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Two years ago, we celebrated 100 over a pair of lattes at Caffe Dolce. Last week, we discussed 200 at her comfortable office over the garage. The shift in venue made the desired impression. Two years ago, I was sharing a fantasy. Last week we produced a plan. Two years ago, I invited her as a friend. Last week, I hired her as a pro. Action isn't far behind.
My friend Marge is an editor and book coach. She guided me in developing wording for the Wellbuddies website. She encouraged me to emphasize the first-person style of Reflections. Now I have asked her to be a midwife: to nurture the development and emergence of Reflections in book form. Nearing the milemarker of 200 weekly articles, I am ready for the next level: writing that lives beyond the week ahead.
"What is your purpose?" "Is profit a critical piece?" Her opening questions confronted the issue of money, which (in turn) generated last week's Reflections on success. "No," I answered truthfully. "At this point in life, I'm working for joy. I'd like to recover the costs, yes...but my purpose is to offer insights from my life experience that help my readers engage their own."
So, that's the big new project in my life right now. As I focus on the plan and check off the steps, I have come to a step that involves you. In Step 4, I find out what readers like about my writing, so I can build on those strengths as I elevate my aim. I welcome your perspective as a reader of Reflections.
- What do you like best about the style of these essays?
- What topics have you found the most relevant and compelling?
- What additional topics would you like me to explore?
- How would you suggest that I improve?
- E-book? Print book? Audible?
- What else comes to mind?
Finally, I would appreciate any of you who are willing to play a recurring role. I look forward to bouncing ideas off readers who have a sense of my content and style, and who can help me design a package that attracts a broader audience. Reply to this e-mail if you would be willing to serve on my "editorial board."
The prospect of publishing a collection of essays excites me. It gives me new challenges and an opportunity to learn. It scares me some, but inspires me more.
Thank you for the encouraging support over the past four years. Your enthusiasm for Reflections emboldens me to take the next step. Please come along, and we'll have another grand adventure together!
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