A meaningful goal is one of the best motivational tools around. Writing is long, hard work. Focusing on the reward on the other side of the page can be a great way to keep motivated. It's like your mother putting that big piece of chocolate cake on the table and telling you to eat your vegetables first.
Why do you write? While our reasons may seem obvious, taking the time to verbalize them to your MasterMind Group could ensure that the type of book you write will actually help you reach your goals. Let's look at a few examples.
Credibility/ Business Development: For many, the word "author" after your name is synonymous with "expert." Writing a book can be a wonderful way to establish your credentials as an authority on a subject. This can differentiate you from your competition and lead to increased speaking requests and sales. Steven Van Yoder, the author of "Get Slightly Famous: Become a Celebrity in Your Field and Attract More Business with Less Effort" recommends publishing a book as one way to create a superstar career.
If business development is your goal, then as you write it is important to keep in mind that you need to express your core marketing message in clear, straightforward ways in order to develop your brand. Do not stray into ancillary areas and consider how the book will translate into talks and workshops.
Expression: Books can influence people and change the world. Peter Singer, author of "The Life You Can Save" and one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, says he wrote his most recent plea for a coordinated humanitarian movement because "I thought that the time was right for a book."
Do you have something that you just need to say either as a work of fiction or newspaper opinion piece? The best way to start is to boil the theme down to a few sentences. Try it out on your fellow writers to make sure it resonates. Then build an emotional and logical argument around the issue using your storytelling and research skills.
Get Rich Quick: If making a lot of money by writing the next Great American Novel in a weekend is your idea of the literary life then maybe you need a reality check from your support group. They might even be able to help you pick some lottery numbers. What they will probably share is the value of crafting a fulfilling life working hard and doing what you love.
As you can see, starting with the ending is often the best way to ensure you get where you are going.
Why do you write?
Yours in writing,
Promtpmasters
Jennifer Sander
and JT Long
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