Hi Reader,
A few months ago, my adorable Chihuahua puppy started leaning into the darker side of her breed’s nature.
Resource guarding (a.k.a. snatching socks, bringing them to her hideout under our couch, and growling if we tried to get them back), barking at strangers, and snapping at me for seemingly no reason (I’m sure there was chihuahua logic in play us humans just aren’t smart enough to grasp), but it felt super random—and scary—for me.
We were feeling pretty helpless. We didn’t know if those behaviors could be trained out. If they could, we definitely didn’t know how to do it.
So we got help.
It was an investment of time and money and treats, but it worked.
Her behavior has transformed. Is it perfect? Not quite. But we have the tools we need to manage misbehavior when it happens.
In other words, we now have a clear path forward.
That’s what I give to writers.
If you’re feeling helpless, not even sure if your book can be fixed, much less how to make it happen, my job is to create a path forward.
Whether I’m drawing the map for you via my editing services OR guiding you every step of the way in Reader Ready Revisions, I’m here to help.
You’ll have to wait a bit for editing, but the next cohort of Reader Ready Revisions opens soon! Get on the waitlist instantly by clicking here!
Better Writing
Due to technical difficulties, this week’s Better Writer Podcast episode is delayed, but here’s a preview of what I’m talking about this week.
I recently read/listened to Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy*. It was full of business-related gems, but I also found so many lessons that apply to writing.
Here are three highlights:
#1 - The 80% Rule
The authors argue that getting a project from 0%-80% is relatively easy. That’s your first draft (or zero draft if you’re in to that kind of thing). Then, he argues, getting it from 80%-90% is exponentially more difficult. Getting it from 90%-100% is even harder than that.
The antidote? Feedback! And no, I didn’t make that up because it fits so perfectly with what I tell writers all the time.
According to Sullivan & Hardy, when it comes to conquering the massive hurdle between your rough draft and the final version, help will get you there faster. Or, as the authors say, “the longer you try to perfect your idea before feedback, the slower the transformation process... Also, with encouragement, you’ll work through challenges instead of procrastinating as you would naturally.”
#2 - Be honest when you’re struggling.
Here’s what the authors have to say: “the worst thing you can do, when you’re struggling or stuck, is keep it to yourself. By being vulnerable and honest about your feelings, you’ll immediately be less overwhelmed. You’ll be able to see your emotions differently once they are communicated openly. But also, you’ll begin making progress toward the result, because rather than avoiding painful emotions, you’ll be committed to moving forward.”
How does that apply to the writing process?
When we get stuck, it’s easy to stay stuck in our own heads. We stop writing, avoid our draft, and even move on to a shiny new project, at least until we get stuck and drop that one too, of course. Instead, why not talk it out with someone. They don’t even have to be a writer. Any supportive shoulder to lean on will do!
#3 - Stop trying to reach your goals in isolation.
If you were raised in the US (or likely any Western education system), you were probably taught that work has to happen in isolation, otherwise it doesn’t “count”.
Or maybe you grew up dreading group projects because somehow you always seemed to be the person who got stuck holding the bag when everyone else flaked out.
Unfortunately, as the authors point out, “being isolated and alone in your goals does damage to your perspective, warping you into a cynical person with limiting views of yourself and other people. You undervalue the contributions of other people and also underestimate what you could be and what you could accomplish.”
How does that show up in writing? We start looking at other writers as our competition in a scarce market instead of trying to learn from those around us and create the collaborations that will help us succeed. We start looking at every investment in our writing as a burden, something to be feared, even if it could unlock opportunities outside our wildest dreams.
I hope you can see why I’m obsessed with this book just from that short snippet!
For the full backstory on what the title Who Not How means and even more insight into how you can apply it to your writing life, stay tuned for my next podcast episode!
You can subscribe for updates in your favorite podcast player here OR subscribe to my YouTube channel here.
Better Living
It’s been a head down, do the work kind of week, so I’m keeping it simple and sharing Minerva pics!
She was recently voted cutest dog by the staff at my fiance’s school, so you’re welcome!!
Better Reading
Once upon a time, I thought I just wasn’t an audiobook person. Then, Spotify started offering free audiobook listening hours for premium subscribers, and I decided to dip my toe in. I have to admit, I have not had success with fiction audiobooks–I just don’t like the dramatic intonation–it interrupts the voice in my head. What I do love? Nonfiction books on audio!
Here are my top three listens so far:
- Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb* - I’m not really a memoir fan, but I LOVED this book. It made me laugh out loud, cry in my car, and I genuinely couldn’t wait to go back and listen to another chapter.
- The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington* - I listened to this audiobook, bought a hard copy, and then bought another hard copy to gift my dad for Christmas. Setting shorter-term goals has been a game-changer. I haven’t gotten the system down perfectly, but even doing it imperfectly has been incredibly helpful.
- The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy* - Yup, another one by the authors of Who Not How. This book is all about the way perspective affects our success (it also gets referenced in my course, Reader Ready Revisions). When we set big goals and fall short, it’s tempting to look at how we’ve failed (a.k.a. the gap). Instead, they argue, we need to focus on how far we’ve already come (a.k.a. the gain). For a former gifted student, it’s a game changer, and I highly recommend it!
Are you an audiobook fan? Do you have a fiction book rec that might change my mind about listening to novels on audio??
Hit reply and let me know!
Thank you so much for reading another issue of the Better Writer Weekly!
Have a wonderful week and happy writing!
Olivia
P.S. Looking for help to get your draft past that 80% hump? The next cohort of Reader Ready Revisions starts soon. Join the waitlist instantly by clicking here. I'd love to help!!
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Curious to know how I can help? Check out my services here. I can't wait to work with you, so you can write the book your future readers are waiting for!
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