Writing a Book

Summary

In this video, Amalia Natalio, founder of Karmic Kindness, shares her journey of writing and publishing her book 'We to Me: A Story of Love, Loss, and Liberation.' She discusses her emotional and empowering process of transforming her personal experiences into a book, including her struggles with marriage and infidelity. Amalia outlines the importance of understanding your 'why' for writing and shares insights into her writing journey, including her experience with the Book Creators program. She offers advice on finding support, maintaining dedication, and navigating the challenges of becoming an author.

Takeaways

• 😀 The writing process is deeply personal and requires commitment, dedication, and self-reflection.
• 😀 Before starting to write a book, it's essential to understand your 'why'—whether it's to share your story, offer guidance, or launch a business offering.
• 😀 Amalia's journey of writing 'We to Me' stemmed from journaling during a challenging personal time, where she realized her words could help others in similar situations.
• 😀 The writing process often includes overcoming emotional challenges, especially when writing about deeply personal experiences like infidelity and marriage breakdown.
• 😀 Amalia joined the Book Creators Institute (now Manuscripts.com) in 2022 to get professional guidance, but even if not part of a program, self-discipline is crucial in completing a book.
• 😀 The program at Manuscripts.com focuses on providing extensive support, including weekly calls, personalized editor feedback, and peer encouragement.
• 😀 The role of the editor is critical in the process, offering constructive feedback and emotional support, even when you feel like giving up.
• 😀 'Green lit' means your book is considered ready for the next phase of editing and publication, marking a major milestone in the writing process.
• 😀 Writing a book is a challenging process that requires time management, especially for individuals with busy lives like full-time jobs or family responsibilities.
• 😀 For aspiring authors not in a structured program, consistency is key—setting aside time each day to write, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes, helps maintain momentum.

Q & A

What motivated Amalia Natalio to write her book?

Amalia was motivated to write her book by a deep, personal calling to share her story. She felt that the words coming through her journaling were meant to support others going through similar challenges, particularly related to love, loss, and self-liberation.

What is the significance of the title 'We to Me'?

'We to Me' represents Amalia's journey from being part of a couple (in a marriage) to finding herself as an individual after experiencing profound emotional turmoil. The book chronicles her personal transformation and journey of self-discovery.

What is the importance of understanding your 'why' when writing a book?

Understanding your 'why' helps clarify the purpose of writing your book. It can guide your writing process, keep you motivated through challenges, and provide direction for your story, whether it's for personal expression, business growth, or inspiring others.

How did Amalia's coaching business influence her decision to write the book?

Amalia's coaching business evolved from being a jewelry business to offering more supportive services. Writing the book became an extension of this new focus, allowing her to reach more people and integrate the book into her coaching programs.

What role did the Book Creators Institute (now Manuscripts.com) play in Amalia’s writing process?

The Book Creators Institute (Manuscripts.com) provided Amalia with structured support, including editing, weekly calls, and community engagement. The program helped her refine her manuscript, giving her tools and encouragement to successfully finish her book.

How did Amalia's editor, Zach Markham, support her throughout the writing process?

Zach Markham, Amalia's developmental editor, played a crucial role in keeping her motivated. He provided both positive feedback and constructive criticism, helping her push through self-doubt and stay focused on completing the book. His belief in her work bolstered her confidence.

What did Zach Markham say to Amalia when she was ready to quit writing?

Zach encouraged Amalia to finish the book, saying, 'If you decide you don't want to publish this book, it's okay, but you're almost to the finish line. Just cross the finish line, and then you can decide what you want to do.' His encouragement helped Amalia persevere.

What does the term 'green-lit' refer to in the book publishing process?

Being 'green-lit' refers to the stage where a manuscript is approved by the editorial team and deemed ready to move forward to the next phase of publishing. It signifies a significant accomplishment in the book-writing journey.

Why does Amalia emphasize the importance of writing every day?

Amalia emphasizes writing every day, even if it’s just for a short time, because it helps establish a consistent writing habit. This daily commitment, even when motivation is low, can lead to workable material for the book and ultimately ensure progress.

What advice does Amalia offer to aspiring authors who choose to write independently?

Amalia advises aspiring authors to set aside dedicated time each day for writing. She stresses that even on days when you don't feel inspired, just writing for a short time can help keep the momentum going and contribute to the overall process.