I get it. You’ve already got so much on your plate, it’s rolling off and onto the floor. The last thing you need is another task to do in your already jam packed day, right? Well, yeah! But tribes aren’t a burden. They’re the ones who come behind you and clean up all that stuff that just fell off your plate and splattered onto the kitchen tile. If you’re thinking of your tribe as another task, let me encourage you to change your mindset. Think Native Americans. Not those who lived in cabins and homes in the Smoky Mountains, but those who lived in teepees and wandered around the plains of the Midwest in search of buffalo. They were never without help. They banded together. When one was weak, others […]
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Building Your Tribe, Part One: Why Bother?
Some writers don’t think this is an important part of their career. Others are terrified by the thought of networking, putting themselves out there, or becoming vulnerable to criticism. Most of the rub comes from not understanding what tribes really are. They are groups of faithful followers who believe in you and your writing. They are the ones who will offer free copies of your books to others. They come to your book launches, either in person or on the web. There are many reasons why you should build your tribe. Here are a few. Members of your tribe believe in you. Your tribe is made up of those who will celebrate the good times with you, and encourage you during the challenging ones. And in those times, it’s great […]
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Endless Summer, Part Four: Back to School
You know what it’s like. You can’t wait for the fun and frenzy of getting ready to go back to school. First, you plot a course for the new clothing and the “must have” styles, then on to the pens, pencils and the perfect notebook. It wouldn’t be complete without that greasy lunch at the food court. Ahhh… back to school. You wouldn’t think of neglecting the back-to-school ritual. Neither should you disregard preparing for your new year of writing. You need to gear up for your success. Here’s why. Setting a definite start date makes it tangible. When you know exactly what date you will start, every part of you gears up for it. You learn how to prepare. It forces you to think about your writing year coming […]
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Endless Summer, Part Three: One Last Fling
Doesn’t that just sound fun? Not to mention mysterious and just a bit naughty. After all, you’re a responsible adult, right? You must always be in control. One last fling sounds so, so inappropriate. That could not be farther from the truth. Here’s why. It unplugs you. More so than any time in your life, pulling the plug is vital to your emotional health and happiness. You have to disengage from the rigors and responsibilities of your daily routine. It energizes you. Taking the time to have one last fling is like taking a Sunday afternoon nap. The nap gets you ready for the busy week. The fling gets you ready for a season of writing. It releases your creativity. To laugh and play frees your brain up to freely […]
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