I ’m thrilled to be joining the Stiletto Gang and to be making it my mission to bring mystery, humor, romance, and high heels to the world. You’ll be hearing from me the third Thursday of each month – but comments, questions, and ideas are always welcome.
As a first step, I thought it would be great to get to know one another. I’m a new mystery writer. My first book, Hung Out to Die, was published last spring, and my second book Conflagration!, a historical mystery, is just out.
I was recently interviewed for the Crime Writers of Canada by Bob Harris, a Vancouver writer, book promoter and publicist.
Below is the section on my life as writer and reader. How would you answer these questions?
The Writer and Reader
Please enlighten me on when you think you realized that writing was your destiny, even though your website bio states, “I don’t’ know that there was one definitive moment, event, or experience that led me to conclude my life would be shaped by words.”
Growing up I wanted to be a lawyer. I started university prepared to be a lawyer. Then I was introduced to academia and research. I wanted to teach at a university and publish papers in esteemed journals. Then I had a scholarship to get a PhD. I was thrilled. I turned it down. I had a chance to go to Harvard to research perceptions of time. I was thrilled. I turned it down. Clearly something else was at play. I finally realized what I wanted to do with my life was write.
Describe the genres you have pursued. What is your preference?
I have published poetry and literary short stories. I have published thousands of articles in magazines and newspapers, online and in print. I have published personal essays, usually humorous. More recently, I have published non-fiction books and my first mystery novel as well as two mystery short stories. Whatever I am working on at the time is my favorite.
Who and what are your influences and why? And mentors?
My mother taught me to love language – and to respect it. She cared about words and getting the words right. She was my greatest influence.
When I was about eight or nine, a next-door neighbor tossed me a Nancy Drew book. She thought I might like it. I sat on the curb between our two houses and read the entire book cover to cover. I loved the puzzle, figuring out who dunnit, and being propelled into a world outside my own.
That same year someone gifted me Charlotte’s Web, and my life was forever changed. Not only could words transport you to new worlds, they could become a part of your heart, change you in ways you could not have imagined. I wanted to do that.
As a book reader, what genre appeals to your personal taste?
I really like mysteries. When you’re busy, career focused, juggling meetings and deadlines and interviews and research and editing and teaching and scurrying to find something for dinner, there isn’t a lot of time for reading. As wrong as that is, it is also a reality. So, I embraced the mystery genre and read as much as I could as often as I could. That was sheer enjoyment.
I also wanted my ideas to be challenged, my senses to be assaulted (gently but definitively), and my heart to be broken. So, I read as many novels, especially Canadian novels, as my mind, heart, and spirit could bear.
Do you have an ideal reading experience?
There is no special place for me when it comes to reading. Whenever I have a chance to engage with a book, that is the most special of all places. Like a curb. My mother told the story of one Christmas when I was about five. Turkey is in the oven, tree is lit, gifts are being opened, bows and paper everywhere. It was all a little too much for me. She turned to find me curled on the couch reading. I loved that couch.
Welcome to my world by donalee Moulton
/in Author Life/by donalee MoultonI ’m thrilled to be joining the Stiletto Gang and to be making it my mission to bring mystery, humor, romance, and high heels to the world. You’ll be hearing from me the third Thursday of each month – but comments, questions, and ideas are always welcome.
As a first step, I thought it would be great to get to know one another. I’m a new mystery writer. My first book, Hung Out to Die, was published last spring, and my second book Conflagration!, a historical mystery, is just out.
I was recently interviewed for the Crime Writers of Canada by Bob Harris, a Vancouver writer, book promoter and publicist.
Below is the section on my life as writer and reader. How would you answer these questions?
The Writer and Reader
Please enlighten me on when you think you realized that writing was your destiny, even though your website bio states, “I don’t’ know that there was one definitive moment, event, or experience that led me to conclude my life would be shaped by words.”
Growing up I wanted to be a lawyer. I started university prepared to be a lawyer. Then I was introduced to academia and research. I wanted to teach at a university and publish papers in esteemed journals. Then I had a scholarship to get a PhD. I was thrilled. I turned it down. I had a chance to go to Harvard to research perceptions of time. I was thrilled. I turned it down. Clearly something else was at play. I finally realized what I wanted to do with my life was write.
Describe the genres you have pursued. What is your preference?
I have published poetry and literary short stories. I have published thousands of articles in magazines and newspapers, online and in print. I have published personal essays, usually humorous. More recently, I have published non-fiction books and my first mystery novel as well as two mystery short stories. Whatever I am working on at the time is my favorite.
Who and what are your influences and why? And mentors?
My mother taught me to love language – and to respect it. She cared about words and getting the words right. She was my greatest influence.
When I was about eight or nine, a next-door neighbor tossed me a Nancy Drew book. She thought I might like it. I sat on the curb between our two houses and read the entire book cover to cover. I loved the puzzle, figuring out who dunnit, and being propelled into a world outside my own.
That same year someone gifted me Charlotte’s Web, and my life was forever changed. Not only could words transport you to new worlds, they could become a part of your heart, change you in ways you could not have imagined. I wanted to do that.
As a book reader, what genre appeals to your personal taste?
I really like mysteries. When you’re busy, career focused, juggling meetings and deadlines and interviews and research and editing and teaching and scurrying to find something for dinner, there isn’t a lot of time for reading. As wrong as that is, it is also a reality. So, I embraced the mystery genre and read as much as I could as often as I could. That was sheer enjoyment.
I also wanted my ideas to be challenged, my senses to be assaulted (gently but definitively), and my heart to be broken. So, I read as many novels, especially Canadian novels, as my mind, heart, and spirit could bear.
Do you have an ideal reading experience?
There is no special place for me when it comes to reading. Whenever I have a chance to engage with a book, that is the most special of all places. Like a curb. My mother told the story of one Christmas when I was about five. Turkey is in the oven, tree is lit, gifts are being opened, bows and paper everywhere. It was all a little too much for me. She turned to find me curled on the couch reading. I loved that couch.
Detective Parrott Mystery Series by Saralyn Richard
/in Brandywine Valley, Saralyn Richard, Series, Settings, The Stiletto Gang/by Saralyn RichardMy introduction to Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania, was at a weekend retreat in one of the country mansions there. I was invited to a birthday party for one of the elite one-percenters who owned a gentleman’s farm. The thirteen guests were treated to three days of luxurious meals and accommodations, fit for royalty. That Saturday night we enjoyed a gourmet nine-course meal with wine pairings for each course. It was over the top, but tasteful at the same time. The conversation was intelligent and witty, and everyone had a wonderful time, especially the birthday celebrant, who beamed at his friends and family members the entire time.
After the elaborate dinner on Saturday night, our bellies and spirits equally full, we sat around near the fireplace in the den and talked about many things. The gathering reminded me of an Agatha Christie locked room mystery, where someone died, and the rest of the guests were suspects. I was struck by the idea that this would be the last place you’d expect a murder to occur. I turned to the person next to me and said, “This would be the perfect setting for a murder mystery.”
From that moment on, I wanted to write about these rich and powerful people, this setting, and the elements of social class that distinguish the ultra-wealthy from those who serve them. That was the beginning of MURDER IN THE ONE PERCENT.
Since that time, I’ve traveled all over the country, talking about Brandywine Valley. The Detective Parrott mystery series has become popular, and it’s grown from a single mystery to four, the latest of which is being released January 5, 2024, MURDER OUTSIDE THE BOX. In each of the books, Detective Parrott learns and grows, while his cases intertwine with his real life.
The series, along with two standalone novels set in less opulent environments, has won numerous awards, favorable reviews, and loyal fans. I’ve conducted extensive research on various aspects of the Brandywine community, and I’ve acquired many first-hand sources who are happy to fill me in on details about the topography, history, architecture, artistry, equestrian activities, artistic endeavors, gardens, museums, shopping areas, bank barns, funeral customs, wildlife conservancy, and other aspects of the community.
The area has turned out to be a second home for me and a favorite escape for my readers. I love the less posh settings of my other books, too, but that long-ago birthday celebration in Brandywine Valley has turned out to be a seminal event in my writing life, and my fascination with the Brandywine culture continues to grow.
Do you have a favorite setting, either fictional or real, that holds you with its magic? Tell me about it!
IT’S A MATTER OF BIRTH AND DEATH.
The serene Brandywine Valley wakes up to an intoxicating double shock: a baby abandoned on the porch of a caretaker’s cottage, and a young post-partum woman lying dead on the estate of a billionaire scotch whiskey magnate. Detective Parrott’s instincts tell him the two crimes are connected, but the evidence points him in directions that are both baffling and personal. Parrott searches for answers in high and low places, including his own office. As he races to find the truth about the baby’s origin and best placement, he untangles chilling murder clues that implicate people who harbor secrets that even their positions of power and trust can’t protect. Once again, Parrott may have to risk his reputation—and even his life—to uncover the real story.
A compulsive and compelling police procedural with relatable characters who remain in your heart. If you like detectives from Louisa Scarr, Clare Mackintosh, and Michael Connelly, you’ll love Detective Oliver Parrott. Purchase at your favorite bookstore or here.
One Word
/in Inspiration, Paula Gail Benson/by Paula Bensonby Paula Gail Benson
This year, I received a gift that has me thinking differently about New Year’s resolutions. The gift is a book entitled One Word that Will Change Your Life (Expanded Edition), written by Jon Gordon (a leadership speaker with a training/consulting company), Dan Britton (a speaker, writer, coach, and trainer who serves as the Chief Field Officer with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and Jimmy Page (author, speaker, and leadership coach). It was given to me and other members of our church’s congregational council to encourage team spirit and help establish and focus on “relationships” (the word selected for our council members this year).
So, what is the “one word” method? How does it work and how do you determine your word?
The authors explain in the Introduction: “One Word that Will Change Your Life is a proven way to create clarity, passion, power, and life change. Each year, resolutions are rarely kept, and goals are often easily forgotten. But One Word sticks. By living a single word that is meant for you, you’ll find renewed purpose and meaning throughout the year and achieve laserlike focus and power for your life.” (One Word, p. x)
According to the authors, while 87 percent of people make new resolutions and goals each year, 50 percent of those folks keep their resolutions and goals only through January. The authors contend, with resolutions and goals, “[s]uccess is measured by what we accomplish instead of who we become.” (One Word, p. 2) They said, “By embracing, owning, and living a single word for 365 days, our lives changed. Instead of being weighed down with unrealistic resolutions and unmet goals, One Word provides an entirely new perspective on how we approach our year. It frees us up. One Word gives us renewed purpose and meaning.” (pp. 5-6)
The authors recommend a three-step process for finding your word: (1) prepare your heart by removing yourself from “busyness” and contemplating in “silence”; (2) ask God what word is right for you and listen for an answer; and (3) keep your mind on the word as you face life and consider how its perspective changes how you view and react to events.
You can start the process at any time and concentrate on a single word for any amount of time you choose, but don’t repeat a word—select a new one for the year or time-period.
The book itself takes about 49 minutes to read. It is available in audio format. At the end of the book is an “action plan” that provides questions and exercises to help discover your word and think about how to use it. Also, there is a website: GetOneWord.com, and X and Facebook accounts.
In addition, these authors have collaborated on a One Word book for children and a book called Life Word, about finding your passion and creating a legacy.
If you went with a single word instead of a list of resolutions or goals, what would your word be?
Beginning of the Year and I’m Already Tired
/in Author Life, Debra H. Goldstein/by DebraIt’s the beginning of 2024, and I’m already tired. How can that be? Aren’t we all supposed to feel invigorated and energetic when the calendar turns over? Theoretically, the old year is fading away and it’s a time of new beginnings, resolutions, and self-promises. But I’m tired.
Or, is it that I’m questioning what 2024 will bring? There’s a saying attributed to John Lennon, among others, that “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” With some book proposals out, short stories accepted but not yet published, I’m at a loss for my next project. One part of me wants to write something new, another to revise and update a book I wrote during NaNoWriMo years ago (it had good ideas, but wasn’t ready for prime time), and a third to simply sit back and see what happens. Unfortunately, the last option won’t produce anything for a future pipeline.
But does that matter?
My instinct as a Type-A goal-oriented person is to say “Yes, it matters!” Then, I think how nice it would be to simply glide on a cloud and let things happen. Can I do it? Although I’d love to, I’m honest. The answer is “No.” Stay tuned and together we’ll see what transpires in 2024. Maybe I’m not as tired as I thought. Are you?
New Year – New Mystery
/in Author Life, Mystery, New Release, Novels/by Bethany Maines2024 Brings in the Mystery
As a multi-genre author who has written everything from mystery, sci-fi, crime, and fantasy, I know my genre hopping can get confusing to my readers. But I started writing back when having a pen name was a closely guarded secret. Now if you want to write in another genre, people pop out a new pen name. Essentially they’re sub-branding themselves. I’m enthusiastic about the idea, but at this late stage where I’ve managed to write in all the genres I read as a young person I wonder if I should bother or if I should just do a periodic announcement to let people know where the boundary lines are. And that means that whenever I announce that I have a new book coming out I get a lot of readers asking…
Yes, but what kind of book is this… like mystery, romance, what? (insert side-eye)
EYE CONTACT: Lexi Byrne—UW grad student, brilliant researcher, and neurodivergent—is working on cutting edge research into bionic eye technology. But Lexi’s normal, safe, science-based life takes an abrupt left turn after her prototype is stolen. Lexi must fight her own limitations and lean on the strengths of her friends to stop a misogynistic, greedy thief and recover her work.
Join Lexi and her best friend Shea as they take on theft, spies, and dating.
RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2024
GENRE: mystery-comedy
AVAILABLE: All-retailers – books2read.com/Maines-Eye-Contact
So will there be pen names?
Not unless I get a sudden burst of energy that would enable me to re-brand ALL of my books. I’m not saying never, but for now I think I’ll stick with just trying to be very clear about my genres and making the occasional announcement.
Oh, look an announcement…
Find a complete list here: bethanymaines.com/catalog/
GENRE: Murder & Crime
San Juan Island Murder Mysteries – Murder and laughs as Tish Yearly and her grandfather Tobias solve mysteries on their tiny Pacific Northwest Island home.
Steam level: kissing the boy next door, everything else is behind closed doors Available: All retailers
Shark Santoyo Crime Series – A very different mobster meets a very different teenager and together they take on the under world, the FBI, and the whatever else is standing in their way.
Steam level: Steamy, but we don’t get any nekkid action until book 3 Available: Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
The Christmas Carols – Crime meets romantic comedy in this trilogy of linked Christmas stories. Steam level: Kissing Available: Oh Holy Night & Winter Wonderland – Amazon & Kindle Unlimited, Blue Christmas – All Retailers OR FREE if you sign up for my newsletter
GENRE: Romantic Suspense
The Deveraux Legacy – Follow the lives of four cousins as they try to repair their broken family, find love and keep from getting killed. Steam level: There be nekkid schmexy times ahead! Available: All retailers
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
The Three Colors Trilogy – The Lucas Siblings want to change the world, they never expected to find their mates. Steam level: We’re naked by chapter 3 Available: Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
The Rejects Pack – A group of wolves rejected by their birth packs band together to solve a historical and archaeological mystery and maybe find true love along the way. Steam level: We’re making out by chapter 3 and nekkid as soon as the warlocks stop chasing us Available: Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Maverick & Wild Waters – Stand-alones in the same Supernatural world. Steam level: naked, naked, naked Available: Amazon & Kindle Unlimited – Maverick, Wild Waters
***
Have You Read These Books?
/in Author Life, Book Clubs, Give Away, Mystery Series, Publishing, Romantic Suspense, Samantha Newman Romantic Mystery series, Suspense/by Gay YellenI’ve long been skeptical of how the books are chosen. When a thriller I helped write earned a spot on The New York Times “Notables” list, it was disappointing to learn why—after five printings in both hardback and paperback and translated into two foreign language editions—it didn’t quite become a NYT “bestseller.” It had more to do with a bookselling logarithm and a publisher’s reluctance to support it than it did with the quality of the book itself.
But to learn what’s happening in the popular culture, I still read the lists. The NYT says the five best novels of 2023 are The Bee Sting, Chain-Gang All-Stars, Eastbound, North Woods, and The Fraud (written by Zadie Smith, an author I’ve read and enjoyed).
The Wall Street Journal chose an entirely different five: The Lost Wife, The Sun Walks Down, Good Girls, Red Memory, and A Dictator Calls (winner of a Man Booker prize).
In a sign of the times, there’s also a Top 50 Banned Books list. I enjoyed many of those as a child and in high school English class. I’m sure you have, too. Now I’m curious about the rest of them, especially one called Captain Underpants.
When I choose a new book, I often rely on recommendations from friends. I love being introduced to books I wouldn’t necessarily pick up on my own.
So, have you read any good books lately? Tell us about it in the comments below.
And speaking of books, I’m giving away free copies of The Body Business ebook for 24 hours beginning at midnight tonight through midnight tomorrow (Jan. 10th) on Amazon. Tell your friends!
Gay Yellen is the author of the award-winning SamanthaNewman Mysteries include The Body Business, The Body Next Door, and The Body in the News!
Contact her at GayYellen.com
On Accepting Advice
/in Author Life, Donnell Ann Bell, The Stiletto Gang/by Donnell Ann Bell“No enemy is worse than bad advice.” – Sophocles
Every once in a while people offer advice that really works. E.g., Look both ways before crossing the street, read warning labels on products and exercise three to five times a week to maintain a healthy weight. Those kinds of input I can use and appreciate. But some of the advice I’ve received of late leaves me shaking my head.
Two weekends ago I attended my local library’s workshop in which a marketing guru offered authors and aspiring authors’ advice for today’s market. She said the days that authors sit alone in their offices and devote long hours to writing are gone. As a matter of fact, she added, authors should be focused ten percent on writing the book and ninety percent to its marketing. “Twenty-four/eight,” she insisted. “Market your book twenty-four/eight.”
This weekend I attended the Pikes Peak Writers Conference where the age-old subject of prologues came up again. An editor told the audience how much he hates prologues and that he skips right over them. Once again people who had paid good money to attend wrote furiously in their notebooks, most likely taking this man’s words to heart and perpetuating this controversy further. While I was thinking of Sandra Brown’s Envy or Robert Crais’s Two Minute Rule and two of the best prologues I’ve ever read in commercial fiction.
There’s a lot of lousy, subjective advice floating around out there—what’s more the experts are touting it. If I have to devote ninety percent to marketing my books, I might as well hang it up right now. I didn’t get into this writing gig to market my wares like a gypsy in a caravan, I got into writing to tell my stories—to sit in my office alone a lot more than ten percent.
New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Crais once told me, “Sure you can write a prologue, just don’t write a bad one.” If a book needs a prologue, it needs a prologue, and how a few paragraphs at the start of a book can cause such a vitriolic response is beyond me.
So because there’s so much misinformation and bad advice out there coming from people I should otherwise respect and rely on, I’ve decided to break down the ways I will accept advice in the future. One, if it doesn’t make sense, I will completely disregard it, and two, if it doesn’t save my life, I will refer back to rule number one.
About the Author:
Leaving international thrillers to the world travelers, Donnell Ann Bell concentrates on suspense that might happen in her neck of the woods – writing SUSPENSE TOO CLOSE TO HOME. She is co-owner of Crimescenewriter, an online group, in which law enforcement, forensic experts, and a multitude of related professionals assist authors in getting those pesky facts straight in our novels. To learn more or to sign up for her newsletter contact her at www.donnellannbell.com
Following a Character into a Book
/in characters, How to Write, Inspiration, Linda Rodriguez/by DebraLately, I’ve been intensely writing a new book. That’s a fairly common thing around here. Several times a year I follow a character into a short story or book. After the first draft is finished, I still refer to the much more I know about that character from writing that first draft as I revise and edit and edit, still following those characters as I chip away whatever doesn’t matter to them or what doesn’t fit. In a way, you could say that I spend most of my professional time chasing after characters, and you’d be correct.
Some people have the idea that plot is the be-all and end-all of the mystery writer, but I see it as story. I can write a book based on a clever plot with all kinds of surprises and twists, but if the reader doesn’t care about the characters or if the actions taking place don’t ring true for the characters, it’s no good. And yes, I know there are books like this that are published and sometimes very successful, but I still think it’s really story we need in the mystery, a story where the actions rise organically out of the characters and their motivations, where we care about the characters and what they’re trying to do because we know why it’s so important to them to succeed in their attempts.
When I’m looking for story, I start with character. As I start to know that character better, she or he leads me directly into story. A nice complex, twisty narrative with surprises and suspense comes from following all the major characters as they lead me on their path toward their goals in the story and come into conflict with each other or help each other or, sometimes, both.
When I run into problems with story as I’m writing a book, I go back to the characters involved with the aspect of the story that’s giving me a hard time. I sit down and have them write their situation, feelings, and problems with the story’s direction in first person as if they were writing diary entries or letters to me to tell me why they won’t do what I think they should do. Always I find that there’s something I’ve overlooked with that (those) character(s). I’ve been trying to steer the plot in a direction that’s false to the character(s), and I have to learn more about each character in order to find out the direction the story needs to go.
I’ve always been glad I take the time to do this, even as I whine about taking that time in the middle of a book with a deadline facing me. Often it leads to big changes—once I even had to change the villain into a possible love interest—but it always makes for a stronger, more vital story. And that’s what I’m after.
Right now, I’m chasing another set of characters into a book that I’ve tentatively set up to go one way, but I know that, as I get deeper into this story following these characters, I may find we’ve gone a different way into a whole different and much richer story. It’s the ultimate adventure, following a character into a book.
Clicking Our Heels – Reflections on Being a Member of the Stiletto Gang
/in Clicking Our Heels, Uncategorized/by DebraAs we begin a new year as the Stiletto Gang, we took the time to reflect on what we each like best about being part of the gang. We also wonder what you, our readers, like best about the Stiletto Gang?
Barbara J. Eikmeier – I really enjoy the community and how I’ve gotten to know the other gang members through their blog posts even though I’ve only met one in person.
Saralyn Richard – Getting to know other mystery authors who share the milieu with me. We are all different, but we share many of the same values and aspirations.
Dru Ann Love – I like the variety of genres that the group writes.
T.K. Thorne – The comradery of the group. We support each other in lots of ways. And the fact that being responsible to others lights a fire under my butt to write something for my day… sometimes even on my day, but I get it done.
Debra H. Goldstein – I value the friendship and respect we have for each other plus the way we support each other behind the scenes.
Lois Winston – The comraderie and support I receive from my fellow Stilettos. Many have become dear friends, some personally and unfortunately, others only virtually.
Lynn McPherson/Sydney Leigh – It’s the comraderie. Writers supporting writers.
Gay Yellen – It’s the camaraderie. We may be separated by geography and backgrounds, but we share a kinship that seems to deepen as we reveal more about our lives, our thoughts, and our common goal to write good books.
Donnell Ann Bell – I love that the Stiletto Gang members are a great support group. Whether celebrating one another’s joy, or commiserating over someone’s loss, The Stiletto Gang are a compassionate, intelligent, and talented bunch. I’m proud to be listed among them.
Debra Sennefelder – Being a part of a group of wonderful, supportive writers. Community is everything in this business.
Anita Carter (1/2 of Sparkle Abbey) – I love the support and camaraderie of other women mystery writers. It’s a fabulous community! And I find great books to read.
Mary Lee Ashford (1/2 of Sparkle Abbey) – What I love best about being a Stiletto Gang member is the camaraderie and support that the group provides. The publishing business is brutal and having a group of fellow authors who understand and care is priceless.
Bethany Maines – Being exposed to so many great writers!
Doing More of What Works
/in Author Life, Cozy Mysteries, Sale, Uncategorized/by Mary Lee Ashfordby Sparkle Abbey
Happy New Year from us to you! Since it’s the beginning of a new year everyone’s talking about resolutions or goals. It appears that there’s a bit of a divide on whether New Year’s resolutions are considered a good thing or not anymore.
On the one hand the beginning of a new year seems like the perfect time to take stock and see how you’re doing. It’s a fresh start, a clean slate, and perhaps good time to set some goals. Or at least establish some better habits.
A recent Forbes article states that according to their survey 62% of us feel pressured to set a new year’s resolution. With 87% feeling optimistic about keeping it throughout the year. Most goals revolve around improved fitness, finance, or mental health. In the writing community, we find that there are usually similar goals being made around writing, publishing, and reading.
We’re big fans of goals and in previous years we’ve shared our views on making your goals specific and measureable. As well as on planning your path to reach them and tracking your progress.
This year we’re taking a little bit different approach and the simple version of what we’re doing is focusing on what’s working and doing more of that. A recent read “Getting More of What You Want” by Margaret Neale and Thomas Lys focuses on the latest advances in psychology and economics to negotiate well. In short, to get what you want. You can read more about that here: Getting More of What You Want by Margaret Neale and Thomas Lys | by Margaret Neale and Thomas Lys
But isn’t achieving your goals really about negotiating with yourself?
Our previous approaches to goal-setting weren’t wrong. SMART goals are smart, right? (The letters stand for: Specific-Measurable-Achievable-Realistic-Timely.) But this approach can fall a bit short when you’re reaching for a creative goal. You see, some of those things are outside your control.
Another recent read, “Start More Than You Can Finish” by Becky Blades also provided food for thought. And who can resist a book named MUST READ by the Next Big Idea Club. An excerpt and more about the book and the Next Big Idea Club here: Start More Than You Can Finish
Because for us this is always an evolving process, where we’ve landed this year on setting goals is this:
Make a list of what’s working and figure out a way to do more of that.
Make a list of what’s not working and stop doing that.
At its essence, it’s still about defining what you want and planning how you’re going to achieve your goals. But it also acknowledges those things that you’ve accomplished. Things that are going right. And it also defines what got in your way and how you’re going to eliminate those things. Because maybe the most important thing about achieving your dreams in 2024 is getting started.
What are your thoughts? Do you set goals at the beginning of a new year? Do you pick a word or a thought to focus on for the year? Or are you in the anti-resolution camp?
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
But here’s some great news, if you’ve not yet started the series (or would like to share the series with a friend) the first book, DESPERATE HOUSEDOGS, is currently on sale for 99 cents in all ebook formats!
Find it at your favorite place to buy books!