Newsletters, NaNoWriMo, and a Cowboy Romance
GEM OF THE WEEK: Small Newsletter, Small Changes, Big Results
You know those emails that you never open. You see the sender’s name and say to yourself “there’s nothing of value for me in that” and just delete, delete, delete. (by the way, if you feel that way about my emails, please share your reasons why ASAP so I can fix it!)
But then there are those newsletters and emails that you always read, no matter how busy you are, no matter how long or short their writing is, no matter the topic. You just know – without reading a single word including the topic – that this is going to be worth reading, learning and knowing. Usually, it’s also worth sharing.
Sadly, I get too many emails each day in the first category. I suspect you do too. But once a week I get one in the second category that makes email suddenly worthwhile again. I am not exaggerating.
The email is the “3-2-1 Thursday” letter from James Clear, author of the runaway bestseller, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones As the name suggests, each Thursday James sends 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question for the week. Sounds too simple to be so significant? Trust me.
The ideas are often small changes that make a big difference, open doors to new thinking or rev your imagination. The quotes are from people in every walk of life. They are funny, smart, pithy sometimes, but they always thought-provoking. For me, however, it is the question that hits home hardest. One simple question that makes you reevaluate how you do something, think about something. The questions always expand my thinking or give me something I can do right now to be more productive or less stressed, or both.
Want an example? “Are things truly not going well … or do I just need some food, water, and a short break?” That was this week’s question.
Join hundreds of thousands of us who subscribe to the “3-2-1 Thursday” newsletter by signing up here. While you’re at it, pick up a copy of Jame’s instant bestseller Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones here.
“Learn how to:
• make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);
• overcome a lack of motivation and willpower;
• design your environment to make success easier;
• get back on track when you fall off course;
…and much more.”
For Authors and Entrepreneurs:
NaNoWriMo is upon us! Are you ready?
Here’s a quick list of things to consider before November 1st.
1/ Sign up at NaNoWriMo.ORG – commit to doing this.
2/ Invite your friends to find you on the site and buddy with you (to buddy with me, just use my email address).
3/ Determine your goals for the month of November and have a plan to achieve and track them. (me 1 book, 50K words, daily 2000 words, track daily)
4/ Do your research now – you don’t want it to hold you up once you start writing
5/ Create your plot outlines and character studies now for the same reason
6/ Schedule writing times on your calendar to assure you’ll have enough time to achieve your goals.
7/ Find local NaNoWriMo events in your area for community reinforcement
8/ Share your calendar with family and friends so that they can respect and encourage you.
9/ Check out sites like https://nanowrimo.org/nano-prep-101 and articles like “12 Nanowrimo Tips and Tricks for Making it Through the Month” for more suggestions to make this NaNoWriMo month your best ever.
What to Read Next: Handsome Boss By Lori Wilde and Liz Alvin
This week’s what to read next comes from my assistant Crystal. She has a cowboy story for us this week and has a nice pile of Christmas books that she wants to share with us soon too. Take it away, Crystal!
Thank you for letting me share my suggestion for what to read next again. I devoured another Lori Wilde cowboy story and I just had to share it with you all. I read this book in one long bath. The water was a little cool by the end but I could not put this book down. There is romance, family drama, friendships, and did I mention the hot cowboy? You may read my review on my blog Reviews by Crystal. If you are a fellow Lori Wilde or Liz Alvin fan then hurry and grab this one. While you are there grab the other books in the Handsome Devils Series. You won’t be disappointed, I know I sure wasn’t.
Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2Wh8o0Y
Are you reading a book right now that we just have to add to our to be read list? Tell us about it and you just might find your favorite books featured right here. Maddy and I are always looking for books to read. I like a variety and honestly, I don’t think I have ever met a Romance Book that I didn’t like.