What are you waiting for? Plus how producers turned The Chosen into a megahit show
Stop wasting time, plus how producers turned The Chosen into a megahit show
You think you have forever but you don’t…
The number one challenge most people face when it comes to drafting up their book—or starting any passion project, really—is time, or lack of it.
But when you think about it, especially if you’re writing a book to grow your brand, business or impact, do you really have time to waste?
Next week I’ll be in Cleveland for the CEX Content Entrepreneur Expo coaching hundreds of people on how to write, finish, publish and market their book. I’m excited for my talks, and double excited to learn from other content entrepreneurs and share those takeaways with you.
After Cleveland, I fly back home just in time for another two-hour workshop I’m presenting in front of an association of speakers.
Before you know it, it will be mid-May and there will be just six weeks left before I cut back on my office hours and scale down for the summer, to focus on my family, and existing clients and members, not to mention my own books and passion projects ;)
In short, you think you have forever but you don’t.
Every day, someone is carving out their niche in YOUR space.
Every day, someone is growing their audience with people you would love to serve.
Every day, someone is becoming an authority for expertise you’ve spent a lifetime gaining and are finally ready to share, through your book, talks and program.
Every day someone is getting known for their book and the impact it’s creating, and that could have been you.
How long are you willing to wait before you miss the opportunity completely?
There’s a saying. Opportunity knocks once. You never know when you’ll get another chance.
Or in the words of Pink Floyd, “No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.”
I’m telling you now: Run, don’t walk, to your goals.
Cat xo
PS: If you’ve been thinking about scheduling a discovery call with me to find out how I can support you with writing, publishing and marketing your book, email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com to book a call with me in May, so we can get you moving toward your goals in June.
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What’s your strategy?
I’ve been getting a lot of people reaching out to me to support them with their book marketing. Many of them have already published their book, and then…crickets.
Or they’re already working with another publisher or book coach or editor and discovering how little they support their authors with marketing strategy.
So let’s get real clear on what’s at stake here:
Writing a book is about more than just words on a page, or having a stack of papers bound together in your hand.
To be successful, your book requires a content strategy, which should support your business strategy, which should align with your life’s strategy. Everything is connected.
If you’re just focused on the story, you’re missing the bigger picture, and you’re sure to be disappointed with the results—because you haven’t identified what those are in the first place.
So get clear on your why for writing a book, and what your definition of “success” really is—for the impact the book will have on readers, your business, and your life.
Next, make sure that everything—and I mean, everything—connects back to that.
Then no matter what results you create, at least they’ll be the right ones.
PS: If you want to see how I prepare for my book launch, follow me on Instagram and sign up for my #AgainOnlyMoreLikeYou newsletter here.
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The Secrets to YouTube Success
Last week I shared my interview with Frank Rose, who talked about how audiences are evolving and wanting to become part of the story—whatever that might be.
That reminded me of my interview with Derral Eves, who is one of the minds behind the hugely successful show The Chosen, about Jesus and his disciples.
Derral is THE YOUTUBE guru, and has helped create YouTube success stories and phenomenons like Mr. Beast.
But for The Chosen, he ACTUALLY passed on YouTube and focused his efforts instead on Facebook, because he knew that was where he’d find the show’s future audience.
Derral also shared with me that his company became a content making machine, producing 60 pieces of content a week to promote the show long before it even aired, to grow and prime their audience, making The Chosen one of the biggest success stories in TV watching history.
Listen to my interview with Derral for more brilliant insights into how to be successful on YouTube, and how to make your book, message and impact travel.
Click here to listen now.
How to launch a book, and what you need to know about the future of storytelling
How to launch a book, and what you need to know about the future of storytelling
It is the perfect storm…
I was working on the book marketing portion of my workshop for the upcoming CEX Content Entrepreneur Expo in Cleveland happening in a couple of weeks, and as I pulled together timelines to help my audience strategize their own book launches, I realized…
Holy crap, my book is launching soon!
Okay, so it’s not exactly being released next week, but I am entering the year-long countdown to launching my book Again Only More Like You, and as I coach my audience, that’s when the work of marketing your book should begin—at the very least.
In fact, you should plan for a two-year window when it comes to promoting your book. The year leading up to your book release, and the year following it.
I won’t get into the weeds on that here, but if you want to learn more, register for my CEX workshop and keep an eye on my upcoming newsletters to hear about future workshops on this subject, as this becomes a bigger part of my offering.
In the following weeks and months, I also invite you to read between the lines in this space, and sign up for my author newsletter, to see how I go about launching my book. I’ll be coaching you on launching yours from afar.
Cat xo
1000 True Fans
Something I explore in my CEX Workshop is the 1,000 True Fans Theory from Kevin Kelly (former Wired magazine editor). It’s the idea that you don’t need a whole lot of people to buy or promote your book (or product, service or other offering). You just need 1,000 super fans who love you and will support you whatever you do.
Totally doable, right?
As you develop your book (or any other passion project, for that matter), think about what relationships you can cultivate and platforms you can nurture to grow your 1,000 true fans.
As the old adage goes (with a little twist from me, that is), think not what your fans can do for you, but what can you do for them?
Click here to learn more about Kevin Kelly’s 1,000 True Fans Theory.
The Art of Immersion
One of the biggest takeaways I got from my Power of Story interview series was the power of immersion. As Frank Rose—the author of The Sea We Swim In: How Stories Work in a Data-Driven World, and The Art of Immersion, a landmark work on technology and the evolution of narrative—articulates, audiences are evolving and what they are demanding more and more is to have a role in the stories that others write.
They want to know how the story ends, AND they want to have some say in how it ends—a fascinating, and quite existential really, paradox.
As Frank says, “The internet is making story participatory.”
“Before, immersion was reading a book and missing your stop. There’s a new kind of immersion, which is all about participating. You’re called into the story. You become part of the story.”
So how can you make your story, and book launch, more immersive? Keep an eye on this space, and sign up for my author newsletter, to see how I do it with mine.
Listen to my interview with Frank below.
Are you playing to win?
Are you playing to win?
My teenage son calls them “Try Hards.” I call it playing to win.
But I get it—when I was his age, I sat at the back of the class too. Too cool for school. Too cool to care, too cool to try. The less effort I put toward anything, the better—especially if I still managed to pull off the grades.
It followed me all the way into my career as a journalist and magazine editor—where I’d get my thrills by secretly sabotaging myself and seeing how far I could get anyway. Turned out, it was pretty far.
That all stopped when I started supporting my friends and friends of friends as a book coach. All of a sudden, I loved the people I served too much to not give them EVERYTHING I’VE GOT.
But on a personal level? I was still playing not to lose. Holding back. Keeping small. Afraid of failure. Afraid of success. Even when it came to my own book.
A few weeks ago, I caught myself saying “I don’t care about selling lots of books.”
I mean, WHAT?
I was telling myself that I was being humble and modest about the kind of impact I was hoping to make, like that was a good thing.
Are you freaking kidding me?
My bruised ego had already made a pact with itself, that we were going to try JUST ENOUGH to make my publisher happy BUT NOT TOO MUCH that we could actually risk failing to achieve a bigger vision—or, worse, succeeding at it. Because fear of success is a very real thing too.
Fortunately, I stopped myself right then and there: YOU WANT TO DO SO-SO? OKAY? YOU JUST WANT TO SELL “A FEW BOOKS”? F*** THAT!
That’s when I decided.
I’m going to win this thing.
Play to win.
If you played to win, what would that look like today?
A change is gonna come
A change is gonna come...plus how this author got her agent and book deal
Last week, my husband and I celebrated 29 years together. 29! And I’m really not that old!
So it’s been a nostalgic week to say the least.
It got me thinking about all the phases of our life together, all the people we’ve been and all the ways we’ve changed—and stayed the same. (Something I also explore in my upcoming book, Again Only More Like You—details to come!)
I know I’m partial, but it’s so cool, you know? The roller coaster of life. The highs and lows. The challenges and the opportunities. The breakthroughs and the growth.
2024 might be my stretchiest year yet. I’m leaning into my faith more than ever, trusting where God is leading me, and taking on so many fears, doubts and limiting beliefs to create new pathways for success, growth, learning and fulfilment. Most importantly, I’m raising up my sails, so I can bring more people with me—and that can be the scariest change of all.
Sometimes change is scary. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll still like myself when it’s over, or if the people in my life will be able to keep up. I worry about what I could be leaving behind, or what I might find on the other side.
But here’s the thing about change. We’re all changing, whether we like it or not. Marching toward the inevitable finish line. Nothing is static. Nothing stays the same. Not my kids or my house (where something always seems to be breaking down and falling apart) or my body or even my budget.
The way I see it, I have two choices: I can let life change me. Or I can drive the change.
Because one thing’s for sure, a change is gonna come.
Cat xo
PS: What new seeds are you planting this spring, to bear fruit in your life over the months to come? I have a theory that any progress is still progress, even something as small as a note on my iPhone, a date on my Calendar or a phone call with a future client/partner/ally. Another thing I look for are patterns. When the universe sends me multiple messages on the same topic, I know it’s trying to tell me something, and I perk up my ears and start listening and paying attention. What could the universe/God be telling you?
Do you have a travel memoir in you?
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel on how to write and publish your travel book. It featured my publishing house sister Kristen Van Nest, who shared her story of how she got her agent and book deal for her book Where To Nest, launching now!
Kristen’s debut travel memoir sounds like a page right out of my life, so I can’t wait to read it:
After college and getting her dream job in New York City, Kristen thought she had everything a modern Millennial was supposed to want: a sexy zip code, a boyfriend, and a corporate job.
But instead of feeling content, she soon realized she had no idea who she was and what made her happy. Naturally, she did what any sane person would do: hopped on a plane and spent the rest of her twenties living abroad and traveling the world in search of love, adventure, and new and exciting places to eat.
By stripping away the cultural norms and expectations she grew up with in the U.S., crossing the globe as she struggled to find belonging, Kristen rebuilt from scratch a new identity, sense of self, and life purpose.
You can get Kristen’s book at your favourite book store.
Click here to listen to Kristen share about her journey to the book shelf and to hear from other experts on:
-What publishers today are looking for in a travel book and author
-How to attract an agent and that dream book deal
-What you need to know about self-publishing your book
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-9Apkedlm0&t=2s
Are you ready for next level?
Are you ready for next level?
An author recently reached out to me to ask if I could quickly help her turn around a non-fiction book proposal in time for a publishing house contest.
I told her no.
Because I couldn’t make promises when I didn’t even know what I was dealing with—meaning, was this shit scoops or next level?
There was no point going in and polishing up a book proposal (next level) when the manuscript was a mess (shit scoops).
Who cares about chapter summaries that sound nice, when the story is broken?
It’s the same in life, too.
When I staffed leadership trainings, we would “clean house” to prepare the space for our students. That meant getting OUR OWN affairs in order: organizing our business and our calendars, connecting with family and friends, getting healthy, tying up any loose ends, making peace, forgiving, even self care, before we gave ourselves over to the transformation process. Because leaders go first ;)
The truth is, you’re already in a personal development program. You just might not realize it yet. In this great leadership training called LIFE, you can’t lead, grow or transform—you, your business or your team—when you’re sitting on a pile of shit scoops.
You get to clean house first, prime your space and create a solid foundation for what’s to come.
So are you ready for next level? Or do you have some shit scoops to clear out?
Personally, as I make the leap to expanding my business and my team, I know what I’ll be doing this weekend. And yes, it might include doing my taxes as well ;)
Cat xo
PS: If you're not feeling your best self--not confident, not strong or not good enough--know that any of those tactics listed above will go along way to making you feel like the leader you are.
The power of immersion
I recently shared this interview with a friend and it reminded me of how gorgeous my conversation was with the amazing Paul Zak for my series, The Power of Story.
In this talk, the author of Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and Source of Happiness, shares how story transforms us and makes us better humans, even as we experience it, thanks to the power of immersion.
Click here to watch now.
Don’t let your good life get in the way of your great life
Don’t let your good life get in the way of your great life, plus the secrets to doing what it takes to get what you want, #nomatterwhat
I’m a bad mom.
I’m a bad mom because while the kids were home for March break last week, all I could think was how much I couldn’t wait to go back to work. I love my job and the people I work with THAT much.
Truth is, there’s no place I’d rather be (except Bora Bora, perhaps) than in my coaching chair, conspiring and collaborating with my clients/friends on their books, businesses and visions for their future. This truly is my happy place.
And it took a lot of courage to get here.
My clients and I were all at the top of our game when we decided to step off the treadmill of the corporate ladder and create something extraordinary of our own. We were leaders in our businesses and fields when we decided to take that first humble step into something exciting, new and different.
I remember when I stood on the precipice myself, between my past and future self. I was hemming and hawing over whether to jump into a leadership training that would take over the next six months of my life and cost piles of money, not to mention time. (Little did I know then that those six months would turn into three years).
“But I’m good,” I protested to a coach friend of mine at the time. “I have a happy marriage, healthy kids, my own business. Things are good.”
To which she replied, “Don’t let your good life get in the way of your great life.”
I entered my credit card details and bought into the program right then and there.
Not because anything was missing from my life. But because I knew something more was waiting for me on the other side.
A year later I closed my content agency business and committed to my book coaching business and personal passion projects full time. I’ve never been happier.
Since then, I’ve become an author and speaker. I’ve helped many others publish their books and grow their coaching, speaking and consulting businesses. And now I’m growing my team to create new leaders.
None of this would have been possible if I played it “safe” or settled for what I thought was “good.”
Take it from me: Don’t let your good life get in the way of your great life.
Cat xo
How long does it take to publish a book?
Some people waste their whole lives waiting for the perfect moment to write their book or commit to their passion project. In case you’re standing on that precipice right now, let me throw some numbers at ya:
- The average book takes almost 2 years to reach the bookshelves from the moment an author signs their book deal. That’s not including the time it takes to get an agent to get the book deal, or the time it takes to write and edit their book.
- The minimum time you should plan to promote and market your book is 2-3 months BEFORE its release date. And you should have a plan in place to promote it 2-3 months before that.
- Between writing, editing, designing and marketing your book, you can expect it to take a full year to create your book, in the best case scenario, even if you’re self-publishing it.
- If you were planning to write or publish your book this year, it’s likely that you’re already late.
I have a few different ways I support authors with making their book publishing dreams come true. Book a discovery call with me to learn more.
No matter what
One of the things I learned in my leadership trainings was the power of non-negotiable deadlines, so I loved chatting with Sterling Hawkins around his #nomatterwhat motto, and how he leans into discomfort to create wins in his life.
If you find yourself negotiating yourself out of the things you get to do to attain the things you deeply want in this life—such as getting up early to write that first chapter, scheduling that uncomfortable call with a customer for feedback to improve your product, or tying up your shoelaces for that first run in forever—you’ll want to listen to this video.
Click here to watch now.
Fly your freak flag…plus how to get others to care about your personal brand
Fly your freak flag…plus how to get others to care about your personal brand (and turn your content into a book)
Business in the front, party in the back 😜
Posing here with my husband’s decks and L7 album in the background because that’s just me—take it or leave it. I listen to rock, and dance to hip hop. I’m fluent in 3 languages and cut my teeth on Russian, French and Spanish literature (with a little bit of Stephen King and Anne Rice thrown in for good measure).
These days, I mostly read memoirs, biographies and books about spirituality, business and leadership development. I am a clean living baby Christian like most good people with an interesting past, but shhh, don’t tell my dad—it would kill him!
I am energetic, passionate and enthusiastic. I have one billion ideas per second, which makes me a wonderful creative partner and collaborator. It can also make me a little messy, and my clients—I think—love me and forgive me for that.
Because the people I work with are equally brilliant, flawed and charismatic. They have pasts and they have shining futures and they’re boldly leading the way for others.
I’m not perfect, but I’m perfectly me and I will help draw the best out of you too. It’s about being authentic, raw, honest and real—uniquely you—so you can move the mountains you’re meant to, and touch the hearts that are waiting for you.
So go on and fly your freak flag. And if there’s a book in you, and if you’re brave enough to write from the heart to help others thrive, there’s no better champion for it than me.
As Robin Williams said in Good Will Hunting,
“Personally, I don’t give a shit about all that, because you know what? I can’t learn anything from you that I can’t read in some f***ing book. Unless you want to talk about you. Who you are. And I’m fascinated. I’m in. But you don’t want to do that, do you, sport? You’re terrified of what you might say. Your move, chief.”
Your move, chief.
Cat xo
How to leverage your content for your book
If you saw my newsletter/posts last week, you know that I’ll be speaking at the Content Entrepreneur Expo in May. One of the things I’ll be walking people through is how to leverage their content.
We’ve all got it. You have years of Facebook posts, Instagram reels, LinkedIn newsletters, blogs and more stuffed under your MacBook and throughout your platforms.
All of these are snippets of you—your brand, your offer, your story, your value.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Like I tell my authors—your book is already there, you just have to write it.
Your book is a chance to refine and polish those ideas, scenes, takeaways and memories, so that as your audience grows, you can deliver better content.
So use your social platforms and communication channels to hone your voice and build out your content. Then use your book to refine those ideas and stories, so you can repackage and redistribute them to your social platforms and communication channels.
In short, your existing content can help you write your book, and your book can help you produce your content.
I’d say that’s a worthy investment, wouldn’t you?
For more tips on turning your existing content into a book, register for CEX and join me for my book publishing workshop on May 5! (Save an extra $100 off any in-person price when you use the promo code SPEAK100. Early bird pricing ends March 31!)
The key to personal branding
My friend (and one of my first book coaching clients) Robb Gilbear has grown legions of fans for just being himself. So I can think of no better person to speak on the key to personal branding.
No matter who you are—solopreneur just beginning to spread your wings, business leader who is priming their company for a takeover, or maybe you’re still hiding in the shadows, waiting to make your entrepreneurial move—these days especially, your personal brand is the key to the car.
In an increasingly competitive marketplace—as if globalization weren’t bad enough, now we have to compete with the very computers we invented (thanks for nothing, AI!)—your personal brand is the only difference between you and everyone (and everything) else.
So who are you, anyway? And how do you get others to care? Listen to what Robb has to say to find out.
I’m a celebrity now! Plus the keys to being a successful content entrepreneur
The keys to being a successful content entrepreneur
I had a pinch me moment a few weeks ago when I saw the latest news about the CEX conference happening in Cleveland in May.
My name! In the same email as B.J. Novak from The Office!
(Fun fact: The Office star wrote and produced some of the most popular episodes, and is also the author of the children’s book The Book With No Pictures, which happens to be one of my kids’ favourites!)
In case you didn’t know CEX—the Content Entrepreneur Expo— is the must-attend event for any and all content entrepreneurs interested in building and growing their content-first businesses.
On May 5, I'll be kicking off the conference with a 3-hour workshop on how to Unlock the Power of Book Publishing. Then on May 7, I’ll be doing a talk on how to write AND FINISH your book in 6 months or less.
Sign up and register to:
✅ Learn how to shape your content to into a compelling book that captivates readers.
✅ Discover how to become a successful self-published author (with self-publishing expert Matt Briel).
✅ Find out how to develop your author brand and create a successful book launch.
✅ Enjoy the chance to network and build relationships with some of the leading influencers, bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers and more….
Whether you’re an expert, thought leader, speaker or any other kind of content entrepreneur, this workshop will equip you with the tools and knowledge to bring your stories, experiences and knowledge to life in the form of a book. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your potential in the world of self-publishing and explore a whole range of talks, workshops and more to build and grow your content business!
Cat xo
PS: If you do decide to join us, please be sure to come say hi to me after!
Look into my crystal ball
What are you betting on, when it comes to the future?
With jobs and entire vocations disappearing and the rise of AI making many careers redundant, what industries and spaces should we be investing in?
That’s something that’s on my mind a lot as my children get older.
For me, personally? I can think of no greater insurance policy than developing your personal brand and building out your own media empire, because what’s clear is that what ever it is that you do, it’s going to take content and a willing audience to get you there.
In fact, some value the creator economy to be $250 billion (double that of the estimated $104 billion in 2022).
No small potatoes.
Growing your brand, audience and platform (using books) is something I’m passionate about, which is why I’m so excited for the upcoming CEX event and all the experts speaking there.
So if you’re creating content and building an audience, this is the place to be in May. Sign up at the link below and don’t get left out.
From May 5-7, 2024, join 500+ authors, podcasters, bloggers, newsletter writers, speakers, coaches and consultants at THE learning and networking event for content entrepreneurs, in Cleveland, Ohio.
This year’s Content Entrepreneur Expo features 10 amazing keynote speakers and over 30 in-depth breakout sessions specifically designed to teach you how you can scale and grow your content business faster and smarter.
Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing (ends March 31), and save an extra $100 off any in-person price when you use the promo code SPEAK100. https://cex.events/
Should you adopt a new content platform?
Speaking of creator economy, I'm a huge fan of Lindsey Gamble's newsletter, where each week he breaks down the latest news in the world of influencer marketing, the creator economy and the latest social media trends.
I know how daunting it can seem to join or master any platform, which is why I loved Lindsey's take on why now is as good a time as any to try something new in the world of social media, and why there's still time to get an edge over the competition.
As Lindsey says, even platforms like TikTok are still building out, which means you still have a chance to find your niche and gain traction.
Listen to the rest of my interview with Lindsey here.
The best thing that ever happened to me…plus the prices we pay for not going after our dreams
The best thing that ever happened to me…plus the prices we pay for not going after our dreams
NOT getting the book deal was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I’d gotten my top pick literary agent right out of the gates, and was signed within weeks of sending out my manuscript for the first time.
I was poised for greatness. My star was about to rise, and I didn’t care who I left in my dust behind me.
And then…nothing. Month after month of no book deal. The publishers shared great feedback and mostly agreed they loved the book but still, no offer to publish me.
It drove me nuts for years. How could my book be so promising and so disappointing, all at the same time?
Until I came to the realization that not getting the book deal was the best thing that ever happened to me.
If I’d gotten that book deal, I never would have embarked on a personal development and leadership journey that taught me the joys of serving others and putting their needs above my own. I wouldn’t have helped hundreds of students I coached around the world to create more joy in their lives and better relationships with their partners, parents, and children.
If I’d gotten that book deal, I never would have become a book coach, which has been one of the most fulfilling and meaningful things I’ve ever done. Having the chance to help others create mega impact in their communities and around the world by sharing their knowledge, expertise and stories has given me purpose and expands my heart on a daily basis.
If I’d gotten that book deal, it would only ever have been about me.
Not getting that book deal forced me into situations and growth that made me a better, kinder, more generous and loving person.
Who knew that helping other writers, coaches, speakers and experts get published would bring me more happiness than publishing my own book?!
I finally did get the book deal, which feels great, I’ll admit. But it doesn’t have the same power over me. I’ve found fulfilment, purpose and joy by supporting others’ dreams as much as my own.
Publishing my own book is just the cherry on top, but it’s not the cake.
Giving and sharing your unique talents and perspective are truly the greatest gift and blessing in this world.
Cat xo
Let’s Talk About Faith
Stay with me because I’m about to get woo-woo on you, for a moment. And then I’ll ground us in reality.
I’m not going to give you a system or tips and advice for writing your book (or making any of your dreams happen, really) this week.
Because, frankly, for a lot of you, it just doesn’t matter.
Some of you keep gorging on information hoping that one day you’ll know enough to finally make a move, when that’s the very thing that’s overwhelming you and keeping you stuck.
Some of you are putting your book/dream on hold because “it’s not the right time.” Because “I have too much else to do.” Because it requires time and “time is money.” Or skill. Or help.
You can call it what you like but really it’s lack of faith and courage. Faith in yourself, and the courage to be who you’re meant to be. I know, because I’ve been there. And every time I try something new and scary, I’m still there. And I know I have the tools to get to the other side.
Here’s the ugly truth. You’ll never be ready. You’ll never know enough. You’ll never not be not scared. Because it takes the very act of DOING IT to build that kind of confidence and know-how.
The breakthrough is in the breaking through. It is not a mental exercise. You must literally live through this. Just like I did.
So today, I’m going to give you an exercise instead. One of the tools I personally use when confronted with fear or self-doubt about going after something I feel called to do.
This exercise will help you connect with your vision, and the prices you pay for not going after it like a dog with a bone. In this exercise, you’re going to picture what your life looks like after you’ve published the book/made your dream happen, and what it looks like if you never do.
1. Write out the pros and cons of publishing your book/making your dream happen
2. Write out the pros and cons of never publishing a book/making your dream happen
If the picture you paint is brighter with the book/dream completed, then what the hell are you waiting for?
The only regrets I have are not going after my dreams sooner. Every single one of them.
Now that I finally have, I only wish I could make this season last longer.
We don’t have forever, friend. We have this moment. Choose it.
Don’t wait. Make a promise to yourself and take that first step now.
I’m waiting on the other side.
PS: Today I’m feeling inspired to do something I’ve never done before. I’m going to offer my Kickstart Your Passion Project coaching package to any and all persons with a dream. Whether it’s a book or screenplay that you want to write, a business you want to start, whatever! I want to help you, especially with getting started.
Click on this link to say yes to your dream. I’ll take you through the steps I take all my coaching clients on, to make their dreams happen. I’ll help you come up with a clear vision to keep you motivated and inspired. I’ll help you create a plan of action to meet your goals in your desired timeline. And I’ll meet with you on a regular, biweekly basis to support and cheer you on every step of the way.
Click here to say yes to your dream now.
Writing A Story That Stirs Hearts and Inspires Action
I’m really feeling called to shout this message loud and clear, and to help bring it home, I’m sharing my Power of Story interview with Nicole Smithee, who talks about why your story matters, why you matter, and why your dream does too. Listen here to be inspired and moved into action.
Click here to listen to my interview with Nicole and hear how story can transform lives, as well as Nicole’s keys to a story that stirs hearts and inspires others to reach for the stars.
The joys of sucking at something, plus tips for editing your book
The joys of sucking at something, plus tips for editing your book
It was a total disaster 🤦🏻♀️
In my head, I had envisioned myself gliding like a superstar, fluid, easy, intuitive, like I was made for this.
In reality I was all left feet and by the end, I was mentally and physically exhausted.
That was my intro to beginners class for hip hop 😜
See I love to dance. In my teens I raved all night and into the early mornings. (If my parents only knew!)
In my 20s I graduated to the underground club scene, chasing the highs of the deepest grooves and hardest beats—from London to Ibiza. I loved feeling one with music.
But choreography always eluded me, and I in turn avoided it.
Until I decided that I was done with that story. I wasn’t going to let my past decide my future and stop me from doing something I loved. Even if it meant that I’d have to suck at something.
Karen Rinaldi is an author who wrote about this in her book (It's Great to) Suck at Something. She started surfing at 50 and wrote about the lessons and growth she experienced along the way—what sucking can teach us about patience and resilience and how it can humble and make us less judgmental toward others.
After sucking at hip hop, I have a whole new appreciation for all the people (from my seven-year-old daughter to Taylor Swift!) who make getting up in front of people and performing highly choreographed moves look like no big deal when it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do!
Surfing is another thing I suck at and love anyway. I’m surrounded by the Great Lakes but surfable waves are in short supply. I can count on my hands the number of times I’ve had the chance to paddle out into the middle of nowhere and catch a ride back to shore on mother nature’s shoulders — Hawaii, California, Tahiti (forget it, those waves are impossible!) — but I never miss the chance.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that even if it means you have to suck at something (hopefully for a little while only—I’ll be going back for more dance lessons next Friday!), don’t let that get in the way of doing what you love if it brings you joy and fulfillment and teaches you something new along the way.
The thing about sucking is you can only get better.
Cat xo
PS: I also suck at cooking but I have zero interest at getting better at it!
How to Revise Your Own Work
I always like to give myself and my authors permission to suck at writing the first draft.
My client Matt Rogers was able to beat years of stalling on his book and finished it in just days when he finally realized I had his back and wasn’t going to let him go out like the king who wore no clothes but would help him make his SECOND draft everything he wanted it to be.
"Cat gave me the direction and motivation to stop chasing my own tail and encouraged me to write a few hundred words every day without worrying about what I was writing or how it sounded and to not even think about editing what I wrote. She helped me create a simple, organized process that released my ultra-creativity.
I wrote 45,000 words over the next 12 days, completing a full first draft manuscript of the book I had been telling people for years that I was writing. Not only is Cat a great coach, but she is an expert in handling the book process from cradle to grave. We were able to write, edit, format, create the cover and publish in under 5 months."
Now Matt is sharing his book on stages far and wide, and has grown his coaching and consulting business as a result.
For those who already have a finished first draft and know they can make it better, here are a couple of tips for revising your manuscript:
✅ First read it like a reader (flagging anything that catches your eye that you want to come back to later). Is the experience you’re having everything you want your reader to experience? If not, what gets to change?
✅ Next comb through your book like an editor, making a list of the adjustments that get to happen. Check for: Are you doing enough showing or too much telling? Is the beginning as attention grabbing as it can be? Is there enough tension and suspense to keep the reader reading? Is the ending satisfying?
✅ Make revisions and bring on a feedback partner—an editor (ahem), friend or colleague, who can see your blind spots and ask the kinds of questions that will help you take your manuscript to the next level.
Keep in mind, this isn’t the time to get hung up on spelling and grammar. We’re still in the developmental editing stage here. Flag anything that catches your eye but keep an eye on the big picture as this is what’s going to really make a difference in your next draft.
There's still time to sign up for my Book Launch Success Secrets Revealed event!
Hear from the top publicity and book marketing experts and discover how to:
🤩 Develop your author brand and platform
🤩 Build a community to help you spread the word about your book
🤩 Create a strategy to optimize and take advantage of all the great buzz and opportunities surrounding your book (in-store appearances! podcast interviews! and more!)
Join me for this FREE online event kicking off this Thursday February 22, 2024 at 12pm EST, and stick around to the end to participate in the audience Q&A happening right after.
Click here to get your complementary ticket now: https://keap.page/vks468/february-24.html
How are you planning for your success, today? Plus tips for launching your book
How are you planning for your success, today? Plus tips for launching your book
How are you planning for your success, today?
Me, I just spent two hours with my calendar :)
Thing is, I have so many commitments picking up in 2024—I love to say yes!—and sometimes, I gotta admit, I lose track of the actual hours in a day I have to prepare for/execute those commitments. No matter what, I always pull off the magic act, but man, can I burn myself out in the process sometimes.
This is important to share with you because last night I was chatting with a speaker who wants to write her memoir but hasn’t started yet.
When I started digging, we realized that as badly as she wants it, she hadn’t actually committed to her book yet.
👉🏼 There was no deadline…
👉🏼 There was no plan of action…
In short, it simply didn’t exist. So how could she make her book happen?
If you’ve got a goal you want to make happen, you must have these three ingredients, no matter what it is:
✅ A date to work toward
✅ A plan of action to reach your end date/goal
✅ And for many people, accountability, or a coach/mentor/partner/assistant/friend who can help you through those times when things get, well, hard.
So…got a big dream or vision? Beautiful!
Now ask yourself: How are you planning for your success, today?
I promise these three things will go a long way to making it happen ;)
Cat xo
Book Launch Success Secrets...Revealed!
Speaking of success…
One thing many authors forget or skimp on when it comes to publishing their book, is the actual book launch and marketing.
Especially if you’re self-publishing, you can lose sight of the very strategies that will help make your book a success.
Things like:
🤩 Developing your author brand and platform
🤩 Building a team to help you spread the word
🤩 Creating a strategy and budgeting the time to take advantage of all the great buzz and opportunities surrounding your book (in-store appearances! podcast interviews! and more!)
It’s a lot to think about. That’s why I’ve created a FREE online event kicking off next Thursday February 23, 2024 at 12pm EST, where I’ll explore book launch and book marketing strategies with the experts.
Register and join us live to be part of the conversation and to participate in the audience Q&A happening right after.
Click here to get your complementary ticket now: https://keap.page/vks468/february-24.html
The Key to Getting Others to Promote Your Book for You
No doubt writing AND FINISHING your book seem like the greatest hurdles for writers.
But too often, authors can rush to publish or self-publish their book without really taking the time to develop strategies around launching and marketing their book to reach the widest audience possible.
That’s why I loved digging into the art and science of launching and marketing a book with Dan Blank, founder of WeGrowMedia, who helps writers develop their author platforms, connect with readers, and launch their books.
In my interview with Dan, he shared the most overlooked key to book launch success and how you can encourage others to show you and your book some love.
Click here to watch the rest of my interview with Dan and to hear more tips for launching and marketing your book:
How to BE significant...plus tips for creating time for your passion projects and book
How to BE significant...plus tips for creating time for your passion projects and book
Never in a million years would I have imagined the trajectory that writing a book would send me on.
My whole life, I kept pushing it off because with so many other priorities (school, money, kids, work) vying for my time and attention, I couldn’t see the value of pushing my book up to the top of the list.
Actually, that’s the lie I told myself. The truth is, I just didn’t believe in myself.
It took life, God, the universe, whatever you want to call it, giving me the biggest kick in the ass to finally commit to writing my book.
The funny thing is, finally committing to my book, to myself and to my dreams, has brought more opportunities, more abundance, more fulfilment than I could ever have imagined.
And all those excuses I gave myself? Now I see them for the lies they were:
❌ I used to tell myself I don’t have time to write a book because I need to make money. 🙌 Truth: Now I make money from writing books and helping others do the same.
❌ I used to tell myself I couldn’t work on my book because it would take time away from my kids. 🙌 Truth: Now I’m a hero to my kids, I’m inspiring them to go after their dreams and instilling in them the belief that they can make anything happen.
❌ I used to remind myself I was just a nobody, and who was going to read my book or listen to me, anyway? 🙌 Truth: Now I’m sharing the stage with celebrities (more on this in my next newsletter!), I’m friends with some of the thought leaders I admire most, and I KNOW I’m making a difference.
It’s so tempting to put yourself last. Not least of all because it lets you off the hook from actually having to do the work involved with making your dreams come true. Or risking failure. Embarrassment. Rejection.
It’s so much easier to choose the well-worn, predictable, “safe” path.
But take it from me, this journey has been worth every failure, every setback, every rejection.
It’s taken me further than I ever imagined I could reach. And made things come true that I didn’t even dare to dream.
You never know what writing your book will lead to. But I can tell you, from experience, that all the best things to come will happen when you take that first step, and then another, and another after that.
Bet on yourself for a change.
Cat xo
PS: I’m Cat Margulis and I’m a book coach and editor who helps speakers, coaches, experts and thought leaders write, finish, publish and market their books to grow their brand, business and impact. If you’ve got a big vision that involves your book and you don’t know where to start or what to do next, email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com and I'll help you discover your next best step.
How to Make Time for Your Book
Speaking of time…
Did you catch the Grammy Awards?
You have time.
Are you planning your menu for the Super Bowl this Sunday?
You have time.
Have you scrolled through social media in the last 24 hours?
You have time.
Now…
Do you have time if it pays you?
Do you have time if it creates wonderful new opportunities for you?
Do you have time if it brings you closer to your hopes and dreams coming true?
You have time.
And if you’re still insisting you don’t have time to write your book, you’re in luck. Because I have a knack for creating time out of thin air :)
Here are some quick ways I coach and support my authors to create time. You’re welcome.
1) Make writing a daily habit. Even if it’s 20 minutes a day, by committing to a consistent practice of working on your book, you’ll create momentum, which has all kinds of positive feedback loops that will benefit you as you move forward with your book.
2) Join the 5am club. When I have a goal and can't find the time to move toward it, joining the 5am club always helps me to create the extra time I need in my day. I love that these hours are uninterrupted, and coming off of sleep and dream state can make it easier to get in the zone and in the flow.
3) Sprint toward your goals. When all else fails, I make a commitment to push lower priority/less urgent items to the periphery of my days and weeks, for a short time only. For example, I might go on a book revising sprint for one month, and commit to less that month to create space for that sprint. It means I might step back from reading to the kids at night, take fewer meetings during the day, and delay starting any new projects or working with new clients until the month is over and I’ve met my goal. Knowing that this is for a short time only and I’ll be back 100% for all the people and opportunities in my life the next month, gives me the peace I need to focus, create and dedicate.
PS: If you would like help with creating and sticking to your writing goals, email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com. I’ve got a program for you.
How to Be Significant
Sometimes hope shows up in the unlikeliest of places.
That’s my takeaway from Matt Rogers' interview with Caryn Bird for his podcast with Beth Cook, called Be Significant.
I’ve had the joy of working with both Matt and Caryn on their books, and I had the pleasure of introducing them at one of my author meet-ups, so it was especially gratifying and inspiring to listen in on their chat about the business of sports and high-performance athletes, parenthood, journeys to entrepreneurship, making your dreams happen and being significant.
Listen to the interview to hear Caryn’s story and to learn her tips for how to win on the court, as well as off, and subscribe to Be Significant for more great interviews with guests who share their significant stories and unique insights on the world. Matt's book Significant Recruiting is available now on Amazon.
PS: If you want to be part of a community of authors who are being significant, email me at hello@passionprojectpod.com to learn more.
What’s your PUSH Goal for 2024? Plus my content strategy tips for your empire
What’s your PUSH Goal for 2024? Plus my content strategy tips for your empire
What’s your PUSH goal?
A couple of years back a mentor of mine introduced me to Push goals. It’s a methodology and practice that motivational speaker and best-selling author Chalene Johnson developed based on 20+ years of productivity coaching.
In a nutshell, a Push goal is an overarching goal that has a positive, aligned trickle-down effect into every area of our lives. It creates clarity and focus as we streamline our vision for the year, so you can accomplish more in less time.
Let me break it down for you.
I met with a coach last week who is committing to her book this year. The biggest hurdle she identified was a common one that I hear (and that I’ve experienced myself!):
How to find the time to write the book.
It made me think of Push goals.
When I asked her what she wanted to achieve in her business this year, her list looked like this:
-Be seen as an expert in my field
-Attract more people to my platforms and podcasts
-Have more clients and leads for people who want to work with me
When we identified what was important to her, I was able to show her how finally writing her book would help her achieve all that:
-The book would establish her as an authority in her space and
boost her personal brand.
-A book would help her get on other people’s podcasts, so she could capture some of their audience and build her own.
-Her book would help build trust between her and readers, listeners and viewers, so she wouldn’t have to work so hard selling her services.
-A book would give other people a reason to talk about her, and create buzz around her business and brand—basically, free advertising.
-Her book would serve as a content bank she could pull from, to populate her newsletter, social media, podcast, keynotes and more, making it the ultimate content marketing tool.
Get my drift?
In this coach’s business, writing a book is a Push goal that positively impacts every area of her business. And now that she can see that, she is able to prioritize it, make time for it, and it’s more likely to make it happen.
So what push goal would make the biggest difference for you in your life? I’d love to know.
Cat xo
PS: If writing a book is your Push goal for 2024, come join me for a FREE Kickstart Your Book! webinar I’m giving for Lulu Publishing this Wednesday January 31, 2024, where I’ll share some of my top tips and strategies to make it happen. Here’s the link to register.
How to Content Strategy
Not a typo. I’m turning “content strategy” into a verb because it deserves its own place in your action vocabulary.
Many of you have unwittingly become mini media empires in order to promote and grow your business. You likely have a newsletter (if not, you should), social media feeds, a podcast and maybe even an online course or membership (I count this as content too).
Perhaps you’re creating each piece of content for each platform in silos, but man, isn’t that exhausting?
When you have all the things (podcast, course, coaching business, etc.), how does a book fit into your content strategy?
Here’s how I coached another would-be author as she tried to figure out where her book would fit in among the other pieces of her offering:
(You can sing this to the tune of The Skeleton Dance, if you like: “The leg bone’s connected to the knee bone, The knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone, Doin’ the skeleton dance.”)
-The book shares stories that build trust and relationships to help you sell your other offerings more effectively…
-You can use content from the book to populate your other content marketing channels (newsletter, social feeds, podcast and more)
-You can also use the book to funnel into your entry level product/service, where you can deliver more strategy (ie., a back of the book QR code that links to your online course or membership)
-From there you can upsell clients and customers into your higher value products/services, where you can deliver deeper engagement, accountability and support
Get it?
Good. Now sign up for Wednesday’s webinar and let’s get cracking.
Interview with Derral Eves, author of The YouTube Formula and executive producer of The Chosen
Speaking of singular focus, it was a joy and an honour to speak with THE YOUTUBE GURU Derral Eves, who also happens to be the executive producer of The Chosen.
Not only did Derral give me the butt-kicking I needed to finally start taking the steps I needed to to become the speaker he saw me as, but he also landed for me the message about speaking to "the one" like no other.
If you have any questions about how to best reach your audience and do better on YouTube, this is a must-listen for sure.
Catch our interview here.
You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and more.
What we can learn from Disney about storytelling...Plus a behind the scenes peek at my book editing process!
What we can learn from Disney about storytelling...Plus a behind the scenes peek at my book editing process!
My family just got back from an EPIC trip to Florida, where we lounged on the prettiest island I’ve ever been to (Anna Maria Island), swam with dolphins (Discovery Cove Orlando) and ticked off the ultimate bucket list family adventure: Disney World.
Our vacation was all the things—fun, scary, sweet, frustrating, surprising and exhilarating.
We had 14 glorious days together, where I got to spend precious time with my husband and best friend, and also had more quality time with my kids than I can handle. 😜 (I’m thinking 7 days tops next time, preferably at an island all-inclusive where we can each do our own thing and come together for meal times.)
I also got to tap that childlike wonder that Disney is so famous for evoking. The firework shows, particularly at Magic Kingdom, were truly AWE-some, and it got me thinking about immersive experiences, AI and the power of story. (I can’t help it, my mind is just wired to go that way.)
Disney is a master storyteller. Everything from the show narrations, to the way the parks are laid out, to the highs and lows of each ride and roller coaster.
Still, I wondered, can Disney compete in a world of AI and Web3?
Well, it was able to hold my Fortnite-obsessed twins’ attention for days at a time, so that’s something. Disney’s 4D rides and attractions definitely give it an edge over any videogame or platform we can currently play with at-home. There’s also the nostalgic appeal of older rides and newer attractions that lean on animatronics and the physical thrills of being thrust at 60 miles per hour (the new Tron Lightcycle Run, which we all chickened out of) and tossed 200-feet in the air (Expedition Everest—we came, we saw, we conquered!).
I know it’s a question many of you are asking: How do we stay relevant in such a rapidly shifting universe? And what’s more, how do we keep up?
I’ll take my cues on that from Disney, which has created a 170-billion-dollar industry from telling stories and creating memorable experiences:
1) Tell an emotional story. 2) Be intentional about where you’re leading people. 3) Use your platform, product and book as a way to connect others through immersive, memorable and yes, even nostalgic experiences that help us find the common ground between us.
Disney wins time and again because it creates experiences for people to come together. Parents like me will pay whatever it costs to visit to create memories that last a lifetime. And kids will want to recreate those experiences with their own children.
Experience is the key. Story is the way.
Cat xo
Question: What does the book editing process look like?
Answer: While I was at Disney, my client Shannon Talbot launched her book Breaking Free: Stop Holding Back, Start Being You: Your Guide to Creating the Career & Life of Your Dreams.
Shannon and I started working on this book over a year ago. She wanted to create a book that would take readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions, that would give them hope and steps to create and live their best life, and that would help boost her coaching and speaking business.
It was also important to Shannon to take her time with the book, so she could enjoy the process, while growing her new business and being present for her family.
Now Shannon is a brilliant writer. Take after take, she nailed it. She’s also an expert on the subject of career advancement, entrepreneurship and work-life balance.
My job was to listen, to be a sounding board, and to guide her through the book writing and publishing process. To stretch her to be even more honest, vulnerable, creative and even playful than she was already, and to make the book as immersive, fun and of value as it could be for readers. I was also there to hold her high and cheer her on as she rode her own roller coaster of fears and doubts that we all experience when embarking on anything new, especially writing a book.
Sometimes writing doesn’t look like writing. And sometimes editing doesn’t either. Sometimes a great editor is just a great friend, with a fine-tuned sense of rhythm and timing.
PS: Now that Shannon’s book is published, I have one spot open in my 1-on-1 book development program for my next star author. If you have a story to tell, a message to share, and a business to spotlight, and you’re ready to commit to your book this year, message me to grab this spot before it’s gone.
Book Review - Breaking Free: Stop Holding Back, Start Being You: Your Guide to Creating the Career & Life of Your Dreams, by Shannon Talbot
I wish I had Breaking Free five, seven, 10 years ago. When I was struggling with a career that wasn’t working for me or my life with kids, anymore. When I was scared and hopeless and frustrated and yes, maybe even a little bit angry.
I wrote a book about it, and how I too managed to break free. But that’s not coming out until next year 😉
Fortunately Shannon Talbot’s book Breaking Free is now available, and provides a clear, practical guide to creating the life and career of your dreams. Along the way, Shannon shares her own entrepreneurial journey, and includes interviews with other inspiring women like Mabels Labels founder Julie Cole and former CEO of Second Cup Stacey Mowbray.
This book resonated with me on so many levels and fills me with so much hope that women really can have it all—the fulfilling career, the loving family, without sacrificing their health or mental well-being. Seeing how other women have created a balanced, meaningful life, alongside Shannon’s strategies and tools to make it happen for ourselves, makes this book a must-have for any woman striving for her best life, or next chapter.
Now available at Amazon, and coming to a book store near you. Be sure to grab an extra copy for your friends!
Playing to win, how to make New Year’s resolutions stick + the number one thing you can say to yourself
Playing to win, how to make New Year’s resolutions stick + the number one thing you can say to yourself
Are you playing to win? Or are you playing not to lose? Or are you not playing at all?
There have been big chunks of my life where, frankly, I wasn’t playing at all. When I was sitting at the back of the class/pretending to be dumber than I was to be liked/getting wasted so it looked like I didn’t care as much as I did.
And then there were times when I was so determined to win that, frankly, I didn’t care who I stepped on on my way up. Yup, that was me too.
When I’m afraid, I can still catch myself playing not to lose—still in the game, but hovering just enough beyond the spotlight so as not to be threatened or threatening. Such as writing a book for five years and never sharing it with anyone—until someone dared me to finally submit my manuscript. (I got picked up by a top literary agent right after that, so turns out me and my book were ready after all.)
Last week, however, I played to win.
I did something super scary for an introvert like me—which is thrusting myself into a room full of strangers, to make friends and learn from, so I can do more scary things, like getting up on stages in front of rooms full of strangers ;)
It turned out to be the best experience.
I got to hear from MASTER storytellers and speakers like Sebastien Sasseville (endurance athlete, Mount Everest, Sahara Desert), Victoria Labalme (whose message about risking forward really resonated with me) and Ingrid Palmer (who delivered a powerful message of self love, courage and compassion in the most poetic way).
I got to meet inspiring leaders like Orlando Bowen (former CFL linebacker, now #OneVoiceOneTeam champion). I learned more about people patterns and behaviours and my own strengths and weaknesses through criminologist Fred Colantonio and former military police officer Erik Rheam. And I also got to witness so many different approaches to speaking, training and facilitating, that my mind is still reeling and trying to process it all. (Thank you too to the lovely Pamela Robinson for sharing her insightful—and surprising—tips for how to be a better presenter.)
I’ll be honest, I never dreamed of being a speaker. Growing up, I hated the spotlight, and even used to get my sister to open my birthday presents for me so I could avoid it.
But I want to help people write their books and share their stories and their messages of hope, and that means getting in front of them, risking forward and putting others and my vision ahead of my ego, my fears and my doubts. Kind of like writing.
This is my last newsletter of the year. I’ll be taking two weeks off for Christmas and another two weeks off after that, to recover from the “holidays” ;)
Looking forward to the new year, I know how I’ll be playing to win in 2024. I plan to keep honing my presentation skills, working on my next book and doing whatever it takes to help my clients succeed at their own books and businesses as well. Because we are a team, and team matters to me.
So how are you playing to win and what are you playing for, in 2024? I’d love to know.
Wishing you happy holidays and a wonder-filled new year.
Cat xo
PS: If writing a book next year is how you’re playing to win, message me. I have a few ideas of how I can help ;)
How to make your New Year’s resolutions stick
Like the saying goes, “Every great journey starts with a single step.”
Here’s how I make my new year’s resolutions happen.
I jot down my vision for the future, getting clear on what I want, and why it’s important to me
I prioritize according to what I believe I can do now/this year, what I’m aiming for in 2-5 years, and what I’d like to see happen in 10 years
I plot out the trajectories between where I am now and where I want to go
I then add the milestones necessary to my calendar, because if it’s not there, it’s not going to happen
Finally I build in support and accountability as needed. For example, to support me with working on my next book, a project that is personally and technically challenging for me, I’m building in regular meet-ups with my own writing mentor Dave Mark, who gives me the encouragement I sometimes need and reminds me to put Cat first when I find myself slipping to the back of the priority list. (See? Happens to the all of us.) Thank you, Dave!
For some, a book writing practice might look like an hour a day. For others it’s one day a weekend, or one weekend a month. But for all of us, it’s one page at time.
The infinite power of stories
To leave you and this year on a high note, I’m sharing one of my favourite interviews, with Angus Fletcher, Professor of Story Science at Ohio State's Project Narrative.
In our fascinating chat, Angus talks about our infinite capacity for creativity and stories, our ability to write and re-write our stories, and how every story matters.
“The number one thing you can say to yourself is there are more stories, and I can create them.”
Secrets to my success + A SPECIAL OFFER
Secrets to my success + A SPECIAL OFFER
Last week I hosted a small Zoom get-together for a group of my clients that I thought would really appreciate meeting each other. Here are some takeaways:
🤩 Like attracts like. Each one of my clients is like a magical unicorn—a beautiful soul with an extraordinary story and perspective who is creating amazing things to help other people be their best self and live their best life. I had a feeling they’d be inspired by and learn from each other, and they did. My heart was full to bursting by the time we ended our call. Like Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” BE it until you become it, and then surround yourself with others who are doing the same thing.
😍 It’s scary and vulnerable sharing your life with others, and even to believe in the vision that you have, but when you’re willing to risk and focus out, opportunities expand. The old me would have hoarded my client list like the last piece of toast. But I know I’ve been blessed to have these people in my life and how providential connections can be, and so I was also excited to connect them to see what amazing things they might create together.
🥳 Don’t be afraid to get messy first. It had been a while since I did anything creative with Zoom and breakout rooms, and so the first half hour was a bit of a gong show, to say the least. But—secret between you and me—I kind of like it that way 🤭 By the end of our “breakout room” mixer everyone was relaxed and playful, which paved the way for some truly moving shares and inspired connections.
So, as we celebrate 2023 and look forward to the new year, What are you still dreaming of? And what will you dare to do to make it happen?
Cat xo
PS: One thing they all have in common is an incredible story and unique perspective, they all do meaningful work and they’re on a mission to create good in the world, helping to heal, inspire and empower others.
If that sounds even a little bit like you, or someone you know, we should talk. These are the kinds of stories I want to help bring forward, and the kind of people I love to champion.
Love to Serve
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the beautiful thing about the work that I do is that I can help one person, and they can help hundreds and thousands. Exponential impact. People like Robb Gilbear, who experienced this from writing and publishing his book with me:
“If not a single person read my book, the process was 1,000 percent worth it due to the personal growth I got out of processing the stories we captured. If the only people who read it other than me were my parents, it would be the best gift I could have given myself thanks to how much closer my parents and I have become after reading it. But that's not the case, loads of people from around the world have read it. Publishing the book has allowed me to attract incredible clients that I absolutely love to serve and for them to be ‘ready to go’ and know they want to work with me after reading it. I can directly connect over six-figures worth of coaching revenue to the book.”—Robb Gilbear
Ready to step in the ring? DM me and let’s make your book happen!
In the Editing Room
My son recently landed his first acting job. They filmed him for for 1 1/2 hours and he nailed every single take for what will probably only be five seconds of screen time.
Imagine that times the thousands of instances that make up a two-hour movie.
Nobody makes a two-hour movie thinking they’re going to get it in a single take. (Although there is that one war movie, 1917, where they came pretty close.)
Likewise building your book will take thousands of moments. Many of them will end up on the cutting room floor, but a select, memorable few will make it to the screen.
Think about that next time you sit down to write your book.
A SPECIAL OFFER
’Tis the season to be jolly… So for a limited time only! I’m offering my $399 book publishing academy membership in the form of a gift card you can purchase for your family and friends FOR JUST $99!!!
The only catch is that you can ONLY buy two gift cards max.
So if you have a friend who is working on a book or who needs the kick in the pants to get started ;) this is the gift that will put them on track to making their book publishing dreams come true.
OR TWO
And because this time of year has me feeling extra generous, and I’m excited to work with my new cohort of writers who will be writing, finishing and publishing their books in 2024...
I’m offering a 6 month coaching package, which includes biweekly 1-1 meetings with me, FOR JUST $1,200—and that INCLUDES complimentary access for one year to my book publishing membership, for additional mentorship, accountability and community.
Both offers expire Dec 20, 2023 at 12pm EST, so don’t miss the boat!
You never lose if you don’t quit (and other things mama said) + what NOT to do on your author journey
You never lose if you don’t quit (and other things mama said) + what NOT to do on your author journey #writerslife #authorlife #leadership #personaldevelopment #motivationalspeaker
We’ve been here before. 🤦🏻♀️
There’s an Instagram post from December 12, 2019, where I literally stood at the same precipice I’m standing right now. The question being, “Am I going to step up? Or chicken out?”
At the time, I was deciding whether to enroll in a transformational leadership training program that would have me flying out to California almost every month, leaving behind my husband and four kids, not to mention my business and clients.
Fortunately, as I hovered on the edge of that cliff, thinking, “Do I? Don’t I?” my little sister gave me the nudge (er, shove) I needed.
It literally CHANGED MY LIFE. It changed the people I surrounded myself with. The work that I do. And how I’m able to show up for my clients, friends and family (okay, that last bit I’m still working on 😉).
Now, almost four years later to the day, I’m standing on the same precipice. Another quantum leap forward…or not.
I can hear my upper limit wailing like a banshee. (By the way, if you haven’t read or listened to Gay Hendricks’ book The Big Leap, you must! It’s about how we all have an internal glass ceiling, aka upper limit, and what happens when we have a chance to break through. Sound familiar?)
So, to help me make the decision, I’m drafting up a list of pros/cons, which actually looks a lot like it did back in 2019.
Pros:
✅ Relationships, new people and information
✅ Bringing me closer to my business and personal goals
✅ Personal development, learning a ton from the best, becoming more effective, confident and resilient
Cons:
❌ Leaving behind my family and poor hubby (aka feeling guilty and selfish)
❌ A ton of work, on top of the ton of work I already have
❌ Costs money
What would you do, in my shoes?
Here’s what I do next…
I ask myself, What’s the best thing that can happen? What’s the worst thing that can happen?
I won’t bore you with the details, but suffice to say, when I dug through the bullshit, the truth is, it’s really a win-win. For everyone.
And when it comes to your upper limit and the big leap, that’s usually the case.
You can pull back, stay stuck and play small, or you can take that one giant, glorious, fulfilling and scary AF step forward to becoming the person you’re meant to be.
I know what I'm gonna do. How about you?
Cat xo
What makes me terrible makes me great
As I shared with a writing group I was invited to last week, I’m a great book coach because I made all the mistakes 🤪
-Sending out my book to agents and publishers when it was still in first draft
-Talking all about ME and my book in my first query letters
-Not bringing in feedback partners, Beta readers, editors and mentors into my writing/editing process sooner
What did I achieve through all those mistakes?
-Wasting WAY more time than I needed to writing and editing my book
-Messing up my only chance to make a first impression
-Lessons learned that I can now share with others, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes
So what’s it going to be? Figure it all out yourself the hard way? Or take the short cut with me?
If you're ready to get where you want to go and you'd like to hop in my pink Cadillac to get there, DM and let's talk!
Like Mama Said...
I’ll take my inspiration where ever I can get it. Last week it was a Tony Robbins podcast interview with boxing legend Evander Holyfield—who, it turns out, is a beautiful, inspiring man.
The whole interview is packed with so many mic drop moments to learn and take away from, but one I especially love is when Tony asked him, “What makes a boxer a boxer who doesn’t make it?”
Evander: “He quit. He quit on himself.”
“Mama said, ‘Son, you never lose if you don’t quit. Give your best.’”
Ain’t that just the best advice.
The secret to the hero’s journey
The secret to the hero’s journey
What’s driving you?
A basic rule of writing a story is to have a protagonist with a goal, and then put as many obstacles in the way that you can think of, to separate the hero of your story from what they want.
In the Annette Bening and Jodie Foster film Nyad—which I can’t recommend enough—long distance swimmer Diana Nyad has a dream to swim from Cuba to Florida. Along the way, she is foiled by every mishap you can think of: storms, sharks, jelly fish, lack of money, lack of team.
But her dream is so big and so powerful, she can’t help herself: She must cross the finish line, even if it kills her.
A coach of mine used to say that if you have a goal and you’re not hitting it—not committed enough, not urgent enough about it—maybe it’s because that dream is not big enough.
It’s something I coached one of my authors on last week, when she admitted she was feeling disconnected from her book. I asked her about her why—had she forgotten why writing the book was important to her, perhaps? It turns out, she had.
After reconnecting her to her why—all the people she would help by sharing her story (tip: the more people you can roll into your why, the more motivating it will be)—she was lit up and excited to get back to writing her book and doing whatever it takes to make it happen.
In short, writing a book isn’t the finish line. Finishing the book is not a why. Few authors would be compelled to do what it takes to complete if that was the end goal.
So whatever your passion project—whether it’s a book, a business you want to grow, or even just doing better at school, as I chatted about with my kids last week—if you find yourself running out of steam or ambition, remember your why and ask yourself if it’s big enough.
It could be time to dream bigger.
Cat xo
Go Team!
Like Diana Nyad says in the film, "It looks like a solitary sport but it takes a team."
That goes for writing too. The sooner you lean into community and networking, the faster and further you'll go.
One way to find your people is to join my Passion Project Publishing Academy, where you'll discover resources on how to write, finish, publish and market your book, as well as a like-minded community of writers, authors and mentors.
Join us for monthly meetups, to network, talk about your book, and get coaching, mentorship and advice on your book, publishing and marketing strategy.
New for 2024, I am adding a second monthly meetup/power hour, to help spark creativity and provide additional support and accountability.
And if you sign up now, you'll also receive access to my Power of Story and Future of Content Marketing VIP video library bundles, as well as my guide to How to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book – Your Top 10 Questions Answered. Click here to sign up now.
Hero's Journey
It takes courage to dream, which may be why so many of us turn to books and stories, as a way to find it.
As Hollywood screenwriting consultant Michael Hauge puts it: The hero’s journey is about going from living in fear to living courageously.
As you move through your book and screenplay, ask yourself, what is your hero afraid of? And what will it take for them to overcome that fear?
That is, essentially, the heart of your story.
Here's more storytelling, and screenwriting, gold from Michael:
If you’re telling a story, your primary objective must be to elicit emotion. You must be creating an emotional experience.
When in doubt, go deep. Understand your hero better/more. What drives them? How were they wounded in the past?
You must create a relationship with your reader/audience, and your story must have relevance for them.
Watch my interview with Michael here.
How To Be Limitless I World Building with AI + How to get inside the minds of your audience
How To Be Limitless I World Building with AI + How to get inside the minds of your audience
Is there a drug I can take that will make me limitless?
I just finished watching the Bradley Cooper movie of the same name (yes, for the first time, even though it’s been out for over a decade), about a writer who overcomes writer’s block by taking an experimental drug (is there any other kind, LOL?).
That got me thinking—what makes me feel limitless?
Me, I feel limitless when my mind and tongue are working in unison—when there is a clear and direct link between my thought and what comes out of my mouth.
Ever have those moments where you’re tongue tied, or you say something you didn’t mean to, or it came out all jumbled up?
Yeah.
What’s underneath that? Usually—at least in my case—lack of confidence, lack of self esteem, self-doubt, fear, fear of rejection, fear of judgement, fear of looking stupid (which, ironically, makes me look stupid).
When am I the most free flowing? When I forget myself—usually when I’m in service to others, or so completely engaged in something or someone—like when I’m doing an interview for my podcast, say—that I forget…me.
Writing is a lot like speaking that way.
Get out of the way—aka forget yourself—and watch the words flow.
It doesn’t mean I get it right all the time. I completely bungled a conversation I had last weekend. I avoided working on my next book—by writing this newsletter, a day earlier than I needed to. (Don’t worry, I made up for it later ;)
So when I get in my own way, how do I dig myself out? When my emotions take over, how do I get back on track?
Discipline.
I was listening to an amazing Joe Rogan podcast episode today with Gary Brecka (a must-listen for health & wellness enthusiasts!). I love and totally agree with what he said: “Stop negotiating with yourself…Discipline is better than motivation.”
Which is why when I skipped a day of working on my book, I doubled my time and output the next day. A promise is a promise and I don’t break promises to myself…anymore.
How about you?
Cat xo
PS: If you're still wondering about that question--is there a drug that will make me limitless? There is, but it's not the kind we're used to hearing about. Instead, for me, it's the courage to be unapologetically, uniquely you. The discipline to stick to your commitments, regardless of your emotions. And intention, intention, intention--going into anything without it is like going fishing without a line. Don't leave home without it. For more, see below on my workshop this Friday!
How to Write, FINISH, Publish and Market a Book
I've got some new members in my community, which means I'm bringing back my greatest hits of tips for writing, finishing, publishing and marketing a book in a fresh workshop this Friday November 17 at 12pm EST.
Click here to register.
Getting Inside the Minds of Your Audience
Speaking about limitless, that’s exactly how I feel about former radio show host/current AI expert Kate Bradley Chernis of LatelyAI. I had the chance to tap her brilliant mind for my series The Future of Content Marketing, and re-watching this interview made me fall in love with her all over again. There are so many golden nuggets I specifically want to bring forward to you in video clips, but for now, if you can find the time, listen to the full interview to hear her share her thoughts and tips on the theatre of the mind, world building, AI, content marketing and so, so much more.
Watch the video here.
What Publishers Want...and The Seasons Of Your Life
This song always makes me cry…
But isn’t it the truth? Stevie Nicks crooning “time makes you bolder” on Landslide.
My son turned 15 this weekend. It’s been an emotional fall already—watching the kids move out of one phase and into another.
There are things we’ve been letting go of—pumpkin patches and theme park visits with the whole family together.
And new adventures we’re embarking on—that same teenager will be taking his first solo trip to the other side of the world, where I was born. And I’ve got a solo trip of my own planned—I’ve been invited to speak at an international conference in the U.S. next spring (more details on that to come!).
So while the kids needing me less and less breaks my heart a little each time, I’m also excited for the new experiences and opportunities unfolding before me.
Speaking of which, the teenager has been asking about different jobs and career prospects. He’s in Grade 10 now so I guess the kids are beginning to think about it. I know I should say the practical thing I was raised with, but instead I share what I’ve come to believe in my own heart is true: Follow your curiosity. What do you love? What do you want more of in your life? Go there…
And so on this rainy fall morning, as the holiday lights begin to go up, heralding another new year, that’s the question I’m leaving you with.
Whether it’s your own next chapter, the book you’re longing to write, the passion project you’re excited to begin—what do you want more of in your life? What dreams do you still get to chase? And what do you get to let go of to create space in your life for them?
Because there’s still time…
Cat xo
Top Takeaways from Last Week's Book Publishing Webinar
I had a brilliant time last week chatting with some of my favourite authors, literary agents, publishers and self-publishing experts about travel, books and what it takes to write and publish a travel/memoir/non-fiction book that sells, for an online event co-hosted by KITI Social, a community for travel media, PR, brands and tourism businesses.
Some of my top takeaways:
Your manuscript is just one (small!) piece of what it takes to get your book on bookshelves.
Regardless of whether you want to be traditionally published or self published, marketing plays a HUGE (maybe even the biggest) role in getting an agent, publisher, book retailers and eventually readers to invest in you and your book.
What agents, publishers and retailers are looking for in an author and book: Marketing savvy, platform, an authentic voice and interesting/unique perspective.
There are no barriers to self-publishing, but make no mistake: The most successful self-published authors are still investing a lot of time, energy and resources into creating the highest quality book they can afford, with expert help, and marketing it
We had a huge turnout and more audience questions than we could get to, so for anyone who wants more of our panellists or to hear more on any of these subjects, here’s where you can find them:
Author Kristen Van Nest, whose debut memoir, Where to Nest, is coming out in in April 2024.
Publisher Alexandria Brown, CEO of Rising Action Publishing.
Literary agent and author Rachel McMillan, who has written several historical novels for Harper Collins including the bestselling The London Restoration and The Mozart Code.
Self-publishing expert Matt Briel, VP of Marketing at Lulu, which helps creators and authorpreneurs leverage books for opportunities and sustainable revenue.
I’m also hosting a FREE online workshop on How to Write, Finish & Publish Your Book, on November 17 at 12pm EST. You can reserve your spot here.
How to Pitch Agents and Publishers
One more tip from last week’s panel that deserves its own spot in today’s newsletter: Don’t be sloppy with your pitches. Agents and publishers can tell when you’re sending them an unedited first draft, and no one appreciates being spammed with careless DMs. Take the time to get to know the agents and publishers you’re pitching to and carefully craft and tailor your submission package and proposal to them. That alone will help you stand out and rise above the slush pile.
What Do Publishers Want?
As an author, it can be mystifying trying to figure out what do publishers want. So I loved my chat with author, podcaster and publisher Zibby Owens, who shared about her own journey to the bookshelf and as a champion of other authors and books. She also shared her tips for what it takes to get noticed in a crowded marketplace, the keys to telling a story that stands out, and what audiences are craving today.
Watch the video here.