There are 7 Core Principles underlying the success of every conscious and creative writer. These principles are all about accessing the right state of consciousness and applying the right mindset to your writing, and to all activities relating to your authorship, for the best results at every level.
The sixth core principle is authenticity. Showing up in the contemporary world as the author of your book requires you to shine a truly authentic light if you want to achieve real success.
Shining an authentic light means being true to who you are and allowing that to be seen through what you share with your readers (the essence of your content) as well as the ways in which you share it (the forms you use to communicate that content).
As a moth is drawn to the light of a candle, people are drawn to those who have the courage to be true to a deep level of integrity. This is how you stand out from the crowd in a way that honours the unique contribution you are here to make.
Shining your authentic light as an author in the world is not just about marketing and promoting your current book although those activities are naturally part of the mix.
It is primarily to do with having clarity around your core message and the core values underlying your stories, and being prepared to stand for something larger than yourself and your latest piece of writing.
Shining your authentic light is also about going beyond the small fears, anxieties and concerns of your own life story and engaging with the bigger picture - the Life that flows through your life situation.
When you are working from this level of authenticity, you will naturally attract the right people and the right opportunities to support your success as an author in the world.
So here are three tips to help you shine your authentic author's light:
1. Ask yourself this question, "Who do I want to be as an author in the world?" Begin by referring back to your original vision of yourself in relation to your writing and what inspired you to become an author in the first place.
If you aren't yet clear about that, or if your ideas have developed since you last thought about it, review this big picture perspective now and then apply it to the question above.
Instead of wanting to be a New York Times bestseller (although if that ends up being one of your accomplishments good for you!), you can see yourself inspiring countless individuals around the world with your writing in a way that is totally authentic to you.
2. Explore the core message and the core values underlying your stories as if you were peeling the layers off an onion. Work your way to the heart of what you are really here to offer your readers by free writing in your journal.
Know that however deep you go with this kind of inquiry there are an infinite number of layers. Each one reveals more clarity as you travel further down the proverbial rabbit hole!
Combined with reflection and contemplation, this exploration will reveal the essence of your unique light which you can then shine through the many forms available for you today to connect with your audience (doing talks, readings, social networking and so on).
3. Let go of what you think you "should" be doing to be visible as the author of your book and make conscious choices about what is authentic for you.
Take the time and make the effort to learn what you need to know about the options available for showing up in the world rather than burying your head exclusively in your writing.
Then identify three natural strengths you already have that you can develop further and choose one action step for each to move you forwards.
For example, if you enjoy connecting with people on a one-to-one basis, focus on developing your skills for interviews by reading books, taking a course or working with a professional to build your confidence and your experience as an interviewee.
Whatever choices you make, remember that combining the light of authenticity with the knowledge and skills appropriate to each opportunity you pursue will give you the greatest chance to live your dreams and to make a positive difference in the world.
The sixth core principle is authenticity. Showing up in the contemporary world as the author of your book requires you to shine a truly authentic light if you want to achieve real success.
Shining an authentic light means being true to who you are and allowing that to be seen through what you share with your readers (the essence of your content) as well as the ways in which you share it (the forms you use to communicate that content).
As a moth is drawn to the light of a candle, people are drawn to those who have the courage to be true to a deep level of integrity. This is how you stand out from the crowd in a way that honours the unique contribution you are here to make.
Shining your authentic light as an author in the world is not just about marketing and promoting your current book although those activities are naturally part of the mix.
It is primarily to do with having clarity around your core message and the core values underlying your stories, and being prepared to stand for something larger than yourself and your latest piece of writing.
Shining your authentic light is also about going beyond the small fears, anxieties and concerns of your own life story and engaging with the bigger picture - the Life that flows through your life situation.
When you are working from this level of authenticity, you will naturally attract the right people and the right opportunities to support your success as an author in the world.
So here are three tips to help you shine your authentic author's light:
1. Ask yourself this question, "Who do I want to be as an author in the world?" Begin by referring back to your original vision of yourself in relation to your writing and what inspired you to become an author in the first place.
If you aren't yet clear about that, or if your ideas have developed since you last thought about it, review this big picture perspective now and then apply it to the question above.
Instead of wanting to be a New York Times bestseller (although if that ends up being one of your accomplishments good for you!), you can see yourself inspiring countless individuals around the world with your writing in a way that is totally authentic to you.
2. Explore the core message and the core values underlying your stories as if you were peeling the layers off an onion. Work your way to the heart of what you are really here to offer your readers by free writing in your journal.
Know that however deep you go with this kind of inquiry there are an infinite number of layers. Each one reveals more clarity as you travel further down the proverbial rabbit hole!
Combined with reflection and contemplation, this exploration will reveal the essence of your unique light which you can then shine through the many forms available for you today to connect with your audience (doing talks, readings, social networking and so on).
3. Let go of what you think you "should" be doing to be visible as the author of your book and make conscious choices about what is authentic for you.
Take the time and make the effort to learn what you need to know about the options available for showing up in the world rather than burying your head exclusively in your writing.
Then identify three natural strengths you already have that you can develop further and choose one action step for each to move you forwards.
For example, if you enjoy connecting with people on a one-to-one basis, focus on developing your skills for interviews by reading books, taking a course or working with a professional to build your confidence and your experience as an interviewee.
Whatever choices you make, remember that combining the light of authenticity with the knowledge and skills appropriate to each opportunity you pursue will give you the greatest chance to live your dreams and to make a positive difference in the world.