In the quiet corners of our lives, there often lies a story that we’d rather keep locked away, hidden from the world’s judgmental gaze. That story was one of abuse, shame, and fear for me. I concealed it, believing that exposing it would only invite more pain and scrutiny. Little did I know that this very story held the key to my transformation, a journey from being beaten and broken to becoming bold and brave.

The Shackles of Shame

Abuse, in all its forms, leaves scars that run deep, invisible wounds that can shackle the soul. I carried the weight of my story in silence, believing that the shame was mine to bear alone. I was not alone in this; many of us hide our pain behind masks of strength, fearing the judgment of a world that often fails to comprehend the complexity of our experiences.

The Turning Point

It was a pivotal moment in my life when I decided to break free from the chains of silence. I realized that my story, painful as it was, held the potential to set me free. The decision to put pen to paper and share my journey of abuse was not easy, but it was undoubtedly the most transformative.

The Power of Vulnerability

Writing about my experience allowed me to embrace vulnerability. It was terrifying at first, but as the words flowed onto the page, I felt a shift within me. I realized that sharing my story wasn’t an admission of weakness; it was an act of incredible courage. It was a declaration that I would no longer allow my past to define me.

Reclaiming My Power

As I continued to write, I began to see my story in a new light. It was no longer a tale of victimhood but a testament to resilience and strength. Each word I penned was a step toward reclaiming the power that had been taken from me. It was a reminder of the individual authority with which I was created.

The Transformation Begins

The act of telling my story ignited a fire within me. It was as if the words themselves were a catalyst for change. I started recognizing the incredible strength that had continuously resided within me, waiting to be acknowledged and unleashed. I began to rebuild my life, step by step, word by word.

Becoming Bold and Brave

With each paragraph, I shed another layer of fear and self-doubt. I found the courage to confront my past and to heal from it. The more I shared, the more I connected with others who had similar experiences, realizing that my story could offer them hope and solace.

The Power of Writing Your Story

My journey from shame to strength is a testament to the transformative power of writing. It’s a reminder that our stories, no matter how painful, have the potential to free us from the burdens we carry. By sharing our truths, we heal ourselves and inspire others to find their own strength. If you have a story that you’ve been afraid to tell, I urge you to consider the incredible power that lies within your words. You are not alone, and your story has the potential to create ripples of change, not only in your life but in the lives of others.

Remember, your story is not a source of shame; it’s a source of strength. Embrace it, write it, and let it transform your life. In the end, it is in telling our stories that we find our most authentic selves, and from there, we can rewrite the narrative of our lives.

Books Changed My Life

Books allowed me to reclaim my power, inspiring me to build a thriving business, “Books 2 Business & Beyond®,” and establish a brand that resonates with individuals worldwide. That book gave me access to opportunities I never dreamed of and took me across the globe, extending my brand to places like Nairobi Kenya. I used the art of storytelling to transform my life, and now, I want to share this transformative concept with you at the upcoming “Power of the Pen Retreat.”

Why Consider the Power of the Pen Retreat?

Our retreat is not just another event; it’s a life-changing experience designed to help you harness the incredible power of your words. Whether you’re a career professional, a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or a faith-based spiritual leader, this retreat is tailored to inspire, guide, and empower you to use the pen for change and success.

To get your ticket for the retreat, check it out here: https://victoriousyoupress.com/events/

To get a copy of my memoir Bags In The Attic, check it out here on Amazon https://bit.ly/bagsintheattic20

Writing a book has been the dream of many people for many years. The thought of becoming a published author is exciting, and how cool would it be to have others read your work for years to come? On the other hand, the thought of writing and publishing a book may be a little scary when you don’t really know where to start.

So, have you ever felt the burning desire to bring your ideas and expertise to life through the power of writing? Would you like to be part of a supportive and inspiring environment where you can immerse yourself in your writing and unleash your creative potential? If that’s a yes, let us introduce you to The Power of the Pen Retreat: Write, Publish, Build. A Hybrid Retreat Experience!

Discover the Power of the Pen:

Yes, we are back for our fifth annual conference and our third annual Power of The Pen writing retreat! This event provides a transformative experience designed to ignite your creativity, deepen your writing skills, and provide the guidance you need to publish your work and build your legacy. It is a haven for authors, aspiring writers, entrepreneurs, career professionals, and wordsmiths who are passionate about their message and eager to refine their skills.

Unplug and Immerse Yourself:

The world is so filled with distractions and constant noise that finding the space and time to focus on your writing can be challenging. The good news is that The Power of the Pen Retreat offers the ideal setting and guidance for you to unplug from the outside world and immerse yourself in an environment dedicated to nurturing your creative spirit. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, you’ll find the peace and tranquility necessary to unlock your imagination and let your words flow.

Guidance from Industry Experts:

During your time with us, you’ll have the invaluable opportunity to learn from accomplished authors, editors, graphic designers, marketing specialists, and other industry experts who will share their wisdom, techniques, and insights. From workshops on storytelling and character development to sessions on the publishing process and marketing strategies to branding, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge to enhance your writing journey and lay the foundation for new opportunities.

Nurture Your Craft:

The Power of the Pen Writing Retreat provides a range of activities and resources to nurture your craft. Engage in writing exercises, prompts, and brainstorming sessions that will stimulate your creativity and push the boundaries of your imagination. Participate in group discussions and receive constructive feedback on your work, fostering personal and artistic growth.

Inspiration and Connection:

One of the most powerful aspects of the retreat is the opportunity to connect with fellow writers, business owners, entrepreneurs, etc., who share your passion and understand the challenges and joys of the writing process. You’ll forge connections that can last a lifetime through networking, group activities, and supportive discussions. The support and encouragement from your peers will inspire you to persevere, overcome obstacles, and continue growing your skills and business long after the retreat concludes.

Unlock Your Writing Potential:

Our mission is not only to help you become a better writer, author-publisher, and entrepreneur but also to unlock your full creative potential. We believe that everyone has a unique story to tell, knowledge, and experience to share, and we provide the tools, resources, and nurturing environment to help you bring that story to life. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting, this retreat will empower you to tap into your inner voice and create authentic, captivating works that resonate with your target readers.

The Power of the Pen Writing Retreat is an extraordinary opportunity to take the time to unwind, clear your mind, network, unleash your creative potential, and take your writing and business to new heights. By immersing yourself in this transformative experience, you’ll gain the confidence, skills, and inspiration to pursue your dreams and create the life and legacy you want.

Don’t let your words remain unspoken, or your stories remain untold. Join us at The Power of the Pen Writing Retreat and embark on a journey of self-discovery, artistic growth, and the joy of bringing your ideas to life through the power of writing. Click HERE to grab your tickets today!

Don’t forget to join the FREE Books 2 Business & Beyond® Facebook Group. Say hello when you get there!

Unlock your creative potential today and experience the transformative power of the pen.

These last two years have been life-changing, to say the least. With school closings, we had to become home school teachers, we learned to navigate the virtual world of zoom meetings, and some of us had to do all of this and more after losing our incomes and stability. We’ve all heard stories or know someone affected by the devastation of this global crisis, which led to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and people struggling with their mental health. And now we are living a new normal around the country and the world.

On the flip side, thousands of businesses were created and launched, while others learned to shift in order to compete in the new online space.

When you look back, have you thought about your story and what changed in it? Did it teach you anything about yourself and being able to get through to the other side of the madness? All those experiences made you an expert, and someone is waiting to learn and be inspired by your resilience.

Have you ever considered that sharing your story can help you create a business and income? That’s right. There is Power in the Pen, and those words can change the lives of others who may need your expertise as you create a profitable business and legacy.

Yes, writing a book may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never thought of yourself as an author. But, I assure you that everyone has a story inside of them just waiting to be written, and the 8 ‘P’s of the Pen is just the blueprint you need to get started.

The 8 P’s of The Pen

1. Power: There is Power in the Pen! Writing your story allows you to take action and share your message with the people who need it.
2. Purpose: This is the reason you are here; Your purpose in this life is to rediscover your mission and give your whole heart and soul to it. Writing can help you realize your purpose.
3. Plan: This is the structure of your story. It includes why you are writing it, who you are writing it for, what you are writing about, and what the return on your investment will be.
4. Partner: Here is where you network with experts in the writing and publishing space so they can help you bring your story to life.
5. Promote: Marketing your book and getting the message to your ideal audience.
6. Presence: Be present and visible while writing and marketing to create anticipation and excitement about your book.
7. Process: How to bring all the pieces of your story together.
8. Profit: How to profit from the writing of your story.

As you navigate this new year, take time to reflect on your experiences and expertise over the last two years. Write them and consider sharing them with the world so that you might empower and inspire those who have been assigned to you. And, on the other hand, this could be the start of a new business for you.

Join The FREE Books 2 Business and Beyond Facebook Group!Follow us on Facebook here

P.S. Don’t forget to join us for the live launch of our latest project The Image in The Mirror ll: Manifesting A Dream Deferred on February 23, 2022, from 12 pm -2 pm EST live on Facebook

So, you finally decided to start your book; you figure that you have waited long enough, and you’re ready to dive right in. But, wait, there’s just one problem, you don’t know where to start, and you can’t figure out how to put it all together.

Don’t worry; it happens to a lot of people. Even the most experienced writer has times when they don’t know where to begin. In your head, you know exactly how it all comes together, but when you try to put it on paper, it’s hard to know where to start.

Here are some tips about structuring your story that will help you to lay it out in a way that holds your reader’s attention and keeps them captive to the end:

· Introduction: Although it may seem strange, the introduction should be written after you have finished the contents of your book. It is an overview of the book, and it lets your readers know what your message is and why you chose to share it with them.

· Hook: You want to be able to reel your reader in so that they want to keep going. The first chapter of your book is where you get to do that. What happened in your life that was profound, compelling, or amazing? How can you tell it in a way that hooks your reader and keeps them until the end of the book?

· Body: This section is where the bulk of your story lives and will take your readers on a journey as they learn more about you. It might include things like childhood experiences, parents, and any other significant thing that may have happened in your life. It’s a great idea to use bullet points to structure the story in chronological order. One thing to remember when writing a guide, devotional, or any other kind of self-help book is that you can add your references and quotes here.

· Resolution: Use this part of your story to let your readers know how you resolved the conflict from the account you shared in the hook. What problems or ideas are being addressed that relate to the content of that first chapter? You can also add your references, case studies, or quotes from other sources with credits.

· Conclusion: The takeaway. Now that you’ve written your hook, body, and resolution, it’s time to wrap your book up. So, how can your readers benefit from your story, and what action can they take to get them to that benefit? What if, any, are other resources that can be shared or are available for them? And you can let them know how they contact you.

· Parking Lot: While you are writing, you may remember some things you want to add, or maybe you have ideas that you didn’t include in your outline or bullet points. You can put them right in the parking lot to avoid starting over. Then, once you finish structuring and outlining your story, you can go back and see where it fits best and add it. If it doesn’t make a difference or enhance the level of the theme, you can choose not to include it.

This structure is a guide for breaking your story down in a way that helps you get your thoughts on paper. This format can be transferred to a whiteboard as well. So go ahead and get those creative juices flowing! You can use colored post-it notes for each section using the whiteboard idea. Then, when you complete writing each section, remove the post-it notes and watch your story come to life!

You’ve written, launched, and have gotten your book printed, now you’re wondering what in the world to do next right? How are you going to get your book in front of your ideal reader? Well, now is the time to be talking about your book to any and everyone who will listen, because if you don’t tell people about it, they simply won’t know it exists. And contrary to popular belief, just because your book is available on Amazon does not mean anyone will see it.

A big part of being an author also means becoming a marketing expert. Hiring a marketing agency is one option, but for many authors – especially first-timers – it’s not a budget-friendly one. The key is to get you and your book in front of as many people as possible to grow a community of readers who are attracted to your message.

1. Schedule a national book tour. Now, this requires a lot of footwork and research to be successful. Target independent bookstores as well as the big box in areas where your ideal readers are located. The stores will be interested in how your book will bring people in so be sure to include a synopsis of your book in your pitch. Also, create a social media plan that aligns with their current campaigns, and use their platforms to attract readers. Keep in mind: Scheduling tours in big cities is best done well in advance due to the high demand.

2. Schedule television and radio interviews. When you plan your book tour, reach out to local television and radio stations to land interviews; decide which segment(s) you’re best suited for, and do your research on specific programs, hosts, and producers. Make yourself stand out from the rest of the pitches by including any relevant fun facts or ties to that local area. And don’t think any show is too big for you to land.

3. Arrange blog tours and podcast tours. Over the last few years, blogs or podcasts have become a popular platform for authors to share their messages as part of their promotional efforts. Podcasts and blogs have national, and even international reach and will expand your reach exponentially. A blog tour is simple – you are being featured with a written interview that is published on a blog, and they usually include contact links to your website. Podcasts are similar to traditional radio talk shows and can be found on platforms such as iTunes, Pandora, and Spotify.

4. Create social media events around your book launch. This is where a lot of authors tend to fall short. You already have a following so don’t forget about inviting them to watch parties or live events. If you have a Facebook group create events in your group as well! Tell your group all about your new book; go live and share an excerpt or chapter to build interest; create custom hashtags and ask your audience to share about your book and live events; have an online panel discussion via streaming software with other authors or colleagues to discuss your book’s topic. Being consistent and present on social media BEFORE your book launches is important and will help build your momentum. People want to know more about you and your story before they think about buying your book, so don’t hide.

5. Embrace new social media platforms and/or advertising avenues. There are new social media platforms popping up all the time. Creating a following on as many of them as possible will greatly increase your chances of gaining new fans but only if your target audience uses those platforms. Conducting some market research before learning another platform is important so you can see where your audience spends their time and what their pain points are. Take advantage of the marketing features offered, Facebook, for example, offers paid ads and Sponsored Posts. Knowing the difference and how best to use them to target your audience will increase your reach and get more eyes on you and your book.

You have put in the work to create an awesome book and now it’s time to share it with the world. There is someone out there waiting for your message to impact their life, but you won’t reach them if they don’t know you are there. Planning any kind of tour is worthwhile when you think about how many people you’ll attract to your brand.

The first step to changing the way you experience life is to change how you think and speak about yourself; your mind will lie to you and have you believing that you are unworthy of greatness. Fear chains you to the past and affects how you see yourself, which ultimately keeps you from moving forward in your life.

Where you are and where you go in your life are both determined by your mindset. Do you have a growth mindset and beliefs? Or is your way of thinking that of a fixed mindset? Do you believe that you can grow and thrive no matter the circumstances? Or do you think lack and struggle will always be a part of your life, no matter the circumstances? Your success depends on how you show up for yourself.

It’s easy to say you want things to be different, but if you constantly mistreat yourself and think negatively, nothing will change, and you’ll stay stuck in that thought pattern. While the first step to becoming an entrepreneur is finding a profitable business idea, the foundation of entrepreneurial success rests in a growth mindset. A good idea can take you only so far; you must be clear about who you are, what it is you want, and what you’ll do to make it happen. Determining to stop at nothing to achieve your goals will get you straight to the finish line. That’s where the Triple-A Mindset comes into play.

What is the Triple-A Mindset?

To understand this way of thinking, you must first get an idea of where it originated. Two types of mindsets determine your level of success in every area of your life: a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. When you have the mindset of abundance and growth, your thoughts are empowering and encourage you to go after your dreams. For example, you say, “I can learn anything I want to,” or “When I fail, I learn.” Not only should you think these thoughts, but you must also believe them. Get into the habit of speaking encouraging words to yourself, and carry yourself powerfully. Abundance will flow to you effortlessly because you can only attract goodness toward yourself.

On the other hand, a lack mindset will tell you, “When I’m frustrated, I just give up,” or “If I succeed, people will look at me differently, and I don’t want to stand out.” This way of thinking keeps you struggling and wishing you could move forward. On the other hand, the Triple-A Mindset is one of growth and will lead you to prosperity.

THE TRIPLE A’S

Acknowledge: Here, you are acknowledging the thoughts and actions that need to be changed to experience the success you desire in your business and personal life. You have admitted you recognize that a change is necessary and are willing to do what it takes to make that change happen.

Accept: To see real change and move away from the lack mindset, you must take full responsibility for where you are in your life and the actions or inaction that got you there. Accept that you are in this space but know it’s not permanent. Part of that acceptance is knowing that you will need some assistance along the path to your purpose.

Ask: Now that you have acknowledged and accepted that there is work you must put in so that you can grow into the next part of your assignment, it’s time to ask for guidance. Getting direction from people in the space you want to be in and doing what you want is the best way to get the tools you need to help you grow. But, you must send the invitation and be prepared to receive what you ask. That’s why you must be intentional with your thoughts and actions; you must ensure that the coach or mentor you find has your best interest in mind when they agree to work with you.

The Mindset of the Successful Entrepreneur

Always reaches higher, focuses on the up-sell, and knows how to make $1 out of 15 cents.

Prepares an elevator speech and recites it to anyone willing to listen.

Values the power of marketing and sticks to proven marketing tactics; knows the power of effective marketing and markets whether the business is booming or in a rut.

Believes in the ability to achieve the best and constantly pushes beyond comfort zones for the good of the business.

Believes customer service is just as important as promoting and providing quality products and services.

A problem-solver who doesn’t hesitate to do whatever is needed to get the results.

Keeps moving when things are slow and quickly goes on to the next thing to improve the business.

Values money and the energy that surrounds it. Yet, knows there must be giving to receive abundance in life and business.

Implements ideas into an existing business plan to increase revenue and customer service.

Have the courage to confront issues with a calm attitude and firm intent. Notices everything and handles all confrontations with class.

The Mindset of the Unsuccessful Entrepreneur

Believes that good enough is good enough, and a dollar in revenue is better than no revenue.

Embarrassed to celebrate micro wins and often downplays business complexity and skills.

Markets only when business is slow. Would rather cut corners and believes there are shortcuts to success. When business is booming, marketing expenses become unnecessary.

Allows low self-esteem issues and emotional overwhelm to carry over into business leadership and causes marketing, networking, public perception, and revenue to take a hit. As a result, doesn’t show up as the boss and has limited progress because there is a feeling of being unworthy of success and a better life.

Afraid to take chances and rarely invests in oneself or the business.

Easily cracks under pressure when the hard times come knocking.

Doesn’t trust intuition and takes advice from the wrong people before acting.

Puts ideas on the back burner until business brings in more money.

Afraid of failure but operated from a lack mentality.

An abundant mindset, a willingness to succeed, and take risks for your business are the foundation for reaching and maintaining higher profits. Changing the lack or limited perspective and following that of the successful entrepreneur, you’ll experience the business you’ve been dreaming about while bringing in revenue for yourself instead of breaking your back for someone else’s vision.

Okay, you’ve written the book, started the business, created the course, built your website, and you’re impatiently awaiting your first sale. But wait, does anyone even know what I have to offer? Are clients going to fall from the sky? Um, no.

Now that you’ve created some buzz around your business/product, it’s time to start collecting the email addresses of potential clients or leads, as they are sometimes called. First, of course, you’ll have to offer them something free in exchange for it. That’s where the lead magnet comes in. It is a free resource that you use to attract your ideal customers and converts them to paying customers. That’s what makes it such an essential part of your marketing strategy.

There are many forms of lead magnets, but they all have these things in common:

• They are FREE.

• They are tied to your business/niche.

• Valuable, helpful, and informative.

• They can be used right away.

Why Your Business Needs A Lead Magnet

To generate leads, you must have a lead magnet, Period. There’s no getting around it. No matter your business, if you want to attract clients online, this is where you must start. Email is very personal; no one will give you their address without getting something they deem valuable. For example, you come across a blog post from a bakery that is talking about new Christmas cookie recipes they will be trying out this year. In the end, It asks you to sign up to get updates. Are you eager to join, or would you be more inclined to participate if they offered a free PDF download with delicious cookie recipes? Exactly…option two is much more appealing, and you get your download right away, so you can start making those delicious cookies!

So, What Makes a Good Lead Magnet?

Now that you know how crucial a lead magnet is for marketing your business use these tips to create a killer freebie that will keep your email list growing! Your lead magnet should:

• Solve one of your avatar’s problems. It’s pointless if it doesn’t.

• It helps them easily and quickly achieve one thing.

• Be specifically related to your niche/product/offer.

• Be easily consumable, e.g., a checklist or tip sheet.

• Be valuable.

• Highlights your expertise.

• Immediately available.

If your lead magnet has these qualities, you already have a jump start on converting those leads into paying customers!

Here are some examples to get you started:

• The Checklist: Everyone loves a good checklist, and they’re super easy to create.

• The Cheat sheet: It’s almost like a checklist, but they give the user steps to follow to solve a problem.

• A Template: This is one of my favorites! Entrepreneurs are busy, allowing you to copy and paste your content in minutes!

• A Planner: These are great for busy people who want to organize something in their life/business.

• Webinars: Live webinars have a high value and create a sense of urgency since they usually happen once, and people don’t want to miss out.

Of course, these are just a few examples of what a lead magnet is and what it can do for your business, and you’ll need to find the one that serves your audience the best.

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