Month: August 2009

Writer’s Wisdom 3

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Send hundreds of queries!

Don’t take no for an answer, keep at it.  Eventually you will get a yes!

That is the advice of many seasoned published authors, unless you plan to become an independent or self-published author. It may sound obvious, but many will stop short of that.  If you love writing, but also intend to become a published author, then you have to send hundreds of queries if you don’t get answers right away.  Perseverance and focus are of the essence here.  For some, it goes faster than others.  It took Janet Evanovich, ten years going at it.  It took Stephenie Meyer, a few queries (less than 20).  Both of them are exceptional best selling authors.  However, if you love writing, are passionate about it, and can’t see yourself doing anything, but write, then approach each day with a smile, exercise your keyboard (or pen), arm yourself with the latest copy of the Writer’s Market (or go to writersmarket.com), and keep at it, eventually you’ll get a yes.

Follow these series.  New tips everyday.

Writer’s Wisdom 2

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Accept Rejection

As hard as it sounds, this is part of being a writer.  No one likes rejection, but in the end, it can only make you better, that is, if you embrace it instead of letting it affect your self esteem and work.  By looking for honest feedback on rejections, you will grow in your craft, resulting in more doors to open for you.  So, look at rejections as something that can help you, in a positive way.  When feedback is denied or very unclear, then it is time to ask yourself, am I wasting my time with this individual?  Time is precious, especially for writers.  A minute waste is an idea gone.  So, don’t waste your time back and forth with someone who won’t give you clear and specific critique about your work.  Your goal is to get better at writing, and that can only be done by accepting rejection, listening to honest critique and improving your work.

Rejection will only make you grow; will only make you better .

Writer’s Wisdom – first of a series

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After sitting down for hours, drinking coffee and watching best seller authors on You Tube, and many others being interviewed, I was able to compile their best advice for aspiring writers.  Although, these writers have many different writing styles, they all seem to converge on some important basic points that I intend to share with you.  So, let’s see what they had to say.

The recommendation that they all seem to stress as most important was:  Write, write, write.

The advice is to write every day.  It doesn’t matter if you stare at a blank screen (or page), for a few minutes (or hours), just sit down and start writing whatever thoughts cross your mind.  If you are writing a book, write something everyday; no matter if it is for a few minutes, just write.  As long as you start hitting the keyboard or scratching the paper, something will come out.  Ideas come an go, maybe some of them for another book, or another article.  At its worst, there will be plenty of material to ponder over.

Follow me tomorrow for more of their tips.  Happy Writing !

Review of RICH DAD’S SUCCESS STORIES by Robert Kiyosaki

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I loved this one. A fast read. For those who question Robert Kiyosaki’s system, this one is full of stories from people who utilized the teachings of Rich Dad to create a life of meaningful existence and the beginning of wealth. Each individual relates their story, and how they applied what they learned through Kiyosaki’s books in their lives. The story of a 13 year old, already on the road to financial success, was one of my favorites.  Another page turner.

 

My review of THE BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE HELPING PEOPLE by Robert T. Kiyosaki

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Although written for the network marketing readers, this book presents many useful tips and values that are important for any entrepreneur. Written in a clear and candid way, it presents a personal view on network marketing by the author, as well as the benefits to start a network marketing type of business. The points discussed here are valuable for any business. I personally got a lot from this book.

My review of INCREASE YOUR FINANCIAL IQ by Robert T. Kiyosaki

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Another masterpiece by Robert Kiyosaki. In this book, Mr. Kiyosaki says it like it is, in a more blunt and direct style, maybe, as a result of rubbing elbows with The Donald. By briefly tapping into this country‘s financial history (and not being boring) he takes us into the past and back to the future, while explaining how important increasing your financial IQ is to your financial success and survival in the information age. A must read for anyone who does not want to get behind or being crush by the fast-changing times.

Review of RICH WOMAN by Kim Kiyosaki

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If you as a woman, have some trouble relating to Robert Kiyosaki’s teaching style, then this book is for you. I love this book because it makes you connect with the ideas and topics of Rich Dad, but explained in a totally different way.  It is a book on investing for women, written by a very intelligent woman, and someone that knows and lives the subject everyday.  It is not a how to book, but definitely an “I can” book.  It shows you the principles to follow (how Kim did it) – that you can tailor to your own particular situation.  A must read for every woman that wants to be independent and a smart investor.

Review of SPEEDWEALTH by T. Harv Eker

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Very similar to Kiyosaki’s teachings in essence, but Eker’s approach is faster and with a goal of creating wealth in a shorter amount of time (3 years or less) – as opposed to Kiyosaki’s philosophy of “creating wealth takes time and smart, hard work in the right quadrant.” Both, believe in the same principles of wealth building, and have practice them in their quest for wealth. Both keep practicing those principles today.  So, if you like a fast pace of teaching very similar principles, then this method is for you.

My review of RETIRE YOUNG RETIRE RICH by Robert Kiyosaki

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If I was to select one book to summarize many of Robert Kiyosaki’s financial teachings, this one would be it.  A very “alive” book that for me, was a page turner. It is where Robert’s teachings come together. Written in his characteristic simple to understand style and made real with his personal story, this one is my favorite so far.

My review of WHY WE WANT YOU TO BE RICH By Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki

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A taste of what the perfect combination of these two financial geniuses can be. Mostly, their point of views in different economic issues spiced with some anecdotes and again, a simple, straight forward approach that will not bore the reader. Although I loved each one as separate authors, I love the powerful combination of their teachings in one book. I found that the book needed more easy flow from Robert to Donald to Robert again, but since their styles are so different, as their personalities come alive through the pages, this might have been the best approach for the book. I am looking forward to more Trump-Kiyosaki masterpieces.