Writing

Choosing Your Book's Genre

Book genres are used to categorize your books. There are lots of benefits to this, of course – if a reader wants to read a romantic story, they will be grateful to find the romance section, as opposed to looking at every single book in the bookstore to see if it aligns with their interests.

 

Additionally, a genre helps agents know which editors to pitch your book to, and it helps editors know how they can package and sell your book to readers. Not every agent is interested in the same genres, just as some publishing imprints specialize in some genres over others.

 

Below you’ll see a list of the main genres in the publishing world. Note that these are main genres, and that there are often subgenres associated with a category (for instance, there are different types of mysteries – cozy mystery, police procedural, etc.).

 

When you are pitching your book, it is essential you know the genre your book lives under (e.g., “My 110,000-word novel, Murderous Kisses, is a romantic police procedural…”). As you can see in the example, you will likely have elements of more than one genre – however, you’ll want to have one be the primary focus (in the example, the book is a police procedural that also has romance.)

 

It also helps to use comparative titles when pitching, as it gives the agent or editor a shorthand understanding of your book’s potential spot in the marketplace (for instance, “my self-help empowerment guide for women has the sassiness of Girl, Wash Your Face and the spiritual elements like those in The Universe Has Your Back”).

 

Here are three lists of genres (fiction, nonfiction, and bonus) to get you started:

 

Fiction Genres

 

1.     Fantasy

2.     Adventure

3.     Mystery

4.     Romance/Erotica

5.     Literary

6.     Contemporary

7.     Dystopian

8.     Horror

9.     Thriller

10.  Paranormal

11.  Magic Realism

12.  Historical Fiction

13.  Science Fiction

14.  Children’s

15.  Young Adult

16.  New Adult

17.  Realist

18.  Upmarket

19.  Mainstream

20.  “Women’s”

 

Nonfiction

1.     Memoir/Autobiography

2.     Self-Help/Personal Development

3.     Cooking

4.     Art/Photography

5.     Health/Fitness

6.     History

7.     Travel

8.     Guide/How-To

9.     Families/Relationships/Parenting

10.  Humor

11.  True Crime

12.  Biography

13.  Business/Money

14.  Politics/Social Sciences

15.  Science/Technology

16.  Religion/Spirituality

17.  Essays

18.  Poetry

19.  Children’s

20.  Young Adult

21.  New Adult

 

Bonus Genres:

1.     Graphic Novel

2.     Short Stories

3.     LGBTQ+

4.     Bildungsroman

 

What genre are you writing? Let me know in the comments below.

Is It Time to Find Your Beta Readers?

If you've just finished writing your book, congratulations! 🎉 But before you hit publish or send it off to agents or publishers, there’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip: Beta Readers.

 

So, what exactly are Beta Readers?

 

Beta readers are individuals who read your manuscript before it’s officially published. These readers can be fellow writers, avid readers, or even people who fit the target audience for your book. They provide feedback on everything from plot holes and character development to pacing and readability. Think of them as your book’s first fans — but with a critical eye! 👀

 

Why are Beta Readers so Helpful?

 

Fresh Perspective: They offer insights you might have missed after staring at your manuscript for so long. What makes sense to you as the author might not always be clear to a first-time reader!

 

Spotting Plot Issues: They can identify confusing or inconsistent plot points, and ensure your story flows smoothly.

 

Character Development: They’ll tell you if your characters feel real and if their motivations are clear — or if they need more depth.

 

Reader Experience: Beta readers are the audience your book is meant to engage. Their feedback can help ensure your story resonates.

 

Confidence Boost: Positive feedback from beta readers can give you the confidence to move forward with the next steps toward publication!

 

Remember: Beta readers don’t just catch errors, they help you elevate your manuscript to its full potential.

 

Please note: even with a team of trusted beta readers, every author needs a professional book editor. While beta readers provide invaluable feedback on story structure, character development, and overall plot, an editor brings an extra layer of polish that ensures your manuscript is truly ready for publication. Editors help refine your voice, improve clarity, fix inconsistencies, and elevate your writing to its highest potential. They’re the professionals who see what readers won’t - and can turn a great story into a masterpiece. A skilled editor is the final key to making your book shine.

 

So, if you’ve finished that draft, start thinking about who your beta readers will be. Their input can make all the difference between a good book and a great one!

Re-Share: Writing a Self-Help 101

Do you want to help people change and improve their lives? Do you want to make a difference? I’ll be you’re considering writing a self-help book.

One of my most popular LinkedIn and blog posts is on doing just that, and I wanted to share it again with you here, as this is one of the genres I get asked about a lot:

It’s a beautiful thing to want to help, and there will always be a market out there for self-help – people will always want (and need) to get better, and they will always be in search of new, fresh voices to help guide them in their quests for self-improvement.

The bad news? This is also a very crowded field – according to the NPD Group, in 2019 alone, 85,253 new self-help titles were published, and 18.6 million books were sold. That’s a lot of helping!

So, what you can you do to stand out from the pack? You should always be working on your author platform, for one. Then, you need to make sure that your book is the best it can possibly be.

Before you get started, be careful about the following things:

  • Choose your topic wisely – as mentioned above, self-help is a crowded marketplace, and you want your book to stand out. You also want to make sure that this is a topic you know enough about to position yourself as an expert, and that you care enough about the topic to write the book, market it, etc.

  • Be specific when choosing your topic. A subject like “how to be a good mom” is too broad; “how to be a compassionate and effective parent to your adolescent daughter” is more specific.

  • Know your audience. What are they looking for? What is their biggest pain point?

  • Be aware of comparative titles. What books like yours have been super successful? What do they do well? What does your book offer that is better or different? This knowledge will help when pitching and marketing your book, and it will also help you analyze what kinds of books readers need, the best approach to take, etc.

  • Choose a title AND a subtitle – the title can be catchy, and the subtitle can explain that the book is about (e.g., Fat Schmat: The Sassy Girl’s Guide to Weight Loss, Manage Sideways: The New Manager’s Guide to Change)

As you’re writing be cognizant about word count. Most self-help books are 40,000-60,000 words, and you definitely want to err on the side of brevity. Not only do most readers want to receive their answers/instructions/guides as quickly as possible, the higher the page count, the more expensive the book will be to publish. (Therefore, fewer books will be sold, which makes the prospective book less attractive to agents, editors, and readers.)

Possibly the most important tip I have for you? OUTLINE. Outline the heck out of your book. You need a map to guide you during the writing process, and to stay focused.

Structure is always important, and when you are starting out, it’s important to stick to the traditional structure as closely as possible. Here’s a good sample structure to follow:

Most books have about 12 chapters (with each chapter is usually about 5,000 words long, including 2,000 words in stories/anecdotes/case studies). Each summary should be 1-3 paragraphs, and should give an indication as to what information will be covered in each chapter and how (client success stories, quizzes/assessments, etc.).

Your book should be laid out in a clear, logical manner. Here is a general structure:

  • Chapter 1 – The overview/introduction – this is where you identify/explain the problem/pain. You will likely share your story here, or another particularly powerful one – you want to connect and empathize with the reader.

  • Chapter 2 – Here you help the reader identify him or herself as a person desperately needing the information you’re about to offer. You want to introduce your “solution,” and explain why it is effective (i.e., how the reader’s life will benefit).

  • Chapters 3-11 – Give the reader the steps they need to follow; expound your ideas of how to solve the problem. Each chapter should build upon the one that precedes it.

  • Chapter 12 – I call this the “go forth and conquer” chapter. Here you sum up what the reader will have learned, tie everything together, and end things on a powerful note. Empower the reader to take the necessary steps to change/improve their life. The reader should leave the book feeling like they too can achieve the results you presented in Chapter 1 and 2 sums up book, inspires reader to go out and change their life.

When you’re looking at the chapters themselves, you can consider following this general structure:

  • Start with a quote that can set the tone for the pages that follow.

  • Identify your goal for the chapter (what do you want the reader to learn?).

  • Share a story or two that they can relate to/connect with.

  • Make clear why they need the information you’re sharing.

  • Tell them what to do next.

  • Give a brief summary (this can be done in a short paragraph, or this can be down in a bulleted list of key takeaways, for example).

  • Give them an action step (e.g., worksheet to fill out).

As you’re writing:

  • Don’t take too much on – don’t try to do all the things. There can always be other books, and you want to make sure you don’t overwhelm the reader with information – make this as easy for them as possible.

  • As Denise Duffield-Thomas says, be comfortable being a contributor, not a guru. While you should be an expert in what you are saying, you don’t have to be the expert to end all experts. People want to hear what YOU have to say.

  • Do your research. Whether it’s interviewing experts, reading studies, or compiling statistics, you need to have relevant and factual information to back up your statements and claims.

  • Give the reader something to do. You want the reader to have as many opportunities as possible to interact with your material. Stories allow them to interact emotionally, but activities (quizzes, worksheets, fill in the blanks) give them the option to review and apply the information they’ve just read.

After you’ve written your first draft:

  • Edit (obviously). Go back to your outline and make sure you have followed it as closely as possible. As yourself if you’ve shared enough stories, given the reader enough ways to connect with the information, etc.

  • Consider hiring an editor. I don’t mean this in a self-serving way, but it helps to have a person in your corner that has experience editing your type of book.

  • Get an amazing book cover designed for you – people really do judge a book by it’s cover.

  • Get endorsements – these make a huge difference when they’re splashed on the book’s cover!

  • If you’re planning to traditionally publish, write your book proposal (this is what agents and editors will want to see before the manuscript itself).

  • Keep working on your platform!

Need a little inspiration? Reedsy put together a great list of some of the best self-help books of all time: https://reedsy.com/discovery/blog/best-self-help-books

I can’t wait for your book to change readers’ lives. See you on bookshelves soon!

How to Build Up the Steam Between Characters in Your Romance Novel

In romance novels, the chemistry between characters is everything. Whether it’s slow-burn tension or sizzling passion, building up the steam takes skill. You want your readers to feel every moment, every glance, every touch. But how do you create that spark and make it unforgettable? Here are some tips to craft that irresistible tension:

 

Start with the Right Chemistry


Before diving into the heat, ensure your characters have genuine chemistry. Think about what draws them together. Is it a shared interest, opposites attracting, or a deep emotional connection? Make sure their initial interactions are charged with potential, even if it’s not immediately obvious to them.

 

Slow-Burn Tension
Patience is key. Don’t rush the relationship—let it simmer and build over time. Little moments of closeness, subtle touches, and meaningful glances can create palpable tension. The longer you build this tension, the more satisfying the eventual payoff will be when the characters finally give in.

 

Use Dialogue to Spark Connection
Witty banter, meaningful conversations, and playful teasing all help to build emotional intimacy and sexual tension. The way your characters speak to each other—whether it’s flirtatious or full of unspoken longing—can set the tone for their evolving connection.

 

Create Emotional Vulnerability
Romance isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. Show how your characters open up to each other. Vulnerability, shared secrets, and personal growth all deepen the connection and make those steamy moments more impactful. Readers want to see the characters grow emotionally before diving into the physical.

 

Escalate the Physicality Gradually
Physical tension should increase as the emotional stakes do. Start with subtle touches, lingering looks, or accidental brushes against each other. As the relationship deepens, so can the intimacy. But remember, the most impactful moments often happen in the build-up—the moments before they kiss, touch, or let go.

 

Conflict and Obstacles
A little tension doesn’t hurt—sometimes, it even helps. Add obstacles that challenge the relationship. Whether it’s external circumstances or internal conflicts, hurdles keep the tension high and make the eventual resolution more satisfying. Let the characters fight their feelings before they give in.

 

Know When to Release the Tension
All that buildup needs a payoff. Make sure the moment of intimacy (whether it’s a kiss, confession, or more) feels earned. The release should feel emotional, physical, and deeply satisfying, making the readers feel the same butterflies your characters do.

In romance, it’s all about the journey—the slow-burning tension, the moments that make the heart race, and the ultimate release when everything falls into place. By pacing the steam between your characters, you’ll have your readers swooning every step of the way.

How Hobbies and Outside Interests Make You a Better Writer

As authors, we often find ourselves buried in the world of our books – plotting, writing, revising, and editing for hours on end. But have you ever stopped to consider how the rest of your life, outside of writing, can influence your work?

 

Hobbies and outside interests can make you a better writer, enrich your creativity, and even help you avoid burnout. After all, writing doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s shaped by everything you experience and enjoy outside of the written word.

If you focus exclusively on your writing, you might limit your creativity. Hobbies and outside interests give you the chance to recharge, explore new perspectives, and expand your imagination. Here’s how:

 

New Experiences Fuel Creativity

 

The world is full of ideas, waiting to inspire your next plot twist or character development. Whether it’s trying a new sport, learning to cook, traveling to a new place, or getting involved in a community project, these new experiences offer a treasure trove of sensory information, emotions, and stories that can enrich your writing.

 

Example: You might gain a deeper understanding of human emotions from volunteering at a local shelter, or new sensory details from hiking in the mountains. These are the kinds of experiences that make your writing more authentic and vivid.

 

Breaking the Routine Sparks Fresh Ideas

 

Staying in the same environment day after day can cause your writing to feel repetitive or stagnant. Stepping outside of your normal routine can help your brain break free from creative blocks. Hobbies like painting, photography, gardening, or even knitting give you a chance to work with your hands and engage in something that doesn’t require constant thinking.

 

Pro Tip: Taking a walk, playing a musical instrument, or getting involved in a hands-on activity can help your brain reset and approach your writing with fresh eyes. Sometimes, a solution to a plot problem might come to you while you’re focused on something else entirely.

 

Hobbies Help You Recharge and Avoid Burnout

 

This is HUGE. Writing for long periods (or doing any activity, really) without taking breaks can quickly lead to burnout, especially when you're juggling deadlines or struggling with self-doubt. Hobbies provide you with a healthy escape that allows you to disconnect from your writing and focus on something fun or relaxing.

 

Example: If you love to read but feel “burned out” by the pressure of your own writing, take a break and immerse yourself in someone else’s world for a while. Alternatively, diving into a hobby like painting or hiking can help clear your mind and rejuvenate your creativity.

 

 

Developing New Skills Improves Your Writing Craft

 

When you develop new skills or explore different interests, you also enhance your problem-solving abilities, focus, and discipline – traits that are directly transferable to writing. For example, learning a new language can improve your understanding of structure and syntax, while mastering a musical instrument can sharpen your sense of rhythm and pacing in your writing.

 

Tip: Even something seemingly unrelated, like learning to juggle, can help with focus and mental agility—skills that can come in handy when writing complex scenes or managing multiple plot threads!

 

Hobbies Bring You into Contact with Different People and Perspectives

 

Many hobbies lead to connections with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. Whether it’s joining a cooking class, participating in a book club, or playing a team sport, engaging with people who have different experiences and worldviews can help you craft more well-rounded characters and authentic dialogue.

 

Example: Let’s say you join a community theater group – your interactions with actors, directors, and playwrights can introduce you to new ways of thinking about performance, character arcs, and emotional depth.

 

Use Your Hobbies To Can Enhance Your Writing

 

Here are a few specific hobbies and activities that can inspire your writing in surprising ways:

 

Traveling

 

Experiencing different cultures, languages, foods, and landscapes can offer an incredible wellspring of inspiration for setting descriptions, character development, and story ideas.

 

Tip: Even local travel—exploring new neighborhoods or hiking a trail in your hometown—can help you see the world in a new light.

 

Cooking or Baking

 

The sensory experience of cooking and tasting food can enhance your ability to describe sights, smells, textures, and tastes in your writing. Plus, the process of following a recipe or experimenting with ingredients can inspire creativity in your writing process.

 

Tip: Think about how food can symbolize emotions, relationships, or culture in your story.

 

Music

 

Learning an instrument or simply listening to different genres of music can sharpen your sense of rhythm and pacing in writing. Music is emotional, and it can teach you how to evoke deep emotions in your readers.

 

Tip: Use music to influence the tone of a scene – think about how a specific melody or rhythm could mirror the mood of your characters.

 

Art and Painting

Art helps develop your observation skills. It encourages you to focus on detail, color, and composition, skills that are invaluable when writing descriptions or building immersive settings.

 

Tip: Try sketching scenes or characters. You might discover new aspects of your story as you attempt to capture them visually.

 

Gardening

Tending to plants teaches patience, attention to detail, and an understanding of growth and cycles. These lessons can translate to how you develop characters or plot arcs that evolve over time.

 

Tip: Use gardening metaphors in your writing to illustrate themes of growth, nurturing, or resilience.

 

Sports and Physical Activities

 

Exercise is a great way to clear your head, release stress, and improve your focus. Plus, many sports teach strategic thinking, teamwork, and perseverance—all useful traits for writing compelling characters or navigating complex plots.

 

Tip: Use the discipline of sports training as inspiration for characters who push themselves to reach their goals.

 

So, the next time you feel stuck, frustrated, or exhausted, consider stepping away from your manuscript and engaging in a hobby you love. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a cooking class, or trying out a new craft, you’ll return to your writing refreshed and ready to tackle your next chapter with new perspective.

 

To your book!

 

Megan

Writer's Motivation: Keep the Pen Moving!

We all know that writing is both an art and a craft, but sometimes the journey can feel like a never-ending stretch of blank pages and half-finished thoughts. Staying motivated as a writer is one of the hardest aspects of the craft, yet it’s also one of the most important. So, how do we maintain that momentum, even when that spark feels dim?

Here are some tried-and-true tips for keeping your motivation high and your creativity flowing:

Set Realistic Goals

It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t have a clear direction. Instead of aiming for the giant task of “writing a novel,” break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Start with a goal like “write 500 words a day,” or “finish one chapter this week.” Achieving small goals gives you that satisfying sense of progress and keeps your motivation up. Don’t forget to celebrate those mini victories!

Find Your “Why”

Why do you write? Whether it’s for the love of storytelling, the joy of creating worlds, or the desire to connect with others, it’s important to reflect on the deeper reason behind your writing. Remind yourself of your purpose, and let that passion drive you on days when it feels like you’re just going through the motions. Revisit your “why” often – it will give you the strength to keep going when the going gets tough.

Create a Writing Routine

Consistency breeds progress. Having a regular writing time helps keep your mind sharp and makes it easier to keep those words flowing. Whether it’s 30 minutes every morning, a couple of hours on weekends, or a night-time ritual, carve out time just for writing. Your brain will start to associate that time with productivity, making it easier to fall into a rhythm.

Embrace the Ugly First Draft

Perfectionism can kill motivation faster than anything. Remember that no one’s first draft is flawless – no, not even the pros. Write freely, without worrying about every sentence or plot twist. The goal is to get your ideas down; the editing and polishing come later. Sometimes you need to give yourself permission to write badly before you can write well.

Take Breaks & Stay Inspired

Writing isn’t all about sitting at the desk and pounding out words. Inspiration can strike when you least expect it – on a walk, while watching a film, or reading a book. Take time away from the screen to recharge your creative battery. When you come back to your writing, you’ll likely have fresh ideas and renewed energy. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed break!

Find a Writing Community:

Writing can be a solitary activity, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Seek out fellow writers to connect with. Whether it is an online group, a local writing class, or a friend who shares your passion, having a support system can do wonders for your motivation. Share your work, ask for feedback, and be there for others. Being part of a writing community fosters accountability and keeps the joy of writing alive.

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

Finally, it is important to remind yourself that writing is a journey. Some days will be better than others, and that is okay. Celebrate your progress, not just your end goal. Whether it’s 500 words or 5,000, remember that every step forward is progress toward your larger dream.

Writing can be hard, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Keep the pen moving, even on days when the words aren’t coming easily. Stay focused on your goals, embrace the messy process, and surround yourself with inspiration and support. You’ve got this! Happy writing!

To you and your book!

Megan

P.S. Share some of your goals with me! What are you working on right now? I’d love to hear about your latest project and how you’re staying motivated!

Writing: Using Your Five Senses

Writing: Using Your Five Senses

As writers, we have a unique power: the ability to transport our readers into the world we’ve created. One of the best ways to do this is by engaging all five senses in our descriptions. When we tap into sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, we make our scenes feel alive, as if readers are actually standing next to our characters, experiencing everything with them.

 

Let’s dive into how you can use the five senses to bring your scenes to life!

Publishing Your Poetry Book: A Guide for Poets Ready to Share Their Work

Publishing Your Poetry Book: A Guide for Poets Ready to Share Their Work

Writing poetry is an intimate, deeply personal experience. Whether you’re delving into emotions, experiences, or painting vivid imagery, your poems are reflections of who you are. The thought of sharing your poems with a wider audience can be both thrilling and intimidating. and the journey to publishing your poetry book doesn’t need to be overwhelming. 

By understanding the key steps, you’ll be ready to take your poetry from the notebook to the bookshelf, whether you’re looking to pursue traditional publishing or self-publish.

Looking for some reading recommendations?

Many clients published books in 2024, and some have done so even more recently. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on projects in a variety of genres, but memoirs in particular have been more and more popular over the past few years.

Why do I enjoy working on memoirs and self-help books? Because the authors very much want to help readers. They want to share their pain, their triumphs, their lessons learned, so that others can benefit from that hard-won expertise. While ALL books can be helpful (nothing fills my heart with more joy than curling up with a glass of wine and a good book!), these brave authors really put themselves out there, and the insight they share with readers is so valuable.

I try not to choose favorites, but here are the recently-published books by some clients I have enjoyed working with in particular!

Jet Lag Junkie: Unfiltered Tales of a Compulsive Wanderer by Jeff Johns

2025 Feathered Quill Award Finalist - Best Memoir

Jeff, an overweight and insecure college student on the verge of dropping out, follows an uncontrollable urge ending up alone nearly 10,000 miles from home weeks after the 2004 Tsunami in Southeast Asia. Desperate to chase every experience possible, Jet Lag Junkie is the vulnerable and raw journey behind one man's quest to find meaning, belonging, and love amidst an ever-changing backdrop of the most unique places on Earth.

Through deeply personal struggles with severe ADHD, imposter syndrome, anxiety, body image, and burnout, Jeff’s two-decade journey through nearly 100 countries reveals issues seldom discussed in a world that worships perfection and happiness on every screen. Brought to life through adventures from Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, being held at gunpoint in Malaysia, being impossibly lost in Bangladesh and detained by military police in Tajikistan,
Jet Lag Junkie inspires readers to experience life more deeply, and to get a bit uncomfortable while doing it.

Often humorous, always intimate,
Jet Lag Junkie reveals the compulsive search and painful struggles of growing up. Testing the limits of what Jeff is capable of, how much he is willing to sacrifice before stopping long enough to find someone to enjoy it all with?

Jumpseat: Jet Setting in the 1970s by Dianna Bennett

When a 20-year-old college student stumbles on her way to marriage, she finds solace in a new life of travel and intrigue. In 1969, with the Viet Nam War raging and the youth of America on fire, Dianna runs away from the pain of rejection and the embarrassment of an engagement gone wrong. As she searches for meaning, two strangers steer her into the arms of Trans World Airlines and the "Jet Set" age of travel. With each new assignment, especially on the Boeing 747, she soon forgets about the life she left behind. Open eyed, yet naive, she earns her wings as she maneuvers through the new and exciting minefields of international travel.

A Real Nobody a Fake Somebody and Me: A Memoir of Forced and Closed Adoption by Sherry Bridgette Healey:

In her haunting memoir, A Real Nobody A Fake Somebody and Me, Sherry Bridgette Healey unveils a lifetime of secrets buried beneath layers of deception. Born into anonymity, Sherry Bridgette’s existence was erased by a government mandate, and from the moment she took her first breath, she was condemned to a life of invisibility, and forced to become ‘Sherry.’ But behind this facade of non-existence lies a tale of resilience, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of truth as the true identity of Bridgette, voices her story.

From the depths of abandonment to the heights of self-discovery, her journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit. As she unravels the tangled web of lies that shroud her past, she confronts the ghosts of her childhood, navigating a treacherous landscape of psychological abuse and emotional neglect. But amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope emerge as Bridgette discovers the power of embracing her fractured identity and reclaiming her stolen heritage.

As she unveils the layers of her fragmented self, she invites readers to explore the secret underbelly of institutionalized adoption practices, drawing chilling parallels to the darkest chapters of history. But
A Real Nobody A Fake Somebody and Me is more than a memoir – it’s a rallying cry for justice, and a roadmap for healing and transformation to all who have felt the pain of rejection and the trauma of lost identity and the ongoing injustices and violations against our basic human rights. With raw honesty, poignant insights, and practical wisdom, Bridgette shares her journey from victim to victor, inviting readers to join her on an expedition of healing and transformation, inspiring hope in the hearts of those who dare to reclaim their true selves.

Hip Hop x Finance: Become a Financial Gangster! Get off Debt Row and Stack your Cash Flow by Drew Boyer:

Hip Hop x Finance is a unique financial guide that blends personal finance education with the powerful influence of hip-hop culture. Written by a 20+ year veteran of the financial services industry and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, author Drew Boyer takes readers on an engaging journey through the all-to-common money mistakes, lessons, and successes that shaped both his own financial journey and the world of hip-hop.

Drawing from personal experiences of making financial missteps in his early adulthood, Drew parallels his story with the financial rise and fall of famous hip-hop artists. From the extravagant lifestyles of MC Hammer and 50 Cent to the financial wisdom of moguls like Jay-Z and Dr. Dre, Hip Hop x Finance uses real-life examples from the music industry to illustrate critical money lessons including managing debt, building cash flow, investing wisely, and avoiding common money pitfalls.

With chapter titles inspired by iconic hip-hop tracks, clever wordplay, and excerpts of classic rhymes, the book entertains while providing practical education on how to turn financial struggles into wealth-building opportunities for Gen X, Y, and Z. Break free from the "Debt Row" trap, become an entrepreneurial hustler to stack your cash flow, and learn the basic tricks about how to build lasting financial success.

Activate Your Future Self: The Secret to Effortlessly Becoming the Happiest, Healthiest and Wealthiest You by Mimi Bouchard

FINALLY GET EVERYTHING YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE

In this transformative book, Mimi Bouchard, founder of the revolutionary Activations app, offers simple but powerful strategies to shift every aspect of your life – from your health and relationships to your career and finances – and help you become the happiest, most successful, most abundant version of yourself. You’ll discover how to:

  • Gain clarity on what your dream life looks like and what you really want

  • Change your self-image and become your Future Self through visualization, mental rehearsal, Activations, writing prompts and more

  • Maintain your Future Self frequency every day using Mimi’s unique achievement tool, the Bounce Back Rate™

You have potential inside of you that you haven’t tapped into yet. This book will show you how to achieve that potential, quickly recover from setbacks and finally become who you’ve always wanted to be. Remember: to create the life you want, you must first become the kind of person that has it.

It’s time to activate your Future Self.

Moving Forward with Bold Uncertainty by Lisa Rose:

How do I move forward? What will this new life hold for me?

If others can get "there," will I be able to get "there" too? What does "there" even look like for me, anyway?

Those of us dealing with separation, divorce, or significant loss face difficult questions like these. Author Lisa Rose explores answers to them, sharing raw, personal stories from her own journey through divorce and toward discovering her "there."

Life has a way of sending storms into our lives that make us face how harsh reality can be. Setbacks, mistakes, and missteps might cause us to stumble. Failures, hurdles, and disappointments might sneak up on us. Losses, rejection, and exclusion might catch us by surprise.

A retired Christian life coach, Lisa helps others find answers and shares eight pivotal lessons guiding readers in figuring out their own "there", cultivating the necessary grace and courage to let go of what once was to Moving Forward with Bold Uncertainty into a life full of hidden blessings and unexpected new beginnings. Whatever challenge we face, there are possibilities out there to claim, if we are ready and bold enough to step forward to grasp them.

The Science of Miracles: One doctor's journey to find hope and healing beyond the broken medical system by Robin Youngson

Driven by childhood trauma, a passionate engineer turned doctor confronts the suffering within the medical system. Expecting to find compassion and care, he instead encounters a broken, inhumane and corrupt system. As his journey leads him to question his own deeply held beliefs, he uncovers an urgent need for strategies prioritizing human connection over technical fixes.

Through profound encounters with patients and wise teachers, the author discovers a new scientific reality where healing flourishes and miracles occur daily – insights with the potential to transform medical practice. After winning New Zealand's highest medical award, he makes a bold decision to leave the system and embrace his true calling as a healer and teacher.

This honest and captivating medical memoir explores how societal myths and trauma misshape our beliefs, and our innate capacity to heal. Blending cutting-edge neuroscience with extraordinary stories of compassion and healing, this book offers fresh insights and new hope by showing how challenging our assumptions can transform our lives and the world we are part of.

I hope you will take the time to check out one of these books – or even work on your own!

To you and your book!

Megan

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career: A Guide for Aspiring Authors

How to Start a Freelance Writing Career: A Guide for Aspiring Authors

For many authors, the dream is to make writing a full-time career, and working as a freelance writer can open up exciting opportunities – while also providing flexibility to focus on your craft. With the right approach, this can be an incredibly rewarding journey.

 

If you’re considering making the leap into freelance writing, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and find success.