Idea Generator

Getting out my fine-toothed comb

A quick update on the progress on my upcoming book, The Customizable Style Guide for Coaches Who Write: Look Smarter, Write Faster and Get Better Results from Your Writing - the design is done and I'm just in the proofreading stage.

Of course, I'm also finding things I want to change in the content. Here's where perfectionism starts to seep in. That's why I'm making sure to tell a lot of people how close the book is to being complete. I know you all won't let me dissect it for too much longer.

Watch for a pre-sales offer very soon, and the official launch coming shortly after.

Thanks for your support and good wishes!

20 Free Communication Tools

There's a party going on at http://www.effectivecommunicationsgiveaway.com and you're invited!

In honor of Effective Communications Month, Felicia Slattery has pulled together some of the world's best and brightest to give you a one-stop shop of free communication tools, all designed to give you the results you want.

And there's a little something from me about making your writing more readable.

Head on over to http://www.effectivecommunicationsgiveaway.com and let these experts shower you with gifts!

June is Effective Communications Month!

In honor of this official holiday I’ve teamed up with Felicia Slattery, communication coach, and more than 15 other experts to celebrate. 

We're all putting together some special gifts for you, especially designed to help you communicate effectively with your target market, niche, ideal clients, or audience. 

Everything is under wraps for another two day until Thursday, June 5. THEN, watch for an invitation to discover how to:

• organize your small business and office
• write articles for list-building and profit
• podcast
• write and publish a book to market your business
• use search engine optimization
• use public speaking to market your business
• and so much more! 

There will even be a little something from me, about how to make your writing more readable.  Everything in this fabulous package is completely free and won’t cost you a penny!

I’ll send you the link this Thursday so you can get in on all the fun goodies.

Sneak peek of my new do-it-yourself editing tool for coaches

Well, I'm busy creating my next product, the do-it-yourself editing tool, and I've come up with the following working title:

Be Your Own Editor: The Customizable Style Guide for Coaches Who Write

Do you like it? What do you think of when you see that title? Does it compel you at all? Do you think you need something like that? Please enter your comments below.

FYI, the sales page and "pink spoon" will explain what a style guide is, for those who don't know already.

Here's a sneak peek at the Table of Contents (in progress). Is there anything missing that you'd like to see in the book? Speak now!! You can enter your comments below.

Also, if you haven't sent me your own editing confessions yet, hop on over to the website. If you submit your confessions, you'll be the first to snap up the free "pink spoon" version of the tool, and you'll also be eligible for a FREE COPY of the finished product.

Thanks SO much for your help!

Amazon's New Print-on-Demand Policy

If you've been thinking about selling your self-published book on Amazon, have a look at this story on Angela Hoy's Writers Weekly website.  Apparently, Amazon is trying to ban any self-publishers who don't use their own print-on-demand service, BookSurge.

I first heard about the situation in the Aha (Authors Helping Authors) blog. Then, Lynne Klippel mentioned it to me, when we were speaking about putting together a flat-rate publishing package for my clients.

One of the biggest benefits of self-publishing your book is that it gives you - the author, the expert - more choices and more automony over the process. Now Amazon is trying to take those choices away.

There are a LOT of other online booksellers out there, and I bet their business is going to be booming as a backlash from this situation.

There's an online petition with 1,092 signatures and counting (including mine). What about you? Will you sign the petition? Or will you "vote with your feet" and take your book-buying and book-selling business elsewhere?

Want to feel good this Sunday morning? Join Lissa Bergin-Boles, Shawn Shepheard and Marci Shimoff

Tune in to the Small Business, Big Ideas radio show this Sunday, March 9th from 9:00 am - 10:00 am.

Lissa Bergin-Boles is your host, and she will welcome inspirational guru Shawn Shepheard. According to the show notes, "5 minutes with this guy and you'll be shouting "hurray" and getting going on things that matter." Well, I've spent way more than 5 minutes with Shawn and I can vouch for that!

Plus, Marci Shimoff from "The Secret" will discuss her newest book, "Happy for No Reason."

Want to feel good this Sunday? Don't miss it!

Listen in at www.ckdo.ca or 107.7 FM in the Toronto area.

P.S. Want to spend some more time with Shawn? Check out his upcoming teleclass series. It's starting soon - March 12th - so don't wait!

Earth Hour 2008 - Turn off the lights on March 29th, 2008 and see the difference you can make

Coaching is in the News in Toronto, Canada

The Toronto Star published an article about coaching on Tuesday, February 20, 2008. The article, " Life coaches: Personal trainers of the psyche," was written by David Graham.

This link to the article will be live for three months. As an aside, I'm glad the Star has licensing options for their online content, so that I can provide it with a clear conscience, AND the assurance of exactly how long it will be valid. If you click on the "post," or "republish article" links above the article, you'll see an example of what I mean.

Link to "Life coaches: Personal trainers of the psyche" in the Toronto Star, February 19, 2008 - link available until May 2008.

Seth Godin & Friends Meatball Sandwich Teleseminar - see you there?

I just heard about a teleseminar scheduled for next week. It sounds like a great opportunity to hear four marketing masterminds together on the same call: Seth Godin, Dan Pink, Rich Sloan (Start Up Nation) and Debbie Weil (corporate blogging expert).

It’s on Wednesday, February 13th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, and it’s free. You can sign-up here to attend or to access the recording after the class:
http://www.sethgodinteleseminar.com

Will I see you there?

Coaching Toys is 5 Years Old!

I just heard from Marcy Nelson-Garrison, the founder of Coaching Toys, that they are about to turn 5 years old!

If you don't know about this site, please stop by for a visit now - it really is a coach's playground, full of amazing toys - http://www.coachingtoys.com.

If you're already a fan, Marcy wants to hear about your memories from the last 5 years in Coaching Toys history. Leave your stories and messages at: http://coachingtoysblog.typepad.com/coaching_toys_blog/2008/01/share-your-stor.html

Curious about MY connection to Coaching Toys? Click here: http://www.coachingtoys.com/musicalmusings.html

Corporate Coaches - CHOICE, the magazine of professional coaching, is looking to hear from YOU!

Thanks to my colleague Kathy Mallary of http://coachingbiztips.com for alerting me of this upcoming deadline. I've already written several of my clients to let them know of this opportunity.

If you're a corporate coach, this would be fantastic exposure. Here are the details:

Call for Contributions - March 2008 Issue
Theme: Corporate Coaching

Back by popular demand is the choice Magazine review of corporate coaching. Are corporations showing greater success as a result of the increase in corporate coaching? Some corporations now employ many fulltime coaches, while others are still outsourcing their coaching. Read our interviews with leading CEOs, coaches and coaching clients who will talk about their experiences and perspectives on this form of leadership support. Article Deadline: December 20, 2007

NOTE: See the choice editorial guidelines and submission requirements at
http://www.choice-online.com/article-guidelines.html and
http://www.choice-online.com/article-submission.html

Quick Writing Prompt: What are you waiting for? Send your submissions to articles@choice-online.com - good luck!

Don't have an article ready? Let's talk! http://www.lindadessau.com/talk-write-ghostwriting.html

Or do you have an article started that needs some polishing? http://www.lindadessau.com/talk-write-power-edit.html

From Ideas to Income #5 - Worried about writing mistakes?

This week, in the fifth and final class of our From Ideas to Income series, Sandra De Freitas and I will be addressing this common concern, "I don't want bad writing to ruin my reputation. "

If you're worried that your writing may not be up to par, call in for a refreshing reality check about mistakes. I'll also share a readability checklist and the 5 most common writing errors to avoid.

To join us this Friday, October 26 from 10-11 am Eastern, Toronto/NY time (what time is that where you live?), visit From Ideas to Income.

From Ideas to Income #4 - Getting stuck before you start?

In the recent You Talk, I'll Write survey, 53.3% of respondants cited, "I'm too busy to write" as their biggest writing challenge. And at a close second, at 42.2%, was the response, "I don't have the discipline to write."

That's why Sandra De Freitas and I have included today's important topic, #4 in the From Ideas to Income series, "I don't know how to start."

But we're not stopping with how to start, we'll also get into systems, tips and tools for keeping up a writing schedule on an ongoing basis. Sandra already gave me a preview of some of her favourite techniques on call #1, and I can't wait to hear what else she has up her sleeve.

To join us for class #4 this Friday, October 19 from 10-11 am Eastern, Toronto/NY time (what time is that where you live?), visit From Ideas to Income.

From Ideas to Income #3 - What to Write About

Well, if the Idea Generator blog isn't giving you enough ideas about what to write about, call in to class #3 of the From Ideas to Income series, this Friday, October 12 from 10-11 am Eastern, Toronto/NY time (what time is that where you live?).

Sandra De Freitas and I will be discussing how to overcome your writer's block, generate ideas, and write what your niche wants to read! This one's going to be jam-packed and full of content. How will we fit it all in?? Well, that's my challenge to worry about - you just show up!

From Ideas to Income

Catching Up - From Ideas to Income and Business Blogging Seminar

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted, I've been busy!!

I'm gearing up today for today's tele-class with Sandra De Freitas, #2 in our From Ideas to Income series.

Today's topic is  "I don't see how it could possibly help my business," and we'll discuss how writing can make you THE expert in your field, help you build relationships with potential clients and increase your income!

Sign up for this class and check out the series at From Ideas to Income.

Last night I attended my first IABC Toronto event - that's the International Association of Business Communicators. As I learned, Toronto is actually their biggest chapter. The speaker was Jerry Stevenson of Buck Consultants, who spoke about Practical Tips for Business Blogs.

Jerry had some great ideas for this (mostly) uninitiated audience. But I definitely learned a few things, too, and I'll be posting about some of them in the next week or so.

I think I'll stick with IABC's AIP meetings (Alliance of Independent Practitioners), where I've met many kindred spirits, and it's just so nice to be in a room with other freelance writers. Especially when some of them are also web-savvy, like Donna Papacosta.

Ok, Now I'll TALK and YOU Write!

Ta-dah!

Announcing From Ideas to Income - a 5-part tele-class series dedicated to getting your great ideas out of your head and into writing.

I'm co-leading these classes with Sandra De Freitas, the Tech Coach for Coaches.

Find out more at www.fromideastoincome.com

Hope to "see" you there!

Tuck thinks I'm a Belle with Balls!

Tuck Self, the Rebel Belle, is a self-proclaimed “personal growth enthusiast” with a passion for squeezing as much juice and joy out of this journey as she can.

She and I have been in touch a few times over the years, and most recently she wrote to ask if I'd be a guest on her Belles with Balls podcast. How could I say no to that??

We'll be chatting about how to Claim Your Expertise. It's a bit of a sneak preview of a September tele-class series that I'll be announcing soon.

If the Imposter Syndrome has been keeping YOUR great ideas stuck inside of you, don't miss it!

So, are you a Rebel Belle? Find out at Tuck's FUN & FANTASTIC website, and you'll also get onto her mailing list and be the first to know when our interview is available.

You Talk, I'll Write - Name Change and Other News

It's official! After bouncing the idea off some trusted colleagues, clients and my brilliant newsletter subscribers, I have decided to officially change the name of my business from You Talk It, I'll Write It to simply You Talk, I'll Write.

Check out the site to see what other changes I've made!

Coming Soon:

• Success Story service - let me ghostwrite a story that demonstrates your skilled work with clients, and all of the benefits you can offer
• Teleclass Series (ok, now I'll Talk and YOU can write!)

Subscribe to the blog or claim your free Top 10 Generator to make sure you're in the loop to hear about these events as they happen.

5 Web Resources I Use the Most

I was just "tagged" by Christina Favreau (http://blog.cristinafavreau.com), who has asked me to share 5 favoutite websites. The rules of the tag are:

1. MUST be clean. No R rated sites.
2. Only FIVE links.
3. MUST tell 5 people.
4. A link back to the person who tagged you
5. Lara’s Place is the meme originator

The 5 Web Resources I Use the Most as a Writer and Editor are:

1. Data Deposit Box - continually backs up the newest versions of all my client projects, as well as anything else I've created or revised since the last back up
2. Ezine Articles - premiere article bank website
3. Copywriting tips from Copyblogger
4. The Ezine Queen's Magic Text Formatter - formats content to 65-characters per line - GREAT for text-only emails
5. Typepad - I use their basic templates for this blog, their advanced templates for my website, and now that they've introduced the "Add page" feature, I'm encouraging people to use Typepad to create simple websites that are very affordable and easy to maintain - check out the sample page I created here: http://lindadessau.typepad.com/website

My next task is to "tag" 5 other bloggers and ask them for THEIR 5 favourite web resources. Here goes:

1. Sandra De Freitas of Tech Coach for Coaches.
2. Donna Papacosta of Trafalgar Communications.
3. Kathy Mallary of Inspired Market-Her.
4. Felicia Slattery of Communication Transformation.
5. Dina Lynch, the Mediation Mensch.

AWeber set-up help for delivering your email newsletter and automated follow-ups

If you're interested in an email delivery system for your e-courses, newsletters and special announcements, AWeber is a great solution.

I used their trial and could see they have a great service, and that's why I became an affiliate. The only reason I don't use it personally is because I send all of my emails through my shopping cart system, 1ShoppingCart.

If you don't need a shopping cart, but you're ready to grow your business with newsletters, e-courses and other automated follow-up strategies, AWeber might be just what you're looking for.

And now Lisa Wells, VA and tech support person extraordinaire, is offering a special package to get you set up. Check it out at:

http://www.coast2coastbusiness.com/aweber-support.html

Articles - an easier way

This blog is all about you creating your own content. Because I truly believe that you can! And once you create it, I'm here to help you refine it, if you choose.

AND, I know that some people just have too much else going on to deal with creating content for a newsletter or other article marketing pursuits.

That's why I was so impressed when I first came across Claire Communications. I saw their exhibit at the ICF Conference in Quebec City, but I think by then I'd already noticed that they were handling the newsletter design and delivery for CTI (Coaches Training Institute, where I trained as a coach).

Linda Puig, the brains and beauty behind Claire Communications, has put together a wonderful service. Her customers can choose between a variety of customization and personalization options, and end up with a completely hands-off solution for either an ezine or a hardcopy newsletter (or a great combo offer).

She also sells stand-alone articles that you can personalize and use.

AND, it gets even better.

Linda D. (that's me) and Linda P. have teamed up to offer You Talk It, I'll Write It as a flat-rate product from Claire Communication's Articles for Sale website.

You'll get a 30-minute phone call with Linda D., to discuss and develop your article ideas. Then, sit back and wait (usually three business days or less) for delivery of your 500-word original article. Feel free to request one round of revisions or changes (included in the low cost of $175).

These are your ideas - you own the article, you own the copyright. Whether you use the article for your existing newsletter, try Linda P.'s service (you can combine your original article with her newsletter service) or post it to an article bank website like Ezine Articles to drive traffic back to your website, you'll get a lot of mileage out of your article.

Visit the Articles for Sale site now to purchase a You Talk It, I'll Write It article:
http://www.articlesforsale.net

Now Available - printable Top 10 Article Generator worksheet ("on the go" version)

Someone just wrote and said they'd be taking the Top 10 Article Generator away on vacation (great idea, actually! I always find traveling very "fertile" for brainstorming and new perspectives).

That made me realize that the MS Word "fill-in" form version really doesn't travel well - it's meant to be used on-screen.

In case there are more of you who'd like the chance to work on your Top 10 article away from your computer, I've now included a printable Top 10 Article Generator worksheet when you sign up at:

http://www.writeatop10article.com

I hope you enjoy using the tool and find it useful!

Remember, if you'd like to polish or refine your writing, I can help! Book your Power Edit session today or visit http://www.youtalk-iwrite.com for more details.

An interview with Linda Dessau (wearing my music therapist hat)

If you'd like to learn more about what I do as a music therapist, Molly Anderson-Childers interviewed me for the Creativity Portal website, and the interview was published today.

Read An Interview with Linda Dessau (music therapist).

It's a departure from my writing and editing work, but it's an important part of who I am and what I do when I'm NOT writing.

Write Well, Write Now!

Welcome to the Idea Generator blog - designed to spark your creativity and make your great ideas come alive.

Whether you're writing new content for your blog, website or newsletter, recycling content to create a special report, e-book or printed book or putting together ANY product that includes written words, you're in the right place.

Check back for new writing prompts and marketing ideas. Or better still, use the subscription box in the top right-hand corner so you never miss a new post.

Don't forget to pick up your FREE copy of the Top 10 Article Generator at http://www.writeatop10article.com