This has been my screensaver!
I finished my book today! Well, the manuscript! It’s off to the publisher for the next phase of analyzing, fine-tuning, and perfecting those words on paper.
Some of you have been with me on this journey of writing. Last fall I started a personal 30 day writing challenge. I wrote every morning for 30 minutes whether I wanted to or not! That writing led to the self-discovery of why I have not published my own book yet.
This book for me will lead to a series of books. It has allowed me to take my formula, clearly define what I do by writing this first book, and apply it to other situations in the world. As a matter of fact, I am already using it while I speak again (Did “The Influence Factor in Social Media” last week- rav reviews! That will be one of the future books for sure!). This is helping me help my clients like I used to in the old days! I truly owe that to this process.
I cannot say enough about the 30 day writing challenge. Now this idea came from Dan Kennedy who writes every day for an hour. I continuously meet and work with clients in my one on ones, who struggle with getting content out. If they would just write for 30 minutes a day, I think they’d be blown away. Honestly, without that, I am not sure I’d be saying I wrote a book.
Every person I interviewed for my book writes regularly! Now doesn’t that say something about how to create influence in your life? It definitely worked for me! Now it’s time to go celebrate that manuscript.
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Congrats on finishing the book Ann! I do write everyday, mostly questions and musings about what is going on in my life. Not really blog material. However it does help me to clear out my head so that I can focus through out the day. I keep saying I am going to write a book. These Mustangs certainly deserve one. I planning to do it once the competition is finished in May. So thanks for the inspiration and look forward to seeing the finished product!
Congratulations Ann on creating a goal and making it happen! You must be really proud of yourself and you should be. Writing for a set amount of time every day is not an easy task. Glad to hear it lit your spark.
As you know, Ann, your 30 day challenge helped recharge my flagging power source for writing, and I am so happy about that! Now, I too am going to be working on a little book, so I am excited to see how yours turns out and to learn more about your experience with the whole project, if you choose to share. Congratulations on getting your manuscript finished and submitted…right now it seems a little overwhelming to me, but I am excited about getting started and even more excited about the potential for this project. Thanks again, Ann, for your inspiration and support!
Congratulations on moving through the book writing process! You’ve articulated so many feelings and thoughts that all writers go through–from criticism to expectation that people will devalue what you do. You have the answer already: belief in yourself and the desire to convey your message. As for writing every day, that’s certainly been a life strategy for me. I joined the 30 day challenge one month to give myself a boost, and I loved having the community.
So glad you shared this step on your blog today.
Celebrate, indeed! You overcame some great obstacles to complete this book and that, in addition to the book, will be an inspiration to many.
I’m so thrilled for you, Ann! For me, my decision to really commit to writing my book was born out of The Artist’s Way, which includes a daily practice of writing. I did go through a huge pit of fear right before sending my ms off for final approval, but I know ultimately it was that “fear is excitement without breath” model. What I love is seeing how you have followed throug with grit, determination, wisdom, humor and Willingness. Mazel Tov!!!!
Thank you woman, from my heart
Congratulations Ann! Definitely time to celebrate 🙂
I’m so happy for you and also thankful that you’re sharing the journey as well. I look forward to the final product. Your inspiration and motivation is moving me forward also – to begin writing!!
You go girll! And Earl poured some bubbles tonigh!
A wonderful accomplishment Ann. I believe that writing from the heart allows others to read with their hearts open too, creating real connection and it’s by-product, influence. Words and language are so incredibly powerful. You’ve got me thinking about the 30 day writing challenge once again!
Congratulations on finishing the manuscript. I love the confidence you have in your own work (and rightly so). I am intrigued by your practice of writing 30 minutes a day, as I often find it such a challenge to just get started. I love that you share your journey with us on this project, and can’t wait to see the finished product!
Thank you Imogene, I really try to lead by example, take risks and learn from experiences!
Congratulations on accomplishing such a big milestone. It is inspiring and motivating not just to see what you’ve accomplished but also to hear that those small steps (such as writing every day) can provide much larger results. I think we all really know this but let ourselves get overwhelmed with the big idea. I had been writing every day…and then fell off the wagon. This is the kick I needed to get started again.
You’re right about writing regularly. When you first brought up blogging, I felt I had nothing to say. Now I find myself writing well over 250 words within an hour with no problem!
Truly awesome and inspiring.
Good stuff, Ann
Well, as your publisher, and working with you during this process, I must admit I am impressed with your dedication and the results show that. I know it was a struggle, although I have yet worked with an author where it was not a struggle in some form or other. I think that is just the nature of writing. Maybe if that is all you did, and you did it all day, it might be easier. However, I believe that even those authors have issues!!
Nice job Ann. We are honored to be able to publish your book(s)!
Candace Davenport
http://www.ourlittlebooks.com ~ Little Books with a Big Message
Congratulations! A friend of mine Amy Logan just published her book too. She is so excited. She hopes to influence the whole middle east with her book about honor killings.
I love how you write about influencing because its about planting a seed and watching it grow.
Congratulations Ann. I agree writing 30 minutes a day is a challenge and it is something I will give a go. Writing does relax me and it allows me to express myself in so many ways. I would also love to write a book and you are yet another person who inspires to do just that. Thanks!