Not too long ago, I reviewed The Creative Compass by Dan Millman and his daughter Sierra Prasada. I liked the book, enough to want to hold on to it a bit longer. The publisher kindly sent me another book to give away.
Who would like this book? Writers who are doubtful, don’t understand self-publishing and want a thorough, thoughful book that guides writers from Dream through Draft, Develop, Refine to Share. Those are the five steps the father-daughter team use to help writers (and other creators) from idea to promotion.
The book helps you look at, listen to and evaluate research and think clearly about content. The book helps you become more self-aware, pay attention to your audience, and develop the habits of a writer.
There are old truths that will lead you to new wisdom. The balance of the father-daughter team is both analytical and intuitive. It will help you gather the story you want to write and transform it into the book you will be proud of.
Tell me why you need the book in the comments. I’ll chose (at random) someone who needs this book to fulfill a dream of writing.
And thanks to New World Library for giving me two copies–one to keep and one to give away. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.
Note: Congratulations to Jody Lund, who won the book!
—Quinn McDonald is a reader and writer. She is also a creativity coach who helps people finish their creative work. And while she welcomes new clients, she does not make the decision for writers whether to self-publish or go a traditional route. That’s the writer’s choice, always.
QuinnCreative 
I have had a book tap dancing in my head for over a decade now… that honors my mother and many of her friends. I love to write, and this book has started tapping at my mind’s door, rapping on the windows, ringing the doorbell… any way it can to get my attention — and time! Thank you for this generous offer! Happy Thanksgiving. Peace AND Prosperity, Kate
Love that description!
Every winter, for the past seven or so, I have promised myself FAITHFULLY to finish my autobiography. It never happens. I keep remembering things form my childhood, make notes, but to actually scan the old photos and get the text together seems to escape me. Maybe this book will help!!
because i need a good kick up the bum , to gain the confidence to follow my dreams and know that i can do it !!!
I’ve heard a lot about self-publishing recently. I’m working on a book and have been doing a lot of research into creating the characters, subplots, etc., as well as trying to research self-publishing. I’ve never heard of this book until now and it sounds as if it has a lot of good information in it. I’d love to get the book, especially because self-publishing sounds especially difficult and tedious and it sounds as if there is a lot of information on the subject in this book.
I enjoy writing and have begun to write a book but I am stuck. I open the file, stare at it for a while and then close it again. I feel as if I have lost my direction on this writing and have no idea where I should turn. This book sounds like it just may help me get out of this stuck spot, I would love to read it and find that out.
I write occasional book reviews. I took part in a self-published project 15 years ago with a group of educators and I have four books traditionally published. Those three things said: As a reader, I’m disappointed in most self-published books and no one I write for takes reviews. In my experience, they can be successful IF you invest in a great editor and IF you have a niche market where you can sell them. You can also make more money per sale than traditional publishers, but you have to put a lot of effort and energy into marketing. I’m working on another group project and the idea of self publishing has come up. I’m wondering if the business end has changed much since my foray years ago.
Most self-published books fail for the following reasons:
1. Writing and editing are two different steps, and those who are good at one are generally not good at the other. Writing is right-brained; editing is left-brained.
2. Writers often do not want to pay for a GREAT editor. But that’s what needed for a successful book.
3. Writers often think their responsibility ends at the second draft. Most lack the desire to revise and rewrite.
4. Few writers are book designers, so they tread a long book like a Word document. A good book needs an excellent book designer, too.
Just my experience, of course.
I’m planning on self publishing in a couple of months … once I get through the writing part! This looks great. Thanks for having the give away!
Stuck between writing and publishing. As you describe it – combo of creative, intuitive and kick-in-the-pants, it might be just what I need.
My goddaughter just graduated college with a Creative Writing/English degree and wants to publish her first young adult book. She works during the day to support herself then spends most if her free time working on her book. Though the writing is going well, she doesn’t really know what the next best steps are. This book would really help. Thanks.
Yep, the book would help. I love people who know that the urge to write has to be honored. It’s absolutely true.
You’re publishing the fact that this book about self-publishing is published by an established publisher? (I can already write good. I used “publish” four times in one…er…what are those things again, “lists”? No, that’s not it. Para…something…Oh forget it.)
Yes. Just that. Go with it!
It’s my time.
I am one of those writer’s who are doubtful and insecure about my writing, too many inner critics. I would love to find my North, my path with regards to writing. Thank you for this chance. Peace, Vicki
If you don’t win this book, standby for my Inner Hero giveaway–that’s one way to tackle your inner critic, by creating inner heroes for yourself.
I love to write but need encouragement,I love the way you think and go about things and share it with us…..if you think this book is a useful tool I would love to read it. Simply that!x
Well, just because I love it doesn’t mean everyone will, but I love it enough to bring the techniques into my coaching practice.
I’ve always thought that I am “supposed to” write a book, but I’m unsure of what to do. Would love some guidance in this area.
“Supposed to” is a tough concept. Most writers I know write because they have to, are driven to, can’t help themselves. You might be interested in the beginning of this book, the part about dreaming of ideas.
I’ve read and enjoyed his other books, but was doubting whether this was just a gimmick of some kind because it’s a “hot” topic these days. But your recommendation is good enough for me. I liked “Bird by bird”, but apart from that I still have to find the “how to write” book that really clicks with me, the part about self publishing sounds especially interesting! I want to write but am still doubtful whether I should keep in on the shelf or keep pushing. I know I could just write regardless of publication, but am I using it to procrastinate other things which would be more useful to me longterm?
Procrastinating always sets of “wake up” bells in my coaching brain. Procrastination is rarely a sign of wanting to improve and more often a symptom of perfectionism. I like this book because it honors the self-awarness necessary for a good piece of writing. Not everyone may agree with me. But it’s worth checking out–if you don’t win, there is always the library!
It’s not yet in the libraries over here, but could definitely end up on my (endless) Amazon wishlist. Interesting take on the perfectionism, I’d like to hear more about that some time….
It’s a favorite topic of mine with coaching clients, who often discover they are internal perfectionists and are relieved to know about it.