I’m ba-ack! Plus: Doing it scared, and tools for writers
It’s been a summer 😂
I pretty much got swallowed up by my kids – between birthdays, broken arms (for two different kids!), bedroom makeovers, beach getaways and erratic camp schedules, there hasn’t been much time leftover for me.
But I DID manage to reinvent my website (hurrah!) and finish the next (final?) edit for my book Again, Only More Like You, which launches next spring. From here, ARCs (advanced review copies) will go to reviewers and the widespread panic that us authors feel as our books begin to hit the streets will set in.
It’s said that having a child is like having a piece of your heart walking around outside your body. And the same could be said of a book.
I’m still getting used to the idea that people even know it exists, never mind prying into the contents inside.
It’s terrifying, not least because after reading this latest iteration, I never realized that I swear so much. 🤣
It’s hard to put yourself out there like this. To stand naked for everyone to judge and point fingers at. To be seen.
So why the hell do we do it? Because the thought that this book, these words, might encourage and inspire someone to take a leap of faith, pursue their happy, laugh, cry, feel loved, seen and appreciated it, is worth what any a---hole might say about my attempt to put some good out in the world. (There I go again, foul mouth!)
If you’re writing a book, no doubt you’ve experienced some of the same fears. But like I reminded an author friend recently, we do it scared.
Plus, I dare you.
Cat xo
PS: If you do want to follow my journey to the book shelf and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what the path to publication looks like, sign up here for my #AOMLY newsletter.
There’s a group for that!
Another thing I’ve been building in the background this summer is my community. And today, I'm inviting you to join my book publishing membership. Here's why:
My vision for this membership is to give you everything I wish I had as a newbie author, and everything I need now as an author launching her book next spring. Everything I've ever learned and everything I'm seeking out next—I want to give it to you. And the membership is the way I can do that, and help the most people.
From monthly group coaching sessions and masterminds to help you with book publishing, book marketing, crafting a novel and monetizing your book, to our weekly write-ins and prompts, seasonal writing challenges, guest speakers, Slack #authorlife community, and more—it's all included with the price of a monthly membership.
I hope you'll join us, because I have big plans for this group. Most of all camaraderie, support, mentorship and knowledge sharing. Basically, this membership is your built-in team, and we're committed to your book publishing success.
Sign up today and receive your invite to our next monthly mastermind, weekly write-ins, guest speaker events, Slack community and more.
PS: If you're not sure if the membership or 1-1 coaching with me is the better fit for you, email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com to schedule a discovery call with me and explore the best program for you.
Resources for writers
At one of my masterminds this summer, the group and I shared our go-to tools and resources for making our books happen. Here’s a list we came up with:
Reedsy: Great for first draft, accountability and tracking progress.
Scrivener: Great for editing and revising a manuscript.
Save the Cat beat sheet: Great for workshopping your protagonist’s hero’s journey and making sure the right moments shine at the right time.
AEON Timeline: Great for keeping track of story timelines.
Manuscript Wish List: To help you with your search for agents and publishers if you’re going the traditional publishing route.
Lulu: Questions about self-publishing? Here’s a fantastic resource from Lulu, which helps you self-publish your book, right to your website.
PS: Have a question about how to get an agent, how to outline your book, and whether you should self-publish or not? Email me at hello@passionprojectpod.coms to chedule a discovery call with me and find the right program and path to publishing for you.