HAPPINESS VS. JOY

"I need him to make me happy," said a forlorn friend. Her despondency bothered me because I knew that if she needed a "him" to make her happy a "him" could also make her unhappy. Once the power to be happy rests with others we are at their whim. We are under the control of an outsider. I understand that there are trying times when the conditions of others can cause sadness or grief, but for the most part we need to seek joy not happiness. Happiness is a condition outside ourselves that depends on circumstances. Joy, however, is a spiritual connection with God that keeps us grounded in optimism and hope through the Word come what may. Joy is stronger than a feeling. It does not depend on validation, but it is not indifferent to others. Joy comes from a spiritual revelation that the Greater is within us, so strong, so loving that we have already won the battle, gained the desires of our hearts and can carry a healthy anticipation of "the better" even before it comes. Joy comes from carrying an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the mountains or obstacles we have already climbed which have strengthed us to climb over even more treacherous landscape. Joy comes from understanding that while people may not be dependable, loyal or truthful, God is and we can build our hopes on that HIM ALONE.

WHY PEOPLE DON'T WRITE BOOKS

10 Things That Keep You from Writing a BOOK

Stop talking and write Life changing words with the help of Barbara the Book Coach.
Research shows that 90 percent of those who talk about writing a book never get it done. You don’t have to be one of them. I can help you get it done and Pam Perry of Ministry Marketing Solutions can help move your book into eager hands.
What stops people from moving ahead. Do you find yourself somewhere in this list developed by Pam? Look closely:
1. Fear - You are scared of what people might think of you as an author, and you may be hesitant to share personal information with the world.
2. Lack of Knowledge - You simply don't know how to get started or how to be successful.
3. Lack of Support - Your family and friends may not encourage you as much as you would like but they just may not understand how important it is to you.
4. Lack of Resources - You have not found a cost effective way to get your book published.
5. Procrastination - You keep putting off writing until later, and the years keep passing.
6. Too Busy - You are overwhelmed with family, work, church, and activities and have not put writing in your schedule yet.
7. Confusion - You have so many things you want to share, but you don't know which topic will make the greatest impact.
8. Rejection - Traditional publishing has very limited opportunities for publishing, so you need to use other methods to get your book in print.

9. Lack of self-confidence—That’s all right. Try God confidence. I assure you He never fails.
10. Lack of accountability. Often writers need someone to prod, encourage and help them meet writing deadlines.

You can reach Pam Perry at http://www.prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com/
You can reach Barbara The Book Coach at http://www.reynoldsworldnews@blogspot.com/ or reynew@aol.com

Reynolds Quad E-Writing Model

I use a special method to teach potential authors the art of writing.

It is called the Reynolds Quad-E-writing model: EXTRACT, ENVISION, EXPAND, EDIT.

Getting to the point and defining the story is essential. I spend a lot of time making sure that we have EXTRACTED all information necessary to help the authors summarize in intricate detail what the book is about.

I help them ENVISION how the book should begin and end. I then keep them EXPANDING, EXPANDING on the summary into a working outline. Then I break the outline into chapters, help them write talking points that fit into each chapter. Sometimes the outline is so detailed it is very simple to move into the actual writing. I encourage authors to carve out time to write each chapter into a quick rough draft. From there it will be determined what further EDITING help is needed to bring the project to a conclusion.
When clients contact me, I interview the potential authors to determine if the services I provide fit their needs. A consultation fee is charged for the interview and reading of any material. It will be returned if I cannot help them. If we decide the services will be beneficial, I will forward an agreement that spells out the services I will provide. The statement will also include an accountability statement spelling out what I expect from the author.

I coach potential writers from inception and development of their project to the finished book. Christian-oriented self-help books and biographies are my specialties. I do not coach poetry and fiction projects. I use the Reynolds Quad-E-writing model to accomplish this. I will provide weekly face-to-face individual or group sessions for those in the Maryland, Virginia, DC area, mixed with e-mail and telephone communications. For those outside the area, coaching will be conducted by phone and e-mail.
Authors I coach face to face or in groups will vary from one to four hours per week. I plan to use a conference office space to provide the group counseling. Authors I coach on the telephone or by email will take place on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays by appointment.

Write Life Changing Words Now

Have you ever talked about writing your stories, or dreamed about sharing your ideas or interests in a book? Now is the time to stop talking and dreaming and get it done.

I'm a book coach and life change consultant. I teach people how to write and publish biographies and Christian books. I help people transform their experiences into real life stories. Get ready to amaze yourself with your accomplishments. Let us start today and write well together.


My target audience: Potential Christian authors or others who have a burning desire to share a meaningful, insightful idea, interest or experience with others.

…

As a book coach I plan to help people write compelling life-changing Christian-oriented non-fiction books and biographies.

1) Help authors move past writer’s blocks and procrastination by setting definite goals and assignments.

2) Help authors tap into their experiences and life stories to formulate powerful,

dynamic and engaging books that help others.

3) Help authors write compelling biographies about people others would want

to know intimately.

4) Help authors to promote their businesses or advance their point of view by establishing themselves as experts in their field.

5) Help authors use social networking and an attractive website to promote and market their books.

6) Help authors build streams of income through sales of their books through an interactive media presence.

7) Help authors turn their pain or passion into profits.

Here is how I plan to help:


· I help people find the drama, the core of their story and how to build a framework around it.

· I use a mapping strategy when necessary to pull out the drama, the background, the salient details, and the unique aspects of the story they need to tell.

· In the Washington area, I will have weekly coaching sessions where I can inspire and motivate and give clients hands on help. As things progress I would like to have a motivational book camp bringing in other Christian authors as well to keep my authors fired up.

· I will help my authors write major books by setting trends, creative naming and branding and hooking their wagons to hot topics and controversial issues.

· I will help my authors use research, data and interviews with experts where necessary to add credibility to their work.

· I will help my authors write words that entertain, equip and empower.

· I will help authors stay motivated and build the confidence and skills necessary to make it to the finish line.

· I will help authors write convincing book proposals that gleam with good ideas and page-turning insight.

· I will help writers find their voice on paper.

· I will help writers expand their marketing opportunities for their books through social networking

Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Reynolds
Book Coach & Life Change Consultant
Author, Columnist, Speaker
www.ReynoldsWorldNews.com
reynew@aol.com
301-899-1341

Top Ten Quiz - Is Book Coaching For You?

I firmly believe everyone should publish their story. Need help? Contact me, I am a book coach and life change consultant.

Athletes get top dollars because they use coaches. So can you who want to write a book to get the good word out to help others, to illustrate you are the savvy expert in your field, and to create ongoing monthly income that boosts your speaking or coaching business.

Number 1-10 on a separate piece of paper. On a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being high rate each of the following statements:

Not applicable 5

Don't agree 1 - 2 - 3

Somewhat agree or 5 for not applicable 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8

Totally agree 9 - 10

Score 1 to 10 on each point below. Then add them up to see if you are ready for Book coaching.

__1. I will learn the latest from a book coach professional on self-publishing that frees me from assuming it's too much time or money.

__2. I want to short cut my problems and blocks by creating a savvy coach partnership.

__3. I am willing to let go of my self-limited beliefs about the book.

__4. I am willing to take action and finish--to add at least one high level activity (HLA) per day toward finishing this project. (10 hours a week)

__5. I will show up to my committed coaching times via the phone and email.

__6. I will finish and email the "field work" assigned by my coach before our next session.

__7. I am willing to learn more about the business side of books.

__8. I will listen to feedback and improve the book to sell well.

__9. I will have fun with the project and know it's easier than I thought.

__10. I know I'll benefit from someone helping me stay on track.

Check out Your Score:

--Under 30--

Book Coaching is not for you right now.

--31 to 60--

Remember that book building takes time although through mini steps, you do finish. You may want to look at what you need to let go of to make your book dream a reality. You can only work so many hours a week. However, if you decide to work with a book coach now, you should decide and commit that you will do the high level activities necessary to finish and reap the benefits.

--Over 60--

Congratulations! You are ready for a Book Coach! You are willing to put your book dream near the top of your priorities and do whatever it takes to finish it.

Remember any journey is easier with a partner--and much faster to the finish line, too.

Book and Internet Marketing Coach Judy Cullins helps businesses build clients and sell books. Author of "How to Write your Book Fast" and "The Fast and Cheap Way to Explode Targeted Web Traffic," Judy offers free eBook "Book Writing and Marketing Tips" with monthly ezines at http://www.bookcoaching.com judycullins@cox.net