This post is the first in our 2024 guest blog post series Bravely Write Your Book.
Learn from publishing professionals and authors how to bravely write your book.
Welcome back everyone! Last month we went over saying the difficult things with the guidance of P.A, and this month I’ve once again invited another individual from my inner circle to share their wisdom. This time we’re broadening our focus to doing something you’ve never done before. If you’re like most people, then this may be the first time you’ve written a book, and it can be hard not to feel a bit nervous about doing something you’ve never tried. However, there’s a first time for anything, and this month our guest is here with the advice and insight to help you take that first step.
Let me introduce this month’s guest contributor–Lisa Hammett
Lisa Hammett is an accomplished motivational and TEDx speaker, an international best-selling author, a Certified Positive Intelligence PQ Coach, and a wellness expert, helping stressed and burned-out Executives and Leaders in Healthcare and HR develop mental fitness to manage stress, improve productivity and communication, and regain their health and wellbeing.
She reached burnout after 26 years in the corporate retail sector. After a transformative health and wellness journey, where she lost 65 pounds, Lisa decided to dedicate her life to helping others achieve their health and wellness objectives. She has empowered thousands of individuals to make sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes.
What advice would you give someone struggling with sharing their story?
It's scary sharing aspects of your life that no one knows about. What I've found is that it's therapeutic and empowering to share difficult personal information through your writing. It makes you realize how much you've overcome and how your experience can inspire and help others.
Was there a time you struggled with sharing your story in your own writing? How did you overcome it?
I have a tendency to overthink things. LOL! Welcome to the majority of the population, especially writers. When writing my book, I often found myself writing and rewriting the same thing over and over again. I kept finding small things to edit. It was ridiculous. What I've learned is to get your big ideas and thoughts on paper. It doesn't have to sound perfect. That's why you have a great editor/s.
What did you wish you knew then that you do now?
I was very naive when I published my book. I thought all I needed was a good editor and some cover art. Clearly, I was misguided and had a lot to learn. I spent a lot of time vetting hybrid publishers, which was a good thing. However, it would have been helpful to pick the brains of friends and colleagues who had published books to gain insight into what worked and didn't work for them.
If you could write a letter to your younger self about sharing your story, what would you tell them?
Everyone should write a book, even if you don't think it's possible. We all have stories to tell. You'll learn so much about yourself in the process.
What is the most valuable advice you’ve received as a writer about sharing your story?
Stop overthinking!! Begin promoting your book at least 6 months before its publication date. Having pre-orders, and a team of people who can help you launch your book, is essential. The pre-orders will pay for printing costs and your book launch team will help you with recommendations, reviews, and achieving best-seller status.
What is one piece of advice you can provide to help someone bring their book to the world?
You are the expert of your life. You've lived it. What have you learned/experienced that you can share with the world? You may think that your experiences are unoriginal, which is untrue. Sure, others may have shared similar experiences, but they did not walk in your shoes. They do not have your unique perspective and voice, which is what attracts others to you.
Remember to stay tuned for next month, when Shaina Clingempeel will be here to discuss providing constructive criticism, and the bravery that takes.
While you wait for the next blog post in this series to drop, don’t forget about these two free and readily available resources.
- The 5-Step Writing Guide to Starting (and Finishing) Your Memoir. It’s time to light up your world and ours with your story.
- My 20-minute Story Stroll where you and I get to talk openly and honestly about the book you’re feeling tapped to write. Let me help you take the next best step on your journey.