Struggle with words, dyslexia or is English not your first language?

Writing a book takes bravery and courage. Even more so if you struggle with words, are dyslexic or if English is your second language.

However, I could give you dozens of examples of people who have overcome barriers to get their book written.

And when they started working with me, they hugely exceeded their expectations and accomplished more than they ever hoped when they started.

But if you don’t write your book, then you risk not being able to support people who are going through the thing that you’ve managed to overcome.

I’d like to introduce you to Zana. One of my one-to-one clients, Zana started working with me in March 2020. Just before COVID-19 became commonplace in our lives. And now Bold Reinvented is in the hands of her publisher.

Zana is Croatian. To appeal to an international audience and build her business globally, she made the brave decision to write in English, her second language. 

And although straightforward on the surface, a book about bold leadership, underneath a very different journey was about to emerge.

What I didn’t know when Zana started working with me was the devastating event that prompted her business and entrepreneurial journey – and later her book – which unravelled during the process.

And it was a beautiful experience to witness her growth and development as she wrote it.

Zana has agreed to share her story as she can say it so much more eloquently than me!

Karen has a unique ability to challenge, to make you step out of your comfort zone and get the very best out of you for your book. This was about really deep work for me, not just about what my book was, but who I was going to become whilst writing it.

Karen guided me with ease and a gentleness that kept me mentally and sometimes physically challenged, but it was done in a graceful manner that ensured I developed as a writer throughout the process.

I grew in so many ways with Karen’s help, even during the more painful angry moments when my emotions took over the story. She drew me back with consciousness and care, advising on re-edits until it was an honest account of my story full of courage and less about the rage. To have someone like Karen to give feedback about chapters, and what worked and what didn’t, was so powerful for me.

I appreciated Karen’s integrity and experience so much and highly respect her knowledge and expertise, in turn she helped me to realise, own and embrace the knowledge that I am an authority in my field and my book is a reflection of that.

I had the passion to write but Karen has helped me to mature that knowledge. She drew it out and I embraced the process.

The best bit, she has a truly sensitive way to differentiate between when I was being lazy and when life was throwing some real challenges at me. And I am grateful to her for holding the space to allow me to pause, to give me time to adjust, and then to push me just at the right time to keep me on target. I am forever truly thankful.

And finally, a note for Karen “You didn’t just help me to write my book, you helped me to process all my stories that are part of this book and literally part of my life”. Thank you – I am already looking forward to working with you again for my next book.

I would  definitely recommend Karen to anyone, even if you only have the smallest smouldering flicker of an idea for a book.She will transform that with you and make it ROAR (pun intended!)

Alongside her personal growth, this courage and confidence to step up has already reaped rewards for Zana.

The research for her book (in the form of a survey) enabled her to start building her community and an e-book was developed off the back of their responses.

This e-book led to her being approached to speak at a national and local conference and to do a podcast interview.

Another HR conference is ahead and two articles are due to be published in HR magazines this summer.

This means that she’s already impacting on those who are ready to hear her message.

This is what’s coming up soon and how we can work together

I hope you found this story useful. If you’d like to chat with me about how you can get help in any of these areas, please arrange a call.

1. Book a Make It Happen day

Make It Happen days are designed to kick start your motivation. Whether you’re getting started, or doing your planning, writing or editing, you’ll join a small group of authors via Zoom for the day, and get advice, support and the chance to pick my brain to make your book happen. Dates and details can be found at www.librotas.com/make-it-happen.

2. Join the Smart Author System

The Smart Author System online training programme is where you can learn everything you need to write your book that enables you to self-validate and self-fund it as you write it. You can join the Self-study option or the Community version. The latter includes a Make It Happen day, Facebook community, expert interviews and additional support. Details can be found at www.librotas.com/smartauthor.

3. Apply to work with me on a 121 book mentoring programme

My one-to-one programmes are for leaders and experts who are passionate about making a difference through their book and they are ready to step up and take massive action. Working with me personally, you get support every step of the way to write a book that helps you to become an authority. Limited spaces available. You can arrange a complimentary Book Focus call here.