Every week as I put the finishing touches on my blog, I say a silent “Thank You” to the universe and my guides for giving me the inspiration, creativity, and platform to share my insights in this way.

Writing a blog is just one of the ways I stay in touch with my audience – and it also lets me maintain the routine of putting my thoughts on paper. This practice is invaluable when I’m working on a new book.

As I prepare to launch the second session on my online course, Awaken The Writer Within, I find myself paying attention to the habits that have made me the New York Times Bestselling author of 14 books. It’s easy to keep doing what you do without being aware of the individual steps that get you to your goal. As I created the lessons and exercises in Awaken the Writer Within, I paid close attention to the whole process of planning, writing and publishing a book.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind if you want to get your own story out of your head, onto the page, and into the hands (and hearts) of your readers:

    1.) Choose your subject wisely. Take the time to come up with a topic you’re passionate about. When you write about something close to your heart, your passion will come through and will resonate with your reader.

    2.) Practice joyful self-care all the time – and especially when you’re writing! Do things for yourself that make you feel motivated and happy. Think of helpful rituals to keep you on track with your writing, like rewarding yourself with a cup of herbal tea, a special snack or a bouquet of flowers when you finish a chapter.

    3.) Never underestimate the power of a detailed outline. You might be tempted to jump right into your first chapter – but resist the urge. A detailed chapter by chapter overview will keep your story straight and your project on schedule.

    4.) Find your happy space. Set up a dedicated spot to write, away from distractions. It doesn’t have to be fancy, a small desk or table, good lighting, and a comfortable chair is all you need. Add a couple of photos or a piece of art that inspires you, and you’re all set!

    5.) Titles are important. I like my main titles short and snappy, and if possible, include an action word and a sub title. My first book, Talking to Heaven: A Medium’s Message of Life After Death is a great example of this formula.

    6.) Don’t talk down to your reader, write as if you’re having a conversation with a friend, and always use simple straightforward language. Keep your reader in mind as you write – and try to limit internal musings and “stream of consciousness.”

    7.) Engage your reader with details so they can vividly picture the people and places you are writing about.

    8.) Work on building your platform (social media or mailing list) while you’re writing your book. You might share snippets of your book on Instagram, or create related blog posts to engage your audience and build your community.

    9.) It takes a village to write a book! Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and don’t hesitate to ask for their honest feedback. In Awaken the Writer Within, in addition, to live conference calls with me, and a private Facebook community, I assign accountability partners who keep each other on schedule and cheer each other on.

    10.) Don’t discount the option of self-publishing. Social media and technology has changed the publishing business, and book tours set up by publishers are a rare thing. You’ll have to market yourself over social media or email – even popular authors are doing it now, so consider cutting out the middle man. You can self-publish on Amazon and many other platforms.

I hope these tips have brought you a few steps closer to writing and publishing your own bestseller! If they left you wanting more – I have good news! A few spots remain in my course, Awaken the Writer Within. Check out the details! I’d love the chance to coach and mentor you as you make your writing dream a reality.