Tag: writing

Guest Post: A New Dawn for Your Imagination: Pathways to Creative Renewal by Marcie Sullivan

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Guest PostLeave a comment

Image: Freepik

A New Dawn for Your Imagination: Pathways to Creative Renewal

In a rapidly evolving landscape, your creativity is one of your most valuable assets. It’s the wellspring of innovation and personal fulfillment, yet it often lies dormant, stifled by routine and responsibilities. The journey to reinvigorate your creative essence demands deliberate action and a shift in mindset. This guide from Author Anthony Avina unveils practical strategies to breathe life into your creative pursuits and transform your everyday experiences.

Move to Create

Dive into physical activity as a gateway to unlock your mind’s creative power. The link between physical exertion and cognitive agility is well-documented, suggesting that a simple change in your physical state can catalyze creative thought. From a vigorous morning jog that clears the mental fog to the rhythmic motions of a dance class sparking unexpected solutions, movement is a profound enabler of creative leaps. Let your body lead, and your mind will follow, often to places of unexpected inspiration and innovation.

Celebrate Your Wins

Acknowledgment of your successes, irrespective of scale, is pivotal in nurturing a creative mindset. This practice of celebrating victories, be it mastering a new skill or completing a project, cultivates an atmosphere of positivity and self-belief. It reinforces the understanding that creativity is not a destination but a journey with milestones worth recognizing. Such recognition not only enhances motivation but also bolsters confidence, creating a virtuous cycle that feeds into your creative endeavors.

Earning a Degree

Earning a degree can significantly reinvigorate your creativity. The flexibility and self-directed nature of online education make it feasible to explore your creative potential. As one example, earning a bachelor of computer science allows you to immerse yourself in the realms of IT, programming, and computer science theory. Engaging in this transformative journey opens doors to innovative opportunities where technology and creativity intersect.

Embrace Collaboration

Creativity thrives in the exchange of ideas and collaborative endeavors. Engaging with others, sharing perspectives, and brainstorming solutions not only broadens your understanding but often leads to breakthroughs unattainable in isolation. This collective creative process fosters a sense of belonging and contributes to a culture of innovation. By valuing diverse viewpoints and harnessing the synergy of collaboration, you set the stage for remarkable discoveries and creative achievements.

Find Fulfillment in Your Job

Unlock the door to a more fulfilling career by exploring opportunities that align with your passions, values, and skills, leading to personal growth and job satisfaction. Finding a job that feeds your creative soul demands crafting a resume that showcases your unique talents and aspirations. Tailoring your resume for each role, particularly by adjusting the skills section’s keywords to match employer needs, is essential. A stellar resume should highlight your most relevant experiences in your professional history and education, making you a standout candidate. Online guides will teach you how to write a resume.

Seek Feedback

The pursuit of creative excellence is a journey marked by continuous learning and iteration. Soliciting feedback from peers and mentors offers invaluable insights that can refine your ideas and elevate your work. Constructive criticism, while sometimes challenging to receive, is a cornerstone of growth, pushing you to question, adapt, and improve. Embrace this process with an open heart and mind, as it is instrumental in transcending creative boundaries and achieving excellence.

Cultivate Journaling

Journaling is a powerful tool for creative exploration, offering a private space to record thoughts, ideas, and reflections. This practice enhances self-awareness and provides clarity, serving as a repository of inspiration that can be revisited and expanded upon. Whether capturing fleeting thoughts, sketching, or detailing project progress, journaling is a conduit for self-expression and a catalyst for creative growth.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises are potent practices for enhancing creativity. They foster a state of present-moment awareness, reducing stress and clearing the mental clutter that often obstructs creative thought. By cultivating mindfulness, you open a gateway to deeper concentration, emotional balance, and a heightened sense of clarity, setting the foundation for creative insights to emerge.

Reinvigorating your creativity is an active, ongoing process that intertwines the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of your being. Through intentional practices like physical activity, celebrating achievements, career exploration, and collaboration, you unlock new dimensions of creative potential. Embrace this journey with an open mind and a resilient spirit, and watch as your creative endeavors flourish, enriching both your personal and professional life.

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Guest Article: Jumpstart Your Writing Side Hustle: Turning a Hobby into a Business by Virginia Cooper

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Guest PostLeave a comment

Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

Jumpstart Your Writing Side Hustle: Turning a Hobby into a Business

Are you looking to turn your passion and hobby into a profitable business? Many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs have started this way – from kitchen-table businesses to tech giants. If you have an idea, the right approach, and plenty of dedication, you can make it happen. Here are some tips from Author Anthony Avina’s Blog for turning your hobby into a business.

Part-Time Business

A great way to start is by turning your writing hobby into a side hustle. This will help you test out the waters without having to invest too much time or money. You can keep your day job while working on your side hustle in your spare time until it becomes profitable enough to transition into full-time work. This also allows you to gauge interest in your product/service and adjust accordingly before committing fully.

Create an LLC

Once you decide to become serious about your business venture, registering as an LLC is important for protecting yourself and other stakeholders involved in the business. With the help of a formation service, you can register your small business quickly and easily online with just five simple steps. 

Registering quickly is important since it will allow you access to key resources such as venture capital funds, banking credit lines, and even free marketing support services offered by banks and chambers of commerce.

Establish a Business Plan

Developing an effective business plan is key for any successful venture regardless of size or industry. Your plan should include research about competitors in the market, production plans, financial forecasts, strategy for marketing and promotion, goals, staffing plans, etc. 

Writing up this plan will give potential investors an idea of what they are investing in and will also help provide guidance throughout the life cycle of the project. It’s also recommended that entrepreneurs update their plans regularly so they remain relevant over time despite changing market conditions or external factors influencing their businesses negatively or positively.

Come Up with a Marketing Plan

Having an effective marketing strategy is essential for any company looking to increase sales and gain more customers. A well-thought-out marketing plan should include research about target audiences, advertising campaigns, website design considerations, and more. Utilizing all available channels effectively can help maximize exposure leading up to launch day and beyond.

Build Your Online Presence

In today’s online marketplace, a well-designed website that accurately represents your brand is crucial for successful marketing. Providing customers with user-friendly ecommerce platforms can build trust quickly and lead to increased sales. Offering a superior web presence can give you an edge over competitors who don’t prioritize these aspects.

It’s important to use SEO strategies to get the most exposure online, so look into how to use keywords strategically. You’ll also want to rely on PDFs over other file types for online posts because they are the most SEO friendly. You can try this page to convert your other digital files into PDFs for free. Just drop in the file and let the tool work its magic!

Locate Funding

To secure funding for their project, startups can explore various options such as angel investors, crowdfunding sites, and grants from government programs. Careful research must be done to ensure that the best possible investment resources are obtained, which will help the project run successfully without running out of funds halfway through. This is crucial for completing the project successfully.

Use a Unified eCommerce Platform for Your Store

Unified ecommerce platforms can help to facilitate a smoother online purchasing process for customers, resulting in an increased likelihood of sales taking place. This is due to the better user experience, which can translate to higher profits over time through increased customer loyalty. Providing better service than the competition can help entrepreneurs gain an edge and incorporate features that can further improve the overall user experience.

Get Your Writing Business Started

Starting a business requires dedication and commitment to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true. It entails considering several factors, such as funding the operation, setting up an LLC structure, and facilitating online purchases via an ecommerce platform. By following these essential tips, you can increase your chances of success in the long run.

Are you looking for more great writing-related content? Then check out Author Anthony Avina’s Blog!

You can learn more about writer Virginia Cooper using this link!

http://learnaliving.co/

A Writer’s Guide to Launching a Book: The Ultimate Book Launch and Author Platform Planner by Ashley Earley Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Ashley Earley shares helpful tips and tricks to make social media more of a priority to authors and help utilize it to increase sales and views on their books in the book “A Writer’s Guide to Launching a Book: The Ultimate Book Launch and Author Platform Planner”.

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The Synopsis

Today, whether self-publishing or going the traditional route, a writer can’t get away with publishing a book without the resource of social media. Despite the growth and near necessity of social media, it is a confusing and difficult thing to master. As a writer, social media likely isn’t at the top of your list of priorities, but because of its resources and significance, it’s time to put it on the list. But where do you even start? What are you supposed to do with social media? What should you post? How can you use it to sell your book?

In A Writer’s Guide to Launching a Book, author and editor Ashley Earley provides ways in which one can increase their visibility as an author and a brand to increase book sales. In A Writer’s Guide to Launching a Book, you will learn:

  • To create an author platform and use it to create a following/fanbase.
  • The definition of “platform” and what a book launch is.
  • The different types of social media platforms and how they can be useful to you as an author.
  • Utilize social media to launch the publication of your book.

Not only is this the resource for your social media needs, but the resource to learn how to apply social media to the publication of your book. If you’re serious about building an author platform tailored to you and your writing, look no further than A Writer’s Guide to Launching a Book: The Ultimate Book Launch & Author Platform Planner.

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The Review

The author does a wonderful job of crafting a guide and book that lays out the need for authors to be their own promoters in a way for their own books. The succinct and clear direction the author takes when outlining these steps was great to see, as it showcased the relatability the material has to authors specifically and spoke to the mental and emotional core behind the author’s struggles with social media and promotion in general.

The steps the author outlines are perfectly crafted, allowing the reader to follow a clear and concise pattern that gives authors the power to reach directly to their readers. The author does a great job of speaking to both nonfiction and fiction writers and emphasizes the need to create online content to promote your book to readers specifically. The attention to detail the author gives when talking about specific social media sites and trends that can help an author grow their audience, as well as their own author network, made this a compelling book to get lost in.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and thought-provoking, author Ashley Earley’s “A Writer’s Guide to Launching a Book” is a must-read nonfiction writer’s guide to both launching a book and building a solid author platform that readers will be excited to be a part of. The book allows authors to return to the guide time and time again, discovering new information and helping form the platform they need to connect with the readers waiting to discover their work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ashley Earley grew up in Georgia, where she spent most of her time running wild in the woods of her backyard, building forts to create her own fantasy worlds, obsessing over books, and experimenting with her writing.

Today, she lives in Colorado with her dog and still spends her time devouring any book she can get her hands on, writing, and editing for her clients at Earley Editing, LLC. In May of 2021, she graduated with distinction from University of Colorado Boulder, receiving a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. She also enjoys snowboarding, exploring, annoying her dog, constantly eating chocolate, and sharing her writing adventures on Instagram.

Her Thriller/Suspense short story, Chasing Hair of Gold, won first place in the 2016 Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards.

As a writer, she leans into fantasy or horror due to her love of all things creepy. As an editor, she loves a little bit of everything. Give her that steamy, forbidden romance, give her vampires, or even that young lovey-dovey stuff with all the twists and turns!

Visit her at: www.ashleyearley.com or www.earleyediting.com for her professional book editing services!

Ashley would love to hear from her readers:

Instagram: @ashley_earley

Twitter: @ashley_earley

TikTok: @ashley_earley

Guest Post: From Sidelined to Spotlight: Tips for Artists to Get Discovered by Virginia Cooper

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Guest PostLeave a comment

Hey guys! Today I am happy to share this amazing guest post/article from writer Virginia Cooper, who is here to share some tips on how artists in all fields can get their work discovered. I hope you will all enjoy this and be sure to follow the author’s website to learn more.

From Sidelined to Spotlight: Tips for Artists to Get Discovered

Being a creative individual – whether it’s through writing, fashion design, art, or craft-making – can be a challenging and rewarding career path. However, getting your work discovered can be a daunting task for many creatives who are just starting out. Courtesy of Author Anthony Avina’s Blog, here are some creative ways for artists, makers, and fashion designers to get discovered.

Powerful Online Presence

One of the most effective ways for writers and creatives to get discovered is by building a strong online presence. Social media platforms can be incredibly helpful in getting your work in front of a wider audience. Posting high-quality photos of your work, creating engaging content, and using appropriate hashtags can help increase your chances of being discovered by potential customers and collaborators. Additionally, having a personal website or online portfolio that showcases your work in a professional manner can help you establish credibility and make a lasting impression on potential clients or collaborators.

Doing Business 

Attending industry events such as trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions can be instrumental in getting your work viewed by industry professionals and potential buyers. These events offer opportunities to make new connections, learn about current trends, and gain exposure for your brand. Come prepared with business cards and a clear pitch about your work to make a lasting impression.

You might also want to consider setting up your own limited liability company (LLC) for the legal protections and tax benefits that come with it. If you aren’t sure how to start an LLC in California, try enlisting the help of an online formation service that’s already well-acquainted with local state business regulations.

Enter Competitions

Submitting your work to competitions and juried shows can be a great way to gain recognition and exposure for your work. Winning or placing in a competition can be a powerful tool for gaining credibility and attracting potential buyers or collaborators. Research the various competitions and shows that align with your artistic or design aesthetic, and be sure to submit your best work.

Work Together With Other Artists

Collaborating with other artists, makers, and fashion designers can help increase your exposure and generate new ideas and inspiration. Seek out like-minded individuals who share similar values and aesthetics, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Collaborating on a project or event can also help generate buzz and create excitement around your work.

Speaking of collaboration, if you set up your business and you’re looking for investors, it might be a good idea to take a moment and check your credit report first. After all, the last thing you want is an unwelcome surprise just as your business is starting to grow and catch some attention.

Traditional Marketing

While digital marketing strategies can provide great results, using traditional methods should not be underestimated. Creating and dispersing flyers or postcards can be a successful approach to promoting your work locally. To target the right audience, consider placing your flyers in establishments that cater to the same demographic.

Local Events and Pop-Ups

Participating in local events or pop-up shops can be a great way to gain exposure for your work. Research events in your area that align with your brand or aesthetic, and consider reserving a table or booth to showcase your work. Pop-ups are also becoming increasingly popular and can offer a low-risk way to test the waters and gain valuable feedback from potential customers.

Workshops and Courses

Participating in workshops or courses that align with your creative interests can help you learn new techniques and expand your network. Seek out opportunities to learn from experts in your field, and use these events as an opportunity to network and make new connections. By attending creative events, you can spark your creativity and find new inspiration for your work.

In conclusion, there are many creative ways for writers, artists, makers, and fashion designers to get discovered. Building a strong online presence, attending industry events, trying old-school marketing methods, and showcasing your work at local events or pop-up shops can all be effective strategies for gaining exposure and getting your work in front of potential customers and collaborators. Remember to stay true to your artistic vision and values, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

If you’d like to learn more about an acclaimed author, visit Author Anthony Avina’s Blog. Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Image via Pexels

You can learn more about writer Virginia Cooper using this link!

http://learnaliving.co/

Guest Blog Post: How a Corgi Supercharged My Writing Life by Regina Buttner (Author of “Down a Bad Road”)

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Guest PostLeave a comment

I have never been dogless. When I was a child, my family had a succession of pooches of various breeds. As an adult, my kids and I adopted a string of dogs, including two incorrigible beagles and a lovely golden retriever named Juliet.

After my children were grown, I decided to trade the cold winters of upstate New York for the endless summer of coastal Florida, where I could enjoy the sunshine and write more books. There was a hitch, though—faithful Juliet disliked hot weather, so my son gladly took her in.

Being dogless gave me the freedom to pursue new pastimes in my new home: paddling my kayak, exploring the beaches, and planning my next novel. But then, an emptiness hit me. No damp doggy nose nudging me awake in the morning, nobody wagging their fanny off in greeting when I arrived home. My beach walks were solitary, and the space next to me on the couch was sadly vacant when I curled up to read in the evening. My writing suffered, too. With all the disruption of moving, the daily writing routine I’d worked so hard to cultivate was in danger of falling apart.

What to do? I wasn’t sure at first. Then one day, while sorting through my boxes, I came across a photo of a house I’d lived in twenty years ago. I recalled the wintry day when my young family moved in. The driveway was so long and narrow that the moving van had to park on the road, and the crew schlepped our belongings up to the house by hand. The cheerful driver wasn’t fazed though, because he had a secret power hidden inside his truck. “Mind if I let my dog out to play with yours?” he asked, and of course I agreed.

Next thing, a little dude named Edgar came bounding through the gate. He had short, stumpy legs, a ridiculously long back, and tall, pointy ears like satellite dishes. Where his tail should have been, there was only a fluffy pair of buns that resembled oven-browned loaves of bread. Edgar launched himself across the snowy backyard like a ping pong ball on steroids. “He’s a corgi,” his owner informed me, and I was instantly smitten.

As I sat there with my memories, a realization dawned: I need to get a dog. A month later, I acquired Pekoe, a 10-week-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and all heck broke loose. Having a puppy forced me to rise with the birds in the morning, for urgent potty and walkies. The vet had warned me that corgis tend to think they’re the boss of the world, so I worked diligently on Pekoe’s obedience training. Needless to say, she wasn’t too psyched about the whole doing-what-you’re-told thing, but I persevered. I developed a daily routine with a healthy blend of play time, training and naps, and structured my writing time around it.

The discipline of a daily schedule worked wonders with my pup, and it also jump-started my stalled writing life. The four basic commands I taught Pekoe—COME, SIT, STAY, FETCH—were essential to her training; and in a happy coincidence, I found they could be applied to my writing as well. 

Take COME, for instance. When the muse knocks, the writer must come to greet her, or risk her disappearing into the dreaded maw of writer’s block. Then there’s SIT. Your book won’t get written if your butt is traipsing around town, instead of at home in that desk chair where it belongs. And once you’re seated at the keyboard, you must STAY. Silence those pesky notifications and close the door, because it’s writin’ time! The last command you must master is FETCH. Your book ain’t gonna write itself, so let’s get after it! Clamp those needle-like puppy teeth around your story, give the muse a ferocious growl, and don’t let go until it’s done.

I’m happy to report that Pekoe has grown into a happy, healthy, and reasonably obedient corgi who only occasionally indulges her fantasy of being the supreme leader of the universe. With plenty of loving care, I hope to have Her Royal Corginess by my side for many more years and books to come. If you’d like a glimpse of Pekoe’s life of leisure, she’d be delighted to have you follow her on Instagram at #pekoecorgi.

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About the Author

Regina is a registered nurse-turned-writer who was raised in beautiful upstate New York, where she spent many happy years exploring the winding back roads and scenic hiking trails of the Adirondack mountain region. She recently traded the snowy northern winters for the tropical breezes of the Sunshine State, where her favorite pastimes are kayaking among the mangroves, strolling the gorgeous beaches, and attempting to teach tricks to her boisterous corgi. 

Learn more on Regina’s website or follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads or BookBub. 

You can read more about the book (and read a preview!) by going to: https://www.amazon.com/Down-Bad-Road-Regina-Buttner-ebook/dp/B0BSN7F7KT. 

Add Down a Bad Road to your Goodreads TBR list or purchase a copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Bookshop.org.

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Blog Tour Calendar

May 29th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the blog tour launch of Down a Bad Road by Regina Buttner. You’ll have the chance to read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

May 30th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by author Anthony Avina’s blog to read his review of Down a Bad Road by Regina Buttner. 

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

May 31st @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews blog

Join Lisa for an interview with Regina Buttner.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

June 1st @ World of My Imagination

Stop by World of My Imagination to read Nicole’s review of Down a Bad Road. 

https://worldofmyimagination.com

June 4th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Revisit author Anthony Avina’s blog to read “How a Corgi Supercharged My Writing Life” by Regina Buttner. 

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

June 5th @ A Lit Life

Stop by A Lit Life read Stephanie’s review of Down a Bad Road. 

http://www.alitlife.com/

June 7th @ Sue Edwards’s blog

Visit Sue’s blog to read an interview with author Regina Buttner.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

June 8th @ Michelle Cornish’s blog

Read a guest post from Regina Buttner about cultivating writerly discipline.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

June 9th @ Reading is My Remedy

Check out Chelsie’s Instagram where she’ll review Down a Bad Road.

https://www.instagram.com/reading_is_my_remedy

June 10th @ World of My Imagination

Stop by Nicole’s blog where Regina Buttner is a guest for “Three Things on a Saturday Night.”

https://worldofmyimagination.com

June 12th @ Reading is My Remedy

Stop by Chelsie’s blog to read a guest post by Regina Buttner about disguising your friends and family in your stories.

https://www.readingismyremedy.wordpress.com

June 13th @ Michelle Cornish’s author blog

Join Michelle as she reviews Down a Bad Road.

https://www.michellecornishauthor.com/blog

June 14th @ Create Write Now

Visit Mari’s blog to read a guest post by Regina Buttner about growing up old-school Catholic and daring to write about it!

CreateWriteNow.com

June 15th @ The Knotty Needle

Join Judy for her review of Down a Bad Road.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

June 16th @ Mindy McGinnis’s blog

Stop by Mindy’s blog to read “A Humorous Look at NOT Dating After 50” by Regina Buttner.

https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

June 16th @ From the TBR Pile

Join Kari as she reviews Down a Bad Road. 

https://fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com/

June 18th @ Lady Unemployed 

Stop by Nicole’s blog to read “How Joining a Professional Writers Organization Transformed My Writing Career” by Regina Buttner.

Welcome to Lady Unemployed!

June 21st @ Life According to Jamie

Join us as Jamie reviews Down a Bad Road. 

http://www.lifeaccordingtojamie.com

June 22nd @ Sue Edwards’s blog

Return to Sue’s blog to read “From Nurse to Writer” by Regina Buttner.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

June 23rd @ Nikki’s Book Reviews

Read Nicole’s review of Down a Bad Road.

https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com/

June 24th @ The Faerie Review

Stop by The Faerie Review to read a spotlight of Down a Bad Road. 

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

June 25th @ A Lit Life

Return to A Lit Life to read a guest post from Regina Buttner about how a visit to the Stillwater Hotel in Upstate New York inspired the setting for Down a Bad Road. 

http://www.alitlife.com/

Write Out Loud: How to Get Over Your Fears and Build the Confidence to Finally Write Your Book by Naomi D. Nakashima Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Naomi D. Nakashima takes readers on a journey to explore the individual fears we all face as writers in completing our stories and how to overcome them in the book “Write Out Loud: How to Get Over Your Fears and Build the Confidence to Finally Write Your Book”. 

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The Synopsis

Are you still struggling with your book? Feeling overwhelmed or creatively blocked with self-doubt, fear, and general anxiety about what it means to write a book? Are you still wondering if you have what it takes to even write a book?

Not all fears are created equal.

Write Out Loud is a step-by-step guide to help you identify the fears that are keeping you from sharing your story so you can beat them back and finally write your book with confidence. In Write Out Loud, you’ll learn how to:

• identify the source of your self-doubts and fears

• validate your book idea

• gain self-belief (in your story and in your ability to write your story)

• start writing your first draft with confidence

• feel comfortable talking about your book idea

• And, yes, much more!

Amazon bestselling author and ghostwriter Naomi D. Nakashima brings her experience of helping authors to write and publish their books along with her training as a psychotherapist to walk you through the sometimes painful process of facing your fears and sharing your story. If you’re ready to finally sit down and start writing your book without the fear and anxiety, read Write Out Loud: How to Get Over your Fears and Build the Confidence to Finally Write Your Book.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

The Review

This is a detailed and well-developed book. The author does a marvelous job of touching upon the writing process in a meticulous way that gives established and newcomer authors a feel for what they can expect during the writing and publishing process. The precision and concise nature of the author’s writing really allowed readers to get a broad look into each and every step the journey to becoming an author can take. 

For me, the wealth of information and the straightforward way the author lays out the process while also providing a personable writing approach to the fears and holdups that people can have when it comes to writing made this a compelling read. The exploration of everything from character and narrative development to facing anxiety about your writing and finding the time to write in general really made this book feel like a fresh and engaging read. 

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The Verdict

Compelling, engaging, and inspiring, author Naomi D. Nakashima’s “Write Out Loud” is a must-read nonfiction book and guide on writing and overcoming one’s anxieties surrounding writing. The detail and enlightening concepts the author touches upon were great, especially one of my favorites surrounding developing an audience, and the way this book will speak to writers and authors on any level of the writing process made this feel like a truly special read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Naomi D. Nakashima is a bestselling author of nonfiction, a ghostwriter with 20 years of experience, a trained psychotherapist, and a TikTok writing coach with thousands of followers who attend her coaching events and regular Q&As. Everything I Need to Know About Parenting I Learned from Watching Star Trek, her first book published under her name, became an international Amazon bestseller and stayed on the bestseller list for step-parenting and blended families for three years.

As a single mother of two, Naomi daydreams about spending her free time reading books, diamond painting, and traveling the world.

Follow her online at:

Website: https://helpmenaomi.com/

Shop: https://shop.glitzandgrammar.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpmenaomi

https://twitter.com/helpmenaomi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpmenaomi/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/helpmenaomi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helpmenaomi/

Purchase a copy of Write Out Loud on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org. You can also get an autographed copy (and put more money back in the author’s hands) by purchasing it on Glitz and Glamour. Make sure you also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

May 15 @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Naomi D. Nakashima’s book Write Out Loud. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

May 16 @ One Writer’s Journey

Join Sue for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

May 16 @ Karen Brown Tyson

Visit Karen’s blog again for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about understanding what goes into an author platform.

https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/

May 17 @ Karen Brown Tyson

Join Karen for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

Karen Brown Tyson

May 18 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Join Anthony for his review of Write Out Loud.

https://atomic-temporary-124910902.wpcomstaging.com/

May 19 @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about why your story is a good idea.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

May 20 @ World of My Imagination

Join Nicole as she features author Naomi D. Nakashima on her weekly feature, Three Things on a Saturday Night.

https://worldofmyimagination.com

May 21 @ Shoe’s Seeds & Stories

Check out Linda’s review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

May 22 @ Writer Advice

Visit Lynn’s blog for Naomi D. Nakashima’s guest post start writing your first draft with confidence.

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May 23 @ A Storybook World

Join Deirdra for a feature of Write Out Loud.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

May 24 @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Join Lisa for her interview with Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

May 25 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

May 26 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Join Beverley for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

May 29 @ Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire

Visit Mindy’s blog for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about imposter syndrome.

https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

May 30 @ My Beauty, My Books

Join Nikki for her review of Write Out Loud. A must-read book for writers!

https://mybeautymybooks.com/

May 31 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Join Beverley again for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about memory issues.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

June 1 @ The Mommies Review

Join Glenda for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://www.themommiesreviews.com/

June 1  @ Jill Sheets’ Blog

Join Jill for her review of Write Out Loud. She also interviews Naomi D. Nakashima, author of the book.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

June 2 @ My Beauty, My Books

Visit Nikki’s blog for her guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about finding the time to write.

https://mybeautymybooks.com/

June 3 @ The Faerie Review

Join Lily for a review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

June 5 @ Sara Trimble Freelancing

Join Sara for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://saratrimble.wordpress.com/

June 7 @ Create Write Now

Join Mari’s for her guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about writing with ADHD.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

June 8 @ The Frugalista Mom

Visit Rochie’s blog for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://thefrugalistamom.com/

June 9 @ Book Reviews from an Avid Reader

Visit Joan’s blog for her review of Write Out Loud.

https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/

June 10 @ A Wonderful World of Books

Check out Joy’s blog for an excerpt of Write Out Loud and enter to win a copy of the book.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

June 15 @ World of My Imagination

Join Nicole for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima. You can also win a copy of the book too!

https://worldofmyimagination.com

June 16 @ Choices

Join Madeline’s blog for a guest post by Naomi D. Nakashima about weird writing tips and tricks.

https://www.madelinesharples.com/

June 16 @ Mary Jo Campbell

Visit Mary Jo’s Instagram page for her review of Write Out Loud by Naomi D. Nakashima.

https://www.instagram.com/maryjocampbell_author/

June 17 @ Coffee And Ink

Visit Jan’s blog for her review of Write Out Loud. 

https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/

Unlock Your Creativity: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Inspiration and Developing Your Imagination by Ron Pacer Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Ron Pacer takes readers on a journey to discover the ways in which you can tap into your inner creativity and bring your imagination to life in his book “Unlock Your Creativity: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Inspiration and Developing Your Imagination”. 

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The Synopsis

Unlock Your Creativity: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Inspiration and Developing Your Imagination is an essential handbook for anyone looking to tap into their inner creativity and bring their imagination to life.

You will learn:

✓How to explore new environments and experiences, keep a journal or idea notebook, learn from other creative individuals, and use prompts and exercises to stimulate creativity.

✓The essential skills for developing the imagination, such as learning to think outside the box, using the power of visualization, practicing brainstorming and free association, and experimenting with different mediums and techniques.

✓How to overcome creative blocks, including understanding and identifying the causes, using mindfulness and relaxation techniques, seeking feedback and support from others, and taking time for self-care and rejuvenation.

Whether you are an artist, writer, teenager, adult, or simply someone looking to unleash their creative potential, Unlock Your Creativity: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Inspiration and Developing Your Imagination is the ultimate guide to unlocking your full creative potential and achieving personal growth.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

The Review

This is a quick yet well-developed read. The author does a remarkable job of capturing the essential lessons and tools that someone would need in order to find that creative spark just waiting to be lit. The way the author writes is great here, as it speaks to everyone and not just the select few established writers in the world through technical terms and practices. Instead, the generality of the author’s writing allows for broad approaches that keep it light and fun, yet impactful all at once.

The passion for which the author writes and the emphasis on imagination’s role in the creative process were what really stuck out to me about this book. The lessons that are taught and the guide itself are built upon the idea of the reader’s imagination is the playground of sorts that helps creativity thrive and grow, and that has always been the case for me as a writer, so getting to see this concept come to life on the pages of this book were great to see.

The Verdict

Informative, imaginative, and engaging, author Ron Pacer’s “Unlock Your Creativity” is a must-read nonfiction book and guide on creativity and creative development. The knowledge and information gained through this book are equally measured against the passion and heart for which the book was written, and the emphasis on imagination highlights the power that creativity has in all aspects of life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith, MFA Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Melanie Faith showcases to readers the path and means of taking their story from the writing phase to the publication phase in her book “From Promising to Published”. 

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The Synopsis

You’ve been writing and honing your craft for months or years and are curious about seeking publication for your latest project. Perhaps you wonder about the next steps in the process. Look no further!

This book has a little something for every writer interested in expanding their audience and sharing their writing with readers, from pre-writing and writing your drafts to choosing your market and the writing life before, during, and after publication.

Topics covered include:

  • The Lovely Littles: Breaking into Literary Magazines
  • The Spinning Spider: Keeping Track of your Brainchildren
  • Options, You’ve Got ’em: Traditional, Indie/Small, University Press, or Self-Publishing 
  • Two Streams with One Stone: To Simultaneously Submit or Not
  • Monetize it! Part One: All about the Benjamins; Monetize it! Part Two: Risk and a Swimming Metaphor
  • The Myth of the Fancy-Pants Tools
  • The Art of Writing the Author Bio
  • Paradox Meets Passion: Writer vs. Author
  • The Slam-Bam Reply: Now in Two Painful Varieties; Creative Noodling
  • F.U.N

and so much more!

The Review

This was such a thoughtful and meaningful read. Authors and aspiring writers will absolutely love this book. The author’s writing style was very pointed and personable, allowing the reader to feel more like they were in a conversation and less like they were being preached to. This friendly and relatable approach to the subject allows readers to connect more to the author’s message, and the lessons found within. 

I absolutely loved the amount of information the author was able to fit into this book. From the process of crafting an author bio and finding a target audience, to more thoughtful approaches such as making multiple submissions and finding a literary magazine to be featured in, as well as the differences between an author and a writer, this book does an incredible job of not only drawing the reader in but finding the right balance of inspiration and education.

The Verdict

Honest, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Melanie Faith’s “From Promising to Published” is a must-read guide and reference book on the publishing process for authors. The knowledge the reader is able to glean from this book and the writing style will allow readers to return to this book time and time again and keeps authors invested in learning the process of getting their work published in a cohesive way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Melanie Faith is a night-owl writer and editor who moves through the daytime world with her camera. She’s an introvert who likes to wear many hats, too, including as a poet, photographer, professor, and tutor. She’s been a doodler for years but just recently started to share her perfectly imperfect doodles. She loves to write about historical settings in poetry and prose, and this fall she taught both a Leaping Worlds class for historical fiction and time-travel writers as well as a university class about publishing. She especially enjoys creating nonfiction craft books that assist fellow authors on their writing paths, including books packed with tips about writing flash fiction and poetry. Her latest published craft books are: Photography for Writers, guides for teaching online and writing a research book respectively, and From Promising to Published: A Multi-Genre, Insider’s Guide to the Publication Process (all from Vine Leaves Press). Read more about her books, classes, and arts projects at https://melaniedfaith.com.

Purchase a copy of From Promising to Published on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

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Blog Tour Calendar

December 5th @ The Muffin

Join WOW as we celebrate the launch of Melanie Faith’s blog tour of From Promising to Publishing. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

December 5th @ Karen Brown Tyson

Visit Karen’s blog today and read about whether to monetize your writing or keep it a hobby.

Karen Brown Tyson

December 7th @ Create Write Now

Visit Mari’s blog today to read a guest post by Melanie Faith about how to self-motivate.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

December 8th @ Margay Leah Justice’s Blog

Join Margay as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/

December 9th @ Blunt Scissors Book Reviews

Jennifer shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith’s helpful book From Promising to Published.

https://www.instagram.com/bluntscissorsbookreviews/

December 10th @ World of My Imagination

Visit Nicole’s blog to catch her review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://worldofmyimagination.com/

December 11th @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog as she reviews Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

December 12th @ One Writer’s Journey

Sue shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith’s helpful book for writers From Promising to Published.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

December 13th @ Lisa Haselton’s Book Reviews & Interviews

Visit Lisa’s blog for an interview with author Melanie Faith about her book From Promising to Published.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

December 15th @ Mother Daughter Bookclub

Join Cindy as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://motherdaughterbookclub.com/

December 16th @ The Faerie Review

Lily shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

December 18th @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog

Come by Michelle’s blog and read Melanie Faith’s guest post about overcoming imposter syndrome.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

December 20th @ A Storybook World

Deirdra features a spotlight of Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

December 21st @ Elle Backenstoe’s Blog

Join Elle as she reviews Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

http://ellebackenstoe.com/

December 22nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Visit Anthony’s blog and read his review of From Promising to Published.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/category/blog-tours/

December 23rd @ Help Me Naomi

Noami shares a review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://helpmenaomi.com/

December 24th @ The Mommies Reviews

Join Tara she reviews Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published and hosts a giveaway too.

https://www.themommiesreviews.com/

December 27th @ Mindy McGinnis’ Blog

Join Mindy’s blog today where author Melanie Faith shares tips on writing author bios that have personality and heart.

https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

December 27th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Join Beverley as she reviews Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

December 29th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Visit Beverley’s blog to read a guest post by Melanie Faith about the benefits of hiring a freelance editor and how to find a good fit.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

January 2nd @ Elle Backenstoe’s Blog

Visit Elle’s blog again and read Melanie Faith’s guest post about the benefits of beta readers and how to find one.

http://ellebackenstoe.com/

January 3rd @ Editor 911

Join Margo as she features a guest post by Melanie Faith about the taking-on-too-much spiral.

https://editor-911.com/blog

January 4th @ Liberate & Lather

Visit Angie’s blog and read her review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith. She hosts a giveaway and also interviews author Melanie Faith about her book.

https://liberateandlather.com/blog

January 5th @ Word Magic

Fiona reviews this helpful writing book From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith. Don’t miss it!

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

January 7th @ Leslie’s Voice

Join Leslie as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://lesliesvoice.com/

Cosmic Writing Studios Sale!

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Personal Blog PostsLeave a comment

Hello everyone! My name is Anthony Avina, and I am the owner and operator of Cosmic Writing Studios, a custom writing experience on Etsy and my own website. Are you looking for the perfect gift for your child, parent, or significant other? Are you an author searching for a way of organizing and keeping your cast of characters listed and written down? Do you perhaps need editing, proofreading, or promotional services for your up-and-coming book? Perhaps you have an upcoming book launch and are in need of some ad space to promote it? 

Then look no further than Cosmic Writing Studios. Through my shop, you can find the best customizable products for that special someone in your life, as well as the best writing services to help with your upcoming book release. With competitive pricing that is sure to help with your launch, there is something for everyone here at my store. If you shop now through Etsy, you can get 20% off all purchases. So shop now to grab your next great writing service or gift today!

USE CODE ALYWITHTHECURVES OR THIS LINK TO GRAB 20% OFF NOW! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CosmicWritingStudios?coupon=ALYWITHTHECURVES