How and When to Research for Your Book

Often, when signing up new clients for book coaching, they say that they will get busy on their research. My response: Stop! Do not research! I’m pretty emphatic about this, and I tell my clients that jumping in to do research as you begin to write your book is really an exercise in productive procrastination—putting off the thing you most …

Own It: The Transformational Power of Authorship

Sometimes I think I oversell the value of writing a book. I often say that your book is “magic” and can do supernatural things for your career or business. And then, when I speak with new authors and hear their transformational stories, I think perhaps I haven’t sold the ROI of writing a book enough! There are the obvious benefits …

Is a VIP Writing Experience Right for Me?

Denise Gabel wanted to write her book, but discovered, like many aspiring authors, that life had other plans. She needed a timeout when her soulmate and life partner Dennis fell gravely ill and passed away. Her world was rocked. After a one-year sabbatical, she decided she was ready to move forward with her book, but had a new thesis and …

Help! I’ve Hit the Wall (and my book isn’t finished!)

“Cathy, I don’t think I can look at my book another minute,” were a client’s opening words to me on a recent coaching call. “I get it,” I confided. “I’ve been there many times myself.” “So what can I do?” I thought about my response, and shared with her a number of ideas that I’m sharing here. First, don’t despair! …

The Art of Saying Thank You: Writing the Acknowledgements Page of Your Book

My mother taught me that when you receive a gift, you must write a thank you note. In fact, I was not being allowed to play or even leave the writing table until my thank you notes were written. Mother’s advice still holds true: it’s important to say “thank you,” especially once your book is written. You needed the help …

#WritingCommunity

Writing can be an extremely solitary activity. Yet, I believe that the most successful authors work in community with others in order to achieve their results. Clients. Author first get ideas for their first or next book from clients who have problems or challenges that can’t be solved conventionally. As clients ask questions, authors gain insights into what still needs …

Writing: Love You, Love You Not

I have a love-hate relationship with writing. I’m sure that might seem odd coming from someone who has written ten books and works as a book coach. But it’s true. I hate to write. Yet, I love what writing does for me and my readers. I hate the agonizing time searching for the right model, the correct analogy or metaphor, …

Is it time for a Book Reboot? What do to when life gets in the way of your book

You know that writing your book could open doors for speaking assignments, would give you added visibility and credibility, and would allow you to become the authority—the author who quite literally wrote the book on your area of expertise. But life gets in the way. I’ve seen this time and time again. Maybe it looks like this: Since the pandemic …