[Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip] Are you the Girl With the Pearl Earring?

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

 

Blend History and Fiction by using a famous painting, or your favorite piece of art to inspire you to have a new attitude about your approach to life.

 

Did you see the movie that told a version of how the painting came to be? She was a servant, not a model, but the artist saw more. Her expression has an air of mystery and begs the question, “what is she thinking?” Wouldn’t you want people to wonder that about you? 

 

You can be your own inspiration for making a change…start with something small…if you usually wear t-shirts, wear a blouse…if you usually wear jeans, try a skort or long skirt…if you have to wear a uniform, wear some interesting earrings, add a scarf or a different hair style. In the kitchen opt for a new spice, new recipe for yet another chicken breast, or take on the challenge of making a healthy version of your favorite meal. Spring cleaning – time to sweep out the winter cobwebs and rearrange the furniture groupings, or add a slipcover for the sofa.

You get the picture. It’s another opportunity for self-care…nurture YOU! I’ll leave the details up to you…
 
Filed Under: Coaxing Creativity Tues Tip, Creativity, General Tagged With: , , , ,

Swimming in the Soup of Building Your Business

May 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment

crashing or serene?Are things going along…swimmingly in your business? Are you floating or floundering? Frantically treading water and paddling madly to miss the rocky shore amongst all the many details of day-to-day running a successful business?

Serving clients with your products/services, making sure your dollars coming in and dollars going out are keeping up with your bottom line…and always marketing to make sure you continue to have those dollars flowing in!

Oh yeah, marketing…social media, blogs, e-mail campaigns, maybe even a book. That means writing. Umm…suddenly have a sinking feeling and hear these thoughts? 

  • I have a blog, but I’m stumped on what to post.
  • I never know what to say on Facebook.
  • I have a great idea for a book, but I don’t know where to start.

out of the soup with Mary "Writer Unleashed" KnippelHold on…I’ve got a suggestion to pull you out of that, “I don’t know what to say when I get around to writing,” soup. Join me for a F-r-e-e Call on May 20.

Just as a really good soup blends a variety of flavors and textures, really good marketing contains a number of options to present your message to appeal to your audience in a manner best suited for them to not only hear your message, but to take action on that message. 

Meaning…your business marketing must build a relationship with our readers. It must include a variety of ways to invite your readers to know, like and trust you. It must engage all the readers – including YOU!

Okay, okay, I hear you going back to:

  • I don’t know what to say
  • I don’t know who my audience is
  • I don’t have time for all this

 

So let’s talk about that.

I have some ideas on how you can easily figure out what to write about that will be painless (well almost) and enjoyable as spending time at the beach. Most importantly, it will build a bond between you and those who need what you have to offer the world.

 sandy shore

Like the sound of that?

 

Want to hear more?

 

Here’s how… 

Join me for my F-R-E-E Call “Writing the Fun, Fast and Flirtatious Way” discussion  on Monday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. to learn tips, tricks and strategies to make that soup the best thing you’ve ever tasted because it is the life-sustaining nourishment of your business!

Can’t wait to hear you on the call!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Creativity

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt]

May 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt

writer unleashed timed writing prompt

I’ve learned that my success depends on…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg, author of the popular writing guide, “Writing Down the Bones,” uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period of time.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – I’ve learned that my success depends on… or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and/or fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Filed Under: Creativity, Writer Unleashed, Writing, Writing prompt Tagged With: , , ,

I’m being interviewed…

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Writer Unleashed

Writer Unleashed

Yours truly is going to be the Featured Presenter at the FREE EMR Journey to Mastery TeleSummit Series happening Thursday, 5/16/13 at 9 a.m. (Pacific).  My friend and colleague, V. Lynn Hawkins  “The Money Girl,” is hosting this fabulous telesummit series focusing on the many aspects of being a successful business owner.  As we all know, being in business today means writing in a number of areas. Lynn has asked me to speak on the subject of writing in your business.

Join me as I share “Writing Your Unleashed Story:  A Fun, Fast and Flirtatious Approach to Writing The Story of Your Business!”  

Grab a pen and paper and join us for our discussion on…

  • The Three Biggest Writing Mistakes Business Owners Make in their Marketing Materials, Social Media , Blogging or Writing their Book
  • The Three Biggest Musts Business Owners Need in Writing their Marketing Materials, Social Media, Blogging, or Writing their Book

 

 Register now to get more details and the call access information. We look forward to hearing you on the call.

 

Filed Under: Speaking, Writer Unleashed, Writing Tagged With: , , ,

Miraculously my own…

May 12, 2013 By 2 Comments

 

Miraculously my own

Miraculously my own

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who loves and supports us! Emphasis on everyone…whether they gave birth to us or not. I especially want to acknowledge the selflessness of our daughter’s birth mother who loved her so much she choose to place her for adoption where we were selected to be the parents who raised her.

Our road to parenthood was a journey full of twists and turns. While the root of our infertility was never determined, we were advised to “just relax and let nature take it’s course, but put your name on the adoption list if you are really serious about having a family.” Well, we started the interview process at Catholic Charities…and I decided that I’d really change my focus by going to school full time to get my degree instead of staying in the secretarial position which was not at all fulfilling for me anymore.

This picture is from our first Mother’s Day together. It was also our daughter’s baptism day. She wore the same dress my brothers and sisters (also worn by many of my nieces and nephews) had worn when we were baptized. I loved that she has that family connection.

The following poem by Fleur Conkling Heyliger captures exactly how I feel about adoption. 

Not flesh of my flesh
Nor bone of my bone
but still Miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute
You did not grow under my heart
but in it.

I hope you are able to enjoy the day with your loved ones …sharing a meal, remembering previous holidays and making new memories. 

 

Filed Under: Creativity, Memoir, nonfiction writing, Personal, story Tagged With: , , ,

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] The best thing my mother ever did…

May 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt

writer unleashed timed writing prompt

The best thing my mother  ever did…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period of time.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – the best thing my mother ever did... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion.

This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and/or fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Filed Under: Creativity, Five Minute Writing Prompt, Memoir, Writing, Writing prompt Tagged With: , , , ,

Got a minute?

May 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
George and Florence Prescott - parents of Writer Unleashed

George and Florence Prescott – parents of Writer Unleashed

I’m just curious. What does mothering mean to you? Something special and magical? Or, no connection to it’s ethereal and elusive essence?

Mother’s Day at our house when I was young meant that my parents would spend the day together away from us kids…all 6 of us. As the oldest girl, it was my job to make sure the younger kids stayed in line, and were in one piece when my parents got home. They didn’t do much without us, so it was a very big deal for them to go out, and Daddy made sure Mommie felt special on Mother’s Day.

My father would shed his daily garb of farmer bib overalls and get dressed up. He’d slick back his salt and pepper crew cut, splash on Old Spice,  and escort my mother on a well-deserved day off. He made her feel special because that day she had his undivided attention. They might go to dinner and a movie, or just go for a long drive and end up at a fancy restaurant. My father never made elaborate plans. They just drove off together after church and sometimes we didn’t see them again until it was dark 

Whether you are going to get breakfast in bed, or not, making Mothering Yourself…nurturing yourself…a daily habit of giving yourself undivided attention will enrich you and everyone who loves you.

Make yourself a priority in your daily life. Be sure you include quality time for YOU!

Own your own story. Decide who you want to be and go for it.

Take action! Do one thing every day to show yourself how special you are.

Have the courage to go after your dreams.

Express Yourself! Dance, paint, draw, sing, collage, create!

Ready, set, Go!

What do you do to show yourself (and the world) that you are special?

(for example…make the choice to eat healthy throughout the day instead of grabbing fast food, sit in the park for an afternoon break instead of gulping down another cup of coffee and reading e-mail, write in your journal before you get up or go to sleep to record your thoughts)

Filed Under: Creativity, Memoir, Personal, story, Writing Tagged With: , , ,

[Coaxing Creativity Tuesday Tip] Love Bucket List

May 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

 

Love Bucket List from the Writer Unleashed

Love Bucket List from the Writer Unleashed

Self-care is self-aware and no matter what your inner critic tries to tell you, it is not selfish to spend quality time with yourself. Think about the proper maintenance of your car. Would you attempt to go on any kind of trip, the grocery store or across the Golden Gate Bridge, if you didn’t know that you had enough gas and the engine was functioning properly because you had the oil changed etc. If you start driving along and continuously ignore the check engine light on your dashboard, you know you are asking for trouble down the road…literally. Well, maintaining your body/mind/spirit connection is just as important.

Don’t wait until you have a health crisis to take care of yourself! 

Self-care is being aware of how you are balancing everything in your life. 

Today’s tip is to create a Love Bucket List of ways you can lavish nurturing on yourself.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. luxuriate in a bubble bath
  2. take a walk on the beach
  3. buy yourself a bunch of flowers
  4. have tea somewhere new
  5. visit a garden center
  6. explore a craft store
  7. have a free make over at a cosmetics counter
  8. smell the roses at Golden Gate Park rose garden
  9. take a museum tour
  10. schedule a field trip to an art supply store
  11. experience texture at a fabric store
  12. give yourself a foot massage
  13. nap in the middle of the day
  14. do some yoga moves
  15. cook something special
  16. read for pleasure
  17. light a candle and meditate
  18. play with paint, stamps or fun papers
  19. go to the movies
  20. work up a sweat exercising
  21. get a new hair cut
  22. write in your journal
  23. invite your inner child to create a dream board
  24. eat chocolate
  25. ride the merry-go-round
  26. blow soap bubbles
  27. visit the zoo
  28. give yourself a hug and a pat on the back
  29. listen to inspirational music/books
  30. dance
  31. savor your favorite ice cream treat

Now…go write your own Love Bucket List! And please share your ideas. I’d love to hear how you nurture YOU!

Filed Under: Coaxing Creativity Tues Tip, collage, Memoir, Writing Tagged With: , , , ,

[Friday five-minute writing prompt] May, I’m ready to…

May 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt

writer unleashed timed writing prompt

May, I’m ready to…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period of time.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – May, I’m ready to… or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and/or fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Filed Under: Five Minute Writing Prompt, nonfiction writing, story, Writing, Writing prompt Tagged With: , , , ,

Mothering yourself…

May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Meuer girls

Meuer girls

Here we are in the Merry Month of May. Do you remember that song from Camelot? The month of, “yes, you may.”

Growing up good little boys and girls did what their mothers (and everyone else) told them was correct behavior. We were polite, said please and thank you, turned in our homework on time and cleaned our room without being asked. Well, most of the time. Some of the time? Okay, occasionally. But, the point is we knew what our mother expected of us and how we were to treat everyone with respect and courtesy.

She told you to button your coat when you went out in the cold because she didn’t want you to get sick. 

Now you know that it takes more than wearing a sweater to keep yourself from getting sick. 

She told you to drink your milk because she wanted you to have strong bones.

Now you know it takes more than drinking milk to have strong bones.

She told you to listen to your teachers because she wanted you to learn the lessons being taught at school.

Now you know more than the teachers in a classroom provide the lessons you need to help you create your amazing life.

How are you doing at this mothering thing when it comes to YOU?

 As an adult, mothering yourself is an attitude we all have to have about self-care. We have to be the ones saying, “yes, you may” about taking care of ourselves.

We have to be the ones urging common sense when we want to work just 15-minutes longer on that new idea that’s been noodling around in our head all day which ends up being 90-minutes and we don’t get enough sleep. Or, skip our workout because we need to make another phone call. How often do you look up to realize that you didn’t get away from your desk longer than that restroom sprint? What about breakfast, lunch and your dinner routine? Not eating nutritious meals on a regular basis because we don’t have time to shop, cook, or digest them.

 Nurturing yourself also includes breathing space…down time in whatever form you crave. Mine includes journaling, walks on the beach and soaking in bubble baths. You may like to get lost in planting a flowerbed, tossing a ball, or sketching a still life.

It doesn’t matter what you choose to do in your leisure time…what matters is that you take time to step away from the pursuit of business to pursue the business of being a whole person in body, mind an spirit. The result will be a you who brings a stronger and more compassionate self to the business we are passionate about.

Filed Under: Creativity, General, story, Stress, Writing Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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