Jasmyne Consulting

Writing Inspirational Articles

Jasmyne — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:40:21 +0000

Good inspirational articles have five characteristics.

1. They are personal.
Inspirational articles are all about the power of personal connections. They should include very personal stories about real people’s lives. Don’t shy away from the emotion, as strong and powerful feelings are central to good inspirational articles. You aren’t speaking to your readers’ minds with these articles; you are speaking to their hearts and souls.

2. They involve an emotional struggle or challenging decision.
Clearly describe the struggles, obstacles, or difficult choices that the people in your article have faced. How did they recognize the problem, deal with it, and overcome it?

3. They paint a scene.
Help your readers visualize what the people in your story went through. Describe the physical locations where the events took place. But don’t stop there. Appeal to your readers’ senses of smell, sound, taste, and touch.

4. They include a universal message.
Inspirational articles usually end with an epiphany. They enlighten us or remind us about the essential nature or meaning of some element of our daily lives. These are often very simple lessons — the importance of family and friends, the joy in giving, the danger in stereotypes, or the value in facing our fears, for example.

5. They are true.
Your inspirational articles must always be true. It is OK to change the names or locations; just state that you have done so. Making up stories to play on your readers’ emotions is unacceptable. If you are caught telling lies, you will destroy any trust your readers had in you and your organization.

What would make a good inspirational article for your organization? Think about the stories from work that you tell your friends and family. Consider interviewing a person whose life or work has changed dramatically as a result of your organization. The moments that inspire you to do the work you do will likely inspire your newsletter readers too.

For even more visit: http://www.newsletterwritingtips.com/newsletters/2006/07/26/how-to-write-an-inspirational-story/

Writing your first Memoir

Jasmyne — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:29:20 +0000

Writing your first memoir

“I haven’t a clue as to how my story will end. But that’s all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, you don’t conclude that the road has vanished. And how else could we discover the stars?” Nancy Willard

Writing your first Memoir?

After weeks, months or years of thinking about writing your memoir, you’ve finally decided it’s time. You’re both excited and nervous. You scan your memory and start gathering thoughts about the particular time period or life-changing event you want to write about until the day comes when you enthusiastically sit down at your computer or take pen and paper to a coffee shop and begin. Then it hits you. Where do I start? What should I include? What should I leave out? Your past looms over you in a thousand fragmented phrases. All the anticipation and passion you’ve brought to this moment springs a leak and is slowly but surely reduced to a tragic puddle. You sit, staring at the blank page. You still want to write but suddenly the enormity of the project hits you like the face of a 40-foot wave. You’re paralyzed by the size of the task.

If you haven’t gotten to this point, I might sound a bit dramatic. But if you have, I hope you’re laughing in recognition of your moment of truth. All kidding aside, what I’ve just iterated is the reason many writers get to this very point in their creative venture and never go any further. If you’ve reached this stumbling block and still want to proceed, consider this.

Start by writing the Introduction or Prologue to your Memoir. Think of your introduction as a preview of a coming attraction. It’s where you show and tell all the benefits readers will reap from your work. It’s where you highlight all the advantages you hope they’ll gain from the insights, observations, experiences and lessons you share. Writing the introduction helps clarify the purpose for writing your story. From this clarity write a list or outline of the main events your memoir will cover. These are usually the ones that strike an emotional chord in you, touching a universal truth that will also be interesting to your reader. Now you’re ready to choose one of those events and start writing. When you don’t focus on the monumental undertaking but instead take small steps, you’re more likely to enjoy the journey to the finish line. If you have a hard time remembering events, take a walk down memory lane with your photo albums. Those old photos will surely be a substantive catalyst. And you can always give yourself creative license where memory fails.

Oh, and before it’s too late, I’d like to share another insights with you. The first one is about sharing your work with friends or relatives.

I have a client who is an excellent writer and has published a number of successful books. His most recent book, however, is his first memoir. His sister came to visit over the holidays and with enthusiastic innocence he asked her to read a few chapters. Not a writer herself, she didn’t realize the crushing affect her words carried when she said, “Why would you want to write about all that stuff that happened so long ago? Besides, you got it all wrong.” I tell you this for a few reasons. One, family members will notoriously have different versions of the same story. One of my favorite quotes about memoirs is, “Anyone who believes you can’t change history has never tried to write his memoirs.” David Ben-Gurion.

My second reason for telling you this is that writing your memoir can almost be equated to giving birth. (Men and women who have not given birth, think of your most creative endeavor.) It is an extremely personal matter. It is your creation. As Montaigne says, “It is not my deeds that I write down, it is myself, my essence.” Even though you may think you are ready for objective feedback, if you’re a first-time writer, you probably aren’t. Giving constructive feedback is an art. Most people, as hard as they might try, tend to inject unskillful criticism in their attempt to be helpful. For the most part it is not intentional. For this reason, I urge you to be careful about sharing your work too soon in your writing process. More than one good writer has found their way to my doorstop crushed by unqualified advice from meaningful well-wishers.

This meaningful well-wisher wishes you creative fluidity.

Jasmyne Consulting

Jasmyne — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:50:41 +0000

Joy of Writing Workshop with Jasmyne Boswell

Jasmyne — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:18:14 +0000

Unfortunately Vitec forgot to include this workshop in their catalog and there were not enough people who knew about it to make it a go.

This was too preliminary for most of my current students and more appropriate for new students wanting to learn the basics.

I will be offering two new classes in the fall. When I have the write-ups, I’ll post them.

Let me know if you’re interested.

Vitec -University of Hawaii on Maui (Continuing Education) – Joy of Writing -

Have fun learning what gives your writing rhythm
and makes it more engaging for your reader and satisfying for yourself.

May 10, 2011 – 5-8 p.m. – Call Vitec 808-984-3231 to register for workshop

Hiring a Coach

Jasmyne — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 01:33:06 +0000

(This article was written in answer to a question by a Maui Weekly reader where I had a column for a number of years)

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the Limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the Limo breaks down.”
Oprah Winfrey

Q. What’s the difference between getting feedback/coaching from a professional coach and getting it from a good friend? Obviously my friend won’t charge me, but what can a coach do that she can’t? MK

This is a familiar question. Not knowing the friend you have in mind, I’ll give you a general answer. In short, if you have a friend who isn’t afraid to hurt your feelings, can see you through your blocks, can counsel you through your doubts, can commit themselves to you through whatever process, project or goal your wanting to accomplish, you could have a good coach in a friend.

One reason people often choose a coach over a friend is they’re afraid they will compromise their friendship in the process. If you’re working through a sensitive issue or are serious about conquering a particular ambition, your journey can be likened to that of a long distance runner or a woman having a baby. You hit “walls” you never knew you had. And if you’re going for something beyond your usual grasp, you are also likely to come up against all your personal demons.

If you are thinking about using a coach for a solo endeavor, like a good friend a coach takes some of the isolation out of the process by: listening to you during the hard times (as often as they come up) brainstorming with you when you’re stuck, giving you the advantage of another point of view and championing you through the ups and downs along the way. A good coach also knows how to critique and make suggestions, giving you honest feedback that inspires you without crushing your spirit.

Depending on what you’re embarking on, when considering working with a friend, you have to decide whether the friend actually has the time to support you. A coach makes the time because they are getting paid. Your friend may have a full/part time job or a family as their top priority. It is my experience that a good friend will want to be there for you more than they actually can be. This often becomes a sensitive issue.

Since you will be hitting all your edges, you’ll want to consider how your friend handles them self when they hit obstacles or their own limiting beliefs. Do they persevere or crumble? Or, fall somewhere in between? Do they stretch themselves and therefore know what it’s like to get frustrated when they expect more from themselves than they are able to deliver? By the way, while you’re at it, you might want to ask yourself these same questions. I’m assuming whatever you’re embarking on, if you’re needing help, you’re challenging yourself beyond your usual reach.

If you’re doing something just for the fun of it, this level of inquiry may not be as necessary. But, if you are serious about breaking through to new levels, it’s a good idea. When someone comes to me with your question (coach or friend), this is an inquiry I advise. It’s good to know where you stand, before you start; especially if you are considering hiring someone and putting your time and money on the line. Any time you stretch, you are introduced to aspects of yourself you haven’t encountered before.

About a year ago I wrote an article on what makes a good coach. Similar to what I wrote then, my advice is to contemplate the friend you’re considering and interview a few coaches. There is generally no charge for an introductory session. Either way you are entering a relationship.

Some things to consider are:

Do you and your friend/coach have stylistic similarities? Is the chemistry right?
Have they experienced their own successes and failures? This is important – Rarely can someone successfully take you to or rescue you from a place they haven’t traveled themselves.
Find out how they work and what you can expect from each meeting.
If it’s a project, make sure they can be there for the long haul.
If you have any doubts, get referrals.
If you choose the way of a coach, they are an investment. Like an investment, you need to give your choice careful consideration. You also need to give that same consideration when choosing a friend as your guide. You don’t want to lose your momentum or enthusiasm over bad guidance. Make sure what you choose is truly in your best interest. And, consider these two quotes. Sophocles said, “Quick decisions are unsafe decisions.” Amelia Earhart said. “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.”

Published by the Maui Weekly Newspaper

Special First-Time Class Offered – Starting June 7

Jasmyne — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 01:20:48 +0000

I am very excited about this class. The focus is different enough from memoir or novel writing that it does warrant it’s own time. We are learning about what makes for a clear, interesting and engaging copy that follows the theme intended for a particular audience. And as always, the feedback is exceptional.

I am a passionate writing participant in this class and now know why so many participants continue to take the classes until their book is complete. It’s hard to get perspective on your own work. I know know first hand how well this format really works.

Hope you’ll join us if your thinking of writing a self-improvement/transformation or How-to book. The new classes start the first week of July.

Special First-Time Class Offered – Starting June 7
You know you have a Book in You
Now it’s time to Get it Written & Published!

Self-Improvement and How-to-books are written by people like you and me who know their life-changing experiences are worth sharing. And Now, with Amazon’s Create Space, Balboa Press, Lulu and numerous other print-on-demand Self Publishers, it’s easier than ever to get your book in print and listed with both on-line and in-store booksellers.

In small, intimate classes you’ll learn tools and techniques that bring your writing to life and receive inspiration, motivation and invaluable feedback to enhance your style. Once it’s written, I can help you select the right self-publisher for your book and walk you through each step till it’s in print.

Don’t procrastinate any longer.

The support you’ve been looking for is Here Now.

Call today – 808-268-5807

I’d be delighted to see you through the completion of your book.

“Working with Jasmyne on our book, The Power of the Living Letters, has created new learning and a deep joy. She is able to bring ideas to clarity and understanding. She has given me license to express my thoughts so that I experience my work as unique and valuable to others. Jasmyne has supported me to become both a more devout writer and confident in my knowledge of my subject.” Judith Orloff, M.Ed., Author

Starting June 7th – 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

4 Consecutive Tuesdays 7th – 28th

Class Fee $146

Your check or credit card holds your space

Location– Haiku (near Studio Maui)

Register early – limited space available

For more information or to register – Call 808-268-5806

Jasmyne Boswell is an Author, Writing Teacher and Coach. She has taught memoir writing classes on Maui for the last three years and is now offering this new class specifically for Self-Help and How-to writers who want to publish their work. Jasmyne is currently writing her second self-Improvement book, “What if the Problem isn’t the Problem,” and will share her expertise with you. For more information call 808-268-5807 or visit www.jasmyneconsulting.com.