In Her Own Ink

“Discipline is based on the practice of following a routine - executing a task and delivering results. It manifests itself by honing the keys to self-motivation. Like a sharpshooter, your consistent approaches to review go on autopilot, enabling you to hit the target every time.” (In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author, Ashley Smith)      When I wrote my first book, I worked with a coach. We dived into my book project religiously. Although she was a drill sergeant, she kept me on track and disciplined to keep the course. I encourage you to work with IN HER OWN INK to stay accountable to your dreams and make them become reality, NOW. However, don’t be alarmed, I’m not a drill sergeant! You can fulfill your vision and come out on top of the writing demands. Being Receptive      Before I begin working on my book I carry out a routine. This habit is my warm-up. It prepares me to get into the zone. Initially, I set up the atmosphere to be ...

In my book, In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author, I discuss the importance of meeting our readers where they are. Opposed to using expert jargon, incorporate layman’s  terms. A book for therapists will largely differ from a book for the general public. Use Appropriate Language I have a friend who is a children’s book author. She shared with me how she discovered her book’s terminology, and length of storyline was not a good fit for the age range she targeted. She only discovered this concern after researching her competitors.  Researching Competitors Depending on the type of book, you might research competitors to determine whether your level of dialogue is ideal. It is a great idea to review competitors’ work, however, I encourage you to do this prior to starting your manuscript. Whenever I’m working on a book project I avoid looking over competitors' narratives to avoid being heavily influenced by them and becoming a copycat. Conclusion Unless you'r...

Generating book objectives is setting up the groundwork for your book design. Creating a strong foundation for your visions is essential to the process of developing your manuscript. I discuss the importance of establishing book objectives to move forward with your plans in my author’s handbook, In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author.  Creating Book Objectives      Identifying book objectives reinforces the makeup of your nonfiction work. Answering questions to meet these objectives helps us carry out our promises. We have a clearer understanding of the purpose of our reading and can outline messages. These foundational goals create the scope of our work. To meet the reader by delivering on those promises which the book is based on.       Your goals and messages are built on the book objectives. Your content circles the block on carrying this out. Therefore, every chapter’s argument can reflect on answering those critical qu...

What is the purpose of your reading? Why select your copy? What promises will you deliver? These are some of the pertinent questions you will answer in your book’s Introduction. Go Harder     The Respect Institute is a public speaking program I partook in. I recall the instructor demanding that we create a strong Introduction and Conclusion. They emphasized the significance of producing a hook to entice the audience, and Conclusion to thoroughly wrap up the talk. Avoiding Common Author Mistakes     After publishing seven books, I’ve learned from my mistakes and matured in book development. My experience and direction will undoubtedly support your publishing endeavors. Working with In Her Own Ink will validate and reinforce effective strategies to build your manuscript.     I discuss practical tips on the building blocks of writing an Introduction in my book, In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author. I drill authors on t...

Before I dive into my book project I commit to a few initial steps. They establish the foundation. I carry out these practices to ensure focus and motivation. While there are several approaches to book writing, I’ll bring our attention to getting organized. Setting the Foundation      First, create book objectives. This is the purpose of the book. Also, your promises to the reader. As the author, what book goals do you have? Why are you writing the book? How will you empower your reader?        Answering these questions will help you determine the makeup of your book design. Generally, two to five objectives are ideal. The entire book is committed to solidifying your promises to the reader. Your Motivation for Publishing      Second, create three to seven reasons you deserve to publish. This list can be used as a tool to rekindle your passion. When you hit writer’s block, refer back to your list of reasons. Reflecting on them will help y...

You’ve started writing your book and the motivation drops as well as your progress. How do you stir your passion? How can you rekindle your flame? When I hit a roadblock, I’ll do one of these three activities or all of them.  Reflect on my reasons. Revert to my writing ritual. Review the list of questions my reader may have. Proven-Strategies for Creating      In the beginning stages, I’ll jot down my reasons for publishing. Five or more reasons I deserve to publish. I keep this note in the miscellaneous section of my binder. I discussed these tasks in my book, In Her Own Ink: Strategies for Creating from Author to Author.      The writing ritual is where motivation meets discipline. What motivates you into action? Which song, quote, or image gets you moving? Generally, I watch a couple of performances on YouTube that spikes my professional keenness, and produces passion. I do this repeatedly, prior to diving into the mental work of my book development...