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Articles by Joyce Shafer, Book Doctor

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By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Need to Amp Up Your Motivation and Commitment?

Can a simple statement really get you motivated to start, do, or improve something you’re putting off? Let’s find out. Think of something you desire to be different, or feel challenged about following through on. See or feel it in your mind’s eye. Really connect with it. Now, say to yourself, gently and truthfully: “I can do better than this.” First things first—remove any critical self-judgment from the picture right now. It isn’t useful.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,406 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

To-Do vs. Inspired-to-Do

I’m a solopreneur who enjoys what I do; so I was amazed when I woke one morning not wanting to do any of it! I had to assess what had happened and flip it. It started the prior week, and proved to be a needed reminder of what I’d discovered about to-do vs. inspired-to-do, and temporarily forgot. I had my usual projects and tasks to attend to, as well as new ones. Added to this were conce s about several people I love. It was easy to become involved emotionally (stressed). When stressed, our tendency is to attempt to do everything as though nothing is different.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,405 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Would You Rather Be On Purpose or Perfect?

Be perfect or be on purpose? Which one of these has been “driving your bus” so far? If you or someone you know struggles with perfectionism, can this hold you back from living on purpose? Ask someone to walk to the moon and you’ll hear, “Not realistic,” as a response. They wouldn’t have a problem giving that answer. Ask some people to be perfect and you can almost hear the inner and outer dialogue start — “You have no idea how hard I try to be just that.” What was the appropriate response to the second request?

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,389 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Which of Your Selves Is More Sacred to You?

You have a spiritual self and a material self that operates in the world. Which do you nurture first? How’s that working for you? You have a “foot in two worlds.” One foot is in the spiritual world, which is where you come from, where you return to, though, that world stays with you through your human experience. The other foot is in the material world that is heavily influenced by society. Which world is more sacred to you? Are we meant to choose one or the other?

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,387 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Do You Prefer Experiencing or Learning?

Someone emailed this comment to me: “They say live and learn, but I think we should just LIVE. Learning is overrated. We would never accomplish anything.” Do you agree or disagree? This comment gave me pause; and I could have chosen to go down a certain mental-emotional path of disagreement. But, I chose a different one because my primary focus, fun, and fulfillment is about and comes from learning.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,374 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Is it Time to Ask Different Questions?

We’re half-way through 2009, and nearly everyone might agree shift has hit the fan. Significant change prompts significant questions.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,369 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Do You Practice This Mega Energy Zapper?

You may use some of the usual ways to increase energy like rest, diet, supplements, etc., but finding a way to remove or shift this energy zapper will make a huge difference in every area of your life. It’s so commonly practiced that we hardly see it for what it is.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,359 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

What Else Can Your Negativity Cost You?

You are aware of some costs to you from being negative—too aware, likely. But there’s a new way it might cost you, and it’s not on the horizon, it’s happening now.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,329 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

What Reading Does for Writers

How gratifying it is to read a book that grabs your interest from the start and keeps you turning pages. Such books cause you to forget you’re reading; you become fully engaged with the story and characters. The movie in your mind is fluid. No matter the genre, such an experience is pure bliss for readers.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,303 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

The Big Question for Many: Who Am I, Really?

It seems a minority of people feel genuinely at home in their skin, know who they are and how to go after what they want, and live as their authentic selves. Why is this? Let’s look at where things go off track for the others. We have a perplexing set-up as human beings: We come into our lives to be individualized expressions of our unique selves AND are completely dependent on others to meet our basic needs, for a period of time; and hopefully they meet more than just the basics. After a certain age, we still need others to fulfill the various aspects of our lives.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,300 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Writing Tense

Writing tense doesn’t refer to how tense a writer may feel when writing, but is instead about the tense the story is written in. There are a few no-no’s about this that writers, especially new writers, should be aware of. It doesn’t occur often, but occasionally a client sends me a manuscript written in a moment-by-moment manner, as the story is supposed to be happening. Example: Mary walks into the room and looks around. She sees the vase has been moved and puts it back into its proper place. Mary then walks to the sofa and adjusts one of the pillows.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,291 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

How to Develop Strong Characters in Your Novel

People fall in love with novels because of the characters. This means it’s imperative for you to know how to develop them, and why.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,290 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

The Importance of Plot in a Novel

What makes plot development work in a novel? There’s quite a lot to know about this, but here are some high-points. A strong novel writer causes readers to feel they experience a slice of someone else’s (one or more characters) “real” life. Even Science Fiction and Fantasy must accomplish this in their own ways. Readers want to relate to characters in novels, whether that’s just for one novel or in a series that involves the same main characters throughout. It’s up to you as a writer to create this for readers. You do this through plot and character development.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,257 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Some Basics for New Writers

I love new writers. I really do (I was one, once upon a time). They are my favorite clients because they need the most assistance and guidance, and usually have tremendous enthusiasm about moving forward. They also don’t know what they don’t know. Some new writers have a fair understanding about what’s involved in writing (and publishing or self-publishing) their first book, but most don’t have a clue; they just know they want to write and/or have something to say or share.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,251 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Is Trying to Be Positive Making You Negative?

Do you ever feel trying to be positive is more like one step forward and two or more steps back? There is a good reason you feel this way. You may believe you’re obligated to be positive 24/7; and that if you were, everything about your life you don’t like would shift to what you want. And, you’ve likely discovered that “Fake it till you make it” doesn’t work. It may even make you feel worse.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,246 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Tips for Creating and Proofreading Your Manuscript Draft

Best-selling author James Michener said, “I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.” Many writers impede their progress and stifle their creativity by not doing two particular “somethings” while writing their first draft and once their draft is completed—and waste time and energy by not doing them. Writing the Draft

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,243 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

WHERE Is the Best Place to Start

When you have a goal or dream in mind, do you ask yourself where the best place to start is? The answer is in the question: Where you’re going. You’ve seen floor plan maps in public places like large malls, stores, or office buildings that let you see where shops, offices, or sections are located. Here’s what’s interesting about this: you might think the first thing you do is find the You Are Here X then look up where you want to go. But the first thing you do is THINK about WHERE you want to go.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,239 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Three Keys to Goal Setting and Getting

Richard Bach said, “You are never given a dream without also being given the power to make it true.” Are you working on your dream, or feel too stuck to move? There are three keys for goal setting and getting. When something other than achievement or accomplishment is the result, one or more keys have not been used to unlock a particular “door.” KEY 1 Do you acknowledge you have a dream or goal? Some never get that far. Some have a dream or goal but never start toward it. Some start and stop. Which applies to you?

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,221 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

The Basics of Good Storytelling

Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a memoir you’re writing, a good story is deemed good when it is told well. There are things to keep in mind to assure this is your result. As a writer, do you understand the basics about storytelling? Shouldn’t you just write what you feel like writing? Maybe, maybe not. Story is what every fiction, non-fiction, and memoir is ultimately about. There’s much to say about story, but I’ll provide a few tidbits for now.rnï§ There are archetypal stories and stereotypical stories.r

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,213 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

How Will Reframing Prosperity Help Me?

What does prosperity mean to you? How’s that working for you? Wayne Dyer gave us a great quote about how to reframe: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” A statement from “Empower Me 365” is, “True prosperity is having something (anything) to share and ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,206 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Some Facts about Working with an Editor

If you’ve never worked with an editor and you’re wondering things like what’s involved, how much it will cost, how long it will take, and other such aspects, here are some helpful facts for you to know. The more informed you are, the easier the editing process will be for you. First, it’s important that you understand what an editor can and should do for you and your manuscript, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, which includes memoir.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,192 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Ready to Write Your E-book?

Is sharing information in a form smaller than a manuscript right up your alley? Here are some tips to help you easily get it going and into the marketplace. Decide on a topic. Successful e-books aim at a niche market that seeks specific information. The best combination is to know what you ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,186 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

The Trouble with Being Perfect

Ask someone to walk to the moon and you’ll hear, “Not realistic,” as a response. They wouldn’t have a problem giving that answer. Ask some people to be perfect and you can almost hear the inner and outer dialogue start — “You have no idea how hard I try to be just that.” This person might even ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,185 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Manuscript Tips for New Novel Writers

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” You don’t want to imitate a favorite author, but you can learn a lot from him or her. Whether you create notes for plot and character development first or dive into writing your novel, you want to get as much written as possible in your first ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,182 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Watch That Swing!

If you take hold of a pendulum and pull it a certain distance from center point then release it, the rebound swing in the opposite direction matches the distance you held it from center point. When we’ve felt restricted (allowed it) and “free” ourselves from that scenario, we may experience ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,178 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Don’t Put the Cart before the Horse with Your Manuscript

A writer, especially a new writer, is understandably excited and eager to get his/her manuscript to an agent for consideration or self-published. But, it’s imperative you submit writing that shows an agent there’s reason to be interested in you as a promising writer, or make certain it’s ready to self-publish. As a writer, you are attached to your manuscript—your baby. I get that. As someone who provides services for writers, I get attached too . . . because I care deeply about assisting clients to have better experiences as writers, with their first and subsequent manuscripts.

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,154 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Life Is To Be Possessed, Not Endured

The actual line is from a novel by P.D., James: “...preserving always the same look of puzzled acceptance of a life which had to be endured rather than possessed.” Every day, each of us endures something even if it’s an inconvenience of lesser magnitude. Some people endure much more than most ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,148 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Not Your Ordinary Sand Castle

Morning stretched itself awake as I made my way down to the shore and joined the handful of early risers. Lacy edges of waves lapped gently over my feet and I scrunched my toes in warm sand. Good time to build a sand castle. It was modest, done mostly for relaxation and meditation, not something ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,125 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

How to Know when to Surrender and What This Means

You agreed to a situation or event, but it’s not going as you expected. In fact, it seems out of your control at times. Do you fight or surrender? A misconception exists about managing our lives, especially if we use spiritual tools. The misconception is that everything should go ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,116 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

One Thing Leads to Another

There are times when we pay attention and are able to see moments string together like a jeweler stringing pearls. Alter even one moment, especially because of an assumption, and the potential outcome shifts. One reason the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, is a popular classic is because of the ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,106 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

7 Steps to Reinvent Your Retirement Years

Whether you’ve retired voluntarily or not, do you have a plan about how to make the most of your life experience? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, a little flame inside that begs you to let it glow? Maybe you were able to demonstrate your unique qualities, talents, skills, and ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,077 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

How do I Find or Define My Life Purpose?

What is your motivation to discover or define your life purpose? Is this influenced, in any way, by the opinions of others? Someone I believe to be in her forties, shared that amid the busyness of her life, she’s trying to figure out what to do for the rest of her life (I suspect she really ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,072 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

The Hesitant Writer

Stephanie Chandler wrote in her book, “From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur” that a survey indicated nearly 80 percent of Americans would like to write a book. That’s a stunning number of potential writers. There are a variety of reasons why some do what’s needed to become a writer and why others ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,072 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

What Have You Done to Earn the Good Stuff in Life?

It’s been said repeatedly that you’d have most of what you want in life if there wasn’t a belief, or more than one, blocking you. One of the biggest blocks for many is the one that says, “I don’t deserve.” Anyone who’s practiced attracting what they want knows they have to allow it; they have ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,070 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

"Left A Good Job In The City..."

Join in, if you know the tune—“Workin’ for the man every night and day...” You don’t have to work in a city these days, though, to want to start a home business, whether part- or full-time. There are as many reasons a person wants to work from home as there are people who wish or choose to do ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,010 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

The End of Magic-Bullet Solution Days

Twice in the last two weeks, I’ve come across information that says many people no longer want (or believe in) magic-bullet solutions. This will set many people free and keep others trapped. There’s lots of terrific information available that does help you to shift beliefs and patterns. The ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

1,005 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Do You Need New Writer Clues?

Ah, the thrill of being a new writer. You hold the image of or feel excitement about your completed or soon-to-be-completed project. What kind of clues might a new writer need; and will you avoid this kind of embarrassment? I received an email from the relative of a new writer. She was ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

999 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

How to Have What You REALLY Want (Excerpt)

You experience life at both an inner and outer level. The inner level is about your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, perceptions, assumptions, etc. The outer level is where you take action based on what was just listed for the inner level. It’s also where you interact—or collide—with the results of ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

998 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Funny What Laughter Can Shift

My friend and I were to attend an event near her house, so I went to stay with her for that purpose and a mini-break. Another houseguest she met a month ago was there. I’d heard a bit about the guest, but wasn’t prepared for how over-the-top she is. I discovered the guest doesn’t have “soft” as ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

994 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Life As A Bird

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe said, “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” I speak with many people who don’t trust one thing or another in life. Ultimately, what they don’t trust is themselves and their ability to make right choices. The result is dissatisfaction and a feeling ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

984 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Success Really Does Come In Cans

I wish I’d coined the phrase, “Success comes in Cans.” Its accuracy was on my mind as I spent time with two people in Can’t Mode. One of them was open to reframing thoughts and statements; the other was not. One is currently in a funk and has been paying rent to live in Funkville for a couple ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

982 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Your Greatness is Unique

Is your tendency to believe greatness has to look a certain way? Does this belief hold you back from your true greatness? Your greatness is unique and reveals itself at the right time. You might as well be excellent until you’re great. But first, understand what this means. What your ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

980 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Fearless Living

Fear is natural and necessary. Why? It helps keep us safe. But, fear is supposed to protect us from danger, not keep us from living fulfilling lives. My Life Coach training was through iPEC (Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching). Bruce Schneider, founder, presented keys to success ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

971 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Set Them Free

The Law of Attraction states that whatever we hold our focus, specifically, our emotionally-charged feelings on is what we get more of even if it’s not what we desire. It’s easy to relate this to a better job, more money, and all the improvements we typically seek to expand into our lives. If ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

963 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Manuscript Tips for New Novel Writers

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” You don’t want to imitate a favorite author, but you can learn a lot from him or her. Whether you create notes for plot and character development first or dive into writing your novel, you want to get as much written as possible in your first ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

955 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

No Mistakes

What might life look like if we held the belief that there are no mistakes? For some, this concept is, well, inconceivable. At first blush, it may even seem as though it excuses every thought, word, and action. Not really. A friend of mine once said, “I’m beginning to believe the only thing to ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

949 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

When Something Goes Missing From Your Life

When something goes missing, do you lose your cool or move to Plan B? Saturday morning, I woke to find myself unable to access my email account. Any of you who actively use your email for professional and personal reasons might identify with what I might have felt at that moment. And when a ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

945 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Push Or Pull?

In four days, I’ve watched “The Secret” four times, though definitely not my first viewing. I mentioned this to a friend who responded, “I heard the secret is never actually revealed.” I think the reason some people feel the secret isn’t blatant has to do with the fact our brains don’t respond ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

941 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Darn Darkness!

Confucius said, “It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.” Some might consider the quote’s candle a metaphor for the word “hope.” It could be that. It could also be trust in whatever we believe is larger than ourselves; a small action taken on our behalf as opposed to ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

939 views

By Joyce Shafer, Book DoctorRecently published1 topic

Distilling Thoughts

Part of my ritual is to write the same I Am statement 20 times in order to focus on what’s intended, claim it, and do so until it’s the result that’s lived. Rather than doing this by rote, I allow my mind to engage with what’s taking place. I listen to what’s happening at the inner level as I ...

Primary topic: Empowerment

916 views

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