Happy Holidays to all!
I’m sailing into the New Year more pumped than I’ve been in a long time. There’s my upcoming trip to Portugal in February…can’t wait! But something else has me jazzed to near bursting.
It all began when I stumbled upon a podcast. I’ve been toying with self-publishing for a long time, so I was researching that possibility when up popped Matt Rudnitsky. I’d never heard of him, but I listened, and it was like, Yeah! This is it. This is what’s been missing in my writing life.
He not only addressed self-publishing, he presented the whole package: when to write, how to write, what to write, and how to engage others in your process, especially if you’ve been blogging (I have) and have a social media following no matter how small (I do). The more he talked, the more he revolutionized my writing preconceptions.
I found every aspect of his process compelling but was especially intrigued when he said we need to involve our followers in the creation process. I thought, Oh, here is where beta readers come in. But no, Matt wants us to test the market before we even start writing our book, to request feedback on the title and storyline to see if anyone is interested in reading what we are about to write, and keep them in the loop all the way to the finish.
Many of you have been following my blog since 2012. You have been loyal companions, affirming me and feeding my ego.
Here’s where that ends!
Going forward, for those who are willing, I want to write short, punchy books and I need brutal honesty. If you don’t like what I’ve put before you, please say so and tell me why. If parts resonate and other parts don’t, I need to know so I can revise and rewrite and make it better. I want no holds barred, people! When we’ve reached the place where it’s as good as it’s going to get, I’ll self-publish on Amazon and see what happens.
I have no expectations that my work will be a blockbuster success. I’m more interested in the process and engagement with those of you willing to join me on this adventure that feels like it could last the rest of my life.
I’ve missed the writers’ group in Bali terribly. I haven’t felt much like writing since I left the island. That was October 2021. With my astrological chart promising a fresh start, it feels like permission to charge full speed ahead. With the possibility of a little help from my friends, I feel the potential for a new-agey community of savvy literature lovers who will be gritty and tough with their feedback.
So…what are we waiting for? Are you willing to be my writers’ group and tell me the hard truths? Can we give it a test run? Matt says these books must include only the interesting parts to be successful. No fluff. We must write passionately about what we know, lessons learned, and stories of lived experiences.
These are some titles I jotted down of things I’d like to write about. I’d love to hear which ones, if any, resonate with you.
First, some How To ideas:
- Ten Secrets to a Life Fully Lived
- Journaling the Subconscious
- Don’t Hold on to What You Can’t Have
- Manifest the Impossible
Then a few stories:
- Why Five Marriages Failed
- The Moment That Set Me Free
- Terror Over Oaxaca
- It Wasn’t Supposed to End Like This
When I start writing the book with the title that gets the most votes, I’ll ask for input from page one to the cover design. The Bali writers’ group held me accountable, and their honest feedback pushed me to improve. Out here in the wilds of northern Minnesota, there’s no way to duplicate those weekly get-togethers I so looked forward to. But maybe there’s hope for a digital support system that includes you. I’m eager to find out.
Enough said for now. Please email me your responses at bronson.sherry@gmail.com or in the comment section of this blog or on Facebook Messenger.
I have butterflies!
writing for self-discovery 
Dec 23, 2024 @ 16:27:26
Hi Sherry, I love the direction you are heading with your writing. The moment that set me free, appeals to me. I’ll email you. Steve
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Dec 23, 2024 @ 16:28:44
Wahoo! Thank you Steve!!!
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Dec 23, 2024 @ 16:57:33
#2 and 4 of self help se
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:14:49
Noted! Thanks for your input, Pamela!
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Dec 23, 2024 @ 19:00:23
You are a unique and artist person. I have no experience with a person such as you but Earnest Hemingway comes to mind. Write what you know based on your experiences. You are heartfelt and should do well. 😊
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:17:09
Oh boy, oh boy! I’m no Earnest Hemingway, but your confidence in my success is much appreciated!
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Dec 23, 2024 @ 22:34:38
I like “Don’t Hold on to What You Can’t have”. Sounds like something I need to hear.
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:19:02
That one intrigues me, too. There are so many applications. Thank you for weighing in!
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Dec 23, 2024 @ 23:12:51
Seems like ‘How To” has been done to death and OK, another self-help may help some but riveting stories capture all – in my opinion. Ever since I’ve been reading your blogs, you’ve hinted at past woes and that has always tickled my pique. I reckon a full expose, bare-all cathartic get-thee-off-my-chest novel could generate more juices than the well-cooked Thanksgiving turkey.
My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed Jenkins Reid’s, ‘The Seven Husbands …’ and I’m sure you could get us equally salivating.
Good work and keep the blogging going
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:27:16
I’ll have to find that book! I’ve written my memoir, the full expose as you call it. Its title is The Dark Side of Happy, but it isn’t published. I tried going the traditional route, sent dozens of queries, but no one was looking for memoir. I also have a novel, fiction, entitled Nettle Creek, that is also sitting in a drawer. So this time, I’m going for short, punchy, imperfect but passionate to be self-published.
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:28:12
I’ll have to find that book! I’ve written my memoir, the full expose as you call it. Its title is The Dark Side of Happy, but it isn’t published. I tried going the traditional route, sent dozens of queries, but no one was looking for memoir. I also have a novel, fiction, entitled Nettle Creek, that is also sitting in a drawer. So this time, I’m going for short, punchy, imperfect but passionate then see about trying to self-publish.
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Dec 23, 2024 @ 23:44:53
How to: Manifest the Impossible.
Stories: No possible story lines.
Too much drama.
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:30:50
Thank you! And you’re right, my life stories overflow with drama. That’s who I am😱
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Dec 24, 2024 @ 08:08:20
Great topics! All of interest . Merry Christmas to you and a wonderful beginning to 2025.
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:32:22
It feels auspicious! Thank you!
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Dec 24, 2024 @ 11:08:54
Have 10 minutes of wifi time off the shop in small Mexican village. Of course will do whatever you need to assist you write whatever you choose. Will discuss in detail in February or in January when I return to land! Merry Christmas!
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:33:51
ReAnn? Which small Mexican village are you in? Hope you’re having great travel experiences!
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Dec 24, 2024 @ 20:58:53
Hi, I think you have good ideas. My dream life is very rich so the subconscious is important in interesting ways, most of which we don’t know. I learned how to make books and get them on Amazon with my friends at MudFlat Press. There is a link below. They can help you and they are not expensive, very knowledgeable and great people. Alec Clayton has written more than ten very good novels. Merry Christmas and fond regards, Ricker P.S. “Everyone is good at the honeymoon,” says the man married five times.
[image: Landscape jpg.jpg]
Ricker Winsor
https://www.amazon.com/author/rickerwinsorbooks https://www.amazon.com/gp/f.html?C=2YZ91DPTDXIF1&K=1SNT0X9PO9STG&M=urn:rtn:msg:202408250225003c1f2a77ea76471ca0167e15ee40p0na&R=25EYSL4TO9648&T=C&U=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fauthor%2Frickerwinsorbooks%3Fref_%3Dpe_2466670_811284380&H=QWDUDFQHZVNBEKB9TJHGUAG03XEA&ref_=pe_2466670_811284380
https://rickerw.wordpress.com/ https://rickerw.wordpress.com/
https://mudflatpress.com/ricker-winsor/ https://mudflatpress.com/ricker-winsor/
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Dec 25, 2024 @ 09:35:25
Thank you for the encouragement. Keep writing your blog, too! Always interesting.
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Dec 26, 2024 @ 21:40:05
oh Sherry, you had me at ?????
I miss my old writing group as well (many too busy with life etc etc, ) and I applaud your eagerness to take possession of the story you hold.
Just do it I say! Life is running forward far too quickly (72) and if not now, when? I was given a gift of a memoir writing kit from my son & daughter in law who know I have been writing my novel, short stories, journals for a long time.
Of course the absolute hardest part of putting anything down on paper (or laptop etc) is the idea that someone will critique it. It’s like they are seeing into your soul & passing judgements. But every writer needs an audience however it appears.
So in answer to your query about getting honest feedback, just start.
Now.
Really looking forward to hearing you.
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Dec 26, 2024 @ 22:09:44
I’ve begun! Thank you for the heartfelt encouragement. Do write that memoir.
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Dec 27, 2024 @ 08:41:36
Just GO you! Your excitement jumps from your words. How To #2 is intriguing but stories 1-5 😌
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Dec 27, 2024 @ 09:14:05
Thank you! I haven’t been this excited about a writing project for a very long time!
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