Jae de Wylde, I knew her ‘back story’. I knew she had lost a daughter and that she suffered from a painful, debilitating illness. When I cried with the protagonist, Sarah, I cried all the more for knowing Jae’s story. When I laughed, I laughed louder. But Jae did not want to dwell on her ‘back story’ and we omitted some facts from her about the author page.

As sales of The Thinking Tank grew, and I watched Jae sell hundreds of books at each of the many book signings she set up in England, I recognised that this was indeed a good book, and that it was selling without the readers knowing about her grief and pain.

But, here in Holland, as people who had read the book came up to me to talk about it, I found myself sharing some of Jae’s real story with them and watched their eyes widen. I realised that had they known some of this before they read the book, like mine, their experience would have been even better.

Since the launch of The Thinking Tank, Jae has bravely decided to start a new blog, entitled Life’s Crappy Stuff, and in which she shares stories of how she has overcome many set backs. She does this in an upbeat, self-effacing and witty style that inspires her readers. Slowly, Jae is realising that her truth does matter – a lot.

Then, this week, she did the bravest thing yet and shared her story, her real story, about her divorce, her illness and losing Rowena, in Gulf News, Friday magazine. She also shared how a move to Dubai and discovering bellydance changed her life.

If you have not read The Thinking Tank, then be sure to read this article before you do. And if you have read it, then, reflect back on the novel in the light of what you learn. You will be enriched and inspired. Trust me.

Jae de Wylde began life as a French and German teacher and was a bit of a closet expat and writer. But when her daughter died in 1999, Jae found herself reassessing what she wanted to do with her life and began a new career as a writer. Life has taken her to Spain and Dubai where she found both time and inspiration for a move into fiction. A debilitating illness led her to yet another reassessment and inspired The Thinking Tank, a truly gripping novel, influenced by what she calls Life’s Crappy Stuff. Her blog of the same name shares Jae’s amazing positive outlook and you will find more from her at JaedeWylde.com

Hear how Jae lured people to a recent booksigning too, in this inspirational interview. Listen to it here.

Today, I am delighted to welcome Louise Wiles to guestpost for me about how she overcame her blocks by writing Turning Points.

Can I Really?

When the email from Kate arrived in my inbox I was intrigued. It was the title of the book that initially caught my attention, Turning Points. As someone who has relocated as an expat/repat five times in the last twelve years there have been a number of turning points, some good some not so good. But as far as having an impactful story to tell as a result I was unsure.

Kate and I had a chat and she encouraged me to give some thought to those Turning Points. I realized that I did have a story to tell. Mine is not a story of tragedy or heartbreak but more about how I have reacted to circumstance and change. I decided to give it a go.

I have always had a nagging thought somewhere in the very deep recesses of my mind, that one day I might like to write a book and so the idea of writing was already there. I write blogs for my business and have done a lot of academic writing for endless qualifications, writing is something that I do – my question though was do I do it well enough?

For these reasons I decided to give Kate’s book a go. I also hoped that sharing my story would encourage accompanying partners to give their business/career ideas a go, and would also raise my profile as an Expatriate Coach.

Expecting trauma and heartache as I settled down to write my first draft, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it flowed – but was it good enough? I tentatively sent draft one off to Kate expecting an encouraging email (Kate’s always encouraging) and the request to “please have another go”. To my delight only a few edits were suggested and then it was sent on to the editor.

I waited with bated breath; a professional was reading my writing for the first time ever. How would I react if she told me it read really badly? She did not, some small edits and I was done!

An easier process than I could ever have imagined. I think this is for several reasons. The subject matter, Turning Points is something that spoke to me and my situation as an expatriate. I had a story and message about “all that” that I wanted to get out… and so out it came! This taught me a valuable lesson, write about what matters to me and write from the heart. From a more practical perspective, Jo and Kate also provided a great structure and good writing tips which made the task easier.

Now I find that there is something more than the writing I struggle with, and that is feeling comfortable with sharing what I write. It’s a bit like standing on a stage. In opening ourselves to others through whatever means of communication, we open ourselves to judgment, both good and bad and that feels scary.

I’ve been writing a blog for a few years now. Only my newsletter subscribers know about it. Occasionally I post links to articles on Linked-in and my personal Facebook page, but that is the extent of my promotion. I’ve used lack of time as my excuse, but now I am beginning to wonder if the lack of promotion was more about me not feeling that what I wrote was good enough or worthy of being shared.

Becoming involved in the Turning Points project has made me realize that we all have worthwhile story and message to share. I may not write brilliantly, but if I don’t step out and share what I write, then the time I take to write is wasted. Promoting my blog has now become a much higher priority.

I have learnt:

• To write about what matters and write from the heart. If a topic doesn’t grab my interest or emotions then I leave it alone and write about something else instead.
• Structure is my friend. It might not sound very creative to work with a basic outline or structure but it makes writing so much easier.
• I need to write with the full intention of sharing.
• Plan my promotional and PR campaign for each written piece of work, schedule it and then if there really will be no chickening out!

Louise Wiles: Success Abroad Coaching website and BLOG!

Email: Louise@SuccessAbroadCoaching.com

Linkedin: Louisewiles.

Twitter: @LWexpatlife

Turning Points Book – Turning Challenges into Success.

TURNING POINTS – 25 INSPIRING STORIES FR

Putting together a collaborative book is not easy. From experience I know that the only way you can make this work is to have a strong, resourceful editor. Kate Cobb, a Brit who has emigrated to France, is that editor.  Orchestrating a team of 25 collaborators, using the internet to the full, Kate has done a sterling job.

Perhaps the cleverest by-product of this book is the fact that each of its contributors has now become its promoter and salesperson.

Find out what Kate did  here

I recently met with a new client, Martyn Claybrough. He is a wise and intuitive chap, known as The Soul Psychologist. He wants to write a book and so I explained to him the difference between modern self-publishing methods, using the Internet and Print-on-Demand and traditional publishing, using a publisher.

“Well, you could make ten times money by self-publishing,” I said. “You’ll  earn 100% of the profit (known as net receipts), but you will be responsible for paying for all the editing and design and then you have to do all the marketing afterwards too. In short, this route will cost you more money up front, but has the potential to make you far more in the long run.”

Martyn just smiled at me and waited for me to go on.

“But if you go the traditional route, you are likely to make just 7% of net receipts. It can be a slow process, the industry is in a bit of a recession, but once you do have a publisher they will handle all the editing, design and the marketing for you. Though many publishers still expect you to do a lot of the marketing yourself anyway,” I paused. “This method won’t cost you any money, but may not earn you as much as you would make self-publishing.”

“Keep going,” said Martyn. “Self-publishing seems to make such sense, but I can tell you’re a bit hesitant about it. So, Jo, explain why I should still consider looking for a real publisher.”

“For the kudos,” I said. “You will get onto bookshop shelves. Traditional publishers have representatives ‘on the road’ and this means you can could get your book in front of more people. You may not make more money, but you should get more exposure.  Traditional publishers do some PR for you. They will write a press release, run a press campaign.” As I said that my stomach did a somersault.

“Stop right there!” said Martyn, raising his hand.

My mouth dropped open.

“That is what you need to do. This is what you fear most. So do it.”

He was so right. I’d known this for a while. I knew that if was to offer the best service possible to my clients I needed to adapt my publishing business so that I could provide both the benefits of self-publishing and those of traditional. It was a tall order that needed a financial risk and a leap of faith. I had long wished I could find a way to publish authors so that they had no upfront costs, had the financial benefit of Print-On-Demand, enjoyed a decent PR campaign and got into bookshops too. That embarking on such a huge task was my biggest fear was no surprise.

After saying goodbye to Martyn, and with my heart still in my mouth, I picked up my iPhone and decided to look at the frivolous little app I once picked up for free and that gave horoscopes and tarot readings. I never looked at the tarot. I didn’t understand it and thought it was probably too scary. Another fear, right? That day, however,  I chose to flip over one tarot card in the area of career. Lo and behold, up popped The Devil! Now that freaked me out even further. First Martyn had read my mind and then I had picked a card with a devil on it.

The next day I met with my friend Ingrid Schippers of The Portable Yoga Company and told her about my experience with Martyn and the tarot card.

“Ah,” she said. “The devil is actually a lucky card. It does not mean you have to make friends with him. It just means you need to go the dark side.”

“The dark side?” that sounds even worse, I replied, panicking slightly. Was I to start wearing a long cape and pacing the midnight streets?

“The dark side in you. It means you should face your fear and conquer it once and for all. It’s about giving in to your impulses and going for it. As for the Devil: In a positive sense it’s an indication you are ready to confront your dark side.”

Is that what all this was about, then? That I should get my fear of commitment to PR in a headlock and join the big boys? That I should bring what I consider to be the benefits of traditional publishing into the world of Print on Demand? And that I should be brave enough to invest in some of my clients myself, take a risk and not charge for my services? I’ve been indulging in excuses long enough. It is a big leap for me. But it is a leap that feels so right.

Every time I think about this my stomach churns. But you know, Ingrid was right, I was ready to confront this fear because I actually hired a Virtual Assistant to compile me some PR databases before the summer and have now built some valuable lists. So, you know, when I was subsequently offered the opportunity to join forces with an existing publisher and combine my current list of expat titles with his and start commissioning authors I took a deep breath and agreed.

I am now delighted to announce that I plan to publish about six expat books next year and am on the look out for authors with superb ideas. What’s more I am going to do that dreaded PR.

If that isn’t facing my fear and going to the dark side, I don’t know what is!

Is it time you faced your fear headlong and did something about it too?

Many of my students find it hard to let go of their work and send it out into the universe. Pressing the Publish button on your blog, sending that proposal out to a publisher, or emailing that pitch to a magazine editor can be tough.

If you procrastinate about letting go then read my column at The Hague Online this month about why letting go is a good thing.

In the time since my last Inspirer I have been on holiday, leaving the Box Mountain created from our recent house move and exchanging that mountain for another – the mountain of the Acropolis in Athens on which the Parthenon stands.

Images Copyrighted by Historylink101.com & found at Greek Picture Gallery.

On our first evening there, we could see the majestic Parthenon built in the 4^th century BC. From the roof terrace of our hotel it looked stunning, lit up as it was against the night sky, and yet also far away. It was still frighteningly hot and so the thought of climbing that particular mountain in the relentless Greek sun seemed untenable.

The next day, as early as we could make it, we began our climb and you know it was not as difficult nor as far as we had imagined. We took along bottles of water, hats and sunglasses and took it slowly, pausing along the way to admire the view. You know, in the end, it was less than half an hour from hotel room to summit.

Our writing goals can often seem too far away, too difficult, impossible even, and so we hover in the foothills of our dreams, shuffling papers and feet and procrastinating. I believe that writing articles should be your first step towards your writing dreams, yes, even (or especially) if your actual goal is to write a full-length book. Articles are shorter, easier to place and a great way to build your portfolio and your confidence.

In my experience it is really not that difficult to get published. At least not if start small, manage your expectations and are adequately prepared.

Sharing what I know to help others to grow

My motto is ‘sharing what I know to help others to grow’ and so I often find myself helping 17-year-olds to get articles published in the months prior to their writing their university applications. These youngsters come to me with no experience, no track record and no idea of how to do approach an editor. The goal of actually getting published seems impossible.

But, with me to prepare them, guide them and manage their expectations they all start having great ideas and getting published within a matter of weeks.

The Parthenon, as you know, has many pillars.  Below, I list the things you need to take into account if you want to reach the top of your writing mountain.

The six pillars for writing articles

1               Believe in yourself, believe you can do it.

2               Recognise that success is not necessarily based on age, experience, track record and proven writing ability, but on having a great idea.

3               Consider hiring a mentor who knows the ropes and can fast track your success thanks to her/his knowledge, experience and connections.

4               Know that writers sell ideas, not finished pieces. You have to pitch first and then, if a publication likes your idea, write it according to their brief.

5               Create ideas that are perfect for the publication and its readers.

6               Ensure that your communications with editors are carefully crafted and error free. Get feedback on these from your mentor before you send them if possible.

In the week since I returned from holiday, I have watched six of my current mentees (three of them still at school) place articles and book reviews in three different publications. By adhering to the six pillars of success above they have climbed their mountains!

With all best wishes for you and your own goals

60 New Books in 2009 – Do You Know Anyone Who Wants To Be Published?
——————————————————————–
My publisher, Bookshaker, plans to dramatically increase its publishing output in 2009 while being able to keep our eye firmly on marketing and writing new books too. So if you know anyone who’d like to be published or get an existing (and good) ebook in print and selling via Amazon then please email Debbie here.

They are looking for very specific non-fiction books at the moment:

1. Lifestyle Design – early retirement, wealth creation, travel, time/money management

2. Sales and Marketing – for coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs, startups etc. that
are in line with their www.leanmarketing.co.uk principles and approach.

They pay a royalty that is at least twice as much as mainstream publishing.

Or would you like to be an editor and make 20% on all sales? If you’ve got the skills and would like to apply to be an editor for other people’s books yourself (or you know editors) then complete the form here to find out more about the deal…

They are still taking on new authors for their Spain books – with 7 currently in the pipeline
- so if have written/are writing a book on Spain then please look them here
instead…

Good luck