Although, I have much to learn, I’d like to share with you some of the influences that have helped me tremendously in my own writing and I’m sure will be a great help to you wherever you may be in your own development as a writer. I especially wanted to let you know about an online course that is currently accepting new students.
Photo: Leszekglasner Deposit Photos 18383043
About a year ago, I began sensing that God was leading me in a new direction. I wasn’t sure what that direction would look like or where He would lead, but I stepped out in faith. As some time passed, I began to realize that writing would somehow play a part in that future direction.
I had developed a particularly meaningful and well-received sermon over the years and thought that might form the basis for a book. The thought was equally exciting and terrifying! As I started to develop the thought, I realized that although I had written some articles over the years, I had never entertained the thought of actually writing a book! After all, just reading a book took some effort for me. (I remember John Trent one time remarking that “I’ve written more books than I’ve read.”)
So, I knew nothing at all about writing a book, I set out to learn as much as I could. I learned a lot about writing and new developments in the publishing industry in recent years. I learned about the importance of building a Platform and how to Get Noticed In a Noisy World.from Michael Hyatt. Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft, Stephen Pressfield’s The War of Art and William Zinsser’s On Writing Well were also very enjoyable and extremely helpful. I also found much encouragement to Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters from Jon Acuff and online groups that he inspired.
Perhaps the most help of the past year or so came from Jeff Goins. Jeff is a blogger, podcaster, speaker and author. Jeff’s blog, GoinsWriter.com, is one of the fastest-growing blogs on the web and a well-respected resource for bloggers and writers. He has developed a number of resources that have been very helpful and encouraging. Perhaps the most helpful resource has been Jeff’s Tribe Writers course. I have to admit when I first signed up for the course, I really wasn’t prepared for it. But, since the course come with lifetime access, I’ve been able to come back to it frequently as I continue to grow in my own writing.
Tribe Writers is
the online course that helps you discover a unique writing voice, find the audience already waiting for you, and build a powerful platform to reach them. This online membership program will teach you everything you need to know about blogging, social media, and how to use the craft of writing to attract an audience of passionate followers who will share your work and help you finally turn pro.
A lot of online courses are just a series of static articles filled with outdated content. Tribe Writers is different. This is an interactive learning experience. We use three different forms of teaching (because everyone learns differently), as well as three unique ways for students to connect with each other and the content.
The curriculum is broken up into four distinct modules, each designed to be two weeks long, but we are free to go at our own pace.
- Module 1: Honing Your Voice
In this module, you’ll dig deep into the craft of writing and learn how to write for an audience. We’ll talk about blogging, copywriting, and why you need to care about writing for an audience. You’ll also find out what it takes to connect with a worldview and carve out a niche of your own. - Module 2: Establishing a Platform
In this module, you’ll learn how to build a powerful platform, including the ins and outs of blogging and social media. You’ll get the nitty-gritty on email lists and where you should be spending your time to get the largest audience. We’ll also explore topics like what makes for the best kind of blog and specifically how to build one. - Module 3: Expanding Your Reach
In this module, you’ll take the platform you’ve established and go find an audience. Together, we’ll tackle the secrets of successful guest posting, getting published in magazines, and how to become a networking ninja (without losing your soul). This module is all about influence, and by the end of these two weeks, you will definitely have more of it. - Module 4: Getting Published
In this module, you’ll learn what it takes to get published. Whether you decide to go the traditional route or just self-publish yourself now, you’ll have options when it comes to publishing your book and even learn how to launch a business around this audience you’ve built. You’ll also find out what it takes to create a manifesto that spreads and get an eBook on Amazon.
Beyond the curriculum itself, they also include expert interviews, case studies, and other ways to apply the lessons. In addition to the four teaching modules, they include:
- Exclusive interviews with over a dozen authors, bloggers, and publishing experts (including Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant, Marion Roach Smith, Seth Godin, Carol Tice, Michael Hyatt, Mary DeMuth, Tim Ferriss & more!)
- Lifetime access to the Tribe Writers community (of over 2000 members), including forums and discussion groups where you can interact with other students, share your work, get feedback and help, and have your questions answered
- Admission to a private Facebook group only for course alumni
- Live conference calls with the teacher to ask questions and get help (plus over eight hours of archived audio content from past classes)
- Downloadable PDF workbook with a summary of every lesson and interview
- Membership to your own accountability group, so that you can go through the course in a small community of people who encourage and challenge you
If this sounds like it might be good for you too, click to learn more about the Tribe Writers course.
