May 18, 2022
As you may or may not know,
yesterday I became a published author. On May 17th Beyond Normal: a field guide to embrace
adventure, explore the wilderness, and design an extraordinary life
with kids was publicly available. While it
is easy to think this is a summit experience, and I certainly am
taking time to celebrate this accomplishment, I also know this is
the beginning of a journey. Publishing a book in some ways is just
the beginning. I didn’t write the book for me. This isn’t
about me writing a book, it’s because I wanted to share what I have
learned to support others in designing an adventurous life with
kids. Before I get into the episode today on becoming a
writer, I wanted to share 3 tips on how to help authors spread
their message. Most of them do not cost you a dime.
Whether you do this for my book, Kent Sander’s book, or other
authors I have on the show. The call to action will be to
choose one of these 10 generous option to take action on this
week.
Generous
Calls to Action to support your favorite authors:
- Request a copy of the book at your local
library. All you have to do is google "suggest a purchase (city you
live in) library". Usually there is a form to fill out requiring
your library card number and info about the book:
Name: Beyond Normal: A field guide to embrace
adventure, explore the wilderness and design an extraordinary life
with kids
Author: Heidi Dusek
Publisher: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-950721-21-4
- Purchase a copy as a gift or even to place in
the Free Little Library near you!
- Share any social media posts related to the
book. While many only think about the launch date, social media
posts will be happening for months after the book is published.
Take a picture and post on your own social media and tag the author
or the book in your post.
All of these options are listed
in the show notes for today and will also be shared in social media
over the next 10 days.
Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/075
To purchase a signed copy of Beyond Normal
Book: https://ordinarysherpa.com/
Follow on
Instagram: @ordinarysherpa
I would describe our guest as
one of the most humble and generous entrepreneurs I know. You
will hear in this episode how we met and in many ways you could say
we are almost complete opposites, which is why I knew I needed to
be a part of his Daily Writer Community to get my book to the
published finish line. Along the way he has been more than a
supporter. He has designed content based on what I asked, he
has put me in the hot seat to prioritize where to focus my time,
and yesterday he purchased 5 print copies of my book to give
away.
Kent Sanders is the founder of
Inkwell Ghostwriting, which helps leaders grow their business
through books and other content. He is also the author and
co-author of numerous books, including 18 Words to Live By: A
Father’s Wisdom on What Matters Most and co-author of The Faith of
Elvis: A Story Only a Brother Can Tell with Billy Stanley, Elvis
Presley’s stepbrother.
In addition to writing books for
himself and his clients, Kent loves to help other writers. He is
the host of the Daily Writer podcast, which helps writers cultivate
the habits for creative success, and the founder of the Daily
Writer membership community. He lives just outside of St. Louis and
enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and teenage
son.
Key Takeaways
- Books are one of the few forms of magic left in
the world because many people want to do, but seldom actually
do. Books are inherently respected and offer a level of
impact and credibility that are hard to attain through other
means.
- Kent’s wife was the impetus for him taking
action to write his first book. “You have talked about book
ideas for years and you’ve never done anything about it, so I don’t
want to hear about any more book ideas.” A healthy challenge from
those we love can change the trajectory of our
lives.
- It’s hard to quantify a “good writer.” Kent’s
definition of a good writer is if the writing does what it’s
intended to. Whatever the purpose is, if writing accomplishes
the goal that is good writing. Writing is not really about
good communication skills.
- Will you accept the fact that you are already a
write and what are you going to do about it?
- A book is the product of a team of people
sharing their skills to improve the outcome. Between the
designer, editor, formatter all are critical to having a great
final product of which the author tells the story.
- Writing a book does not require to have to have
all the answers, you just need to determine what questions to ask
and compile other people’s answers.
- Kent uses questions on social media to help
determine what struggles people have related to writing.
People will put you in a box anyway so define the box for
them. Rather than positioning himself as the guru or expert,
Kent refers to himself as the crash test dummy.
- Being immersed in community with people who
will ask you questions and challenge you in a thoughtful way.
If you think you can help people and you don’t do it you are really
doing them a disservice. The Daily Writer Community is
designed to support aspiring writers and support writing
accountability. The fundamental premise is human connection
with the intent and interest in writing.
- Human connection is the antidote of
doubt. Community is a two-way street. Community through human
connection is designed to contribute and to receive others
contributions.
- If you are simply absorbing knowledge and not
taking action it is likely you will stay stuck living life in the
status quo. If you feel stuck then perhaps the first question
towards taking action is “Why not you?”
- I am purchasing his book 18 words to live by to
give to my husband for Father’s Day (husband if you are listening,
act surprised in a few weeks). A generous act is to do
something to help an author connect with their audience by sharing
their message.
I hope this episode inspires you
to explore the stories others have pour their time and talents
into. To support some of your favorite authors in new
ways. If you have ever had a yearning to write a book, then
reach out to me or Kent. Be curious and ask questions.
Perhaps you will add published author to your resume and inspire
others with your writing.
To Connect with or Follow Kent
Sanders
Podcast: Daily Writer Podcast
Website/Community:
https://dailywriterlife.com/
Email:
kent@dailywriterlife.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dailywriterlife/