A Conversation with Writing Coach, Shawndra Holmberg
Publishing a book can be such a powerful marketing tool. Every day you probably see a post on Facebook or LinkedIn making that case. Sounds great, but how on earth does it happen? Most of us don’t feel like we’re a writer – and writing a book? Seems impossible!
On this week’s episode of NAPO’s podcast Stand Out – Growing Your Organizing and Productivity Business, host Sarah Karakaian goes in depth with guest Shawndra Holmberg about getting over fears about writing and sharing your message with the world.
Sarah and Shawndra begin by talking about Shawndra’s amazing back story. Using her education in chemistry and biology, she served as a biohazard preparedness planner for the state of Hawaii District Health Office. Holmberg also spent 13 months as a health and safety expert at the South Pole. Life and career paths rarely run in a straight line! Planning and organizing were common themes in all her work, so 12 years ago she decided to make organizing her primary business. She is now living near Pittsburg, PA and continuing her organizing work, focusing on helping writers and creative people stay organized.
Shawndra and Sarah continue the conversation with the crooked path that led Shawndra to writing. She definitely did not grow up thinking of herself as a writer. “I grew up thinking I couldn’t write, thinking writing was just too hard. I had this picture that writers sit down and come up with these beautiful paragraphs in one sitting, and it’s not true.” But she was encouraged by friends and family to follow this dream – and it has paid off. She encourages people to write in whatever format is best for them. It’s a practice like anything else.
Holmberg encourages business owners to look at the power of self-publishing. Working with an agent to get a traditional book deal can be exciting, but it’s not the most efficient way to start. Self-publish and don’t necessarily spend a lot of time trying to get an agent’s attention. Your success might just bring an agent’s attention to you!
Sarah and Shawndra talk about the exciting trajectory that writing can take. Once you start with blog posts, newsletters, whitepapers – whatever format works for you – repurpose that content. Don’t start with the notion that you will sit down and write a book. Repurpose the content you are creating all the time – that’s going to be your book!
There’s much more packed into the interview – be sure you take a listen. To check out the podcast and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, visit: https://napopodcast.com/
Shawndra Holmberg, CPO-CD, is the owner of Dhucks. She signs her emails with the title: Primary Instigator of Productivity & Organization for Writers, Creatives, & Dreamers. She understands the challenges and triumphs of being a writer. Her fourth book, 31 Small Steps to Organize for Emergencies, was just published in February. Shawndra has been in business for 12 years and has lately turned her passion to guiding, mentoring, and coaching fellow writers with a new business, HYH Book Coach. She’ll inspire you to share your message and get your book(s) into the hands of readers everywhere.