Do you have a story to tell but you can’t quite get it on the page? Are you ready to see your name in print, but you don’t know how to get there? Are you dying to get a Master’s of Fine Arts degree, but you don’t have the time or money to go back to school?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, I have some good news for you.
My friend, Gabriela Pereira, the creator of DIY MFA, has released an amazing FREE video series called Stop Dreaming, Start Doing designed just you. I’m a marketing expert, not a writing coach. So, if you want to learn how to write well, I recommend Gabriela. In her video series, you’ll learn…
- Gabriela’s tried and true methods for getting words on the page, building stories that shine, and creating a deep connection with your audience.
- DIY your own MFA to “get the knowledge without the expensive college.”
- Mindset shifts to write more, worry less, and enjoy the whole process!
Gabriela’s videos can teach you what you need to know, without the hassle, cost, or inconvenience of a traditional MFA program. Click here and you’ll get instant access to her videos for FREE.
Watch Stop Dreaming, Start Doing today, because this is a limited time offer (and the best time to start is always now).
P.S. – I only recommend people that I can stand behind 100%. If you want to learn the craft of writing, you’re in good hands with Gabriela, which is why I’m a proud partner for her programs!
Is Your Writing Enemy Within?
Writing and marketing a book is about success, not perfection. Case in point, a few weeks ago, I sent out a newsletter article that had a couple of typos within the text. Obviously, I didn’t think twice about the issue.
Yet, two people emailed me that day to point out my so-called “mistakes.” I kindly replied to these individuals and pointed out their misguided understanding of how writing (and life) actually work. Here’s what I mean:
As imperfect human beings, we can never achieve perfection.
But, we can achieve success, even in the midst of being fallible.
Writing a successful book ultimately hinges upon your ability to make people curious, mesmerize them with your story, woo them to new ideas, and challenge misconceptions. I’ve written five books in my career that have sold thousands of copies. Yet, each book had some errors in the manuscript.
You don’t have to write typo-free material in order to be a successful writer. In fact, the more you attempt to be perfect, the more you slow yourself down from reaching your main objective.
Too many authors impede their progress by overanalyzing, obsessively self-editing, or worrying about other people’s potential reactions. This unhealthy self-analysis creates writing paralysis. In the end, nothing gets accomplished. For example, some authors struggle to finish a book chapter, write a newsletter article, or send out a press release, because they’re scared it’s not perfect. Other authors are afraid to express their own voice, because they’re afraid to be themselves and show vulnerability.
Sometimes, the greatest enemy to writing well is within your own mind.
If you have an overactive self-editor, remind your internal enemy that the pursuit of success is admirable. However, the pursuit of perfection is impossible. That quest will only drive you mad. If you need help escaping the tireless treadmill of perfectionism, try the following exercise:
Challenge yourself to write a 500-word nonfiction article or fiction story scene as fast as you can – without any self-editing. Set a time limit for no more than 30 minutes. Write each sentence as the words come to your mind. Do NOT stop to think about word choice, synonyms, or punctuation. Just write until you’ve completed the article or scene. Once you’ve finished, review the text and ask yourself this honest question:
Would anyone really notice the difference
if you went back and edited the material?
In most cases, you will find the answer to be “no.” In addition, you will find that writing quickly with no self-editing squashes your fear of perfection, boosts your confidence, and rapidly increases your productivity.
When writing feels like a chore, examine the enemy within. Turn off your self-editor and give yourself the freedom to express your voice without fear of the perfection police. Let your words flow. Then, go back later and make any necessary edits.
By the way, I wrote this article in less than 30 minutes using one pass. I left three typos on purpose just to mess with a perfectionist’s mind. While they go crazy hunting for my mistakes, I’ll be happily enjoying my day. I encourage you to do the same.
Life (and writing) is about success, not perfection.
If you still struggle to write quickly and confidently after trying my exercise, then you should definitely check out the free video series, Stop Dreaming, Start Doing, from my friend, Gabriela Pereira.
