Bethany Connor – Cherished!
In each of us lies a story, that needs to be shared with the world!
Bethany’s first book Cherished: One Woman’s Journey to Love and Be Loved is ready for the world to read and is being launched this week.
We met Bethany and asked her to share her writer’s journey with us!
What made you decide to write a book?
I actually didn’t want to write a book. Before I had signed up to be on the John Maxwell Team, I was working with, Kelly Baader, one of the JMT coaches. We were having a coaching session one evening and she mentioned that this would be a good season for me to write a book. I then proceeded to tell her all the reasons why I couldn’t write a book: I’m wasn’t allowed to because I was in the Army. I didn’t have a story to tell. Who would want to read a story from me? I wasn’t a writer… I then ended our conversation saying, “If God wants me to write a book, then He’ll have to tell me what to say!”
I went to sleep that evening and was awoken at 11:30 p.m. God gave me the title of the book, the outline of the book and I started writing it that night. I guess I did have a story to tell after all.
Who influenced you to get it done and why?
As I mentioned I was being coached by one of the JMT coaches at the time. I was also a part of her mastermind group. We were going through John’s Book: The 15 Invaluable Law’s of Growth. One of the laws that John talks about in that book is the Law of Consistency. He mentioned how he writes every single day. It is a daily discipline that he’s applied and as a result, he has written 74 books. Reading that, he made it sound so easy and it was.
What strategy did you employ to get discipline around writing your book?
Journaling. I took John’s advice to heart and kept a journal. A huge amount of the content of my book came from a journal that I maintained throughout my growth journey. That, and setting aside specific time for writing. Not just trying to squeeze it in when I had time, but actually scheduling time on my calendar to write.
Is there any advice or tips you can give our readers on getting your book published and launched?
First, surround yourself with those who have walked the way before. I hired coaches who had written books and published before, so they were able to walk beside me on the journey. I also invested in book writing courses offered by authors who had been successful at publishing, so I could shorten my learning curve, apply their recommendations and learn from their experiences.
Second, don’t do it alone. In order to be successful, especially with your book launch, it takes a village. Connect with people and build on relationships that you have. Build the relationships long before you plan on asking for help. Add value to people. I partnered with other writers to create a win-win to promote selling my book while advertising their books, products and resources. I added value to my launch team members by providing free resources to them and sharing my book writing process to many who are also aspiring writers. I added value to my book buyers by creating a gift package to give them during launch week.
Who is helping you with your book launch and where did you meet them?
Everyone I know from every stage in my life! Family, friends from my hometown, from high school, from college, from summer camp, people who I have worked with previously, people who I have taken classes with, communities of people that I am connected with, social media connections (Facebook, Linked In, Twitter), friends of friends, people who have purchased my book, people I don’t even know… It has felt amazing the outpouring of support that I have received. It only takes an ask!
About Bethany:
Bethany Connor has a deep passion ~ awakening authentic leaders. Through speaking, facilitating and coaching she supports the transformation process of individuals and organizations in creating culture change from the inside out. Bethany is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Nurse Corps and a Registered Nurse with an advanced degree as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She also serves as a certified coach, speaker and trainer for The John Maxwell Team. Author of the book: Cherished: One Woman’s Journey to Love and Be Loved, Bethany hails from the quaint New England town of Winchendon, Massachusetts. While she is busy changing the world, you can also find her running, card making or enjoying the outdoors. Connect with Bethany at http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/bethanyconnor.