In Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? seasoned coach and author Bella Mahaya Carter shows writers how to use their present circumstances as stepping-stones to a successful and meaningful writing life, navigated from the inside out. It encourages writers and authors to rethink their ambitions (which may be fueled by the tyrannical demands of the ego) and trust in their heartfelt purpose and values in … in the journey to becoming, or continuing on, as authors.Many writers believe their self-sabotaging thoughts are trustworthy and true. They take rejection personally. They surmise that if they don’t achieve their goals they have failed, and lose sight of who they are and what matters most.This book is for writers looking for inspiration and for authors daunted by the publishing process, who might lack the requisite author platform to get published the way they dreamed, or whose careers may not be unfolding as expected. It aims to be the friend and trusted expert writers turn to when hijacked by their own thinking. Ultimately, it reminds authors that they are infinite creators.
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A wise and loving guide for writers and authors
Bella Mahaya Carter has written a book that every writer and author should have by their side to keep us peaceful, grounded, and joyful as we write, publish, launch and promote our books. Carter not only provides extremely helpful practical tips about each stage of dreaming, nourishing, writing, publishing and promoting a book—ideas that make her book valuable in itself. She also guides us through those stages towards a deep joy and satisfaction in publishing by teaching and modeling loving and supportive attitudes toward ourselves and our books. At the end of each of her 87 short, well-titled chapters are journaling suggestions for exploring the tips and the attitudes for ourselves, so that we can find what is nourishing in the publishing process, separate from the outer success we may or may not attain. My favorite tip was how to prepare excerpts for readings: to NOT read exactly what is in the book, but to condense them to more hearable bites, and that the best ones leave the listeners laughing, crying, or nodding their heads. My favorite attitude shift was a familiar but deeper one: to do what you love in promoting your book, and let go of the outcomes. Familiar advice, but Carter actually tells AND shows how to do that. Perfect for any writer at any stage of the writing or publishing process. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
“Where Do You Hang Your Hammock?” by Bella Mahaya Carter is rich with inspiration to write and encouragement to share writing.
I devoured this book and found the material mesmerizing.
“Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? Finding Peace of Mind While You Write, Publish, and Promote Your Book” is the perfect companion when writing.
Carter helps readers get past the hurdles and uncertainties of writing and publishing your writing.
The highlighted sections at the end of every chapter inspire writing ideas for deep exploration.
Carter uses extensive quotes and reference material that enrich the experiential component of “Where Do You Hang Your Hammock?”
The important message of “Believe in yourself and allow yourself to dream” encourages and supports your writing and your writing dreams.
There are several sections that could be used as mantras, or reminders to go easy on yourself.
“. . . we can stop life’s roller coaster rides . . . We can choose to see life’s beauty and experience joy.”
“What am I ready to let go of? How can I release or lighten the load I carry?”
“When you honor all parts of yourself, your life becomes like a lotus flower in full bloom. Lotus blossoms are resilient—and grow in muck and mud!”
“When you give up trying to fit into a fantasy life, you are free to step into your own authentic experience, which is where ‘real’ writing lives are born and flourish.”
“Where Do You Hang Your Hammock?” is excellent and empowering, whether you are a writer or not, you might come away with the super power of feeling better about yourself and the world you inhabit.