So What About Your Books?

You know those books you are probably thinking about writing or the ones you have already written but haven't done anything with recently? Well, I have a couple of those too and these days my time is very limited as well as patience and motivation. I'm just not much of a politician doing alot of handshaking, especially with little ones, household chores, an Internet business, books, and more! However, it doesn't keep me from finding alternative ways to promote my books. So I came across this article. I thought maybe someone, just like me, might need a helping hand too with getting those books and/or business promoted. Enjoy!

How to Build Your Author Platform to Enhance Your Book Promotion

By Dana Lynn Smith

As a book author, you've probably seen the term author platform used a lot, but you may be wondering: what is a platform and how do I get one?

Your author platform determines your reach in the market and it's a valuable tool in your book promotion activities. If you're hoping to land a book deal with a traditional commercial publisher, a strong author platform is critical. When publishers evaluate book proposals, they want an idea of how well known you are and how successful you will be at promoting your book once it's published.

The best time to start building your author platform is before you write your book or book proposal, because it takes time to build your platform. But regardless of where you are in your publishing journey, you can continue to strengthen your author platform.

I've seen lots of definitions for author platform, but it basically boils down to three things:

o Brand
o Reputation
o Connections

Branding

Branding helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace and makes you memorable. One of the most important parts of your brand is your author tagline - a concise and catchy description of what you do. Here are some examples of author taglines:

o The Publicity Hound
o The Love Doctor
o The Productivity Pro
o The Risque Romance Writer
o Author of thrilling mysteries
o Author of the Detective McGee series
o Writer of educational children's books

Use your tagline after your name in your promotional materials and signature, like a title. For example, I refer to myself as Dana Lynn Smith, The Savvy Book Marketer.

Your author photo is another important branding tool. Be sure to get a professional looking photo and use it everywhere, to build recognition of you. Professional doesn't necessarily mean a studio portrait - think about how the background, pose and clothing in your author photo can be a reflection of your brand and the type of books you write. Wherever your photo appears, list both your name and tagline as a caption beneath the photo.

Author branding can also include your logo, book covers, the color scheme you use, your distinctive style of writing or speaking, and your academic qualifications. All of these elements together constitute a recognizable brand that makes you makes you memorable and builds credibility as part of your author platform.

Take a look at your own branding and think about what you can do to strengthen it.

Reputation

The reputation component of your author platform is a measure of how well known you are, what you are known for, and how credible you are. Consider these factors in your book promotion:

o Do you have a degree, special training or extensive experience in the topic that you're writing about and/or in the craft of writing?
o Do you have (or can you obtain) a professional certification in your area of expertise?
o What awards or other recognition have you received?
o What kind of media experience do you have?
o How many people do you reach each month through speaking or interviews?
o How many people read your blog?
o How many articles have you written and posted or published in the past month?
o How well known are you and how much name recognition do you have?
o What leadership positions do you hold?
o Why should people listen to you or read your books?

Nonfiction authors can gain a reputation as an expert in their topic through such activities as writing books and articles, speaking and teaching, appearing on talk shows, being quoted in other people's articles, and writing the foreword for other books.

Fiction authors may become known for their writing style and their expertise in writing in a specific genre (such as children's, sci-fi, romance, or mystery) or for their niche within a particular genre (vampire stories, romantic adventure).

Your reputation and author platform can be enhanced by winning awards, receiving excellent book reviews, and getting testimonials and endorsements from celebrities and experts in your field.

What can you do to boost your author reputation and expert status and increase the number of people you reach in your book promotion activities? How can you highlight your credentials in your marketing materials?

Connections

When promoting a book, it's not just what you know, it's who you know!

To sell books in today's marketplace, you need to be connected. Here are some examples of the type of connections that are valuable to authors book promotion:

Contact Database - Clients, prospects, colleagues, friends, and family.

Opt-in Mailing List - People who have given you permission to contact them.

Influencers - Celebrities, well-known people in your field, book reviewers, media, and bloggers.

Online Networks - Connections on Facebook, Twitter and other online networks, groups and forums.

Blog Readers - People who read your blog or subscribe to the blog's feed.

Professional Associations - Fellow association members and leaders. Serving in a leadership position enhances your visibility within the organization.

Other Groups - Alumni associations, civic and service organizations, hobby clubs, etc.

What can you do to increase your connections and leverage the connections that you have? How can you partner with others to extend your reach in your book promotion?

Dana Lynn Smith is a book promotion coach and author of several book promotion guides, including The Savvy Book Marketer's Guide to Successful Social Marketing. For more tips, follow @BookMarketer on Twitter, visit Dana's book promotion blog and get a free copy of the Top Book Marketing Tips ebook when you sign up for her complimentary book promotion newsletter. After reading this article, I thought about what I do already online and who I already know. These days my audience is primarily online so whenever I am conversing with people via the Internet, I always include my latest project and invite them to my web page. For example, my latest project involves a family history/personal experience book about the relatives on my dad's side of the family, so whenever I communicate via the web, I let those who I know will be impacted about it. I also post updates on my personal web page linked to my email when I think about it. When I am offline, I mention it to anyone I am talking to via phone and I follow up with snail mail. Although there is alot of talk about the Internet, I am very much a traditionalist and still enjoy snail mail, fliers, classified ads, and other offline activities to market. - Nicholl McGuire

NM Writing Journey and New Beginnings Completing Degree and New Career

Hello, everyone! 

I decided to express my gratitude to all! These days, writing has not occupied a great part of my life, but other studies have been a big part.  Back in 2024, I returned to a university in my hometown after a 25-year absence! I completed my bachelor of arts degree in multi-disciplinary studies the same year. 

Before my return to school, for many years, I dedicated all my work to writing and speaking personally and professionally by expressing myself through many nonfiction books and speaking engagements while helping others with their family legacy projects and business support. 

My freelance writing continues along with my fresh career path in 2025. As for now, I am in academic training to become an organizational leader. The path ahead brings me great enthusiasm because I plan to use my writing skills together with my leadership abilities to motivate others. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has backed me throughout the years. Your support through shares and likes together with your subscriptions has given me greater motivation than you can imagine! 

My dedication remains focused on helping people through their faith journey while delivering knowledge from this new phase of life. I will maintain periodic updates about my current work and will share additional information throughout this journey. Your support means everything to me, as you have been part of my life's narrative. 

Blessings to you, 

Nicholl

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Blogging: A pleasure that distracts from one's book writing

A few years ago I read where a woman talked about how her blogging was getting in the way of her book writing. I couldn't agree more!

As much as I would like to do other things besides write a new book or complete an old one, I know that this is something I should be doing, but at times I allow myself to become distracted with making the website owners money while getting paid pennies on the dollars.

Writing for other websites, instead of writing for you, can keep you happy about those pennies, but keep you away from the dollars that your own creation could bring. A money stream has to flow not only from a single source, but all sources! So when you are writing for someone else, but not creating your own, you will find that after awhile you could have been making more money from your own creation, but you were more concerned with taking the easy way out which is piggy backing off of someone else's success.

I thought I might write this as a reminder to myself and to those who tune into my blog, we must remember as writers to not allow ourselves to be so consumed by the ease of getting published that we neglect what our God-given calling is in this life -- FINISH THAT BOOK!

15th Book Released - Face Your Foe on Confronting the Critics by Nicholl McGuire

It was long overdue to print a book that had begun about the same time I started Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic back in 2009 but released it in 2013 with the '09 copyright.  I had taken a pile of printed sheets and placed them in a manila folder, I had no passion or plans for a work that just might ruffle someone or a group's feathers again (yes my work does just that).  However, my God had other plans and it felt like out of the blue I became determined one day to work on that book.  On the other hand was Face Your Foe...(which had no subtitle at the time), it just wasn't ready--not in 2011, 2014, or even 2016, but then 2017 came along.

Over the years, I was still learning more about the greatest adversary to the Christian faith, Satan.  It wasn't time to face a foe when I was still gaining some understanding as to why I was still sparring with him about the work rather than trusting in my personal Savior to complete it. 

You see, God had set me on a path to do something a bit different with my creative nonfiction writing skills.  I had spent much time writing worldly content, but spiritual work was quite a different story--it was a challenge--the flesh wars against the spirit within when it objects to all things righteous and true especially the material that directly impacts you and those you love. 

The Holy Spirit was leading me into unfamiliar territory with my work and admittedly I was nervous and scared sometimes, because simply put, God is real, He speaks and walks with you when you sincerely believe in Him.  Yet, self-defeating thoughts and worldly distractions were keeping me away from both Christian books for a time, but I eventually prevailed, because I chose to shut out people, places and things that didn't know the least bit about writing, spirituality, God, faith, etc.  Why argue with ignorance or debate your experiences with unenlightened ones?

It took some time to make up in my mind that I would begin writing books of faith.  Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic was a smooth process when I finally sat down long enough to type it and stay focused on the work back in '09.  However, Face Your Foe was quite a different story since I had experienced the passing of my grandmother (May, 2015) while writing that book along with Tell Me Mother You're Sorry.  If you are a writer, I'm sure you can relate to the highs and lows of preparing an article, report, book, or some other work.  You are on a roll and then something occurs in or around you that slows you down. So Face Your Foe...was once again placed on the back-burner.

Now that Face Your Foe on Confronting the Critics has been released (June, 2017), I feel somewhat at peace, but I have other works that are sitting in the background of my mind and on paper that I am on the fence about.  They aren't spiritual books simply practical guides and a children's book.

In closing, I am quite grateful to my Creator for what has already been done through me to help others.  If there is anything I want people to know is that I have given up a lot and have fought spiritually and in-person about my writings.  I have lived through difficult circumstances so when I write work, it is from a true and tried place. 

The responses I have received over the years from readers, who have been in a variety of life circumstances, has been overwhelming at times, but I am glad that they have seen the light in my work and have been dedicated to make necessary changes.

I challenge anyone to be emotionally, physically and spiritually set free from the people, places and things that have kept you bound for years.  God didn't put us on this planet to be nothing more than slaves to children of darkness--walk in the light, your spiritual calling.  Pray about what burdens you and wait for God to answer.

Peace, love and joy
Nicholl

Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic by Nicholl McGuire (print edition)

Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic by Nicholl McGuire (Kindle edition - ebook)

Face Your Foe on Confronting the Critics by Nicholl McGuire (Smashwords - ebook)

Nicholl McGuire Media

Face Your Foe - Christian faith blog

Are Some Things Better Left Unsaid?

How do you know when you should keep some things to yourself without being a recluse and share other things without looking foolish? There is a fine line between the two when it comes to writing and so I will take this time to explain.

You see, when I write I have my boundaries I will not cross. If I know a person and he or she is in my inner circle I will tell a story using fictional names and in some cases change the situation a bit. I don't feel it is necessary to share specific details about the person I know since the story is all the reader is really after. As for the person who the story is about, they will feel naked, exposed, even insulted that I would actually share such details about their life. Of course he or she would, because they know who I am talking about. At first it seems like a shock, "how dare you put my business out in the street?" But in time it wears off.

I have been writing stories about people since the sixth grade. I will never forget the short stories I use to write about certain classmates and how I would change their names making a guessing game out of who the story was about. Back then, my classmates got a kick out of it. There were times that some people were offended even as young as we were (11, 12), but they got over it. Especially if it meant that a cute boy or girl liked them. It just meant that they would have to dress better, act better, etc. I was selective about the stories I told and not everything was meant to be said. Anyway, as an adult, I know what I won't discuss when it comes to certain subjects and even I have my limitations. For example, I will not discuss a topic I am not completely comfortable. I will avoid subject matter that is so revealing that it could possibly put someone in a mental ward, jail, break up a relationship, or destroy some other aspect of their life. I also won't talk about subjects I know nothing about unless I have specific information from experts to back up what I am saying.

I enjoy writing about parenting issues, relationships, and other topics related to lifestyle. But what I try to stay away from, unless someone specifically requests I write about it are the following: politics, racial topics outside my own unless I have a personal experience, and religions outside of Christianity. The way I see it there are plenty of people who are passionate enough about these subjects that they can write about them.

I personally believe that for every negative situation that has happened in my life, God has called me to share certain experiences that directly or indirectly affect me. I feel that I am called to help people who simply can't speak for themselves, aren't knowledgeable enough to write about issues that affect them, or just don't want to be bothered with the negative comments that come from writing. Oh I have had my share of negative, ignorant, downright bold statements, and even threats as a result of some of the things I have written about, especially having worked as an Editor in Chief of a college newspaper. I believe that reading audience is the worse! They don't spare your feelings about anything! But I have also had some very positive and life changing stories told to me due to subjects I write about as well.

I have also noticed some things that readers who read my work need to be mindful of and that is when you are making comments about the things you read, some things are better left unsaid just like some subjects are better left not written about as I discussed earlier. The truth of the matter is an article cannot cover all sides, all people, all opinions, and all experiences, because if it did you would be reading a book not an article.

The quickest way to show your true ignorance, readers, about a subject is to say something like, "What about..." What about is usually followed by the other side of an issue that has nothing to do with the subject matter. For instance, if the article is about "Things Women Hate About Men," why would men comment that the article is so one-sided? Another concern some one brought to my attention is "Why do you talk about all the negative issues in your articles, what about the positives?" That's because most of my articles are the kind that solve problems. So why would I talk about how everything is wonderful and nice when that has nothing to do with the problem that the article is trying to solve. I usually provide advice in my articles so that would cover the "positive" spin to the article. Take for instance an article on "Why Husbands Should Be more Supportive of their Wives" this would be considered an editorial piece or possibly a self-help work because of the question "why" in the title. Immediately you know from reading this title that there will be many problems listed in the article and what men should do to solve those problems. If you are a man who isn't interested in problem solving in your own relationship, you would stay away from an article like this, because you know at some point it will offend you.

So is everything worth writing about? Sure. But should you write about everything? It depends. If the goal is to help, I find the more detail the better, if you have to protect some of the people involved but still feel the need to tell the story do so! However, anticipate the phone will ring or some one might visit just be prepared to defend your argument!


Nicholl McGuire
Writer

On Writing About Yourself

"I was thinking..." the start of a statement like that and it puts everyone on notice.  Yes, thinking can be dangerous to anyone who chooses to act in fear rather than love.  I choose love and have been choosing love when I write for decades contrary to what any critic would like to think!  I love victims, survivors and victors.  I have trouble loving enemies that is why I lean on God since he commanded we do so. This is why it is a must that I tackle any work I produce with God in the plan, because any other way I would then consider myself a fraud.  I don't agree nor do I support that kind of foolishness!

Maybe it would be easier for some of you reading this blog post to draw out your personal truths by doing the following: writing a song, singing, drawing, painting, dancing, acting, producing a play or traveling.  Whatever you choose to do, don't leave this world without being honest with yourself and those around you!  

Let's start with a little self-examination, shall we?  Prior to you reaching out to me or someone else to possibly tell your story, consider the following:

1) What do you want the world to know about you and why should they care?

2) Who are you really trying to help?

3) Why should we listen to you?

4) Will you approach the work ready to pay to create it, cry as you reflect on past memories, beg someone for a second chance, borrow from those who don't mind sharing, avoid the temptation to steal from those who put their time in..., are you sincerely ready to complete what beckons you to share?

5) How about who or what is it that inspires, motivates, and moves you to love them, and once again, why should we care?

6) When do you plan to pen, speak, or type your work and how might you stay motivated in completing your work?

7) What if you knew you were going to die tomorrow would all the hope to create your work really be necessary?

Part of knowing whether you are in fact honest with yourself and others is to interview yourself.  You will soon discover that you aren't ready just yet, but your getting there.  So go back to doing what makes you feel comfortable, isn't that what typically happens anyway?  Whatever it is that keeps you distracted from tending to what really matters and that is what your soul is telling you.

The reason why most people don't really commit to writing a book or any creative work that exposes them (although they desire to) other than those laughable excuses, "I'm too busy" or "I don't know what to write about," is they know they can't be honest with themselves or anyone else!  Those excuses, depending on who is saying them and how they are saying them, are funny to me, because I know they make plenty of time prepping food for a holiday gathering where stuffing faces is a requirement and I know they have some idea of what to talk about, because they sure know how to talk themselves out of doing things that might leave them feeling vulnerable or talk about what others are doing that they are not!  Therefore, there is still time for some individuals to figure out what they would like to leave behind for us all, but not so much for the many hard-hearted (even in my own family.)

People aren't getting any younger and so the clock of life continues to tick.  The thought of why you made certain life choices and not others gets buried.  Why you do what you do is never explained.  Who you really are when there is no makeup, wig, or nails polished...?  What you really stand for when no one is interviewing you?  When did you stop striving for that one dream and picked up a career instead?  Why you married who you did and did you ever plan on being a parent?  

A lot of people will check out of this world never telling us how old they are, who their parents are, the secret life they have lived, how broke they really are...we will learn from kinfolk or strangers, we will learn something in their passing that would have been better said had they told that above ground.

When you write or create something about you, let it be honest, straight from the heart!  Be vulnerable share your regrets, faults, and other weaknesses just as much as you share your achievements!  Social media is encouraging false narratives to be told for many people.  Let me help you write an honest life story in your very own words!  Begin your journey with me today!  We will go over your book idea and as your book coach, I will be there to encourage and advise for a reasonable rate.  Simply send an email to:nichollmcguire@yahoo.com with, "I need a book coach" in the header.

Most recently I decided to finally share a chapter of who I am, not in the traditional fashion of nonfiction books filled with challenges and wisdom like what I have already written (I have 17 self-published books now), but simply showing my story in stillness and peace I have found during my family moves.  I started out in Pennsylvania; however, I have lived in Ohio, Georgia, Colorado, California, Illinois and have visited my share of states. 

I didn't build upon any of my creative works by diving right in; rather, I started my writing quests in stillness then the words came.  In order to visually see what I am talking about and wear one of my timeless gift items, check out my new shop, "Stillness Gifts" here. I will be periodically adding more products soon.  Feel free to like, share, and purchase these eye-catching items today!

Nicholl

Be confident knowing you are writing well. Check out Grammarly!

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Need a Freelance Writing Job?

There are sites around the web you can find freelance writing jobs.  Here are some trusted sites below worth checking out:

1)  Upwork (note: helpful resource on how to make money using Upwork).

2)  Linked In

3)  Freelancer

4)  Textbroker

5)  Guru

6)  Fiverr

7)  Tenrr

Pay close attention to what is expected at each site and take a moment to look up the good, bad and ugly before forking over any cash.  There are membership fees with some freelance writing sites, higher payments given based on performance and length of stay, and more.  I personally like making arrangements offline to write for clients, but for those who are looking to start a freelance writing business this list is one way to get started.

Best wishes!

Nicholl

Be Careful What You Write...

After writing my books, "Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate" and "When Mothers Cry," I didn't expect that life would be any easier as a result.  These books were meant to be a release of past burdens.  I didn't anticipate major book sales and made no plans to get these books in local stores.  Making money wasn't even on the "to do" list.  What was important to me first and foremost was saving lives.  "If one woman could walk away from an abusive relationship as a result then it was worth writing the 'Laboring to Love...' book," I thought; and if another could walk away from her children before she abused them, then "When Mothers Cry" was worth it too! 

When you write your reality, your truth about any circumstance, it is a given that you will face more challenges.  It seems as if you are tested by everyone you know.  "You should know better, you wrote the book," an advisor preaches.  "I read your book and wow, I didn't know you went through so much, what do you think about...?" the reader questions.  You are expected to know more than the average person and most of all you have now put yourself in a position to help others whether you set out to do that or not.

People want answers to their problems.  This is the main reason why people even bother to read anything that anyone writes.   "Can you solve my problem? Can you ease my pain?  Do you have any wisdom to help me through my trial?"  People want to be encouraged.  There are times when I read my own work seeking a bit of information to help me deal with a dilemma.  I admit that sometimes I forget what I write.  It helps to go back and reflect.

At times, as a writer, you will regret some things you have said or wish you said more.  I can't think of anything in particular that I regret writing, but I can remember how some of my articles made people react negatively and then I wished that they never read them; notice I didn't say I wished I never wrote them.  No matter what my good intentions were in writing a piece, people will not always react positively.  However, there were also those who agreed with my points in some of the same controversial work as well.  If one left a positive comment, then in my mind, the rest of the folks didn't matter.

I advise any writer, like I would any speaker, to be careful what you write.  If you can't say it in person, don't write it!  I have watched interviews where people backed down from what they have said and I wanted to just throw a shoe at the TV.  "Take a stand!  Don't back down!  You know you said it, so stick with it!" There will be those times when someone may push you to speak your truth even when you aren't quite ready, but rather than cave into the pressure, carefully consider everything first.  I have had to do that.  How will what I write impact my future?  Is it necessary to reveal secrets?  Should I talk about everything about a situation or just the revelant points?

It wasn't easy putting my first book together, because I had to look back.  I had to go back and read the poetry I wrote while the abuse was going on.  This meant that everything that happened over that nine-month period in my life had to be relived.  I was irritable and impatient at times while putting that book together.  It wasn't easy putting my second book together either, because I had to be honest about how the people, places, things, and reactions around me affected my being a mother.  Sometimes you step on toes when you think about how people and things make you feel, but like a cauldron of hearty soup needs meat and potatoes, what people did or said goes in the pot.  You might have to deal with readers speaking negatively about your book.  If you are more interested in keeping the peace amongst family and friends when you tell a personal story, then don't write a book.  But, if it means more to you to pen your truth, then do it!  However, keep in mind that you will need to be careful what you say.  You also might lose someone from your inner circle in the process too.

Nicholl McGuire

More Tidbits about Working from Home

Increase Your Social Presence

There is the person you are offline and then there is the person you are online or maybe you are simply the same both on and off. But whoever you are, you have got to promote your product and service in such a way that people can connect with you in a personal way depending on what you are selling.

When I sold Avon, I got many sales because I made myself available to the public. I introduced myself through word of mouth, fliers and other traditional forms of advertising. Rather than just sell a product, you are selling yourself! What is it about you that makes you different? If I am seated in your presence, what am I going to come away with that is memorable and will make me want to get to know more of you?

Sometimes I used my mother side, my wife side, my "back in the day" side, etc. depending on the day, time, season, connection to sell a product or service for not only myself, but those I worked for too.

My biggest sales came from those who could connect with me. You have to ask yourself, "Who am I online when I am at this forum, hub page, social networking site, etc.?" People can help you determine that based on how many page views, likes, comments and more you are receiving for your best work, experience, stories, etc. Find out who you are and the rest will follow!
Start by increasing your social presence.

Learn more here.

Writing from Home and Getting Paid is Legitimate

I have personally wrote from home and received extra cash to pay some small bills since 2007. I was skeptical at first, but realized very quickly there was potential to make money writing from home if I stuck with it.
I started searching the Internet looking for paid writing gigs. I visited forums, blogs and other places where people either sang praises about certain companies or cursed about them.
So start with forums, then type in your keywords in search engines and then visit some writers' blogs for further insight.

Learn more about my writing experiences and resources on this blog, Nicholl McGuire.

Helpful Resources

How to Make Money From Your Business Clutter | Entrepreneur.com

Business START-UP-GUIDE

Get Money for your Business or Idea | How Make Money, Start Business, & Live Best Life

 8 ways to boost your income now- MSN Money

Freelance Writer At Your Service! Nicholl McGuire

With over 20 years work experience and 15 years writing experience, Nicholl McGuire assists individuals and businesses with their online marketing goals by providing them with her writing services. She understands internet marketing, because she too has businesses that she promotes heavily. When you work with her, you are working with a team player! She has prided herself over the years on her dedication to get the job done! Spending many hours online, she writes articles and markets them on various websites and blogs. Some of the subject matter she writes about includes: relationships, parenting, business, products, and services. She has over 300 articles to date! She also has recorded audio as well, a soft, soothing voice, she provides helpful information for both the young and old. To hear her voice, visit http://www.associatedcontent.com/nichollmcguire. When she isn't online, she is offline penning her second book entitled, When Mothers Cry and organizing her family's history for a future book.

She is a talented young woman, attractive, and intelligent. She has been blessed spiritually and uses her gifts to better herself and others. Although, she is very dedicated to her faith, she doesn't allow it to jeopardize her relationship with others who may not agree with her beliefs. For she loves people, she appreciates life, and all she wants to do is "just get along" as Rodney King stated after being severely beaten by officers in Los Angeles County back in 1993. McGuire penned an article about the ordeal, her first major news article which was published in an Eastern Illinois University yearbook publication titled, The Warbler. Speaking of college, she has attended three: Eastern Il. University Charleston IL, Duquesne University Pittsburgh PA, and Point Park College (now University) Pittsburgh PA. She completed coursework in print journalism, speech communications, advertising, business writing, desktop publishing, and many others too numerous to list. She was also recognized by Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities, received the National Communication Arts Award, and other special recognition certificates.

McGuire is also an experienced actress, acappella singer, and dancer. She has performed for dinner theater audiences in Cleveland, OH. She hopes to make a comeback to the performing arts world in the near future lending her talents to producers of commercials and sitcoms. McGuire is definitely an asset to your business and someone definitely worth knowing!

For more information about her writing services, send an email to: nickymcguire1@yahoo.com

What on Earth Was I Thinking When I Started Journaling?

The teachers had instilled in us young children to write.  They wanted us to write sentences about things like:  personal interests, people, places, and things.  I was programmed from the time I could put a sentence together to journal.  Yet, something so innocent, can be used against you as you grow older.  Those optimistic teachers didn't warn us children about parents who would give you a hard time about the things you write about them or others (they think are them).  They didn't prepare us for the sacrifices we would make for writing or not writing from partners to networks.  They didn't tell us that there was such a thing as Writer's Block.  They didn't tell us that we could break the rules sometimes with generalizations, exaggerations, fiction, and poor grammar without excuse.  They surely didn't warn us about the myriad of mean-spirited emotions, strange voices, and weird muses that help to periodically give us our best work. 

What on earth was I thinking when I started journaling?

I didn't know many decades ago, in my child-like mind, that writings could be used to identify one's personality and other hidden things about one's self that you rather the world not know.  I hadn't a clue about building confidence through writing, finding a mental release after trauma, or anything else that may have been deemed helpful growing up had I not been so scared to write down my true self for so many years of my childhood. 

Recently, I realized, after ripping one of my many diaries in two, that what was supposed to be my childhood diaries was really someone else's--an angry girl who had been micro-managed to the point that she was unsure of how she truly felt about things since others made decisions for her.  Others insisted they were right even when they were wrong.  People who had problems that they didn't want an inquisitive little girl to uncover.  A bright child who was told by the media to write about boys and rant about parents through television shows.  But what I really wanted to write about is now on 15 plus blogs, show up in over 100 plus videos, and are presented in seven plus books in a few different categories and I'm still not satisfied (sigh). 

Too many vital years of controlling men and deceptive women suffocating my core through emotional abuse (and a past of domestic violence) has long been the fuel that has kept me writing.  However, I received great news at the start of the year from a world beyond this one, "You are free!  You are free!"  No longer bound by my past, I have arrived to my present and look forward to my future. 

Nicholl McGuire

"I want a blog!"

They saw your blog and now they want one too, the "I want..." people I like to call them. Its not like they are serious about wanting a blog, they just desire one because you have one. They don't even know what they will talk about, but because you talk about yours or you have your website link so neatly placed on a business card, flier or somewhere else, it has caught the person's eye and now they want it too.

These are the same "I want..." people who say, "I want to write a book too!" when you tell them about yours hoping they will buy it. Instead, they ask about the content of your book then politely interrupt with, "My relative just wrote a book...my friend had a book signing at XYZ bookstore." I don't want to appear rude, desperate for a book sale, or mean so I say, "Oh that's nice..." But what I really want to say is "Who cares just buy my book already! Better yet, I'll make it easy for you, here's my book now tell your relative or friend about it and have them call me." LOL

Why can't others just be happy for you and buy your book? Anyway, I digress...

So what I really wanted to say in this blog posting is I found the following article helpful for that friend who says, "Ah, I want a blog too!" and if you don't have a friend like that great, maybe it will be helpful for you!

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4 Methods To Increase Blog Visitors

Blogging is a perfect way for people to share their thoughts with others. When people blog, it signifies they keep an updated online journal or calendar. Weblog and blog are identical things. Companies might also blog to help increase the number of business on their websites. For many bloggers, going up traffic to their blogs is not the only objective. Most people that blog need to keep their visitors coming back for more.

The next are four alternatives to keep visitors coming to your blog site.

Blogging is a relatively new phenomenon. A few blog writers select to keep their blogs personal and do not share their thoughts with others. These are more like online diaries. Other wants to share with everyone what he or she has to tell. Blogging is a huge business and multiple websites offer free blog hosting. Furthermore, many companies elect blogging as an inexpensive alternative to advertise their products or services. Blogging on the net is often much cheaper than maintaining a website and is normally more attractive for readers and customers.

1. Update your blog

The easiest alternative to keep visitors coming back to your blog site is to update your blog on a regular basis. Readers will stay loyal to blogs that are updating daily. A few blog writers even updated many times a day. Readers will tend to lose interest in your writing if they have to wait many days for new material. Be loyal to your readers and your readers will be loyal to your blog. Furthermore, there are entirely thousands of blogs accessible on the Internet. If your blog is not update on a regular basis, you will lose your readers to another blog site. Another fun alternative to update your blog and keep your readers interested in your site is to include something fun for your readers to enjoy. That may be as easy as a joke or perhaps a link to a humorous story you have found on the net. You might also try this includes a trivia game or polls for your readers to enjoy on a regular basis.

2. Participate in web communities

Participating in web communities or debate forums and remarking your blog whenever probable will help keep readers coming back to your site. Furthermore, you can gain new readers every time doing this. You can also be loyal to the blogs of other writers and ask them to arrive to your site. Leave cool comments about their site and invite them to your site. If you have mutual interests and an identical type of readers, you can even share your blog links on your site. This helps everyone. Your reader will appreciate attractive reading while you make the most of readers from the other site.

3. Understand who reads your blogs

Another great alternative to keep blog readers coming back for more is to comprehend who reads your blog and write content that is direct towards them. This does not mean that you have to write on only one particular subject. If you are a stay at home mom and write about your life at home with the kids, your loyal readers may not appreciate it if you write about innovative topics or use loads of foul language in your writing. If you mostly write humor, do not bog your readers down with sorrowful woes and tales. Your readers will be interested in the things that attracted them to your site in the first place. That is normally what you are more interested in writing about. You can gain a better understanding of your readers interested by this includes places for comments and encouraging your readers to contact you by email.

4. Include keywords

You can gain readership and help keep your ongoing readers by this includes certain keywords in your blog. If you have entered your blog on a search engine, the keywords that refer to your blog will come up after a search. This is a great alternative to get readers interested in your blog. This is also a good way for companies to boost the traffic to their blog.

Blogging is the new alternative to keep a calendar or journal online. Blogging is increasingly generalizing for companies further. If what you want is to make your blog stand out against the thousands of other blogs, keep your readers interested and coming back for more everyday by updating your writing, take part in online communities, comprehend your readers and include keywords.

By: Calvin Tan

10 Internet & Email Dating Tips

The following tips will help you with your quest to find someone who is right for you online.

1. When reviewing the photos of people on social networking sites, be sure that you don't pick someone who is seen in all his or her photographs smiling with their mouth closed, wearing a hat, sitting down, wearing an unusual amount of makeup, or standing behind someone or something. This person is obviously trying to cover up their hidden flaws. They may be balding, obese or very short, have terrible looking teeth, covering up birthmarks, freckles or pimples or they may have some kind of handicap.

2. If you should find someone who has done this in all there photographs, ask them in your email to send you a recent photo. Now he or she may not have one, but give them enough time to get one taken. If they are always coming up with an excuse, move on.

3. Don't rush to ask for phone numbers. If you find that you are anxious to speak to this person over the phone, think about why. Is it because you haven't had sex in awhile, you are just curious about his or her voice, and/or he or she is saying all the right things in their emails? Whatever the case, write as much as you like until you are comfortable with the answers you are receiving and that you honestly care for this person. (If they seem as if they are putting you off, not responding to email in a timely manner or answering all emails with little or no detail, move on.)

4. Be sure when you are writing your first emails to them that you aren't getting "too serious". Don't get into your desires of being married and having children right away or writing a history of every Tom, Dick and Harry or Jane, Mary and Tina who ever broke your heart. Find out what their likes and dislikes are, what they enjoy doing daily, where do they like to go, what kind of hobbies they love, how do they feel about their job, family, and friends. In later emails, you may want to bring up the serious topics in such a way that would not make them run for the border. For instance, when asking about a mental condition, you may say that you read somewhere how most mental illnesses are genetic and that you found out from a friend that he is bipolar (don't make up a lie, but use a true case.) Do they know of anyone who has suffered from the disease?

5. Don't forget to spell check your emails. Many educated people who can spell well, frown at emails that are riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. Be sure to read over what you write aloud. This helps when you are trying to find out if you communicated your point well.

6. There is no set time on how long you email back and fourth, so don't set a limit of how long you will do it. He or she may have other email pals or gals, but don't let that push you to ask for a date sooner rather than later. Sometimes those other email pals or gals are in a rush to meet and then ultimately hang themselves being disrespectful, pushy, lying, cheating etc. It is better to play the best friend or confidante role to get what you want long term rather than the one night stand.

7. Remember in your emails to acknowledge birthdays and other holidays. Ask about family and friends by name (if you know any.) It makes the receiver feel like you have been thinking about them and sincerely care.

8. When he or she feels like they can trust you, you may want to send them something special in the mail. Reassure them that you wouldn't surprise them on their job or at home, but that you just want to send them something nice. If they aren't ready to share their address, don't take it personal just say, "Maybe next time."

9. Now that you have survived the email relationship, you may want to ask for that all important date. Start the email off by saying how much you enjoyed writing, but you would like to exchange phone numbers. If they say no, be patient, at least you know that they will be thinking about it. The reason why it is a big deal for some people is they feel if they talk with you on the phone that eventually it will lead to something more and if they aren't ready they don't want to lead you on.

10. When you set up the date, time and meeting place, be sure to leave a note in your apartment and tell someone close to you where you will be going. Better yet, if you can have someone at your home to take a photo of the two of you or glance at the license plate of his or her vehicle, you will be playing it safe.

Nicholl McGuire writes for numerous websites, feel free to learn more about her services and connect here at Nicholl McGuire Media

Tips on Writing Creative Nonfiction Stories and Feature Articles by Nicholl McGuire

If you're thinking about writing a creative nonfiction story or article, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

First, your piece should focus on true events. This means that you'll need to do some research to make sure your facts are accurate. However, don't let the research process overwhelm you – remember that you're telling a story, so the most important thing is to keep your reader engaged. You can see an example of this when you read my work, “Say Goodbye to Dad” which has a variety of experiences fatherless daughters and sons have incurred but also there is research to explain personality disorders and unhealthy relationships.

Second, while it's important to stay true to the facts, don't be afraid to inject some creativity into your writing. After all, the whole point of creative nonfiction is to tell a fascinating story that will captivate your readers. So don't be afraid to use literary devices like similes and metaphors to bring your story to life. This had been done in my poetry anthologies: “Floral Beauty on a Dead-End Street”, “Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate,” “Laboring to Love Myself”, and “Spiritual Poems by Nicholl.”

Third, make sure you have a clear focus. creative nonfiction stories and articles can be about any topic, but they should always have a central theme or message. Once you've decided what you want to write about, brainstorm some ideas and think about the best way to structure your piece.

Finally, don't forget to edit and proofread your work before you publish it. Even the most well-written story will benefit from being read aloud and from a second pair of eyes – so ask a friend or family member to read over your piece before you hit "publish." By following these tips, you can be sure that your creative nonfiction story or article will be captivating and enjoyable for readers.

Get started working on your book today!  Start with an easy-to-use platform that I have partnered with Bookemon.  The set up is quick.  You are able to use templates to create your work and the turn around to print is reasonable. You can also create audiobooks!  Learn more by clicking on the image below.  

All the best!

Love Poetry by Nicholl - Happy Valentines Day!

For years now, I have shared my love poetry at Love Poetry by Nicholl.  I used that blog site as a way to free myself of good as well as bad memories of love in an effort to move on with life.  I must admit that it works!  You can receive peace of mind when you share personal feelings.  Although you might find it awkward at first, with enough writing, you won't agonize over past regrets or dwell on the "what ifs" of lost love.

I enjoy writing poetry.  I sometimes hear melodies in my head before I write.  There is something special about writing poems.  Take a walk with me at Love Poetry by Nicholl and appreciate what you got while you still got it!

Stay blessed.

Nicholl McGuire

Self-published Author Writing/Editing for Others

This is something that I have never stopped doing, writing for others.  Whether my name appears in the by-line or I am a ghost writer for someone who needs Internet content or desires to write a book, I love writing so I keep doing it. 

My focus these days has been on providing relationship content and journaling for family.  However, the beginning of the new year will slow down immensely for me, so I have my eyes open for future partnerships.

If you are an individual or business in need of a writer to supply online or offline content, feel free to email me at nichollmcguire@gmail.com.  Also check my Work Experience page on this site and visit Linked In (I was recently married so I am Nicholl Lewis at that site.)

I look forward to a bright and prosperous future for all my connections!  Thanks for stopping by my page!

Nicholl McGuire

NEWLY PUBLISHED BOOK: When Mothers Cry Written by Nicholl McGuire

The man isn’t what she wanted even though he is the father of her children. Their legacy came before they were both ready. She is a mother and her childhood dreams aren’t the reality she now lives. Her own mother wasn’t happy when she got the news of her birth in fact she refused to see her after giving her daughter life. Some childless women resent her, allowing their jealousies to override common sense. “Being a mother just isn’t what you think!” she cries out to anyone who will listen. At the end of the day, the mother struggles to find time for herself. She often cries out to God.

Get ready for an emotional journey of what makes mother’s cry in Nicholl’s second thought-provoking book entitled, When Mothers Cry. Both good and bad mothers cry. Some don’t want to be mothers and have bad relationships. Others have what society deems “bad children.” Mothers make questionable decisions in parenting while others let themselves and their children go. These are only some of the motherhood issues discussed in When Mothers Cry. You will not want to put this page-turner down unless of course, you want to cry. Nicholl is inviting mothers from all walks of life (and the men who love them,) young and old, rich and poor, to come to her table and pull up a chair, “Let’s talk about how you really feel about your role not what you want others to think either!” says Nicholl.

When Mothers Cry doesn’t spare anyone’s feelings, doesn’t sugarcoat the truth and isn’t delusional. Not everyone is happy about parenthood. This book is for those who are struggling with motherhood and the challenges that come with it whether your child is 1 or 61. Women who don’t believe they have any struggles with being a mother, shouldn’t read this book, unless of course, you plan on helping your sister in a crisis.

“My motivation for writing this book came from being with my children ever day for three years. The longest I had ever been away from them was eight hours in a single day! I had become bored with routine and was seeking something that could excite my life. For me, writing this book did more than I could ever imagine! It gave me freedom in my mind from the burdens all around me. As I wrote, I often thought of the many mothers who died frustrated, angry, and sad for giving up so much for their children and getting little in return. Then there were those mothers who came to mind who couldn’t ask for a better life, but due to unresolved issues of the past, they just couldn’t shake their negative emotions. What others considered these mothers’ weaknesses, I knew it was my duty to note their strengths! I dedicate When Mothers Cry to deceased mothers.”

When Mothers Cry is available at Amazon.com. For more information about the book visit www.whenmotherscry.com or http://whenmotherscry.blogspot.com

Nicholl McGuire was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, relocated to Ohio and then settled in California. She is the mother of four sons. Her background is in journalism and communications. Nicholl penned her first book Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate in 1997. She is also the creator of several recent journals released this year for people who enjoy recording their life experiences the traditional way. Those books are: My Travel Journal, My Business Plan, My Business Journal, and What Do I Have To Say About My Job? all may be found at Blurb.com, a website that helps novices and professionals create books.

Future Speaking Engagements

I know the time is coming that I will have to stand in front of an audience again to make a speech and/or possibly act. I have been writing online for the past six years offline for over 10, so I consider myself to be a bit of a recluse. However, I am conditioning my mind for those future moments. Maybe you are required to write a speech and present it in the future, here's a useful article I read recently. To your success!

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There are several types of speeches, and each have their own organizational patterns and elements. In this article, I discuss the parts of an informative speech. An informative speech is similar in structure to the five-paragraph essay structure you learned about in high school: an introduction paragraph, three main points (the body), and the concluding paragraph. You can think of an informative speech the same way.

The introduction section of your speech should last about one minute in a five-minute speech. In the introduction section, you should first gain the audience’s attention, then relate your topic to the audience. Next, you should establish your credibility on your topic, state the purpose of your speech and tell your audience your central idea, then transition to your first main point.

The Speech Body

Your three main points should be organized in some logical, easy to follow pattern. One pattern you could use is a chronological pattern. With a chronological pattern, your main points would be organized in time sequence: what occurred first, what occurred second, etc. This pattern would work well for describing a process, such as a recipe, or for discussing periods of time in history.

Another option for organizing your main points is the spatial pattern. You can logically organize your points based on physical space: top to bottom, left to right, inside to outside, etc.

Another organizational pattern is the causal pattern. You can first discuss the cause of a problem, then the effect, or vice-versa. Related to this pattern is the problem/solution pattern. First discuss the problem, then discuss the solution.

The final organizational pattern is the topical pattern. You can divide your topic in to it’s logical components and discuss these components individually. For instance, if your topic is about symphonic orchestras, you could divide your main points into strings, brass, and woodwind instruments.

You should begin each of your three main points by clearly stating what your main point is. Each main point should be limited to a single idea. Try to be creative and avoid just announcing your main point. Each main point should be supported by examples, definitions, statistics, comparisons, or testimony from experts.

Transitions

Between each main point, you should have good transitions. Transitions are verbal bridges that move your audience from one idea to the next. A transition is a word or group of words that show the relationship between ideas as you move from point to point. Transitions can be effectively indicated by pausing before moving on to another main point, by changing the rate of your speaking, varying your pitch, or more directly, by using statements that tell an audience you are moving on. An effective transition summarizes the points preceding it, and previews the next point. For example: Those are the two main problems, now let’s see how they can be solved.Use a variety of transitions and avoid falling into a rut. Transitions are surprisingly difficult and my students used to tell me that coming with good transitions is one of the hardest parts of speech writing. Here are some examples of transitions you can use:

However
In addition to
Similar to this
Looking further
Now consider it from
Furthermore
More importantly
Therefore
Despite this
Now let’s consider
First of all
Speech Conclusions

The final part of your speech is the conclusion. In your conclusion, you would first signal the end of your speech, which let’s your audience know that you are finishing. Then you recap your main points, and finally end your speech with a good clincher that reinforces your main idea and ties it all up.

By: Kevin Shaughnessy
If you're a student, be sure to visit GradeMySpeech.com to get feedback on your speech from a former speech instructor BEFORE you have to deliver it for real. It's affordable, and it's a great way to help improve your speech.

Article Writing - A Simple Way to Make Money Online by Nicholl McGuire Media - YouTube

Article Writing - A Simple Way to Make Money Online by Nicholl McGuire Media - YouTube

Faith. Fire. Finish: How I Turned Pain Into Purpose and Learning Into Leadership

I didn’t grow up around peace. I grew up around pain that spoke through relatives yelling and being threatening, slammed doors, aching heads and backs, and anxious mornings. I watched the women in my family carry burdens they didn’t have names for (R.I.P. mom, grandmoms, aunts, and great aunts)—until I gave them one. PMDD for those closest to me. Other names: Domestic trauma. Financial fear. Anxiety. I carry their legacy, but I don’t carry it the same way. I decided to use my voice, my pen, and eventually, a camera lens to help people process what they’ve lived through—because that’s what saved me.

In 1997, I gave my life to God, and everything changed. I didn’t come from a deeply spiritual family, so most didn’t expect me to get serious about my faith. Especially after surviving domestic violence in 1996, many figured I would move on quietly. But I didn’t. I drew closer to God through fasting, prayer, and time in the Word. I distanced myself from those who doubted my walk. I chose healing over pretending.

Even now, I get tired. Tired of the evil in this world. Tired of watching good people suffer while others play with power. But I keep going because I know I’m called. I know I’m not powerless. And I know the truth still matters. At the time of this writing, I dedicated 16 plus years delivering it on my channel, NM Enterprise 7 on YouTube.

I first saw the power of my voice as a child. I tried to talk sense into my friends and tattled on them when they didn’t listen. I wasn’t trying to be annoying—I just wanted peace. As I got older, people started to listen. By college, classmates thanked me for speaking up. Today, I use social media, YouTube, podcasts, and writing to test and share truth. Even family members who once doubted me now tell me to keep going. They might not always like what I say, but they respect that it comes from a place of wisdom and boldness.

My younger self would be proud of me. She’d be shocked, actually. That I went back to school, earned my degree, and now I’m working on my Master’s in Organizational Leadership (studies to be completed Aug. 2025). That I didn’t give up when life got hard again last year. That I didn’t let family issues pull me away from school like they did 20 years ago. She’d say, “Get that money like Grandma did it!”—but now I’m doing it with purpose.

I chose organizational leadership because I wanted to understand how businesses really run. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. I didn’t just want to show up for work—I wanted to lead, manage, and build with integrity. My education is helping me do that.

I stay grounded with routines that feed my mind, body, and spirit. I write things down, use tech tools, and honor the structure I create for myself. I taught myself how to use AI tools (ResourceRundown), how to write and publish books, how to paint with acrylics, and how to research smarter. I’ve spent hours on YouTube growing in faith and mental strength. What I couldn’t afford in coaching, I learned through dedication.

My education hasn’t just helped me—it’s helped me serve others. I’ve supported small businesses and nonprofits, advised women about toxic relationships, and motivated people to go after their goals. Whether it's relocating, creating, or rebuilding something they thought was too far gone—I've encouraged people to believe again.

This is what I want to keep doing. Whether as a manager, consultant, or community leader, I want to keep turning truth into transformation. I want to keep choosing purpose, not just survival. And I’m committed to finishing what I started—not just for me, but for every woman and girl watching.

Nicholl McGuire