As a writer, I’ve realized that many fellow authors wait for motivation or inspiration or their muse. But, I’ve found another method that works for me. I call it “finding my push.” I realized this listening to one of my horse trainer’s podcasts.

Rather than wait for inspiration, I push. How do I push? I sit down at the computer and start writing down my ideas. I find that “doing” is the push that I need to get started on the next novel and stay on it until it’s finished.

I put working on my book as an action item on my “to-do” list for each day. It is my intent to work on it daily, whether for two hours, half a day, or all day.

This can apply to anything in your life. I received a further example of how to push from my friend and fellow author, Maika Janat. We are just finishing up her book, Go. See. Do. I worked as her editor on her book, which reveals her “10 Life-Changing Quotes to Be Successful as a Young Professional.” Again, the beauty of Maika’s advice is that it isn’t just for young professionals but for anyone who wants to excel in life or business.

Maika went straight out of high school into an internship for a high-profile event production company in Germany. From there, she climbed the ladder and became the head of the company’s first U.S. office before she was thirty (30). She received awards at a young age for her management skills and business acumen. My point is that she used her philosophy of “Go. See. Do.” To succeed in both her life and career.

My horse trainer, Deirdre Sabo, is also another great example of excellence through action. In her early 30s, she’s already a bronze and silver medalist and a national champion in dressage. Her podcasts, horse and rider training methods, and physical fitness coaching are a great inspiration to her clients. She firmly believes in making it happen through action.

I equate both Maika and Deirdre’s action philosophy to finding my push. I can imagine and dream about my next storyline or characters, but until I sit down and make it happen, nothing does. As far as my equestrian training goes, it’s a “live-in-the-moment-and-make-it-happen-now” activity that can easily be applied to my life.

Making it in life is actively taking all the steps necessary to achieve your goals. It’s doing. It’s being focused and passionate about what you want.

So, why did I write about this topic today? Because I have so many friends and folks about whom I care who need to find their push. I think it’s important. And I wanted to send kudos to Deirdre Sabo and Maika Janat because they both have absolutely found their push.

​Till Next Time,
Carol 

I just completed reading this magnificent Regency Romance by my fellow author, Patricia A. Knight. Full disclosure: she is a valued and trusted friend. But let me say this about that. If I didn't love this book, I wouldn't recommend it. 

Why do I love it? First of all, PAK has a wonderful way with words. To say that she can entertain a reader with her use of words is an understatement.

Not just that, she has adapted to the period dialogue, manners, and mannerisms seamlessly. Her research on the styles and social mores of the period is impeccable. 

And, the storyline. Oh, my. She creates tension and keeps it going throughout so that you never want to put it down. When she first asked me to read it, my workload held me back. She graciously told me to read it whenever I could. Well, I glanced at the first few pages and got hooked. I just threw everything else out the window until I finished it. Or, at least, almost.

I used to read Regency Romances as a younger woman but got away from them when work and life got in the way. Then, when I started writing in the paranormal genre, I stuck to those types of stories. But last year, I was at a Writers' Conference with PAK, and she asked me to read her first foray into Regency entitled, A Husband for Hire. Same thing. I read the first few pages and boom! Hooked line and sinker! 

​​So, whenever PAK writes a Regency Romance, I'll be on it like flies on rice. 

If you love romance of any kind, I highly recommend that you give both A Husband for Hire and A Destitute Duke a try. She is making them into a series, and I can't wait for the next one. A Destitute Duke isn't quite out yet, so I recommend you go and grab A Husband for Hire so you'll already know some of the characters, even though the books are easily standalones.

Bravo, Patricia, Bravo!

Until Next Time,
​Carol