Writing Your Book – Quickly and Profitably

Posted on June 20, 2009
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As an Author’s Coach, I help both aspiring and experienced authors write their books.  My Author’s Boot Camps have produced 238 completed manuscripts and published books to date.  Many of which are available in book stores, appear on Amazon and in best seller lists.  I am very proud of this and am constantly looking for new ways to improve results and make writing a book easier, faster and even more fun and exciting. 

What started as simply writing a book, evolved with editing, publishing, creating ancillary products, creating an online presence and ecommerce, marketing and promotion. 

I have put them all together and designed an extraordinary event for those of you who want to write a book and generate $$$ with your book and materials.  Learn how easy and quickly you can: 

Discover how you can become a published author, with me taking you through the process, step-by-step.  The special program is this Thursday, when Steve Harrison, of Radio Television Interview Report, interviews me.  You can register for the tele-seminar at http://www.WriteYourBookInAWeekend.com/call/?11400.  I look forward to you joining me on the call. 

 To your writing success!

 Ann McIndoo

Your Author’s Coach

Book Expo of America – Day 1

Posted on May 29, 2009
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What a great day at the Book Expo of America.  I was like a little kid in a candy store – where do I go first?  Armed with my official BEA Badge to get me past security, BEA Guide, and my empty bag to fill with BEA goodies, I descended into the Mezzanine where all the Children’s Books were showcased.

Row after row of beautiful exhibits filled with gorgeous books, reading toys and accessories.  There was an excited buzz as I walked down the aisles, trying not to ooh and aah over everything.  The booths were colorful, inviting and manned by reps excited to talk about their products.  In spite of the crowds, which got thicker by the minute, I made my way up and down all the aisles of that floor and looked at new books scheduled to hit the book stores this fall.  It was so much fun.  The only downside was most of it was display only, no shoppertunities!

I took a break to meet Stephanie, a new Author client.  We went outside and found a quiet spot to do a live Author’s Coaching Session – my first, at the Javits Center!  I got a hot dog, one of those New York is famous for, and we began strategizing and talking about her book as well as taking steps to write, publish and launch her book.  How cool was that?  To do an Author’s Session at the Book Expo! 

As I went through the main floor, my bag became heavier and more cumbersome with the free books and goodies that had piled up and I looked forward to going through all of them later that evening in my hotel room.  Lucky for many, FedEx has a large and efficient booth to ship your box of books home!

More about BEA tomorrow. 

To your writing success!

Ann McIndoo

Your Writing Coach

Hello from Author 101

Posted on May 28, 2009
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Wow!  Author 101 rocks!  Hosted by Mark Victor Hansen and Rick Frishman, Author 101 is an incredible annual event specifically for both new authors to be as well as published authors.  Today we heard from: 

·         Mark Victor Hansen who spoke to us about being an author and making a difference.  Mark’s Mega Book event is coming June 5-7 in Orlando, Florida;

·         The amazing Alex Carroll who showed us how to get famous on the radio.  Visit www.RadioPublicity.com for information on how to get booked on radio stations and make a fortune with your materials;

·         David Hancock talked about the publishing world and MorganJames’ publishing model – publishing to make a difference.  Visit www.MorganJamesPublishing.com for information on their unique publishing programs;

·         Rick Frishman spoke about publicity and how it can make such a difference in your business;

·         Brendon Burchard, an incredible speaker, talked about the importance of relationships and how they can be incredibly profitable.  Brendon has an incredible 3 day event designed to explore your business through Nonprofit and Corporate Partnerships.  I will be attending that event this September, I hope so see you there! 

·         And to wrap it up, an amazing panel of publishers, agents, publishers and literary attorney, including publicity expert Jill Lublin and agent Ken Achity, led by Rick Frishman.  This was an incredible lineup of talent, information and resources. 

 The room was filled with talent and It was a wonderful day with Mark and Rick and their terrific guests who taught us incredible ways to launch our books successfully.  Thank you guys!   

Tomorrow is another big day, Day 1 of the Book Expo of America.  Dress sharp, pack lots of business cards and wear comfortable shoes! 

To your writing success!

Ann McIndoo

Your Author’s Coach

Greetings from New York!

Posted on May 28, 2009
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I arrived in the big apple last night excited about attending Author 101 hosted by by Mark Victor Hansen and Rick Frishman today at the Javits Center.  They host  this event each year and always present a great lineup of speakers who naturally expand the vision of your book as well as inspire and motivate the audience to the next level in the business of your book. 

 This weekend is all about the Book Expo of America and I am, of course, excited to meet those in the publishing industry and learn the greatest trends in the book business.  One of the things new authors forget is that writing and publishing a book is just the first step of the business of your book.  Unless you are writing a book simply as a hobby or checking it off on your “to do” list, writing a book is a business, a serious, full-time business.  One of my outcomes for this event is to learn more about what makes a book successful and what steps an author needs to take to achieve this. 

 Have you been thinking about writing a book?  Are you ready to write but not quite sure what to write about?  Here are a few questions you may want to ask as you prepare to write your book:  As an Author’s Coach, producing my 240th book, here are the questions I always begin with: 

 These are just a few of the important questions to ask yourself and be clear about BEFORE you get started.  Just like any important project, preparation and planning are critical. 

 You can get a complimentary copy of my ebook, “Create Your Writer’s Power Tools:  How to Write On Demand,” just send me an email at Ann@SoYouWantToWrite.com  and I will email it to you. 

 To your writing success!

 Ann McIndoo

Your Writing Coach

 

 

 

Book Expo of America

Posted on May 23, 2009
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Books!  Books!  Books!

It’s that time of the year again!  I am looking forward to going to New York in a few days to attend the Book Expo of America.  Being held at the Javits Center in Manhattan, May 28-31, the BEA is the place to be if you are a writer, author, book seller, book buyer, and especially, a reader.

I am always delighted to see row after row of exhibitors displaying their books and related products.  One of my favorite things to do is fill up my free publisher’s gift bag with books, goodies, flyers, and business cards I receive as I visit the booths and speak to the exhibitors and authors. 

With more than 1,500 exhibitors, BEA is a great way to meet publishers, marketers, vendors, exhibitors, famous authors, learn about new tools, resources and strategies for writing, as well as the new trends for publishing, promoting and marketing a book.  It is, or course, the place to place an order for books for your business.

I will be there this year to visit with several of my published authors, meet new publishers and walk the floor on Saturday with Mark Victor Hansen.  I am very excited to learn more about publishing from his perspective.  Here’s the site to learn more about the Book Expo of America:  www.BookExpoAmerica.com.  

See you there!

Ann McIndoo

Your Author’s Coach

 

Happy Mother’s Day

Posted on May 10, 2009
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What is the best part about being a mother? Not having any children of my own, I asked my mom and my aunt, who I am spending the day with, and here is what they shared with me:

• When your kids call you mom, mother, mommy, mum, whatever they choose as they all use different words. Whatever it is, you love hearing it. My mom says, “That gave me the most pleasure to hear!”

• Especially when your children come from school and they have a great report card or the teacher paid them a compliment. They bring home their first work of art. You save them for years and years. This joy continues throughout their school years.

• When they get married and the grandchildren come, that is another class of love. It is a miracle to see them born.

• To watch them grow and create their careers. To see the smile on their face as they tell you about their accomplishments as it has a lot to do with what you taught them. To hug them when they need support and advice.

I could write for hours about the experiences they shared with me that made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes and conjured up sweet memorie which were all about the importance of being a mom and what it means to your children. As a daughter, my mom is my very best friend and soul mate.

Wishing you a special day!

Ann McIndoo, Your Author’s Coach

Armand Morin Live

Posted on May 2, 2009
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One of the most stellar events I’ve attended. If you know Armand, his events are always first class. “Armand Live” was not any different in outstanding presentation and hospitality. What made it so incredibly fantastic was that Armand was the only speaker. For three days we learned directly from Armand all the amazing tools, strategies and his internet secrets. I know what I learned will increase my business, both online and off. It was increditable.

If you have a chance to attend an Armand Morin event, take advantage, it will make a huge difference.

See you in the bookstores!

Ann McIndoo, Your Author’s Coach

Your Beauty Shows – No Matter What

Posted on April 28, 2009
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Hello from the Young Miss contest. It was held last night at the Dallas Marriott South and as the contestants, their friends, family, and parents arrived, you could see who was entered. Some of the contestents came in self-assured and confident in their new clothes and high heels. Others, uncomfortable in brand new taffeta or velvet dresses, were shyly prodded by their folks to the “big room” at the front of the lobby. This room was filled with bright lights, rows of chairs and a large stage, but most frightening of all was the skirted table in front – the table reserved for the judges.

It’s interesting to watch the young girls, in very short skirts, or long dresses and high heels that they have never worn before. You could see how uncomfortable they were and it made me realize how afraid I was – that they would fall.

The one with the most sparkles wins, no it’s the fabulous heels, shiny hair, biggest smile, most assured presence. Who knows what it takes to win, but in my eyes, they were all winners, they showed up competing. They wore their Sunday best, combed their hair, and cowboyed up for a competition. Some knew a few of their competitors, others didn’t, however, all of the contestants learned something on their journey here and on their way home: what they did well and what they need to improve.

It’s the same in business, what lessons have you learned in your earning years? Have you enjoyed the victories? Cheered for others? Did you get dressed in your Sunday best, comb your hair and cowboy up for the competition? I did, and I loved it.

While I waited for my client last evening, I was reminded of all the amazing things my folks taught me, I learned from my teachers, some of my bosses, my dear friends and family, but most of all, my clients in business. They are all lessons to be appreciated and remembered.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Be honest – give them all the details, up front
• Keep your promises – do what you say you will
• Over deliver – give them your very best, plus more!
• Treat each customer or client like a VIP – they will love you and send others

To your success!

Ann McIndoo, Your Authors Coach

Don’t Leave the Airport Without It!

Posted on April 25, 2009
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For the first time in my life, I lost my driver’s license at the airport. What happened? I have traveled many times, proudly showing my “United States Government Issued” identification to board an airplane. I definitely showed it to get on the flight to Dallas, but somehow, in the process of sitting down and two and half hours later, getting off, I lost my driver’s license on the way to the hotel.

At first I was a little bummed, but as I unpacked, I quickly realized my Creative Assistant could simply overnight my passport to me on Monday morning. I’m staying for several days to ghostwrite a book so I really don’t need my identification to board an airplane home until the end of the week. I’m safe and still very proud. Next time? Put my driver’s license away in my wallet right away instead of waiting until later.

So, what does this mean? What did that teach me? Two things:

1) This is a perfect example of being clear: what are my resources (who can help me?), thinking fast (how can I resolve this?), and most importantly, remaining calm throughout the resolution of this unplanned event (what most people call an emergency).

2) Another scene in a story, screenplay, treatment, book, etc. I remember the feelings, emotions, thoughts, resolutions, emails and my thought process. This will definitely show up in a future story.

Can you do this? Of course you can. Journal the feelings and thoughts you experience in any one of your experiences and use it in a future story. Call or email me anytime, I love to hear new ideas! What are some of your most recent experiences?

To your success,

Ann McIndoo, Your Author’s Coach

“Cash in a Flash”

Posted on April 23, 2009
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Would you like “Fast Money in Slow Times”? I did, so I signed up for Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G Allen’s event, “Cash in a Flash” that was held this week. It was an excellent three days with two of the most charismatic and marketing savvy gentlemen I have learned from in a long time. Funny, charming, and most of all, intelligent about selling your book, product or service.

The event was conducted in the fabulous Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, California, where Mark and Bob shared their knowledge, wisdom and incredible resources with 40 eager participants. Mark and Bob were backed up by a fantastic logistics team and recorded the event on both audio and video for sharing with you! That’s right, you can get a copy of this incredible event.

Most participants paid $5,000 to attend these special three days — Mark’s Inner Circle (which includes me) were invited to attend for FREE! which delighted me and several other Inner Circle members. This meant huge savings and a monster learning experience. Mark and Bob gave everyone (who had been put on teams) a 90 day challenge which at the very least will give my business a monster boost.

If you want to give your business a huge boost and/or want to learn more about this event, send me a note or give me a call. The DVDs will be ready in a few short weeks and the “advanced” live version of Cash in a Flash will be conducted in October and November. Details coming soon!

To your success!

Ann McIndoo, Your Author’s Coach

Writing From Your Heart

Posted on April 10, 2009
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I had an amazing experience yesterday, I learned about dyslexia. Always being an avid reader and great speller, I never imagined the challenges and pain of dyslexia. New author, Robi Jo Banks, completed her first book, “Words from the Mirror: Overcoming the Shame and Isolation of Dyslexia and ADD”. This is her personal story and extraordinary lifetime battle with this disabling “learning difference”. I was in awe of the pain and isolation that people who live in the world of dyslexia suffer. Robi Jo talks about “dyslexing” which is a playful way for compensating for the things you cannot do in a creative and fun way and achieving results that were once challenging.

This amazing story starts in the womb, where dyslexia is also born, as it is a “brain wiring difference”. I learned so much from her incredible story and this book she has written. Robi Jo’s mission is to help others get past the pain, the shame and the private isolation they put themselves in because of this, sometimes, dark secret. The stigma of not being able to read, write or comprehend the written word is enormous, devastating and very painful. Robi Jo is currently seeking stories from women, teens and children about their struggles and triumphs to include in her research and possibly, her book. If you or loved one has a story to share, she can be reached directly at RobiJoBanks@Yahoo.com. Her book will be both readable and “listenable”.

This is a heartfelt inspirational story. It shares her experience and it also provides solutions for achieving results. When writing an inspirational story like this, what may seem like a huge challenge can be accomplished by answering four simple questions:

1) What happened?
2) How did it effect you?
3) What did you learn?
4) What would you like to share with others?

If you have an inspiring story and want to write your book, think about and answer the questions above and you will be on your way. Just remember, write from your heart!

See you in the book stores!

Ann McIndoo, Your Author’s Coach

Transformation

Posted on April 8, 2009
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I was invited to attend the Palm Springs Book Club on Sunday which meets the first Sunday of every month. I treasure my Sundays so I was a little hesitant to accept, I said yes, however, when I learned the speaker was going to talk about the transition of his book into a movie. This is definitely something I am very interested in learning more about as I wrote a screenplay called “Heartbeats in Paris”, a funny little love story with some very cool twists. There was a great turnout for the workshop and the speaker shared his story about his four year journey on transforming some ideas he wrote into a movie. He shared that what started out as an urge to write something in his heart is now on its way to the big screen. What a transformation!

What has transformed in your life, how have you transformed, what could you write about it?

I know that my book writing business has transformed in many ways. What started out as helping professionals get their books out of their heads, led to editing, publishing, launching and now creating the business of their books online. It has transformed into my “Author’s Business School”, a program to write your book, create ancillary products, build your online $$$ making machine and launch your book. Transformation can produce extraordinary results. What can you transform today?

See you in the bookstores!

Ann McIndoo, Your Authors Coach

Are you tweeting?

Posted on April 1, 2009
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I’m tweeting! I never thought it would be so much fun! And if my hunch is right, it will also be very profitable.

I participated in Carrie Wilkerson’s (www.barefootexecutive.com) webinar on Tweet last night. She was terrific. It was Part 4 of Joel Comm’s “Social Media Boot Camp” (www.JoelComm.com) which was simply extraordinary. The series included a fantasic webinar on how to use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter – I enjoyed them all.

Learning to use the above software programs was easy, figuring out how to use them as a marketing tool was the interesting part. Attending Joel’s boot camp made it both fun and easy. The experts were knowledgeable and each one had their own winning strategies for using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

I created my Twitter account in mid January and when I logged on last night I had 14 followers. Wow! Where did they come from? By the end of the evening I had 25 followers and this morning 41. As I write this, 52 followers! Yikes! How did they find me? I’m not sure yet but as I read the profile of each and every person who was following me, I discovered really cool and interesting people, many of whom I wanted to know more about. One follower, AquaNotes, created an amazing writing tablet that you could use in the shower! I bought two immediately! They have only been online for 12 days! It all comes down to participating, assisting, helping and creating relationships.

Tweet soon!

Ann McIndoo, Your Author’s Coach

Notes from Juror #6

Posted on March 19, 2009
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I spent the morning on Jury Duty. They finally got me! After 36 years of avoiding, postponing, hiding behind the “hardship” excuse and basically doing any and everything I could to get out of serving on a jury, it was show up or pay a fine. I went in this morning at 8:00 am with three manuscripts to review, planning to sit for hours and read. I was, of course, one of the first called into the court room and within the next half hour “inpaneled” and chosen to be on the jury. It was a criminal matter and they would need me for at least 3 days next week.

As the process continued, I began to look around and study the courtroom and its feeling of law and order; the Judge, who explained everything in a clear, yet heartwarming and friendly way. I liked him immediately. The Proscecutor, a young woman, who wore a beautiful suit and had a big stack of files to prove her case. The Defendant looked nervous and kept his eyes straight ahead, never looking at any of us. His attorney, a young man with a long pony tail, also had on a very nice suit and tie. I noticed he took lots of notes. Then there was the stern Deputy who would keep us safe. I could see the outline of a bullet proof vest under his shirt and he had a gun on his belt along with quite a few other accessories. I wondered how much that belt weighed. I could see that some of the jurors were nervous, others simply curious.

I found the entire scene very interesting and all of sudden, story ideas started popping in my head, just like popcorn. The room, the atmosphere, the characters, what was about to happen – there was so much to write about! I couldn’t help myself, I pulled out my pen and journal and began writing furiously.

What started out as a chore to be avoided turned into an interesting experience that provided me with lots of intriguing details to write about – the court room and jury duty was a whole new world for me.

What new world could you put yourself into and write about?

To your writing success!

Ann McIndoo, your Author’s Coach

Writing to Inspire Others

Posted on March 18, 2009
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Inspirational books and memoirs are pretty hot right now, almost half of the books on recent best seller lists are inspirational stories or memoirs. Do you know the difference between a biography and a memoir? A biography is the story of someone’s entire life while a memoir covers just a certain period or event in someone’s life, for example: “My Years in the White House”, “Marley and Me”, “Eat, Pray, Love”.

Many of my students write books based on their own experiences. To create content for your story, ask, think about and then write down the key words or phrases that answer the four questions below. Use these key words and/or phrases to create your Manuscript Grid™. Once you have completed your Manuscript Grid™, you can then create your storyboard and either talk or write your book.

1) What Happened?

What happened to you? What did you experience? How did it come about? What was your intention or outcome? What happened instead? Describe the event, what occurred? Who else was involved? How was it resolved? How did you feel when it was over?

2) How did it affect you?

Physically. Emotionally. Financially. Spiritually. How did you current relationships change? What new relationships came about? How did your world change? What steps did you take to recuperate, heal, move forward, get out of the state you were in? What tools or strategies did you use? Were there any books, tapes, CDs, DVDs, people, coaches, trainers, mentors that helped you?

3) What did you learn?

What lessons did you learn after the event? How much time has gone by? What have you learned since the event? Would you do anything differently? How are you a better person? What tools, strategies, techniques, steps, books, web sites, resources, groups, coaching, etc., did you use to get through your experience? Where are you now?

4) What would you like to teach others?

What is your message? What could others learn from your experience? What “technology”, steps, system did you develop that you want to share or teach to others? Name the top 3 things that are the gift of this experience. Write about each one.

Inspirational stories and memoirs lend themselves to ancillary products, which is where the real money is. More about that tomorrow.

Ann McIndoo, your Author’s Coach

Hello from La Jolla, California

Posted on March 16, 2009
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Day Two of Mark Victor Hansen’s Inner Circle MasterMind event was absolutely amazing. Today we started the day with a fantastic session creating the Formula for Success for our life and business. We then had an opportunity to share our project with the group which was a great way to get feedback, resources and ideas about the project we had been working on over the weekend.

Our special guest today was Michelle Price, who is an expert on social networking. We learned about the importance of building relationships on Facebook and Twitter and how to build our businesses based on these strategies. It was fantastic!

After Michelle’s presentation, Mark Victor Hansen spent time with us answering each of our questions, giving us advice on our books, projects and businesses. It was so cool to have him share his expertise.

The entire weekend has been phenomenal and I have enjoyed time with my new Inner Circle family, an extraordinary group of individuals committed to making a massive difference in our world. It is truly an honor to be a part of this group who so lovingly give and share.

Dr. Tanya, Conrad, Sandy, Elizabeth, Sheri, Becky, Jim, Ross, Ellen and Gaye, you are my new Inner Circle family, dream team, friends and huge source of inspiration and resources, I am so grateful.

Kudos to Janice Niederhofer, of www.peerageconsulting.com, for conducting an amazing event.

Jan Avant, thank you for creating an extraordinary environment for us to learn! Jan can be contacted at www.innovativeevent.com

Becoming a member of Mark’s Inner Circle has been extremely rewarding in a variety of ways. The connections, resources, education, fun and contribution is priceless. For more information about Mark Victor Hansen’s extraordinary Inner Circle membership, go to www.MVHMegaInnerCircle.com.

Ann McIndoo, your Author’s Coach

Greetings from Estancia Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, California

Posted on March 15, 2009
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I am attending Mark Victor Hansen’s Inner Circle MasterMind event this weekend which is being held at the magnificent Estancia Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, California. It is absolutely exqusite.

We started the event with a wonderful welcome reception last night and as a new member of the Inner Circle, I got to meet the other members attending. This morning we did a fantastic “trust” exercise that had us all laughing, cheering and learning at the same time. This morning also covered some great exercises to hone and polish our life vision as well as our success vision. During the afternoon we each had an opportunity to pitch our product and get feedback. Wow! It was an amazing day.

Something I always encourage my students, friends and family is to put yourself in a circle where you have to stretch to keep up. That is the foundation for learning and becoming who you want to be. I don’t remember who said this, but it is so true: “There is nothing as constant as change.” Things in our world are constantly growing, evolving and changing, we must keep up with it and when possible, be the leader.

I am enjoying my time here with the Inner Circle, a group of enlightened leaders and contributors, all with a mission to make a massive difference in our world. For more information about this extraordinary membership and Mark Victor Hansen’s Inner Circle, go to www.MVHMegaInnerCircle.com.

More about this amazing event tomorrow!

Ann McIndoo, your Author’s Coach

If you can talk, you can write a book

Posted on March 14, 2009
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Amazing, but true. One of my authors, Dr. Tanya, who had been wanting to write her book for five years, just finished creating her book with me – in one day! Of course, there was preparation before she arrived at my home to talk her book. She went through my Author’s Coaching Program to prepare, organize her materials and create the structure of her book, which we did together – over the phone. Then she hopped on an airplane and came to stay with me at my home in Palm Springs where we created her book in one day. It was amazing.

How long does it take to a write a 150 page book? Weeks, months, years?

How long does it take to talk a 150 page book? Six hours – just ask Dr. Tanya.

The secret to talking your book is knowing what you want to say and the order you want to say it in. This is all decided in the preparation phase of writing your book. Whether you write or talk your book, you still have to prepare.

I have found that most professionals, including speakers, trainers, consultants, and sales professionals all talk their book in a heart beat because they are used to “presenting”. It’s just a matter of organizing their content in one of my famous Manuscript Grids™, creating a storyboard and then simply talking about each subject and topic.

What’s also great about talking your book is that you can use then use the digital recording as an audio version of your book. Preparation is everything!

To your writing success!

Ann McIndoo, your Author’s Coach

Magic Moments in the Life of an Author

Posted on March 12, 2009
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At then end of a private Author’s Session today, my student asked me if I would sign her copy of my book. I was delighted, of course, to write her a special message and sign the book. I always feel honored when asked to autograph my books, especially when they hand me money! Today reminded me of another magic moment — what I call my “Porch Date”.

I will always remember the day my first box of books arrived. I heard the UPS truck and saw the driver come up my driveway with boxes on his dolly. The boxes had “So You Want To Write” printed on the side. Yippee! My books had arrived!!! I had never been so happy to pick up a 50 pound box — I ripped it open like a little kid on Christmas day. Seeing my books for the first time and holding them in my hands gave me the feeling of absolute joy. At that moment, two thoughts went through my head. The first was, “I did it! I wrote a book! I am a published author!” The second was, “Now I have a powerful tool to help others write their book”. I wished for every aspiring author to have this same experience and made a commitment to help my students publish their books.

I also came up with the term, “Porch Date” – the day your books arrive on your porch. So what date do you want your books to arrive on your porch? Decide, commit and resolve now to finish writing your book and mark it down on your calendar. Once you have written your book, publishing is the easy and now you have a powerful tool to teach, promote your business, position yourself as an expert and long list of other benefits.

So, c’mon, dust off that last draft, bring out that box of notes and ideas and work on your book. We’re waiting for your message!

Ann McIndoo, your Author’s Coach

Something to write about . . .

Posted on March 11, 2009
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Have you ever felt like writing but didn’t know what to write about?

I was in Paris, my favorite city in the world, a few weeks ago, and as I looked out the window of my room at Le Grand Hotel, located in the “Golden Triangle” of Paris, my heart skipped a beat. The scene was simply beautiful and my challenge was what do I write about first!

As I took in the scene, people walking on the grand boulevard, the shops displaying their wares, the beautiful park across the street, a flower vendor on the corner selling the most beautiful tulips I have ever seen, I sat down and began to write everything I could see.

I had the luxury of a week all to myself in Paris. No business, just pleasure, just sight seeing, dining, and writing. I had read Eric Maisel’s “A Writer’s Paris” and visited several of the spots he recommended. It was everything he described. I truly felt like a writer writing at the same locations many famous writers had chosen to express themselves many years ago. It confirmed what I teach my students, environment is everything!

One way to become inspired to write is to find an inspiring place to write. My most frequent writing spot is my desk in my studio, however, my favorite places to write are airplanes, cruise ships and beautiful hotel rooms with spectacular views. I love to travel and when I visit new places I always add on a “writing day”. Just me and my journals.

In Paris, I was able to write in the Louvre, inside Notre Dame and at the top of the Arch de Triumphe. It was a stretch to carry my laptop to the very top of all those stairs, but definitely worth it! I would leave my hotel room early in the morning armed with my laptop fully juiced and my digital recorder. When I ran out of computer battery power, I would fire up the recorder and keep on writing via talking. Not all places were computer friendly – I was asked a couple of times by the French guards to turn off my computer in two of the smaller museums – but it was worth the effort. I also had my favorite pen and a journal so I could write anywhere, anytime I wanted to. All I had to do was look around and there was something to write about.

So, what do you do when you feel like writing but don’t know what to write about? Look out the window, pick three key words that describe what you see and start writing using those three words. Take your laptop for a ride to the park, a friendly coffee shop, a bench at the lake, to your back yard and look around. Write about what you see and you will be amazed what comes out.

Happy writing!

Ann McIndoo, your Author’s Coach

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