FEATURES this week...

Soulful Spotlight - One of my friends, Ann McIndoo, has just completed a year on assignment with Tony Robbins as his Creative Assistant on his new book:  "Emotional Fitness:  Harnessing your Inner Strength."  Ann, also known to her friends as, Ann "Can Do" McIndoo, has since written a book entitled, "So, You Want to Write:  How to Get Out of Your Head and on to the Paper".  For those of you that aspire to write a book one day, you'll love this week's article.  Learn the three simple steps to get started, followed by 10 keys to staying motivated. Additional worksheets may be downloaded through her website.  Note the upcoming Tele-class if you want to take the learning even deeper. Success Resources - Ann McIndoo has also generously agreed to give a one hour tele-class where I will interview her for a "mini-writers workshop".  Learn the most valuable of her insights, and fuel the inspiration to write your own book with ease.  Take advantage of this unique opportunity on August 10th at 5:00pm PDT (8:00pm EDT).  Ann's energy, wisdom, and ideas are invaluable.  I'm really looking forward to this call!!! Register for only $29 by clicking HERE.Have a fabulous week,Mary Allen, CPCC, PCC

Soulfully Writing:  How to Get Out of Your Head and on to the Paper

 By Ann McIndoo
Author of "So, You Want to Write!"

So, you want to write a book? Congratulations on your decision to write! The writing process will be a memorable experience and open many doors. Having written over 100 books, I always find it to be a great learning experience, an exciting adventure, and a fulfilling journey. Who can write a book? Almost anyone! If you are an authority on a subject, possess a skill that others wish to learn, have specialized knowledge or simply have a burning desire to tell a story, share information or teach others, you can write a book.I'm curious. How long have you been thinking about writing a book? Do you have a pile of journals filled with writings but are not sure what to do it them? Or perhaps a shoebox filled with articles, scribblings, and post-it notes that you know will make a best-seller? Great! You have decided to write, you are ready to write, but you don't know what to write! Interestingly enough, many people think writers just sit down and start writing. And although I'm sure that may work for some, there are many great strategies for getting the content out of your head and onto the paper and writing your book.How do you get started? I have found that there are three simple steps to follow when writing a book. The three steps are:

1) Prepare Yourself. The first thing you want to do before you begin writing is to get into the creative zone - that magical place where everything comes out exactly the way you want it. The easiest and quickest way to get there is to be prepared - to be prepared in your head (your inner game), your body (how you feel about your book / project) and your space (your writing place).2) Organize Your Material. Gather all your notes, materials, post-it notes, journals - all the text you have compiled so far. Now is the time to collect all those little papers you've been saving in your drawer or pull your "book" folder out of the mountain of newspaper clippings and articles. Review your research and notes. Separate it into topics and create an Outline. Having an outline is critical, as this is the roadmap to completing your book.

3) Produce Content. There are a variety of ways to write, to capture your content. You can write by hand using a writing pad or journal. Typing or talking into a computer using voice software, dictating into a cassette or digital recorder which you or someone else can later transcribe. My favorite way to create content is to create a Story Board. This method allows you to visualize your topics and move them around.

Here are 10 Tips for getting started on your book and staying motivated:

1. Prepare Yourself (See "Writer's Questionnaire")2. Write down your vision for your book. (See "Writer's Questionnaire")3. Set Your Writing Goals (See "Writer's Goals)4. Write down the outcome and purpose for your book ("Writer's Questionnaire").5. Make a writing appointment with yourself to write and keep it!6. Keep a small spiral notebook and pen handy - write down notes, ideas, topics, thoughts - anything you want to add to your book.7. Practice writing. (See "Writer's Prompts")8. Pick a place to write - somewhere you feel comfortable and inspired and write for 5-10 minutes each day. Just like an athlete works out, writers practice!9. Read a writing magazine like "Writer's Digest" or any one of the free e-zines listed in the Writer's Resources.

10. Join a Writer's Group - meet with other writers and brainstorm.

To learn more about writing and how to get started, visit www.AnnMcIndoo.com. You will find the following free downloads under "Writer's Tools":* Writer's Questionnaire - Get Prepared!* Writer's Goals - Know where you are going!* 10 Writer's Prompts - Exercise for Writers

* Writer's Resources - Great Places to Go and things to read!

Is there a book 
inside of you?  
What is it?

If you'd like to make a contribution to one of our topics areas in SoulFULLY Living, please email mary@lifecoachmary.com, we're always looking for valuable material to pass on to our readers.

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