Mary E. Knippel, Author at Your Writing Mentor

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] I am inspired by…

February 1, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

I am inspired by…

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.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – I am inspired by... 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 a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and 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.

Photo credit: SherieCohenPhotography

Got a Feisty & Defiant Story?

January 31, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

Are you starting the year feisty? Are you defiantly taking aim at new challenges? Is this the year you claim your voice and share your message with the world?

You know that YOU are the SOLUTION to their DILEMMA. Yet, your message is not being heard out there in the Marketplace. Are you stuck writing blog posts? Do your e-mails go unread? Has lack of sign-ups forced you to cancel an event?

Your Crystal Ball reveals a very different picture! No matter how frustrated, weary and just plain tired you are, You will not give up. You pick up your bow and take aim at your success. You have a clear vision of the difference you are here to make in the world. You have unshakable faith that once you master your biggest challenge, clients and customers will flock to you.

Remember, your personal story has universal appeal. No one else can share your story from your perspective. And someone out there is waiting to hear your give voice to your story so that they will not feel so alone in their story.

Along with your faith in your abilities and gifts, you must share your gifts. Share with them your journey. Let them know how you have fallen down and gotten back up…in order to deliver what they need. They need to know, like and trust you in order to do business with you. Knowing who you are and that you believe in what you do is vital to your success. Share your vulnerability…your standing defiant story…how you defy the odds in business…in life…to show that you are one of those people who stands up to be heard and to make a difference.

If you are ready to address those challenges, I’m here to help make your vision a reality. Make an appointment for a complimentary consultation today.

photo credit: Dreamstime.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] Finding my possibilities…

January 25, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

Finding my possibilities…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – Finding my possibilities... 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 a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and 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.

Photo credit: SherieCohenPhotography

Your Story of Success

January 23, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

What do you consider a success story? Money in the bank? Fancy car? Big house, pool & staff? Vacations to exotic places? Children attending private school?

I had a conversation with a fellow writer recently about works-in-progress. This business of writing poses challenges whether you are writing copy for your business, working on your first book, or want to commit your story to words for your family to hear. Regardless of the label or category (workbook, self-help, memoir, non-fiction, or novel…keep in mind that all fiction is based on fact in some form), you are writing about the journey called “life”‘ and how you’ve coped.

These are Your Success Stories! A truly unleashed description!

Everyone has a story to tell. Each and every one of us has a unique story belonging only to us. And no one else can tell your story from the inside out because not another soul in this world has had your experience. They do not have the ability to speak from your perspective.

Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your story matters because it is your story to tell. Remember…there is someone waiting to hear your story. Your personal story has universal impact. For example, you may quote a statistic such as one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. When I share that I’ve received form letters telling me of an abnormal mammogram…twice…then it’s not about a statistic…it’s about a real vulnerable and passionate woman…it’s about me and it’s about you. Stories of cancer touch many, many lives and mine is just one. (I’m fine now and have been cancer free for over 10 years!)

Who you are as an individual is your success story. How you treat people with respect and compassion is your success story. When you share your gifts and live your life on purpose that is your success story.

Put your passion into words…about what you do and why you do it, who you serve and how you help them…what lights you up! Grab a journal write it down. Let the words flow on the page as your hand moves across the paper. Yes, I recommend doing it the old school way with pen and paper. Tapping on computer keys puts you in another part of your head. Take dictation from your heart about the message you want to share with the world.

photo credit: Dreamstime.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] I am a mentor…

January 18, 2019 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

I am a mentor…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – I am a mentor... 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 a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and 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.

Photo credit: SherieCohenPhotography