How Do You Define Success?

July 24, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 2 Comments

As some of you may know, I wrote a controversial article “Do Authors Make Money? Here’s the Truth.”

In this post I mentioned looking for a job to supplement my indie-publishing endeavors. Some people seemed shocked as they believed I was hitting it big.

Well, since then, I’ve spoken to many entrepreneurs and concluded that most of us are struggling to make ends meet.

Why do we think others are more financially successful than we are?

Is that because we pretend to be more successful than we are? Do we hide the truth?

I’ve had several conversations with doctors, financial planners, lawyers and authors and it doesn’t matter which profession you’re in, entrepreneurs are always looking for the miracle that will help them succeed financially.

If professionals are struggling to keep their businesses thriving, isn’t that just part of life?

There is no miracle to become successful in life

Perhaps the secret lies in:

You need to redefine success in your terms and forget what others think.

Perhaps success should be re-defined as:

Loving what you do even if it doesn’t make you rich

I was asked to answer some questions about being successful as an author entrepreneur by Eric Gati. Here are some of my answers to his questions and you can also read my entire interview on “The Daily Interview.”

What do you consider to be your greatest success (or successes) so far in your career as a writer (and business owner)?

I enjoy building online communities and making people feel they belong. I started “Gutsy Indie Publishers” a FaceBook group, with 600+ authors, most of them indie. This group is for writers, publishers and anyone in the business who wants to help others.

Another accomplishment is the writing contest I started in 2011 called “My Gutsy Story®.” I have received many e-mails from writers thanking me for allowing them to open up and share their own stories.

I never realized I would be speaking at conferences about how to become a successful “Author Entrepreneur.” I love speaking to writers about blogging, how to sell more books, and unique ways to promote, that they may not have considered. Here are some links to the Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference where I spoke about this topic on June 11th, 2014.

Introduction Video 1: http://youtu.be/l6gKv1-odS4
Video 2 on Blogging for Writers: http://youtu.be/o6nQHD_juwA

What has been your greatest challenge that you’ve overcome in getting to where you’re at today?

How do you become visible? Whether online or in person, it takes time, perseverance and effort to have people know who you are, and to get loyal followers.
Another challenge is to move away from offering everything for free, and to charge for your expertise. I hired a business coach to help me become a marketing coach for authors. I still find this challenging as I enjoy helping others, but also need to make a living.

Many people have the skills and drive to write a book, but failure to market and sell the book the right way is probably what keep a lot of people from finding success. I know you can probably write volumes on this topic, but can you give us maybe 2-3 strategies that have been effective for you in promoting your books (online, specifically)?

Forming relationships online before your book comes out is essential. People who are familiar with your blog and like what you do are more likely to spread the word about your book and review it. Don’t expect people to simply buy your book by stating: “Buy my book.”
YouTube videos are effective in promoting your books. I have done several interviews where I talk about my books, or read excerpts from my book, and one of them, “Expat Life in Belize” has received over 58,000 hits.
Submitting your books for Awards, and winning some, is a great way to promote your books online. Both books have received Awards.

E-Lit Awards 2013 Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island, received 1st Place, and a Gold Medal in the “Autobiography/Memoir” category of the 2012 E-lit Awards. It also received a Silver Medal, in the “Travel Essay” category of the E-lit Awards

My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World, has been named a 2013 Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Honoree Winner, is a FINALIST at the 2014 International Book Awards, and WINNER at the 2014 Paris Book Festival.

I know you’ve spoken about getting people “out of their comfort zone,” and while this can have applications to many areas of life, I’m particularly interested in how it relates to entrepreneurship. What do you think it takes for someone to muster the “guts” to actually make the leap and execute their business idea? (In other words, what advice do you have for someone who is afraid to do this because they don’t want to leave their “comfort zone”?)

In general, writers prefer to sit at home and write. They often tend to be shy, and hope that their books will simply sell themselves. WRONG! As Joanna Penn stated, (and I saw your recent interview with her on your site Eric,) in her Google+ Hangout Interview with my friend Jason Matthews, you have to get out there and speak and promote your books. If you’re shy, “Get over it.” I agree with her, as no one knows your book better than you do and how is anyone going to hear about your work if you don’t promote it.

Even if you have the budget to hire a professional PR company, they still expect you to talk about your book on radio and TV interviews.

At the 2014 IBPA conference (Independent Book Publishers Association) presenters stated, Writers have no choice to opt out of social media. If you want to sell books, then you have to use social media. I am interviewing Angela Bole, Executive Director of IBPA on June 26th at 9 a.m. PST (California time.) It will be about indie publishing and learning what to do etc. You can listen LIVE here, or later on my YouTube Channel.

Finally, if you are truly shy, then social media can offer you ways to connect from your home.

Offer contests on your website,
Guest post and do written interviews on other sites
Form those important relationships with other writers online
Help promote others
Share helpful articles with your readers
Practice speaking in front of your camera and gradually become more confident
Offer podcasts on your own site so fans can hear your voice
Practice an interview with a close friend and get used to speaking
Take a class on public speaking
Attend writers’ conferences and network
Attend a writers’ group and gradually get out of your comfort zone

Looking generally at becoming an entrepreneur: If you had to take your best advice or inspirational thought and put it into one sentence or phrase, what would that be?

Authors need to think of themselves as a brand, and their book as a product. [Click here to tweet this]

You can read the entire interview on Eric Gati’s the Daily Interview on June 24th.

So how do you define your own success as an author, or as an entrepreneur?

Watch my LIVE INTERVIEW with author Fee Johnson, on August 1st at 9 a.m. PST. It will be recorded as well. Do you have questions for her? Please send them to me at: Sonia@soniamarsh.com before August 1st. You can read her “My Gutsy Story” here.

2 Nominees Fee Johnson and me (Sonia Marsh)

We shall be discussing: While mental health issues are more freely discussed these days, it’s still difficult to approach someone who might have a problem. But ignoring it is not an option. With courage and great hope, Felicia Johnson deftly portrays the struggles of a girl with borderline personality disorder in Her (8th Street Publishing).
JOIN ME as I interview Felicia Johnson, author of the novel “Her”, about her work in mental health advocacy, journaling, writing and mentoring youth.

July 28th, “My Gutsy Story®” by RITA GARDNER

VOTING FOR YOUR FAVORITE JULY “My Gutsy Story®” STARTS ON JULY 31st AND ENDS ON AUGUST 13th.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON AUGUST 14th.

NOW Accepting story submissions now for our Award-winning “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology

We just won our 4th Award for the Anthology.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR AWARDS.

Trust, Intuition, Listen, Become Gutsy and Change

July 17, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 7 Comments

There are certain times in life when you are ready to make a change. It doesn’t matter what that change is, but in order to make that change, you need to:

“Stop hanging onto something that keeps you in your comfort zone.” —Larry Jacobson

Are you ready for a CHANGE?
Are you scared?
Can you visualize what that change would look like?
Do you trust your intuition?
Are you ready to become Gutsy?

Gutsy Living ™

is about taking risks in life, and making bold decisions and if I can’t do that, how can I write about it, and expect others to be courageous and follow their dreams?

So what’s my change? I have many going on right now, including:

Selling our House
Looking for a wonderful job to supplement my income as a writer
Applying for the Peace Corps which I’ve been wanting to do for many years before my sons get married and I have grandkids
Write another memoir based on experiences in different cultures
Interview and share stories of people I meet during my future Peace Corps work (country unknown as of now.)
Keep blogging, coaching and publishing the “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology

What fascinates me about the Peace Corps?

It’s about the people and experiencing different cultures
New adventures
Meeting people who know how to be happy with their simple life
Learning to listen to others
Stop focusing on my own wants and needs (something we excel at in the developed world)
Learning to live in the present moment
Appreciating what we take for granted in the western world.

One of the important lessons I learned from my family’s year in Belize, was to not impose our American ways on the locals. Unfortunately, I was too hasty in my desire to start a business in Belize. I made the mistake of assuming that creating a business the American way, would guarantee success. That hard work, honesty and dedication were the core principles and that we would be successful. Little did I know about the importance of taking the time to trust, and earn the trust of the locals. I did not listen to the advice given by our fellow expats about “getting to know the locals first, and that this could take two years or more.”

This was a life lesson I shall remember to take with me on my future Peace Corps assignment. I have read several stories written by Peace Corps volunteers, and they share how they made the mistake of trying to change things before the locals trusted them. One PCV in Morocco said he finally understood the importance of drinking sweet tea with the locals before they had any desire to listen to him teach a basic computer class.

Unfortunately, many westerners believe our way is the right way, and everyone should do it our way. We need to adapt to their ways, not the other way round.

My friend, Janet Givens, is publishing her memoir: At Home on the Kazakh Steppe, about her Peace Corps experience in Kazakhstan. She interviewed a fellow memoir writer and author friend,Ian Mathie , who guest posts about his 30 years in Africa, and the ten lessons he has learned. (You can read his fascinating stories on Janet’s blog here.)

“Africa thrives on proverbs. The first I ever learned has lasted me a lifetime and proved itself time and time again. So I’ll offer it to you now:

Kila ndege hurukwa kwa bawa lake –

Every bird must fly on its own wings. Think about it, and then stretch out your own wings.”–Ian Mathie

The lessons:

Look and listen more than talk
Exploit people’s desires
Let people choose; then they won’t give up
Put ideas in contexts people understand and value
Learn the system and get involved
Use the local talent (including the sorcerers!)
Choose your timing carefully
Always be open, friendly, and co-operative
Let people fly on their own wings
Always be positive and avoid “don’ts”

I’ve highlighted the 5 that I shall keep in my mind so as to avoid the mistakes I made in Belize.

And most important of all:

Are you ready to fly?

Every bird must fly on its own wings. Think about it, and then stretch out your own wings.

NOW Accepting story submissions now for our Award-winning “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology

We just won our 4th Award for the Anthology.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR AWARDS.

Marketing Secrets from a Best-selling Indie Author Sheri Fink

June 23, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 8 Comments

Sheri Fink Author of Children's Books — Sheri Fink Author of Children’s Books

It’s not everyday that you meet a gutsy woman like Sheri Fink. She grew up poor, and ended up a #1 best-selling, award-winning children’s author and creator of “The Whimsical World of Sheri Fink” children’s brand.

Sheri Fink and Sonia Marsh at SCWA 6/21/14

I heard Sheri speak at the Southern California Writers Association, and what I love about her, is that she is down-to-earth, stays true to herself–even when she wears her multi-colored wig–and is eager to listen and share her marketing strategies with other indie authors.

Along her journey to success Sheri says she has learned:

To say “NO” to the good, and “YES” to the great.
If it’s not a “Hell Yes,” it’s a “Hell No” (A way to prioritize the things you should accept, and those you should reject when opportunities open up to you.)
To build in rewards for your progress (not just for achieving the BIG GOAL.)
To research and consider all costs when determining the price of your book
That it’s not all about book sales.

Sheri is fearless, something that has enabled her to get out of her comfort zone and she says it’s important to:

Ask for what you want without being entitled (she did this after an interview and was on the cover of a magazine, because she said, “What would it take to be on the cover of your magazine?”)
Think of yourself as a CEO.
Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.
Stay authentic.

Sheri offered “controversial” advice tips to indie authors and I must admit I was surprised to hear her say:

Don’t blog, (this does not mean Sheri is anti-blogging; she does guest blog.)
Guest blog on those blogs that have your target audience.

In one way I understand Sheri’s point about not blogging as it does take away time from writing your next book, however, I wonder if this may be different for a children’s author than for a memoir writer.

I advise writers to start a blog related to the theme of their book which will help them build their brand. Blogs have offered many writers opportunities to form relationships with other bloggers who support them and help promote their work. I also know that blogging has offered me opportunities with the media thanks to SEO and online visibility.

Sheri said she:

She uses her Facebook Fan page to interact with her fans rather than blogging
Doesn’t do giveaways (a business choice she made.)
Releases different formats of her books separately with campaigns planned around each print, Kindle, Nook etc., for maximum effect.

I like her idea of releasing your book in print, Kindle, Nook etc., with several weeks apart for maximum use of press releases and planned campaigns.

I am curious what you think about “not blogging” and just “guest blogging” and using your own FB fan page to reach your readers?

I shall be offering a Webinar on “How to Create your BRAND” with Sheri Fink in August. The date will be announced shortly.

Sheri writes books that inspire and delight children while planting seeds of self-esteem. Her first children’s book, The Little Rose, was a #1 best-seller on Amazon for over 60 weeks, became the #1 top-rated e-book on Amazon, and received a gold medal in the 2012 Readers Favorite International Book Awards. Her subsequent books (The Little Gnome, The Little Firefly, and Exploring the Garden with the Little Rose) have all been #1 best-sellers. Her children’s book series received the Gold Mom’s Choice Award for excellence in family friendly entertainment. In 2013, Sheri was selected by CBS Los Angeles as one of the top three authors in her local area, a distinction she shares with Dean Koontz.

I offer “Gutsy” Book Coaching. If you need help with blogging, book marketing and promotion

CLICK HERE

Accepting story submissions now for our Award-winning “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology

The Gift of Bold Living

May 26, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 8 Comments

The Gift of Bold Living

“My Gutsy Story®” Nancy Sharp

The date, June 17, 2006, was a defining one: widowed and with five-year-old twins in tow, I headed west to Denver. Life in New York City after 18 years just wasn’t worth the fast, noisy, people-populated-like-ants, cash-depleting hassles-everywhere grind. Certainly, I was sad to leave behind family and friends, but the prospect of a different life, one that I could invent, was too fierce a pull to ignore. Moving to Colorado was more than the dawn of a new decade (I had just turned 40); it would be my Act II.

Much has changed these past eight years. My twins are 12, I met and married a native Coloradoan, and I became a stepmom to two boys, now 21 and 22. Today I worry about social connections, ample exercise, and too much video time for the tweens, and dating, organization, and career opportunities for the older boys. My new life has broadened my worldview: I can now grill and pull weeds and even, brace yourself, use a power drill.

By recasting my life, I proved to myself that when the unthinkable happens, we need not be in stasis. Hope and possibility exist, I think, even in the grimmest of times. I should know. My first husband died of a brain tumor at age 39, leaving me with two and half year old twins. Those were hard, hard times. Just when I thought I couldn’t see beyond the vortex of grief, I found a shred of hope.

My moment of transformation arrived with little fanfare. While driving with a friend to visit my family in Connecticut, I suddenly blurted out, “Why can’t I just move to Denver?” Lisa, my pretty and deeply spiritual friend who knew my longtime love of Colorado, answered, “You can. What’s stopping you?”

“Well,” I began dismissively, “there’s my parents and my mother-in-law. I’d have to buy a house, find new work, find a school for the kids, make new friends, blah, blah, blah.”

As the list of why-not-to-move-to-Colorado’s grew bigger, they also became more diffuse. Lisa was unfazed, like a mirror reflecting the longing of my heart. Suddenly, I understand that none of these perceived obstacles came close to what I had already conquered. Just like that, my decision was made. I’m not a runner and never will be, but the surge of energy I felt at that turnkey moment could have propelled me to run the New York City marathon (the real one).

That’s the upside of change: the adrenaline-pumping feeling of hope. Losing my husband to cancer changed my life forever, but moving to Colorado gave me hope that a new life was possible. What does this really mean? In my view, we can choose not to be defined by the past. We can sweeten our lives any moment, any time. That’s right.

You might be thinking, “Well, she had extreme circumstances.” Yes. Extreme events can lead to dramatic changes, but sometimes the opposite is true. It’s easier and safer to stay put when life mows you down, but is it wiser? Saner? I felt stuck for a full two years before making my move. I put on mascara and dragged myself to work, made Micky Mouse pancakes for my active toddlers, even dated a little. I tried to be positive about my future, but in reality, I was just getting through the days. I didn’t live my dreams. One day bled into the next and that is how I passed the time. It’s human nature to want to be fixed in time. But at what cost?

I had no grand plan when I moved to Colorado beyond the desire to claim breathing space for the twins and me. I knew that I was a skilled enough writer to be able to find consulting work when I was ready, just as I knew that I would branch out beyond my one friend in Denver (my college roommate). Since all expectations of the world I once envisioned for myself had already been crushed, I found a strange calm in starting anew. Everything felt fresh and exciting.

It was in this spirit of bold living that some seven months after arriving in Denver I came to reach out to a widowed TV news anchor who was selected as one of the city’s “Most Eligible Singles.”

What did I have to lose by writing him? Maybe we could be friends?

I had never even heard of Steve Saunders before reading about him in the newspaper, nor did I know about his equally well-known father, a veteran print journalist.

I fired off an e-mail and a photo to Steve letting him know that I was new to Denver and that I was also widowed with two children. I proposed that we meet for coffee.

Two weeks passed. No response.

Maybe he never received the e-mail?

In a burst of courage, I decided to resend it. This time Steve responded within the hour, apologizing for his slow response. He wanted to talk. He wanted to meet.

Dinner last four hours. At first we kept the conversation light (I really was curious to know what it was like to be a TV Anchor in Denver). But ultimately we began to trade “war stories” — the toughest moments for him during his wife’s illness, the worst times for me, the gray aftermath of living with loss, and of course, the way our losses had affected our children.

We had many dates in the months that followed. They were fun, light, and adventurous. And so began the process of blending two families. By then we knew we wanted to marry. The love we had found in one another was real and true. We understood how the past crept into the present, but in each other were able to discover peace and joy in living every day. Our story is still being written, still being lived, past and present and future at once. In the words of Joni Mitchell, “Well something’s lost but something’s gained.”

To bold living!

NANCY SHARP is the author of Both Sides Now: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Bold Living (Books & Books Press, February 2104). She frequently speaks to large groups about bold living, contributes to the Huffington Post, and authors the blog Vivid Living: Life in Full Bloom…Thorns and All. ™

Both Sides Now won a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award, and 2014 International Book Award.

Please join Nancy on:

SONIA MARSH SAYS: I love your proactive approach to life and especially what you said:

“In my view, we can choose not to be defined by the past. We can sweeten our lives any moment, any time. That’s right.”

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENT FOR NANCY BELOW AND SHARE HER STORY

MGS FINAL COVER Small — Click on cover to go to Amazon

2013 Benjamin Franklin Honoree Winner

2014 International Book Awards FINALIST

2014 WINNER of the PARIS BOOK FESTIVAL

NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

Get Published in our 3rd

“My Gutsy Story®”Anthology in 2015

E-MAIL: SONIA@SONIAMARSH.COM

FOR DETAILS

Get A Free Vacation In Spain While Speaking English

May 22, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 14 Comments

The "Crazy" Vaughan Town"Anglos and Spaniards — The “Crazy” Vaughan Town”Anglos and Spaniards

(Part One of Volunteering with Vaughan Town.)

Lock 15 “crazy” Anglos together with 13 “shy” Spaniards in a remote Spanish hotel and what do you get?

28 freaked out Spanglos by the end of the week.

If you’re longing for an unusual experience where you help people practice their English through games, one-on-one conversations while walking through the Spanish countryside, delicious three-course meals with wine, a beautiful hotel room and nightly entertainment then Vaughan Volunteers may be just the program for you. Now here’s the amazing part; all of this is paid for so you are only responsible for your airfare to Madrid, and any extras you wish to purchase.

Last year, while attending a writers’ conference in Orange County, California, I was fortunate to discuss volunteering abroad with a fellow writer. She asked me if I’d heard about the Vaughan Volunteers program in Spain, and said she signed up for the Fall. At first I was surprised as this lady was in her late seventies, and I thought you had to be young to sign up. I soon find out that this is a popular program for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, and that they encourage non-teachers to sign-up. They are looking for different accents so that Spaniards can learn to communicate with British, American, Canadian, Australians an other native English speakers from around the world. It is mainly sponsored by Spanish companies, who pay the fee for their employees to improve their English conversation skills. Those fees pay for the Anglos to attend.

Needless to say, I am anxious to sign up, however, the program fills up quickly as it is extremely popular.

I book my ticket to Madrid and stay at the EuroBuilding 2 Hotel (photos), where the Vaughan Town headquarters are located. I land at Barajas International airport early on Saturday morning, which gives me sufficient time to do a quick tour of Madrid’s famous, “Mercado de San Miguel,” a must for all foodies with its selection of tapas, breads, cheeses, meats, sweets and drinks. Who would have thought Spain was still suffering from a recession after seeing the local crowds enjoying a Saturday outing with children, parents, grandparents and friends. Check out the mojitos served in the mercado.

On Saturday evening, the Vaughan Volunteers program starts with a festive tapas reception to meet the other Anglos; most of us are from the UK , the US and Canada. I am surprised to find out that many of the Anglos are on their 4th or 5th volunteer program.

Sunday morning we meet our “Spaniards” transfixed to the sidewalk, gripping onto their suitcases and loved ones. They are searching for a friendly Anglo “date” to sit next to on the bus ride to a small village called Torrecaballeros, one hour and fifteen minutes from Madrid.

100_2320 — I sat next to Maria Jose, my new Spanish friend

I put myself in their place. How nerve-wracking to speak English to Anglos from all over the world, with such diverse accents. How long will it take for them to feel relaxed?

Check out the video of my beautiful hotel room with a view over the pastures of TorreCaballeros.

We arrive at the gorgeous “El Rancho” hotel on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The weather is sunny and warm, and after placing our suitcases on the stunning hotel lobby mahogany floors, and admiring the paintings and interesting artifacts from Africa, we order a cafe con leche at the bar, and the bonding continues.

Please tune in June for Part Two.

Pete and Marisa, are the two wonderful organizers of our week at El Rancho.

Would you like to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” and get published in our 2nd anthology?

Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

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How Do You Define Success?

Why do we think others are more financially successful than we are?

There is no miracle to become successful in life

You need to redefine success in your terms and forget what others think.

Loving what you do even if it doesn’t make you rich

So how do you define your own success as an author, or as an entrepreneur?

VOTING FOR YOUR FAVORITE JULY “My Gutsy Story®” STARTS ON JULY 31st AND ENDS ON AUGUST 13th.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON AUGUST 14th.

NOW Accepting story submissions now for our Award-winning “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology

READ MORE HERE

We just won our 4th Award for the Anthology.

Trust, Intuition, Listen, Become Gutsy and Change

“Stop hanging onto something that keeps you in your comfort zone.” —Larry Jacobson

Gutsy Living ™

Unfortunately, many westerners believe our way is the right way, and everyone should do it our way. We need to adapt to their ways, not the other way round.

Every bird must fly on its own wings. Think about it, and then stretch out your own wings.”–Ian Mathie

Are you ready to fly?

Every bird must fly on its own wings. Think about it, and then stretch out your own wings.

NOW Accepting story submissions now for our Award-winning “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology

READ MORE HERE

We just won our 4th Award for the Anthology.

Marketing Secrets from a Best-selling Indie Author Sheri Fink

Along her journey to success Sheri says she has learned:

I am curious what you think about “not blogging” and just “guest blogging” and using your own FB fan page to reach your readers?

I offer “Gutsy” Book Coaching. If you need help with blogging, book marketing and promotion

CLICK HERE

Accepting story submissions now for our Award-winning “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology

READ MORE HERE

The Gift of Bold Living

NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

Get Published in our 3rd

“My Gutsy Story®”Anthology in 2015

E-MAIL: SONIA@SONIAMARSH.COM

FOR DETAILS

Get A Free Vacation In Spain While Speaking English

28 freaked out Spanglos by the end of the week.

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