Janet Boyer

Are You a Writer Mama? You Can Win Books (Including Tarot in Reverse!)

Are you a Writer Mama? Well, do I have good news for you!

Writer's Digest author Christina Katz is giving away my new Tarot in Reverse on her blog today--Day 17 of her Writer Mama Every-Day-In-May Book Giveaway 2012!

Click here to go to the Tarot in Reverse post. Just answer a short question about your writing process right in the comments section. 

And while you're in a bookish/writing mood, do check out Christina's fantastic books The Writer's Workout, Get Known Before the Book Deal and Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids. 

Best of luck!

 -- Janet Boyer, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

What Makes You Come Alive?

 -- Janet Boyer, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot,Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

No TV for 3 for 4 (Years)

This week marks four years that our little family of 3 members (well, 5 if you count the fur babies) have been without TV programming.

Invariably, when people find this out, we get asked two questions. I thought I'd share them here, as well as our answers.

Q: Where do you get your news?

A: Internet. On Twitter, I know the news faster than my Mom who has satellite TV.

Q: What do you do instead?

A: Read. Write stories/poems/books. Paint. Make art. Play video games. Watch DVDs. Digital graphics. Blog. Talk to one another. Enjoy our lovely backyard. Go to the park. Ride bikes. Try new recipes. Put on skits. Listen to music. Play games. Write letters to penpals and friends from all over the world.  Cuddle with the kitties. Build things. Swing on the glider. Sing. Dance. Exercise. Laugh...a lot.

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

Illuminara Intuitive Journal with Cards

“Through imagination we find meaning in our experiences and often arrive at wonderful solutions to problems. Imagination and intuition delight in our collected perceptions. Our perceptions are experimented with in this wonderful, dynamic playscape within.” – Elaine Clayton, Artist and Author of Illuminara

An extraordinary bridge between the conscious and unconscious, emotional memory and the vast storehouse of archetypal symbolism, the Illuminara Intuitive Journal With Cards provides a simple, yet revolutionary, way of uncovering, harnessing and focusing intuitive guidance.

Presented in a gorgeous spiral bound, full-color glossy notebook, the Illuminara Intuitive Journal provides a 32-page introduction of incredible wisdom on creativity and intuition by Elaine Clayton (that alone, truth be told, is worth the price of the kit), as well as 122 pages of blank, lined notes and card reproductions with four journal prompts. Forty large cards (9 x 6 inches) are housed in a sturdy compartment attached to the back of journal, which makes everything nicely portable.

Never have I read a more clear, understandable and deep treatment of intuition—how it’s accessed and how to apply it for personal insight and increased awareness—than in Elaine’s introduction. Not only this, but the author/artist also explains, quite brilliantly, how our perceptions, emotional impressions and reactions towards visual stimuli creates and builds our “inner library”.

She also gives us sound reasons for keeping a journal, playing with images, and indulging in creativity, as well as advice on intuitive readings, automatic writing and psychic journaling. (If this sounds too “woo woo”, I assure you that this process is anything but!)

Our memories and personal associations—people, places, things, dreams, art, feelings, conversations—not only form our experience, but also serve as an inner storehouse for intuitive information and interpretation.

This results in greater confidence and joy from both quiet knowing, and our ability to mine our personal unconscious for the intuitive information and answers that we carry always within us.

I’ve been using the the Illuminara Intuitive Journal with Cards for several weeks, and I can’t express how profound working with this set has been for me (and I’m used to tapping into intuition and connecting it with visual images, especially as a Tarot author and reader!). It is grounding, comforting, illuminating and centering.

If you’re interested in exploring the power of perception, the bridge between the inner and outer “realities”, and the connection between art and intuition, you will find a treasure trove in the Illuminara Intuitive Journal with Cards. Tarot readers, psychics, mediums and sensitives can hone their skills and expand their inner library with this journal and cards set, while those new to intuitive exploration will find a steady, gentle and discerning guide in Elaine’s art and words.

To see 10 more cards from this kit, click here. To visit the author/artist's website, click here.

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)   

Self-Care for Writers and Obsessive Creatives

Hard to believe, but not all writers love to write.

Me? I usually have a notebook (er, many notebooks) on hand to jot down ideas. I’m not picky: I’ve been known to write down ideas on book jacket covers, bookmarks, grocery lists, receipts, Kleenex…

Some of these ideas turn into full-blown blog posts, reviews, social media postings, portions of eBooks or even parts of a book proposal.

But what if you write (and read and think) so much, you neglect your well-being?

If you love brainstorming and writing and much as I do, you may be swept along in “creator’s high”—a place of exhilarating, tantalizing “what ifs” and the magical birthplace of readable, usable, helpful content.

As I sometimes joke to my husband, “I’m only alive from the neck up”.

And that can present a problem. Or two.

Here’s a recent example: I was experiencing unusual fatigue and sleepiness over the weekend. This lasted two, three days.

My husband said, “You’re dehydrated.”

Whaaa? Me? But, but…I drink three cups of coffee a day! And ginger ale! And sweet tea (decaffeinated!), brewed with loving hands with fresh mint from the garden!

“How much water do you drink?”, he asks solemnly.

No sooner than he asks me this, the other half of the Boyer health police comes barreling in from the other room: “She never drinks water! I even filled up a bottle for her!”

Sigh. Just write me a citation and leave me the hell alone.

Then, Ron mentions a health article he had just read on the symptoms of dehydration.

Lethargy? Check.

Fuzzy thinking? Check.

Yikes.

Isn’t it funny how we tend to ignore our loved ones, even with they are the (divine?) messengers of health and well-being?

What’s up with that? Do we not trust their observations and wisdom? After all, they know us better than anyone!

So today, I’m contemplating how I, as a writing-loving writer, can take better care of myself. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

Physical:

• Drink more water
• Sit outside, on the grass
• Take deeper, longer breaths
• Cut back on coffee
• Get moving or walking
• Don’t “push through” aches or pains
• Make more food “from scratch”

Mental:

• Take time to just “space out” and daydream
• Read just for fun (no reviewing in mind!)
• Allow thoughts to attach to clouds, then drift by
• Watch old black-and-white movies with Noah
• Any ideas that arise, write them on note cards for later consideration

Emotional:

• Cuddle more with the kitties
• Pursue peace and joy in the moment
• Put on feel-good music of choice
• Take time to “feel” feelings (Aquarius Moon here!)

Spiritual:

• Check in with my values. Am in living in alignment with them?
• Practice loving-kindness meditation
• Talk with The Helpers
• Actively contemplate a Tarot card or sacred object
• Bless others who are brought to mind

In just 24-hours after writing this list, I’ve already referred to it—and used it—twice. It may not stop me from drinking Starbucks (I’m on my second cup of Colombia at this typing) or working marathon hours every time, but at least by mindfully considering this self-care for writers prescription, I can ameliorate some of the drawbacks of being a writing-loving writer and obsessive creative.

What about you, dear reader? What areas of life might yoube neglecting? What steps can you take to increase your own well-being? What self-care tips and tricks can you offer to your fellow writers and obsessive creatives? I'd love to hear your insights in the comments section below!

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin) 

Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life by Natalie Goldberg

My very first book on writing was Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones. It gave me the confidence to write wild and free, without self-judgement or self-consciousness.

I'm thrilled to present the Introduction to the eBook version of Natalie's Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life, newly published by Open Road Media. Stay tuned after this excerpt for short video featuring Natalie describing herself, her surroundings and the writing life. Enjoy!

LIFE IS NOT ORDERLY. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce. In summer, we work hard to make a tidy garden, bordered by pansies with rows or clumps of columbine, petunias, bleeding hearts. Then we find ourselves longing for the forest, where everything has the appearance of disorder; yet, we feel peaceful there.

What writing practice, like Zen practice, does is bring you back to the natural state of mind, the wilderness of your mind where there are no refined rows of gladiolas. The mind is raw, full of energy, alive and hungry. It does not think in the way we were brought up to think—well-mannered, congenial.

When I finished Writing Down the Bones and people in my workshops read it, I thought I would not have to say anything else. I felt embarrassed to say, “Steve, you ought to be more specific there.” I thought he would retort, “We know. You already told us in chapter eight.” I thought I would be redundant, but reading a book about writing is different from actually getting down and doing writing. I was naïve. I should have remembered that after I read the Tibetan Book of the Dead, I was still afraid to die.

7 Word Tarot - The Major Arcana

Inspired by Geoff Talbot's 7 word challenge on Twitter (describe your perfect boss in 7 words), I wrote up 7 words to describe each of the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Tarot.

Not content with that, I decided to make a video of them...with the corresponding Tarot cards. The Swords, Wands, Cups and Pentacles Tarot cards are forthcoming, as are the Court Cards. Enjoy!

Thanks, Geoff, for being a make-a-difference creative! You can visit Geoff's awesome blog at SevenSentences.com.

-- Janet Boyer, Amazon Top/Vine Reviewer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin) 

Do the Work by Steven Pressfield

"A work-in-progress generates its own energy field. You, the artist or entrepreneur, are pouring love into the work; you are suffusing it with passion and intention and hope. This is serious juju. The universe responds to this. It has no choice..." -- From Do the Work

I've you've read Seth Godin's Poke the Box, or even Pressfield's The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, you're pretty much getting the same stuff in Do the Work.

It's good stuff, mind you...very inspirational. It will get your off your butt if you're slacking and not "making it so". Here are some gems illustrating the type of motivation you'll find in Do the Work:

"A home-run swing that results in a strikeout is better than a successful bunt or even a line-drive single."

"Ignorance and arrogance are the artist and entrepreneur's indispensable allies."

"A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. It's only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate."

"Don't think. Act. We can always revise and revisit once we've acted. But we can accomplish nothing until we act."

However, if you're an Intiator like me--someone who's ballsy, passionate, innovative and productive--you may need something a little deeper. For example, here's a phrase from the book that echoes some of what Seth asserts: "Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul's evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it."

When Seth, or Pressfield, start getting into "soul's evolution", that's when it all breaks down for me. You see, I'm a Mind/Body/Spirit author and expert, and the quest (and discovery) of meaning is one of my passions--especially helping others find it. For me, the world view above had steered me to much frustration, disappointment and even heartache.

Or, rather, the lack of specificity as to what determines "importance" or "call to action". Now, I'm not being picky here, honest. It's just that I've discovered that The Resistance often disguises itself as a "creative mandate", a "productive should" or a "thing I must do".

Just because you feel an urge, even an obsession, doesn't mean it's your "soul" (or even a "calling" to expand your soul's parameters). Why? Because The Resistance often hides itself in the goals, brass rings and expectations of others--tribe, country, family, religion, cultural mores, "the factory", etc.

That's The Resistance, not the soul. And gauging importance doesn't necessarily come from a sense of urgency as much as a niggling sensation that won't go away. It's what we daydream about. What makes us excited. What makes us wonder, "What if...?"

And that kind of soul-nourishing fun doesn't necessarily breed The Resistance or fear (though, admittedly, it can...especially if you're not used to taking risks or care too much about what others think).

This distinction matters to me as an Initiator, because I often have many opportunities to "Do the Work"; my challenge is to pick only a few so I don't get burned out. So advice like "do it, do it, do it...push through" are worse than just counterproductive for me, personally.

So with that caveat, if you enjoy Steven Pressfield's work, or Seth Godin's, then by all means get Do the Work. You'll likely feel a shot in the arm that comes from someone "understanding" you, or cheering you on to Initiate, Risk, Act and Produce. It's not an entirely balanced approach to life, but it's a bold one...one that the world can certainly use more of, that's for sure!

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013). Featured in Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People Who Are Poking the Box and Making a Difference (A Domino Project eBook edited by Seth Godin)

Book Gems #8 Ignore Everybody

I keep seeing this book pop up on Amazon under "recommended for you", and I found the title intriguing. Knowing that Seth Godin respected the author, too, gave me incentive to buy this book (not to mention all the great reviews it received). So my next Book Gems is from the book Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod. Enjoy!

“Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the ‘creative bug’ is just a wee voice telling you, ‘I’d like my crayons back, please’…

Your wee voice doesn’t want to sell something. Your wee voice wants you to make something. There’s a big difference. Your wee voice doesn’t give a damn about publishers, venture capitalists, or Hollywood producers.

Go ahead and make something. Make something really special. Make something amazing that will really blow the mind of anybody who sees it. If you try to make something just to fit your uninformed view of some hypothetical market, you will fail. If you make something special and powerful and honest and true, you will succeed.

The wee voice didn’t show up because it decided you need more money, or you need to hang out with movie stars. Your wee voice came back because your soul somehow depends on it. There’s something you haven’t said, something you haven’t done, some light that needs to be switched on, and it needs to be taken care of. Now."

To get your copy of Ignore Everybody from Amazon, click here. To get the Kindle edition, click here. Hugh's super-cool website can be found at GapingVoid.com. You can even sign up to get his daily cartoon (I do!).

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013) 

Tales of the Revolution Edited by Seth Godin

When I submitted my Initiator story to the Domino Project headed by Seth Godin, I had no idea just how inspired I would be by my fellow entrants! Now, some of our stories (including mine!) are offered in the new eBook Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People who are Poking the Box and Making a Difference. You can get your FREE (yes, free!) copy for Kindle at this link.

I've gotten to talk to one of my fellow Initators on the phone; this super-cool, whip-smart guy, Phil Simon, not only published his third business book on his own terms (after having two previous titles published by traditional houses)...but he loves RUSH like me! (laughs) Go get his book The New Small: How a New Breed of Small Businesses Is Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies!

I was very inspired by the ex-pipefitter that went for his dreams (WOW, you HAVE to read his story!) and became a fan of the Brave Girls Club on Facebook (because I'm one, too!). These folks, too, are in this Tales of the Revolution eBook. And to think I wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting them if it wasn't for the Domino Project...let alone be inspired by their amazing efforts to "poke the box", excel and encourage others.

You see, all of our stories were on the Domino Project blog where readers could glean major inspiration from tales submitted by Initiators--and vote on their favorites. My story is titled One Woman + 1,186 Reviews + 2 Book Deals (unfortunately, the good folks at the Domino Project forgot to put my name and website with my story; my bad on not including them with my initial submission--I didn't know it was going straight to public consumption as-is!).

Actually, since my story was submitted to the Domino Project, I've gotten ANOTHER book deal (this one, a collaboration with my husband--the Snowland Tarot) and have self-published SIX eBooks to Kindle (which are doing very well!).

In short, I continue to be inspired by Tales of the Revolution to this day; the Initiators in this book are making a difference in the world in ways you would not BELIEVE. So go get it now! It would be worth $20 or more but at the price of free...can you really pass it up?

Keep on poking the box (I know I will be)!

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013).

Book Gems #5 Mastering Creative Anxiety

Last year, I took an online course via DailyOm from creativity coach and psychologist Dr. Eric Maisel called Creative Anxiety. Fortunately, the wonderful folks at New World Library have published them all in the handy book Mastering Creative Anxiety. Here's an excerpt below, from the chapter titled The Anxiety of Individuality:

Creativity is an expression of individuality, an expression of a person’s desire to manifest her potential, to speak in her own voice, to have her opinions, and to do her own work. What distinguishes the creative person from other people is her felt sense of individuality. Many people are born conventional and find it easy to follow the crowd; only some people are born with a strong desire to assert their individuality. All the personality traits that creative manifest, from a risk-taking orientation to a need for solitude—the more than seventy-five traits that have been described in the creativity literature—flow from this single core quality: the need to assert individuality.

A person born individual will, within a few years of her birth, feel that difference as she looks around her and is unable to understand why the people she sees are acting so conventionally. As a result she is likely to feel alienated, out of place, like a stranger in a strange land. Even if she trains herself to hold her tongue and engage in conventional work, and individual of this sort will already know as a young child that she can’t really conform and that she wasn’t built to conform.

To purchase Mastering Creative Anxiety from Amazon, click here. To visit the author's website, click here. To visit the publisher's website, click here.

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer 2012) and the Snowland Tarot (Schiffer 2013).