Writing a book to set yourself up as an expert has always been a really smart strategy. Not only are you able to show off your expertise over lots of pages, but it opens up opportunities on any level you chose to take it.
Several of my clients have reached HUGE success with their books. Jim Rai, author of ‘…and then you’re dead!’ got published by Bloomsbury, Rob Purfield got offered a five-figure sum for consulting work (off the back of his book ‘The Ultimate Knockout System’), and Tim Wareing has gone on to write three books which have sold in over 16 countries, allowing him multiple radio and television interviews.
But it’s all in the hustle!
You can’t just write a book and expect instant success. You need to use it like any other marketing tool and BELIEVE in your message.
This is where my next interviewee has absolutely got this right.
Alison Ward – author of five books – wrote Bringing You back to YOU! In 2015. It’s a book that shares her core techniques in her teachings. (Alison’s one-on-one coaching sessions are extraordinarily good and can unblock and solve pretty much any trauma or unwanted issues.) and is now being turned into a national mentoring programme. Not only did she get one angel investor, she got three (so powerful is her work) and they are now rolling out her multi-million-pound programme across the UK and it’s going to be HUGE.
In this interview, Alison talks about first book ‘Awarded by Angels’ which in turn influenced her to write ‘Bringing you back to YOU!’. When you read Alison’s story, you’ll see that she gives away at least four critical tips, which I know will help you with your writing journey.
What’s the title of your book?
I’ve written five books: ‘Awarded By Angels’, ‘Bringing You Back To YOU!’, ‘Get That Friday Feeling’, (under my pseudonym Angel Alison Ward) a children’s book, ‘Where is the Pot of Gold’ and my latest book, ‘How to become a magical manifestor in 6 weeks’.
How long had you wanted to write a book before you put your first word on paper?
Seven years! My mentoring clients kept asking me to write my first book ‘Awarded By Angels’. It took me seven years to summon the confidence, but it took me only six weeks to write it.
What first inspired you to write a book?
My own incredible story that had to be shared. I survived physical and emotional abuse by my former partner which resulted in me being stabbed repeatedly in front of our two-year-old son. The story illustrates the power of human resilience and how a victim (me) became empowered, happy and fulfilled by discovering my purpose in the healing that followed.
What inspired you to actually start the writing?
Simple! I was ready. I had formulated the style of the book and as soon as I sat down to write it poured out of me. Interestingly I didn’t write ‘Awarded by Angels’ sequentially, I wrote the last chapter first and the first chapter last. However, I had named all of the chapters first, which I wrote on a whiteboard -this was set up in front of me, and whichever chapter ‘called out to me’, that was what I worked on. Once I started there was no stopping me. Thursday was my writing day and that gave me the discipline to carry on and write further books. My second book, ‘Bringing you back to YOU!’ only took 28 days, but it was much easier as I knew exactly what I needed to write, how I was going to write it, and it was such an integral part of my work it just flowed. But my latest one has taken me much longer, as I keep being given extra content. I have set a deadline now, so it will be completed shortly.
Did you have to find further inspiration throughout your writing journey to keep you motivated? if so what?
No. I found I had so much to say and share with the world. If I can overcome my situation and become happy and peaceful then I knew I needed to share the tools I found. I am always inspired by people and how they tick.
Does your book inspire others? In what way?
I am constantly told my book(s) inspire others. They are amazed by the story and the person I have become. I have been told it has saved lives too which is incredibly humbling. One reader told me my book, ‘Awarded by Angels’ not only inspired her but showed her ‘how to be happy’. She called me whilst leaving ‘her situation’. To think, she had her car packed full of her belongings and her cat ready to set off to her new life and chose to call me first and thank me for writing the book. Her comment; ‘How to be happy’ inspired me to write my second book, ‘Bringing You Back To YOU!’- which is my how to be happy book and is now being turned into a national training programme.
What tips would you have for anyone else inspired but stuck?
Just do it!
- Get out a pad and pen and write the name of your book. If it doesn’t come to you straight away do not fret. The name is given at different stages. (And what I mean by given, is those nudges you get from your subconscious – those pings of ‘aha’.
- Give yourself writing time. For me it was every Thursday; diarise it so it becomes a priority and make it as much as a priority as you would if you were meeting someone.
- If you get stuck, put your pen down, close your laptop and go for a walk. Be present in your walk and take in everything. This gives your brain a rest and often resets your focus and once you sit down again the words flow. If this doesn’t happen, simply call it a day and write another time when you do feel inspired.
- Read books that inspire you and draw from their writing style. For me, I decided to talk to the reader as if they were in front of me.
- Book in with a book coach or mentor to give you accountability and support.
Alison’s books can be found here www.alisonwardmentoring.com/shop/
I hope you spotted the amazing tips Alison has shared… did any resonate with you? Please comment below and let me know.
Have you got a book in you? Stuck on how to get started? Don’t panic, just get in touch, and I can help, email me at alexa@thebookrefinery.com and share your idea.
