Breakthrough Author Magazine March 2024

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Publisher’s Corner Hello Authors!

Juliet Clark is a six- time author, speaker and podcaster who has spent the last twenty years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses all over the world build expert audiences.

She started out as a mystery novelist and is best known or her books Gypsy, Granny Heist, and Dead by Dawn, and Pitchslapped. At age 46, she received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an avid hiker and golfer.

Writing is manual labor of the mind: a job, like laying pipe.” ~John Gregory Dunne

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Well, slap me sassy and call me 2024, folks! A warm welcome to you, my timetraveling, future-embracing adrenaline junkies. As they say, we’re sailing into the unknown future like a car without brakes headed downhill – and, honey, it’s just as wildly exhilarating as it sounds! Jackie Nagel shares how to embrace the feeling of the unknown and forge ahead.

A bit of uncertainty, some complexity drizzling down, do they give you the jitters too?

Cozy up and welcome to the club! Now, I won’t deny there are moments when we feel like Chicken Little, constantly sounding the alarm. But darling, we’re not on the brink of an apocalypse. It’s about finding that divine balance, that irresistible sweet spot between the chaos and the calm, the yin and yang of it all.

Lisa Munjack dives in with this nugget: know thy customer, and thou shalt reap rewards. Before you plunge headfirst into the marketing marina, understand where your ideal audience loves hanging out.

Peek into their world, their hobbies, their social causes,

and uncover the secret key to craft a message that hits home and resonates.

Connect with your customers like never before.

Next up, the fabulous Aleya Harris shares how authors need to grab their pens and wield them like Harry Potter’s wand. Ignite engagement and set social media on fire by commanding the potent art of storytelling. Illustrate your world with vivid imagery, share your unique experiences and insights, and weave a bewitching narrative tapestry that captivates your audience.

Last, but definitely not least, Juliet Clark arms us with words of wisdom about trust, and this, dearies, is the golden key to success.

Whether you’re taking a selfie or serving authentic pearls of wisdom, remember to prioritize your client’s needs, provide tangible value, and co-create a nurturing, long-term relationship.

Taming the social media beast together, we can paint the digital wilderness with our triumphs!

This and so much more in this issue!

Love and gratitude, Juliet Clark

EVERGREEN REVITALIZING YOUR BACKLIST NONFICTION BOOK

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he lifecycle of a book usually varies. In many cases, especially with self-published books, sales can begin to diminish within the first six months of its release. This is because the book launch is typically the most intense period of marketing and for the self-published author it is when they spend most of their marketing budget.

This is also true for traditional publishing.

In the past, a traditional publishing deal would be tied to retail bookstore sales and selling the inventory of thousands of printed books in its first printing run.

If a book had weak sales in the season that it was released it would slip into the publisher’s back list and receive very little attention. With the advent of digital print-on-demand publishing and online sales, longevity and availability of books can extend its lifespan indefinitely. This is what you would call evergreening a book.

An evergreen book is one that remains relevant and widely read over time, transcending its initial publication.

It often explores timeless themes, universal human experiences, and enduring insights that continue to resonate with readers across generations. With a strong evergreen book, you can continue to create revised editions and updated editions.

The updated edition can include supplementary materials to attract both new and existing readers.

A book becomes dated when its content, themes, or cultural references lose relevance or significance due to changes in society, technology, or perspectives. References to specific events, technologies, or societal norms that become obsolete can contribute to

a book feeling dated over time.

A refreshed cover or improved design can attract new attention and make the book more appealing to a broader audience.

If you are an author and assume your book is ‘dead,’ know that you can revitalize the sales on your book, many ways. If your book went dead with a traditional publisher, you can, buy back the rights back through negotiation and an agreement between you and the publisher. If the publisher is open to negotiation, present a formal proposal outlining your reasons for wanting to reacquire the rights, your plans for the book, and the terms you are proposing.

If you are a self-published author and you have relaxed your efforts to promote your book, yet know it truly is an evergreen book, it is time for a new marketing strategy. This will take an analysis of what promotional channels to reach a wider audience. Most important is how you can authentically emotionally connect with your community and leverage any new relationships such as testimonials to build further credibility.

For any author of a non-fiction book, the creation of media is the most important factor to keep your title relevant. Most folks old and young, spend more time scrolling their smartphones watching short form video and video clips than reading anything. The key to revitalizing your book is to know how your messaging can tap into the collective consciousness and be on the cutting edge of thought. By articulating your narrative through a stimulating media experience, you can breathe new life into your titles and make your book timeless and treasured.

AUTHOR BIO Jared Rosen is the founder Of DreamSculpt. As an innovator in digital media publishing, he has published over 50 media enhanced e-books for many best-selling authors and filmmakers and has published dozens of books in print.

Jared is the author of three books including the groundbreaking book The Flip. As a thought leader he has presented in venues ranging from TED X Malibu, to McKinsey and Company, Sydney, Australia. In 2000, Jared co-created the Children’s Emotional Literacy Project endorsed by Mayor Richard Riordan and Norman Lear.

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not just about meeting legal requirements or avoiding lawsuits; it’s about creating a truly inclusive and equitable online experience.

Secondly, page load speed is a critical factor in user experience and search engine optimization (SEO). A slow-loading website can lead to frustrated users and a high bounce rate, which can negatively impact your business’s bottom line.

But… don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Hey there, folks!

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be giving a talk soon on two very important topics in the world of web development: website accessibility and page load speed!

I’m excited to share my knowledge and expertise on these subjects, and I’m confident that you’ll leave my talk feeling inspired and equipped with actionable tips to improve your own website’s accessibility and speed.

So, why are website accessibility and page load speed so important?

Firstly, website accessibility is crucial for ensuring that all visitors can access and use your website, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. It’s

Apr 5, 2024 09:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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In my talk, I’ll be sharing practical tips and best practices for improving website accessibility and page load speed, including how to optimize images, use alt text, structure your website for accessibility, and minimize HTTP requests.

So, join me, and let’s take your website to the next level together! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert in the field, and leave feeling empowered to create a website that’s both accessible and lightning fast.

Stay tuned for more details on my upcoming talk, and get ready to elevate your web development game!

10 Ways to Leverage Media Attention: What to Do Next as an Author

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ongratulations! Your hard work as an author has paid off, and the media has picked up your story.

It’s an exciting time in your writing journey, but it’s crucial to remember that this is just the beginning of your publicity journey. This article will discuss leveraging media attention to attract even more readers and opportunities.

Capture the Moment Once your story is featured in the news, don’t let it slip away.

Save copies of the articles, take screenshots, and create a digital archive on your website. This provides credibility and serves as a lasting testament to your success.

Spread the Word Let your contacts, customers, and followers know about your media coverage. Send out announcements in your newsletters and add a mention to your email signature.

Share the news with enthusiasm to generate curiosity and excitement among your audience.

Local Outreach If your story gets picked up by local media outlets like ABC, NBC, or Fox, leverage your local status. When reaching out to local contacts or customers, emphasize

your connection to the community.

This adds a personal touch and can increase their interest.

Social Media Blitz Strike while the iron is hot by sharing your media coverage on your social media platforms.

Include a link to the featured story and engage with your audience. Consistency is key, so keep posting about it even months after the initial publication to maintain the buzz.

Integrate into Communications Ensure that your media coverage is seamlessly integrated into your professional identity. Add logos of the media outlets where you’ve been featured to your website, social media, and speaker sheet.

Create a Media Page Dedicate a page on your website to showcase all your media publications. This consolidated space makes it easy for visitors to see your credibility and expertise at a glance.

Update Your Bio Regularly update your expert power bio to reflect your media coverage. Mention all your public platforms and include links to the articles or interviews. This helps

you maintain an authoritative online presence.

Incorporate Into Proposals If you submit proposals as part of your authorship or speaking engagements, make sure to include links to your media coverage. This adds an extra layer of credibility and professionalism.

Engage with Clients and Subscribers Keep your clients and newsletter subscribers informed about your media appearances. You’ll foster a sense of connection and trust with your audience by consistently sharing your successes.

Maximize Interview Opportunities Always include your media coverage as part of your pitch when seeking interviews or speaking engagements. It demonstrates your expertise and positions you as a sought-after authority in your field.

Being featured in the media is a fantastic achievement, but it’s only the beginning of your journey as an author.

Following these steps and maintaining a strategic approach to leveraging your media attention can attract more readers, opportunities, and success in your writing career. Keep shining, and keep sharing your story!

Shannon Procise has successfully attained over $3.2M in FREE publicity and is notorious for being the owner of the “Million Dollar Rolodex” and teaching others how to do the same. She has trained and coached thousands of individuals in marketing, event production, business development, and personal growth. Shannon is the creator of a magnetic community - the Business Acceleration Network, where she guides businesses to build a successful enterprise while having fun and making lots of money.

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Writing

Emotional Creative Nonfiction Writing about hard experiences is cathartic and valuable. I fully support that. However, submitting your hard experiences to a literary journal, or turning it into a memoir and self-publishing it, is a different story altogether. I’ll often read a CNF submission and think, Well, the author clearly cares about this, but I don’t. The hard truth is that a really difficult event does not automatically turn a story into publishable material. Tragedy does not CNF make.

Tragedy does not CNF make.

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fellow editor at the Baltimore Review once said this, and it stuck with me. When people go through a tough time (e.g., divorce, loss of a loved one, or a medical crisis), often they write about it and then try to publish it.

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The first and most important element to establish is the message or theme behind your story. What’s the main point? If it’s “I miss my husband,” the story is still all about you. That’s great for a private journal but not for a public one. If instead you want to show how the small, everyday things can trigger large feelings of loss . . . well, now we’re getting somewhere.

Likewise, a story about a breakup will only make readers care if there’s a point beyond “He was a jerk” or “I feel depressed now.” Instead, pick a theme that relates to your story and your audience. Maybe it’s that people make decisions too quickly. Maybe it’s that we need to learn self-love before loving others. Whatever it is, grab on to that idea and use it to lift your story above the tragedy. Bring in imagery to show the emotions, avoid soliloquies, and let dialogue do the heavy lifting. Keep asking yourself the following: Why do I want to share this? What’s in it for the reader?

What emotions do I want them to walk away with?

So how do you write an emotional CNF piece that does speak to the reader?

Here’s the secret: a good creative nonfiction story has to be about more than just you. Ask yourself why you want to share this story. What’s the purpose for putting it out to the public? Is it to be heard? Is it to find validation? If so—and this can be hard to swallow—it’s all about you. And in that case, there’s no room for the reader.

When you share a story to create an experience for the reader, to create awareness or give encouragement, then you’re no longer just writing for yourself.

You’re not just writing about yourself either. You’re turning your work into something universal that readers can not only relate to but find meaning in.

The difficulty in writing tragic CNF is that it has to rise above the tragedy. That doesn’t mean it can’t get dark and dirty and dwell in the sad things, but it also can’t be a pity-party. So, how do you rise above the tragedy? How do you create a story that is not just about you but about your readers as well?

There are many methods to create a CNF piece that has both emotion and objectivity, but those just build upon what should already be there: a strong reason for sharing your work and a core message for the readers. Tragedy does not make CNF, but theme and thoughtful emotion do.

Adina is a book editor based in Baltimore, MD. Her business, EdelmanEdits, helps authors and small publishing companies mine their message, unearthing the gold in every story—not just the grammar issues. Adina works with Israel Bookshop, Circle Publishing, Mosaica Press, Menucha Publishers, and more.

You can find out more about her editing services at edelmanedits.com and connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ adinaedelman.

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www.breakthroughauthorsbookclub.com Featured books and authors:

Sandra Martinez Roe

In celebration of Earth Day 2024: Hello Earth Club is a story about a group of climate curious friends who set out to connect with the world and change it before the climate does.

Join the journey as these kids approach a complicated subject with kindness, inclusivity, and the optimism a change of this magnitude requires.

Whether you live on land, the air, or the sea, we are all connected and that is key.

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Nancy Mayer A powerful advisory board brings its successes, experience, and expertise to your table. Expect a properly facilitated seasoned team to collaborate and build capital, connections, and ideas in your favor. This collective of six to eight diverse professionals condenses timelines, eliminates costly mistakes, and expands your sphere of influence to increase your growth exponentially and help secure your next round of funding.

“Less than 6% of startups and small to medium businesses have a formalized advisory board and the ones that do are seeing 3X revenues and 2X productivity for a substantial impact on profitability.” Business Development Bank of Canada Report The value and power of advisory boards is one of the best knowledgebased investments with a very high ROI which capitalizes on the current trends in society - working together to co-create better solutions. Whether a Strategic, Customer (CAB), Community or Peer board, the Advisory Board Builder proprietary approach will deliver tools for monetary, performance and relational capital rewards.

This book will show you: • How the RIGHT advisory board can add huge value and a competitive advantage to your business’ bottom line • Five steps to having an engaged, effective advisory board • How to make board meetings fun and interactive with actionable results • Which type of advisory board is the best option for your organization and how to implement it successfully

“A wise advisor’s hindsight is your foresight.”

Nancy Mayer

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Crisis as a Catalyst: Enhancing Author-Audience Bonds Through Storytelling

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n the heart of every crisis lies a story waiting to be told, a story that can transform mere words into a bridge of empathy and connection. For authors, these stories are not just narratives; they’re powerful tools that can elevate their visibility, enhance their connection with audiences, and ultimately, boost their book sales.

At its core, storytelling is about forging connections. When authors share their crisis stories - whether on social media, during podcast interviews, from the stage, or in their written content - they are doing more than just recounting events. They are offering a piece of themselves, inviting their audience into a shared experience that can foster deep understanding and empathy. This connection is crucial, as empathy acts as an antidote to shame, a feeling that often leaves people feeling isolated and unworthy. By sharing their stories, authors not only open up new opportunities for relationships but also make their audience feel seen, understood, and connected.

Embracing the power of crisis in storytelling is not just about sharing experiences; it’s about creating a space where empathy thrives and connections are forged.

But how do you tell a crisis story effectively?

Let’s delve into the crisis story framework to guide authors in crafting compelling narratives: Set the Scene: Begin by establishing the time and place. This sets the foundation for the audience to visualize and immerse themselves in your story. A gripping start like, “It was a hot summer day in 2003, but my hands were cold as ice…” immediately draws the reader in, setting the tone for the crisis that unfolds.

Articulate the Problem: Clearly define the crisis. What was the challenge or problem faced? More importantly, how did it make you feel? This is where authors connect with their audience on an emotional level, allowing them to empathize with the experience.

Provide a Resolution and Moral: This part involves outlining the steps taken to resolve the crisis. What actions did you take? What was the outcome?

Conclude with the moral or lesson learned from the experience. This not only provides closure to the story but also offers value to the audience.

Relate to the Broader Context: Finally, tie the personal experience back to a broader context.

How does your story serve the audience? This step is crucial for making your story resonate with readers on a deeper level, showing them how your experience is relevant to their own lives.

By mastering this framework, authors can transform their personal crises into compelling narratives that do more than captivate; they build bridges of empathy and understanding.

These stories are not just tales of hardship and resolution; they are tools for authors to increase their visibility, connect deeply with their audience, and ultimately, sell more books.

Embracing the power of crisis in storytelling is not just about sharing experiences; it’s about creating a space where empathy thrives and connections are forged. For authors, this isn’t just a method of engagement; it’s a pathway to creating lasting impact with their words, turning every crisis into an opportunity to connect, inspire, and grow.

Aleya Harris, CPCE is the spark for your sparkTM. She is a powerhouse StoryBrand Certified Guide, Strategic Storytelling Consultant, empire-building CEO of The Evolution Collective Inc., host of the Radical Rebirth Retreat, LLC, host of the award-winning Flourishing Entrepreneur Podcast, and international award-winning speaker. Aleya helps business leaders overcome communication and differentiation challenges by sharing radically authentic stories that transform workplace culture and carve unique market niches.

Media Kit with photos, etc: www.aleyaharris.com/media-kit

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Bundles and Boxes, Oh My!

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Creative Ways to Direct-Sell Your Book

n last month’s issue, I gave you the primer on direct selling in my article Getting the Most Bang for Your Book With Direct Selling. At the very end of that article I mentioned getting creative and creating your own opportunities for selling your book directly. But sometimes as authors we have a hard time thinking outside of the box when it comes to packaging our book in unique ways.

We are so close to our book and so deep in the weeds we might overlook the possibilities. Or, depending on where we are in the writing or publishing process, we may simpy lack the energetic capacity to think beyond what’s right ahead of us. So

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today I’m helping you get creative when it comes to direct-selling your book based on things I’ve tried myself as an author.

LAUNCH BUNDLES When I was launching my first memoir, Dear Universe, I Get it Now: Letters on the Art and Journey of Being Brave and Being Me, I decided to bundle the book with a number of other things that were branded to the book’s aesthetic and message. Each bundle had a signed copy of my book; a matching bookmark, pen, and coffee mug; a black and white composition notebook (because that matched my cover design); and an invitation to a 20-minute virtual coffee chat with me.

For nonfiction authors, especially those who have thought-leaders books that are aligned to their businesses, bundles can be a way to showcase or highlight your expertise. Your book is your thought-leadership. Pair that with some kind of freebie–a checklist, workbook, or template–that helps your ideal client implement some element of the thought-leadership.

Top it off with an invitation to speak with you for a free strategy call and a small item (pen, bookmark, bookplate, mousepad, etc.). Now you’ve got one heck of a bundle that you can sell, but also that bedazzles your audience and gives them a chance to speak with you.

You can donate your bundle or box to a conference prize drawing.

If you want to make everything digital, you can send an ebook version of your book, a digital download of the freebie, and an electronic invite to speak with you. Just skip the promotional item and nothing has to be physically mailed.

GIFT BOXES I love gift boxes or subscription boxes and I love card decks. And over the last few years since Dear Universe, I Get it Now came out, I’ve been asked umpteen times if there will ever be a journal to accompany the book. So, this past year I took all of those ideas and created my own gift box that centered around my book.

With the critical help of an intern, we created a bravery card deck that leveraged content already available in the back of my book and we also created a very simple, 28-page unofficial journal companion. I made custom boxes to match the book’s aesthetic and then put the book, the card deck, the journal, and other items I had made back when the book launched (bookmarks, pens, bookplates) inside. I timed the sale of the boxes around the holidays so people could purchase them as gifts. The biggest benefit, however, is that now that everything is created, people can either purchase the box or the book and in either case a book will always make its way to a reader.

For a gift box, have fun playing around with what items might complement your book or your brand. Maybe you’re a huge coffee drinker and that’s known to your audience by the things you post or the photos you have of you with all your favorite mugs. So, put coffee in your box. Maybe your book is all about organization, so consider putting post-it notes, note pads, or a calendar. Think about the things your book and your brand center around to come up with items that would go well inside your box.

SELLING OR GIVING AWAY? You can choose to sell your bundles or boxes or you can use them as free promotional items.

You can donate your bundle or box to a conference prize drawing.

You can send your bundle or box as a client gift. You can run a giveaway on social to warm up that audience that’s following you..

I’ve done both; I’ve sold bundles and boxes and I’ve also given some complimentary. Both can be effective activities even if only one brings in a little cash. The point is to get your book into the hands of readers and packaging your book in a fresh and new way. Your book is forever and your job of promoting it is forever, too. Promoting can get awfully repetitive and tedious if you don’t find new ways to do it. Whether it’s bundles or boxes or something else, have fun, get creative, and direct sell when you can.

Alyssa Berthiaume (usually known as Ally, but published under A.Y.) is the founder of The Write Place, Right Time, her virtual boutique of book coaching and ghostwriting services. Berthiaume serves leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries across North America and Europe in writing the books that will light up their world and ours. Berthiaume is also the award-winning author of Dear Universe, I Get it Now: Letters on the Art and Journey of Being Brave and Being Me and the co-author of Do Not Write a Book...Until You Read This one.

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3 Tips for Booking MORE Speaking Engagements

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o you ever feel like booking speaking engagements to talk about your book, including conferences, podcasts, and summits, is like throwing spaghetti at the wall?

You reach out, reach out and reach out, and you are still waiting to hear back.

You could FINALLY speak to someone and pitch yourself as a speaker.

You pitch, and pitch, and pitch…

Only to get a “thank you, maybe next time” response. …What if you had the inside track?

If you want to book more inperson and online speaking engagements, you have to know a few key things – 3 things, to be exact.

Ready?

1. Be Proactive Figure out who your industry leaders are…and follow them on social media. Yes, I’m telling you to (politely) stalk them – look at the conferences they have spoken at and podcasts they have been on. Do a quick

Google search to find out more about those speaking opportunities and contact them about presenting your information.

For bonus points, scroll all the way to the bottom of that Google Results Page, and you’ll see “Searches related to…” You can use those suggestions to help you find similar events podcasts, and conferences. Once you’ve got your “speaking opportunity list,” start reaching out. You may need to go through an application process so be prepared to clearly state the benefits of having you speak.

Keep this in mind: They may ask for a Speaker One Sheet, which highlights you, your expertise, and your speaking topic. Please do not create your one sheet in a Word document because the organization, summit host, or podcaster won’t give you the time of day. With programs like Canva, anyone can create a professional looking Speaker One Sheet.

2. Take a BIG Leap Are you worried you’re not “big enough” to get noticed?

AmondaRose Igoe provides Speaker Coaching and Training specializing in Authors, Coaches, Consultants and Service Based Businesses. She provides high-caliber group, and private coaching services focused on Mastering Your Message, Monetizing Your Talk & Masterfully Book Speaking Engagements. AmondaRose has over twenty years of experience as a master trainer, speaker and coach. www.Amondarose.com.

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If yes, it is time to let that go!

Find out who the speaker coordinator is for that event that you’re dreaming about and reach out anyway. Consider video or do it in a unique way – send a card via snail mail, record your pitch on video, or connect with them on a call.

Sometimes, the biggest leap is the one worth taking.

And, when you do speak at an event, be sure to network – speak to the event coordinator, speaker coordinator, and other speakers… build those relationships because you never know who will recommend you for that next big gig. Remember, the connection is only as good as the follow up so stay in touch, so you stay “top of mind.”

3. Say YES When the Opportunity Presents Itself I’m not a fan of applying for every single conference, summit or podcast that could be a fit for you – but I am a fan of applying for speaking engagements that provide additional revenue opportunities.

Speaking opportunities get even better if you are allowed to make an offer from the stage. Consider offering a program package that can include group training, private coaching, online course and even an autographed copy of your book. That way you can generate even more revenue and hone your speaking craft.

Only some events will let you make an offer from the stage, so it’s important to know whether or not you’ll be compensated and/or allowed to make an offer to increase your compensation. Simply ask this question “May I make an offer at the end of my presentation?”

Remember, stay persistent, be adaptable, and above all, believe in the value you bring to each stage.

So, go ahead, apply these strategies, and get ready to share your voice and expertise with an eager audience waiting to hear from you.

Podcast Guest Blunders

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odcast guesting is a fabulous way to grow your business and book sales. But a lot of things can go wrong as you go about pitching yourself. If you’re trying to guest on other people’s podcasts, you must respect the host the way you want to be respected in return. How do you pitch yourself to guest on a show? Or, more importantly, how do you not pitch yourself?

Blunder #1: Talking all about you.

I love it when people come through and say they are a $1 million podcast guest. That’s a red flag that they are going to sell on your show. That’s a hard pass. Also, if they say anything about broadcasting or Emmy Award winners or any of those things, that’s not a guest I want. I screen these out.

It’s all about their ego and not about substance.

Blunder #2: Telling me that you have a top-ranked show (or book).

When you tell me your show is #1 on the charts, that’s a no from me. I just want to laugh. If you’re saying this, then you are hyping your success.

“My show (or book) is in the top 5%.”

The chart and list companies have done a really good job of making people think that it matters. Reality check: in podcasting, the top 5% on consists of pretty much any show that is breathing. Everyone and anyone can rank. Just like any book can top a chart on Amazon.

Blunder #3: Writing a long diatribe about you.

Mostly, I find that these are done by agencies. I find that guests and hosts are a time-crunched and will write shorter things. If an agency is pitching you, they feel like they have to justify

their fee by writing this whole diatribe about you, and it’s actually hurting you. The longer it is, the worse it is, and the less I want to read it, especially if you don’t capture me in the first sentence.

So what makes a great guest pitch?

First, reach out to me directly. If you cannot take the time to reach out to me directly, then you don’t deserve to be on my show. Your agent or assistant are not going to make a great guest.

Second, let me know how it benefits my audience. I once got a phone call and they said, “We have got a client of ours who’s this author who’s written this book that is of value to your audience. If we send you the book, would you be willing to evaluate the audience fit?”

I thought, “Maybe. We rarely have authors, but that sounds interesting.”

They sent the book to me to review and see if it was a good fit before even getting the guest booked. It was personal, and in my control, not pushy or generic.

Tracy Hazzard is a seasoned media expert with over 2600 interviews from articles in Authority Magazine, BuzzFeed, and her Inc. Magazine column; and from her multiple top-ranked videocasts and podcasts like The Binge Factor and Feed Your Brand – one of CIO’s Top 26 Entrepreneur Podcasts.

Tracy brings diverse views from what works and what doesn’t work in marketing, branding and media from thought leaders and industry icons redefining success around the globe.

Tracy’s unique gift to the podcasting, marketing, and branding world is being able to identify that unique binge-able factor – the thing that makes people come back again and again, listen actively, share as raving fans, and buy everything you have to sell.

Bottom line: Show me how you are a value to my audience, like the pitcher who said, “I binge listened to your show, The Binge Factor. I have a show.

It has 100 episodes (or more), and this is the tip I’d love to share.” Done.

My favorite is when somebody comes in and says, “I have an audience on LinkedIn of 10,000 people who are in the digital marketing space, and I think they’d be a good match for your audience because…” Awesome! Done.

That’s what’s in it for me – audience exposure. That’s what makes you a great guest adding value to the host and their audience.

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To Tag or Not To Tag, Is that even a question?

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Increase Your Exposure On YouTube With The Right Tags

n the bustling world of YouTube, where creators strive for visibility and engagement, authors find a unique platform to connect with readers.

However, amidst the vast sea of content, how do authors ensure that their videos stand out? The answer lies in the often underestimated yet powerful tool - tagging. How many people less informed will forgo tagging their

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YouTube Videos because they don’t realize the importance of them.

Let’s dive into the vibrant world of YouTube and unravel the secrets behind effective tagging for authors promoting their books.

with diverse content, strategic tagging ensures your videos are easily discoverable by potential readers. Don’t let your content get lost in the YouTube wilderness; tags act as signposts leading your ideal audience straight to you and your gifts.

Why Tagging Matters: Discoverability Boost: Tagging is your passport to visibility. In a realm teeming

Tag Congruence for YouTube’s Favor: YouTube appreciates tag congruence. Create a tag

In the vast YouTube landscape, where attention is fleeting, tagging becomes your beacon, guiding readers right to you. So, authors, tag with intent, tag with precision, and let your bookish brilliance shine in the vastness of YouTube. ecosystem that flows naturally, providing a holistic feel to your channel. When tags align with your content and each other, YouTube recognizes the thematic consistency, further boosting your video’s visibility.

In other words, YouTube helps promote those who play the tagging game.

The Art of Tagging: Crafting tags is an art. Break down your video title into specific tags that encapsulate different aspects of your content. For instance, if your video is about “Top Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors,” break it down into tags like “Writing Tips,” “Aspiring Authors,” and “Author Advice.”

This nuanced approach caters to a broader audience while ensuring specificity. It’s also important that you not only choose tags that have to do with your content but that they are in alignment with what your audience is searching for. Make it easy for them to find you.

Verbatim Brilliance: Ever thought of your video title as a tag? Embrace continuity by adding your video title as one of your tags - verbatim. This not only reinforces the relevance of your content but also enhances searchability,

allowing your audience to find you seamlessly.

The Tubebuddy Advantage: Don’t know how to tag proficiently? Does all of this sound a bit challenging? No worries, you can harness the full potential of tagging by using tools like Tubebuddy for precise keyword searches. Tailor your tags to align with your book’s genre, theme, and target audience. Tubebuddy’s insights act as a compass, guiding you to the tags that resonate most with your ideal reader.

Conclusion: In the dynamic world of YouTube, where every click counts, tagging emerges as the unsung hero of an author’s promotional strategy. Don’t undermine the importance of these virtual signposts that guide readers to your literary haven. Take the time to tag thoughtfully, leveraging tools like Tubebuddy for precision.

Remember, a tag isn’t just a label; it’s a pathway between you and your ideal reader. In the vast YouTube landscape, where attention is fleeting, tagging becomes your beacon, guiding readers right to you.

So, authors, tag with intent, tag with precision, and let your bookish brilliance shine in the vastness of YouTube.

Fran Asaro is a YouTube Mentor and founder of the Senior Tuber Community - helping Authors and Entrepreneurs Start and Grow their YouTube Channels by teaching optimization tips and monetization techniques. For more information on how Fran serves the Senior Tuber Content Creator Community Fran promotes TubeBuddy as YouTube’s best friend and doesn’t upload a video without it. For a shorter upload experience and better reach, Sign up for TubeBuddy here. If you have under 1000 subscribers, use RisingStarBuddy for your 50% promotional code.

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Striking the Right Balance between Uncertainty and Complexity

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n 2009, Graeme Wood, Australian digital entrepreneur and philanthropist, wrote: Change has never happened this fast before, and it will never be this slow again.

complexity, as it determines the business’s success.

Hold onto your hats…2024 is in high gear!

Here are a few recommendations to get you started:

There are moments (many of them) when growing our business feels like careening down a steep hill with failing brakes.

1. Purpose is essential.

Today’s consumers want to do business with businesses of like values and purpose. Know your “why” to build trust and strengthen client relationships. Develop transparency of your core values to protect and promote your brand.

An accelerated pace of change ushers in an entire slew of complications. Add conflicting headlines and confusing economic indicators, and the future feels tentative.

What do we do?

Put on the brakes? Hunker down until certainty returns? Anyone who survived the 2008 economic downturn or COVID knows firsthand the impact of uncertainty.

Admittedly, I sometimes feel like Chicken Little running around, clucking on how “the sky is falling.”

Yet, I worry — especially for entrepreneurs who dedicate blood, sweat, and tears to growing their passion.

The Big Exam Complexity tests our skills to balance it all out. Do we have what it takes to adapt and transform our organizations? The real challenge is keeping pace. Staying relevant. Being competitive.

It’s essential to get the right balance between uncertainty and

The time is NOW – not tomorrow – to take massive action to protect, optimize, & grow into the future.

2. Clarify your business.

If someone is to ask, what business are you in, can you quickly – and clearly — say? Business lucidity is a must. It’s a real head-scratcher but a journey in distinctiveness that is worth the ride.

3. Future vision.

Knowing where you’re going guides your direction and makes you a wise, strategic decision-maker. Since you’re the curator of your dream, be sure it’s compelling to you.

4. Optimize business operations.

Combining (wo)man and machine with digital solutions increases productivity by more than 30%.

This frees you to focus on the most critical priority.

5. Be bold. Be brave.

You’ve got this! You’re intelligent and intuitive. Trust yourself – and your data – to help you take significant, courageous steps into a better tomorrow.

Jackie Nagel is the Founder of Synnovatia, a strategic business coaching and consultancy firm. She is known for her unwavering commitment to supporting small businesses and her deep interest in science-based performance strategies. Jackie’s approach involves providing personalized strategic coaching tailored to the individual needs of her clients, both on a personal and professional level.

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6. Invest in technology. Leverage technology to drive consistency between what you say and what you deliver. A gap of any kind is detrimental to the future of your business.

7. Develop an adaptive mindset.

Rather than perfect today, understand the complexity of your market to identify opportunities in your industry. Balance market trends with timely decisionmaking. A flexible mindset allows you to respond quickly to change so you can thrive.

8. Master strategic decision-making.

It’s required in a complex ecosystem. Sharpen the “why, what, and how” of your decisions to accelerate growth.

9. Get connected.

The more we connect, the quicker we learn. Tap into your community to help monitor changing environments. Maybe join our Mastermind for the Messy Middle!

10. Ask questions.

The better the question. The better the answer. The better your business works.

11. Stay healthy.

Building a business means working relentless hours, but it also means staying healthy - mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Navigating the balance of uncertainty and complexity is one of our most significant challenges.

And yet, an open mind to learning, a healthy lifestyle, and focus and clarity are our best Wayfinder.

Her clients greatly appreciate her keen insights into what it takes to succeed in a constantly changing and increasingly demanding business environment.

For more information about Jackie Nagel and the services offered by Synnovatia, you can visit their website at www.synnovatia.com.

From Selfie Sellers to Authentic Servers: Building Trust in the Social Media Jungle

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n today’s hyper-connected world, social media has become a powerful tool for individuals and businesses to promote themselves and their products. But with the influx of sellers saturating social platforms, it’s becoming increasingly important to stand out by adopting a different approach. This is where the concept of being a server rather than a seller comes into play.

The idea behind being a server is fundamentally rooted in the ageold wisdom of “show, don’t tell.”

Instead of bombarding others with self-aggrandizing claims, becoming a server involves showcasing your expertise, knowledge, and accomplishments through authentic content and genuine engagement.

By utilizing this approach, you not only build trust with your audience but also contribute to their growth and success.

One of the key characteristics of a server is their focus on sharing the accomplishments of their clients.

By highlighting the achievements of others, you demonstrate that your ultimate goal is to help your clients succeed, rather than just boosting your own ego. Through testimonials, case studies, and success stories, you can effectively show your audience how your products or services have made a positive impact on real people.

Moreover, as a server, you actively engage with your audience by sharing valuable articles, posts, and information from power partners.

This not only demonstrates your expertise, but also positions you as a reliable source of information.

By curating content that educates and informs, you show your commitment to helping others in your field, rather than solely promoting your own agenda.

To be a better server, it is crucial to utilize tools that empower your followers to learn and grow. Instead of focusing solely on self-promotion, provide resources, tutorials, and how-to guides that genuinely assist your audience in achieving their goals. This approach shifts the emphasis toward their development, creating a reciprocal relationship based on mutual success.

On the other hand, sellers often place themselves at the center of attention. Their posts are riddled with constant images of themselves presenting a front of self-assurance and success. Although branding is important, when self-promotion becomes excessive, it risks alienating potential customers, appearing narcissistic rather than genuine.

In addition, sellers may rely on storytelling that, in theory, aims to be vulnerable but often revolves

around their own achievements and experiences. While personal anecdotes can be valuable, it is essential to strike a balance and avoid making every story about oneself. True vulnerability comes from sharing experiences that connect with and resonate with the audience rather than solely serving as a self-serving sales pitch.

Lastly, sellers may often resort to tools that relentlessly push sales calls. While promoting one’s products or services is important, it is equally vital to offer value without constantly leading followers to sales pitches. Instead, focus on building relationships, providing insights, and establishing trust. A genuine server transforms followers into loyal customers through authenticity and the value they offer.

Ultimately, being a server rather than a seller is about creating connections, building trust, and putting the needs of others first. By consistently demonstrating your expertise, highlighting client achievements, and sharing valuable content, you can establish yourself as a trusted resource in your field. Remember, it’s not about bragging and self-promotion but about serving and helping others.

Embrace the server mentality and watch as your reputation grows while forming genuine relationships that extend beyond social media.

Juliet Clark is a six- time author, speaker and podcaster who has spent the last twenty years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses all over the world build expert audiences.

She started out as a mystery novelist and is best known or her books Gypsy, Granny Heist, and Dead by Dawn, and Pitchslapped. At age 46, she received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an avid hiker and golfer.

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The Power of the Pause:

A Prescription for Mindful Eating

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n the intricate dance of human physiology, the body seamlessly transitions between various states to adapt to its surroundings. Depending on how you react to your surroundings, can play a significant role even in your health results. It was W. Clement Stone who said, “Big doors swing on little hinges” and like those little hinges, the way you breathe in response to a situation and in every moment, will activate your internal systems that can swing big doors.

How you breathe will activate one of the two primary pathways that accompany a cascade of hormones. Like those big doors, it will either open the sympathetic system, also known as the fight-flight system or the other called the parasympathetic system, often referred to as the rest-and-digest response. Each of these play pivotal roles in shaping your experiences, including that of food relationships and digestion.

Fight or Flight: The Sympathetic Pathway When you are stressed or observing others in stress (such as watching the news), you are likely in shallow breathing whereby the fight-or-flight response is activated. In this state, adrenaline and your heart rate increase to prepare the body for immediate action. This survival mechanism is essential in times of danger, but in modern life, chronic activation can disrupt harmony in bodily functions and compound the risks of diseases like heart diseases and digestive disorders.

Although you may not be running from a mammoth any time soon, the fight-flight response ignites stress hormones like cortisol in everyday moments such as driving in traffic while frustrated. Do you eat while driving or scrolling on social media? Your cortisol levels may be rising while eating which can be a recipe for weight gain, high sugars, blood pressure, malabsorption of nutrients and digestive discomfort etc.

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Rest and Digest: The Parasympathetic Pathway Conversely, the rest-and-digest mode fosters a calm and nourishing environment for optimal digestion.

During periods of relaxation and calm breathing, the parasympathetic system allows the body the necessary hormones like serotonin to optimize digestion and nutrient absorption.

Throughout the day, the body is adjusting back and forth from the fight-flight to the rest-and-digest, all by how you breathe. The more you cultivate relaxation practices, especially before meals, the more you unlock the practice of mindful eating.

The Power of the Pause: Breathe Love Eat Do you experience heartburn/reflux? Are you an emotional eater? How do you breathe while you eat? A practice of mindful eating is about being aware of how you breathe while consuming food.

This practice also involves slowing down and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues. Mindful eating supplemented with a serene atmosphere during meals, free from distractions, further supports “rest to digest.” You might discover these small moves to have big changes in your digestive health and emotional eating.

In my book The Domino Diet: How to Heal You from the Inside Out, The Power of the Pause Prescription, is a key step towards mindful eating.

Taking a moment or two before eating can allow you to connect to your breath, assess your physical and emotional state, assess cravings, reset hunger cues, and may even boost your metabolism.

Follow the Power of the Pause Prescription with a dose of gratitude and savor the journey of a positive relationship with food again. You really can feel good about loving food, as you nourish to flourish, starting with how you breathe. Breathe Love Eat in that order with the Power of the Pause.

The Power of the Pause Prescription: Take 3 times a day or as needed.

P-Pause and Breathe A-Aware of your surroundings—turn off negative news etc.

U-Uni-task-Be present with eating---MINDFUL. S-Slow Down to allow your food to digest and know when to stop when full.

E-Enjoy with gratitude as you Nourish to Flourish!

Affirmation: “I Nourish to Flourish with a The Power of the Pause”

Karie Cassell Article Bio Karie Cassell brings “Nourish to Flourish” message as a soughtafter speaker and #1Bestelling author of The Domino DietHow to Heal You from The Inside Out. Combining her life coach certification, alternative and non-alternative medicine as a dietitian for 30 years, Karie’s unique formula unlocks patterns of self-sabotage while putting the HEAL back in HEALTH. Look for her soon to be released courses on The Domino Diet Formula and Cracking the Craving Code for your Full Spectrum Wellbeing.

For Power of the Pause Prescription and Meditation to

Nourish to Flourish while you eat, click the link.

https://www.kariecassell.com/pause

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Tell Me About

Yourself G

etting ready for that big job interview? What questions do you think about as you prepare for it? You’ve honed responses to a range of standard questions: what you’re hoping for in your next role. Strengths and opportunities for development. How you managed a tricky situation or colleague.

And you’ll knock the interviewer out of their seat when you finesse how you handle stress or conflict. Well done you!

Then the mother icebreaker of all icebreakers pops up: “Tell me about yourself.” At last, time to talk about my favorite subject: me. “Well, I’m married to an amazing wife…” Hold up, hold up!

Because I’m not. My answer would start off with, “Well I’m married to an amazing man.” Or I wouldn’t answer the question that way at all if I wasn’t comfortable sharing that information. That added layer of what we in the LGBTQ+ community think about before an interview is fraught with potential pitfalls.

What is the culture of this organization like? Do they have an ERG for LGBTQ+ people like me? Is anyone like me even close to the top of the org charts here?

Such questions drive our responses. We might tell the truth and nothing but the truth, but the whole truth might harm our chances of landing that coveted new job.

Asked to talk about themselves, a straight person is more likely to just jump right into it. With the LGBTQ+ community, the brain power that goes into our answer could jumpstart a car.

So, we think about the answer based on our audience, and how important it is to

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tell this whole truth. At least until, with any luck, we reach a point in our careers where it doesn’t matter anymore. But until we do, it does matter. Whether we need this job or the one after that, we go into that interview with words chosen more carefully than a straight person.

Here’s the Catch-22: when we worry about whether our sexuality matters and edit our stories accordingly, we won’t show up as our authentic selves. That impression alone makes the interviewer consider other, more authentic candidates over us, so that the very thing we focused on to land that next position has the unintended consequence of causing us to lose it.

I get it. Not everyone has that luxury across the span of their careers. It isn’t always possible to be out and authentic and land that next job. A roof over one’s head and food to eat is sort of important, so we make tradeoffs.

For those of us who do interview with organizations where being LGBTQ+ does not matter, what if we made those stories about ourselves not only authentic, but beautiful? What if we wove a rich narrative about our journey to who we are today? What if we elaborated on how our viewpoints and opinions can come only from someone who has traveled in our shoes? What if we finally, finally, told them not only about ourselves and nothing but ourselves, but our whole selves as well?

What if we could put those what-ifs behind us, head to that next interview and be that authentic person that each of us deserves to be? What a story we could tell.

Kevin is a native Texan who began his career in telecommunications before joining the public accounting firm of Ernst & Young. While there, he earned his International Coaching Federation certification and the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential.

After he retired, he founded Consilium Coaching, which provides leadership coaching for members of the LGBTQ community and their allies.

Kevin is the author of the book “Opening the Corporate Closet: Transforming Bias to Gay Advancement in Corporate America.”

Want

Fans?

Your Novel Must Deliver

T

here is one thing that your fiction book must deliver: a great story that pays off. Story is a highly misunderstood concept.

Have you ever picked up a book that promises a grand adventure (in the style of the genre you prefer), but fails to deliver? What a disappointment for the reader, and worse, as the author, you lose fans.

The key is this: readers want a rollercoaster ride of emotions, twists and turns, and a payoff at the end. If your book fails to give them this experience, they will simply move on to another source. In fiction, it means you must tell a compelling story.

“So, how do I do that?” you ask.

The solution is simple, but not always easy: learn narrative structure. Learn it inside out and upside down and apply it to every story you write.

Think of structure as the blueprint for your story to unfold in a way that brings your reader along for a fun ride. You can create any style of story you want, any genre, but without the foundation of structure, it will most likely fall flat.

Without structure, writers tend to find themselves struggling with overwhelming story problems. One of the biggest problems is explaining what’s going on rather than having your characters live the experience on the page.

It’s frustrating for a reader when an author explains the stories, and one of the most overused copouts is flashbacks.

They are becoming more prevalent these days, and that’s sad because it means people are losing the ability to share stories in a way that engages the reader.

Same with movies. When writers keep constantly dropping into the backstory, it’s because the author doesn’t have a blueprint for the actual story that we are here to experience.

Here’s the easiest way to figure out if you are explaining rather than letting us live the story: if you feel like your readers won’t get it unless you explain all this backstory, then you have a major story problem.

The first step to fixing a story problem: drop the audience into the middle of the action. In terms of structure, this is the catalyst that starts the journey. For example: in the first Harry Potter book, readers drop right into Harry’s life right now.

He’s an eleven-year-old boy shoved into a closet under the stairs and basically a slave to the family he lives with. Then the catalyst that draws the protagonist into the journey: magical letters from Hogwarts, inviting Harry to attend, start flying in, much to his uncle’s dismay.

Kristy Boyd Johnson is an award-winning children’s author, and has ghostwritten over 30 books for entrepreneurs over the years. She is a sought-after developmental editor and transformational book coach. She recently launched Starseed Journey Retreats because she can’t imagine anything better than being a beautiful location with beautiful people who want to reconnect with their deepest selves through writing.

Notice that Rowling doesn’t explain that the Dursleys are awful – she shows us by the way they talk, the way they act, and in Harry’s reaction to them. Readers are immediately drawn into the story – we want to know more about Harry being a wizard, and what a wizarding school is, and how will his life change. We find out how Harry’s parents died when he finds out. And flashbacks?

The only time she uses a flashback is when Harry (the main character) actually remembers something from his blank past.

Bottom line: your reader wants to experience a roller coaster ride of emotions – the ups, downs, and twists of the protagonist’s journey. If you give readers that in a way that makes them feel like they are living the story with the character, they will become your raving fans.

Connect with me: https://calendly.com/ livingmycreativity/ chatwithkristy

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Tips to Break Through the Communication Clutter

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t’s not easy to get your yourself and your work seen. On average, we are hit with as many as 10,000 ads every day. Yup, 10,000! That’s nearly double what we saw six years ago. But only about 25% of those are relevant.

We’re getting hit on multiple fronts since there are so many marketing channels to choose from. It’s great to have options, but a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to sell your book in the midst of a million other books.

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Be honest and transparent in your messaging and avoid making false promises or overhyping your products or services.

Add to that that it can take as many as 20 touch points on multiple marketing platforms before making a sale.

If that doesn’t have you running for the hills, the average person bounces around between seven social media networks a month.

So where to begin?

Here are a few budget marketing tips to break through the bombardment of marketing messages and get in front of your ideal customer.

1. You are Most Likely NOT your Customer As much as 40 percent of your marketing success (defined as closing a deal) depends on your audience.

Before you even begin marketing, whether that’s running an ad or using your owned media (website, social media, database), make sure you have a crystal-clear picture of who you are talking to. Here are a few things to consider: ● What are his/her hobbies? ● How old are the kids? ● Rescue or purebred dog? ● What social causes are most important?

This will help you better understand what language, colors, and images your customer will best respond to.

Should you take a casual and humorous tone or be more serious and buttoned-up?

How old are the people in the photos you’re using? Is purple or red more likely to resonate?

The more you know about your audience, the more strongly your message will connect.

2. KISS You have no more than eight seconds to capture your customer’s attention, whether that’s on your site or a social post. So, simplicity is key.

40 percent of the chance of making a sale depends on the strength and relevance of your offer. Your message should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or complex terminology that may confuse or turn off your audience.

Tell your prospects how you can solve their pain, whether that’s through a unique service, lower price point, giveaway, or event.

3. Pick Your Personality The final 20 percent of marketing success is how your material is presented. This includes the visuals you’re using. Use high quality, custom photos, videos, graphics and infographics that reflect the personality of your ideal customer. Too many authors use stock photos. We all know they’re stock photos. Spend the $9 to get a photo that’s a better fit or even better, spring for a professional photo shoot.

Use a great video editing or design tool like Canva to amp up the professionalism. Use humor, creativity, or emotion in your content.

4. Go to Where Your audience “Lives” You want to make sure that you use an omni-channel approach, posting and advertising on multiple digital and traditional channels. That includes social media, texts, emails, paid ads, and traditional media such as direct mail, event sponsorships and speaking engagements.

Go where your target audience spends their time and tailor your message accordingly. For example, if your audience is primarily women between 18 and 34, focus on Instagram. If they’re more likely to respond to email, make sure your message is optimized for that channel.

Here’s a surprising marketing trend: Direct mail is back, especially for small businesses.

Many marketers report that direct mail delivers the highest return on investment (ROI), engagement and conversion. Even among millennials.

Lisa Munjack is the President of Munjack Marketing, Queen Bee of the “Empollinate” small business owner online marketing course and coowner of Verona Yoga. For most of her professional career, she led the Promotion Department at the New York Post. 10 years ago, she formed a virtual marketing agency, Munjack Marketing. Munjack Marketing is a full-service marketing department for B2B and B2C businesses with up to 50 employees. They specialize in content marketing. The agency’s sweet spot is familyowned businesses. She lives in Verona, NJ with her husband, plus a Bichpoo puppy who she is convinced is partially possessed by a demon. Her son graduated from Temple University and her daughter is at University of South Carolina.

5. Be Authentic In a world where consumers are increasingly skeptical of marketing messages, authenticity is critical.

Be honest and transparent in your messaging and avoid making false promises or overhyping your products or services. Your audience will appreciate your honesty and be more likely to trust you in the future.

Getting your marketing message to break boldly through the noise requires a deep, multi-faceted understanding of your customer, a clear and concise message, unique visuals, and authenticity.

By incorporating these marketing tips and strategies, you’re on the right path to building a marketing plan that grabs your share of attention and connects meaningfully with your target audience.

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25

Which story do I tell?

S

torytelling began as an oral tradition to pass down history, customs, and skills.

Today we use it differently than that. We do not have to rely on oral storytelling to pass along history. We now keep records of it through the written page, film, photography, and music. Our access to stories seems infinite in the advent of the internet. We have learned to use a photograph to tell a story and have written volumes as well. How exactly do you choose what stories to tell?

I ascertain that audience and purpose need to be part of the process when determining what stories will be best to share. We all have thousands of stories that

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we could relay. Of course, there are some obvious choices … age appropriateness and skill level being a few items to consider.

There are other considerations regarding purpose however, and let’s explore what some of those areas may be.

I recently hosted a writing course designed to write with connection as the intent. Having taught this course before, I knew that one of the hardest things for the participants to do is choose what story is the right story for them to tell. I shared a few of the brainstorming options that they have along with pointed questions to ask once they have determined the possibilities. Let’s

say that the prompt they are given to write about is joy. They can employ mind-mapping. They can put the prompt in the middle of the page (or the top of the page – it all depends upon the person) and write down all of the stories from their life that they can think of that illustrate the prompt JOY. How many they choose from is up to them. But the free flow of ideas is important. The goal is not to think of an outcome but to write down all of the possible choices. Then they can move on to the culling process.

Once they have their list of stories, there are questions they can ask about each story to determine if it stays on the

list. First, would obviously be age appropriateness and skill level of the reader. For instance, if the article is to go into a magazine for the general public, writing a story about a very technical accomplishment that evoked joy may not be the best option. That brings me to the second option which is relatability. Clearly not everything is going to relate to every person. But unless writing for a technical journal or trade periodical, the more relatable the writing, the stronger the connection is for the audience.

Once that purge has happened, ask why you would want to share that story? What outcome would be achieved if that story were shared?

Is a story that a reader could feel a connection to? In the above example, would they feel their own joy by reading this story or would they be able to feel mine?

Lastly, I encourage them to ask if this is a story that will help the reader get to know them, so they can trust them? Authenticity and showing vulnerability are definite ways to get an audience to learn to trust you. No matter what kind of writing you are doing, the aim is to get the audience to trust you for information. The more authentic and honest you write, the higher the trust is. When people trust you, they want to learn from you which often equates to wanting to buy from you or work with you. They are also much more willing to share who you are and your stories if they see you have given them the gift of yourself.

In the end, if there is still more than one story, the writer gets to decide how to choose one. They can just pick one or they can throw a dart, or they can rip them up into pieces, place them in a hat or bowl, and pick one. After all that discernment, it is highly likely that they will tell an amazing story that fits their needs and the needs of their reader.

This is a process you can use with whatever kind of storytelling you engage in – books, articles, speeches, and social media.

The more authentic and honest you write, the higher the trust is. When people trust you, they want to learn from you which often equates to wanting to buy from you or work with you.

Sheila Kennedy is a champion for storytellers, writers, authors and speakers. Zebra Ink Magazine is currently the home where storytellers can share their stories.

Sheila celebrates courage, moxie, confidence and empowerment that is a byproduct of trust and making choices. Every choice you make is another story to tell and a point of connection to another person. There are so many stories to unravel and people to influence when you find the courage to share. A two-time solo author, co-author of bestselling memoir of Justice Joseph D. Valentino (RET), and numerous anthologies, Sheila has been a part of the publishing industry as an author or publisher since 2013. She not only understands the technical parts of the industry, but also provides mentorship and coaching to aspiring authors and storytellers all over the globe.

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