Author: Janet Eriksson

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From Notes to Book: Collecting Treasures One Idea at a Time

Folks often ask how to turn their stacks of notes into a book. I compare the process to rock collecting: seeking and gathering treasures, discovering and appreciating what’s there, and arranging them into mini collections. 

This process isn’t about turning notes into a book overnight. It’s about the joy of discovering the treasures already in your notes and finding wonderful ways to arrange them into a book outline. The more fun you have in the process, the more engaging your book will be for your readers. 

Let’s look at how to turn notes into a book—rock-collecting style. 

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Pumpkin Spice Blogging: Simple, Warm, Welcoming

The fall season is settling in. Perfect time to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte in a cozy nook while writing your business blog posts. When you write in a relaxed atmosphere, your blog posts are more likely to be simple, welcoming, and warmly engaging—which is exactly how your readers want to feel at this busy yet beautiful time of year.

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Teen Piano Accompanist, Creative Collaborator for Life: What Piano Taught Me about Listening and Support

My first freelance role began in my teen years, in junior and senior high school. I played flute and piccolo in the band, and I played piano for fun. Every year, we went to district contests, hoping to perform well enough to go on to the state competition. I performed flute and piano solos and participated in trios. But I soon discovered another role that I really enjoyed—piano accompanist.

Many instrument soloists needed a piano accompanist for their contest performance. When word got around that I was an experienced teen pianist and would already be at the contest venues, I suddenly had my first freelance clients. Through the years that followed, I played the piano accompaniments for woodwind, brass, string, and percussion soloists. Through that experience, I learned a lot that helps me today as an editor and ghostwriter. 

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3 Ways to Repurpose Last Month’s Blog Posts

One of the many things I love about blog articles is how they provide great material for other types of communication, like social posts and email newsletters, as well as round-up-style blog posts for those weeks when you are short on time.

Before you head into your next month of blogging, let’s take a look and see how last month’s blog posts can give you more communication mileage.

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Do You Need a Ghostwriter, Writing Coach, or Editor?

You’ve been dreaming about writing a book for a while. You’re ready to make that dream a reality. Like many first-time book authors, you might not be sure how to get started on a book project. You’re in good company — we’ve all been there — and it’s wise to reach out for help.

As you think about the ideas you want to share, you may be wondering which path you should take. Should you get help from a writing coach as you develop your book? Should you bring a ghostwriter into the project? Or should you go ahead and write the book and then hire an editor? I’ll explain the differences, so you can make an informed decision.

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Quick and Easy Blogging Tips for Back-to-School Season Success

It’s that time of year when schedules change, days get busier, and you have more priorities than fingers to count them on. Keeping your blog going during this busy season? Seems impossible.

But with a simple strategy, you can keep your blog going to stay connected with your clients and prospects. Let’s take a look.

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Walking Dogs, Mowing Lawns, and Learning to Be Reliable

Throughout my teen years, I was the go-to pet sitter on our street. When neighbors went out of town, I fed their pets, walked dogs, mowed the lawn, cleaned the house, watered plants, and took in the mail. 

Being a teen pet sitter might sound like a small job. But as any pet parent knows, you have to trust your pet sitter, and you wouldn’t hand over your house key to just anyone. I feel honored they chose me. Little did I know, those early jobs were teaching me in ways that continue to guide my work today. 

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Writing a Book this Fall? End of Summer is the Perfect Prep Time

It’s summer: time for rest, play, enjoying longer days. And you’re torn. You know you want to write a book this fall, and you wonder if you should start preparing now. But you don’t want to miss one relaxing ounce of summer. 

Not to worry. You can take a few steps to prepare for fall book writing that fit easily into your summer pace. Let’s take a look. 

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