Category Archives: Author Tips

So You Want to Write a Book?

Posted on by under Author Tips, Self-Doubt, Writers Block, Writing Tips

So do millions of people around the world. In fact, according to various studies, more than 80% of Americans want to write a book. That equates to more than 200 MILLION people with goals, dreams, and aspirations of sharing what they believe to be a story, wisdom, or insights interesting enough to endure the pain of writing and publishing a book.

When it comes to dreams—whether yours is to become an author, or wealthy, or debt free, or whatever — intentions are great. The problem is most people don’t know where to start and give up before they are halfway there. Wherever there is. That doesn’t have to be your story.

The stats don’t lie. Of the 80% who say they want to write, only 6 % make it to the halfway point, before giving up, and only 1% actually follow through with all the steps to make their dreams of becoming an author come true.

Why?

There are many reasons. The most common reasons are excuses such as imposter syndrome, writer’s block, doubt, procrastination, or fear of rejection. Ask any writer and they will tell you these are not only normal but quite common. They slowly eat away at our confidence causing us to become immobilized by fear like a bike with a rusty chain.

Doubt isn’t the problem, really. How we react to the inevitable feelings of fear we all face is. All of us second guess our abilities in certain areas especially writers and other artists.

Most artists are introverts or extroverted introverts. We spend more time in our minds thinking about what we want to do and reasons why we can or can’t do something, rather creating a plan to make our dreams become a reality.

There is a solution. And you already have it. You just need a little encouragement and coaching to help you get started and create a plan to write AND PUBLISH your book.

I can help. I know what all that feels like.

I just went through the rollercoaster of fear and doubt to complete my second book, Ten Seconds of Boldness: The Essential Guide to Solving Problems and Building Self Confidence which was released on August 1st. It includes a five-step method to help authors as well as anyone with dreams and aspirations, actually start and complete whatever it is they want.

Think of it as WD-40 for your rusty chains of fear.

It is a time-tested system that I have used and will continue to use for the rest of my life because it works. It addresses the underlying problems of our all-too-often fucked up belief systems which are in desperate need of a reboot. If you are serious about becoming part of the 1% who actually write and publish a book, I encourage you to read Ten Seconds of Boldness, available at bookstores everywhere.

Side note: at some point in the near future, I will create and teach a short primer on the five steps and how you can implement them to fulfill your dream of publishing a book. Sign up for my newsletter here: shawnlangwell.com

For what it’s worth, any feelings of doubt, or insecurity you have about your ability to finish what you started (if you have actually started writing), are 100% normal. Self-doubt is part of the process of personal growth and development, especially for creative people like us.

The interesting thing is that even though I compiled tons of practical suggestions and tips for accomplishing goals in my latest book, a week later, I still have trouble staying focused and deciding what the heck I am going to do next. I know that doesn’t sound like a healthy endorsement for a solution. But it is. You see, just because we learn something new doesn’t make the problems go away instantly. Anything new takes practice; spaced repetition over time, commitment, drive, and willingness to fail. I am no different than you in that regard. But because I spent so much time writing about this stuff it’s a bit fresher on my mind so I know when I’m slacking.

The book has become my own accountability tool and when the critics in my head start barking, I find myself having to follow my own advice.

The point is, that you can write and publish a book and I can help get you over the hump. I’ve already done it twice and will write many more in my lifetime. So can you, if you are willing to ask for a little help and learn a few tips.

Learn more at shawnlangwell.com. Look me up wherever you buy books. If you are serious about wanting to become a published author, do yourself a favor and invest a few bucks and time to read and apply the principles in Ten Seconds of Boldness. It may literally change your life.

If you like this blog, please follow me. Join my growing tribe of dreamers who want to make a difference in the world by sharing their wisdom and experience. The world needs to hear your stories.

I have only begun to scratch the surface of sharing valuable tips to help others become brave and more confident.

Photo by Evi T. on Unsplash

Are You a Writer (or aspiring author) Tired of Feeling Like a Handcuffed Hamster in a Habitrail?

Posted on by under Author Tips, Confidence, Writers Block, Writing Tips

Me too.

I’ve been working since I was 13—four decades of making a living and a life, chasing teenage dreams, and pursuing more get-rich-quick opportunities than I care to admit. And yet, here I am still looking for my next food pellet in my fifties.

I doubt anyone reading this can relate,(tongue in cheek). 

Seriously, how many other writers out there are like me— are still scrambling to “crack the Medium code” or “Build a platform or following?” or become a best-selling author to make enough $ to quit their day job?

Is that what we really want? Or is the goal to make enough passive income posting half-baked or regurgitated crap on all kinds of platforms so we can get the following, or affiliate $ which, after reading several Medium posts, yield barely enough to buy an iced, skim milk, double-shot, add whip, mocha at Starbucks. That’s not sustainable. 

Writing for coffee money ain’t gonna pay the rent. 

So, what do artists like us do? What’s the magic coffee bean to jack up our income enough so we can do what we are passionate about—writing—full time?

Good question. 

I, like you, am still trying to figure it out. If you figure it out before me, please share. I promise to do the same. 

In the interim, I still work full-time. I’ve heard several successful people on podcasts advise, “Don’t quit your day job until you have to.” Sage advice.

So, does that mean most of us passionate and driven authors are destined to keep scratching at the cedar bark of life, looking for a golden nugget that’s not a turd?

Unfortunately, yes. Most of us will have to squeeze back into the Habitrail maze — work cubby or home office — and continue sniffing out fresh fruit.

Outside of work, though what should we do?

Write. Everyday.

In fact, over the past five years, my own quest to find the secret to success resulted in a book on overcoming doubt and building self-confidence. In it, I include a five-step method to move you from here to there, plus a shit-ton of other practical tips—mostly about how to change your mindset—from my own experience and influential folks across the country. 

On August 1st, I published my second book—Ten Seconds of Boldness: The Essential Guide to Solving Problems and Building Self-Confidence.

That’s a pretty big deal!

More importantly, it’s selling and early feedback shows people are digging it.

Check it out if you ever doubt your writing abilities, or any for that matter: shawnlangwell.com. You will definitely learn some tips to help you overcome the imposter gremlins in your head.

So what now?

In the meantime, on top of a full-time job, I will keep writing and maybe even learn that I can say a few things people want to read. Perhaps writing on a daily basis and getting better is the secret I’ve been searching for all along. 

Good luck in your quest. More on mine, later.

If you like this, follow me and check me out at shawnlangwell.com.

Marketing 101- How to Better market YOU!

Posted on by under Author Tips, Marketing, Uncategorized

Sunday, February 10, 2019
2 – 4:30 p.m.

FEB2019_MARKETING101_ShawnLangwell

Marketing 101: How to Better Market You! 

with
Shawn Langwell

Do you struggle with Marketing? Would you rather everyone just buy your books? Marketing requires effort and getting out of your comfort zone. Join Redwood Writers on February 10, 2019, for an entertaining and practical afternoon when Shawn Langwell offers tips on “How to Better Market YOU!”

1. Passion- Know your why.

2. Know your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities with respect to writing, marketing and publishing.

a) What do you like?

b) What are you good at?

c) Where do you need professional help?

3. Know your audience.

a) who do you want to reach?

b) what do you want to say to them?

c) what do you want them to, think, feel, do?

4. Practice – 3 practical tips for building your brand.

5. Elevator pitch.

Shawn Langwell has 27 years of sales, marketing and advertising experience in the publishing industry. He has consulted with hundreds of clients to better assist them with their marketing and advertising needs and is a member of Toastmasters Of Petaluma. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Francisco State University and has earned Leadership Certificates from Dominican University and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. In November 2016, Shawn published his first book, Beyond Recovery, A Journey of Grace, Love, and Forgiveness. When he’s not working or writing, he can be found hiking the west Marin coast. He lives in Petaluma with his wife, Crissi, and three adult children.