Janet Boyer

How Writers Can Use Pinterest

If you haven’t taken advantage of Pinterest.com, you’re passing up an incredible opportunity to add an attractive plank to your writer platform.

Now the third largest social site on the web (yes, you read right), Pinterest encourages you to “pin” your “interests” in the form of images or videos to unlimited themed “boards”. But make no mistake: for the savvy writer, Pinterest goes way beyond being a mere virtual scrapbook or yet another way to waste time online.

Pinterest can be used for inspiration, brainstorming, information collation, storytelling, reminders, homage, collections, wish lists, gift registries and more. In fact, you can even create a group board that allows specific friends to “pin”—or even the public.

So how can Pinterest help writers? I’m glad you asked!

First, we need to remember that sounding like an obnoxious carnival barker on any social media site will irritate at best and anger at worst. In fact, you’re better off staying away from all social media if you’re a mere promo whore constantly cawing, “Buy my book! Read my blog post! It’s cheap! It’s free!”

A solid auhor platform begins with good writing—content will always be king—but it builds and expands with likability.

I know, I know: I didn’t get the memo that a writing career involved personality contests, either.

The good news—especially for you introverted authors—is that your wit, originality, creativity and artistic eye can “speak” for you on Pinterest. Your personal flair can make you interesting, intriguing or entertaining…and that makes you memorable. People want to find out more about you, which includes checking out your profile…and that means discovering your books and writing.

But get this: you can leverage Pinterest by unobtrusively threading your expertise, genre specialty or book topic throughout your boards! What a cool, non-spammy way to strut your stuff, huh?

While illustrators, designers, crafters or photographers have a slight advantage because of the visual nature of their work, writers can create compelling montages highlighting their knowledge, innovation and enchantment, as well.

“I’m a fiction writer”, you may be thinking. “How in the world can I use Pinterest to help my author platform?” Or, maybe you’re a poet, essayist or non-fiction writer wondering the same.

The best way to show you Pinterest done well by writers is to give you examples. Let’s start with non-fiction.

Author of The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew--Three Women Search for Understanding (a book about spiritual searching and religious respect), Priscilla Warner recently penned Learning to Breathe: My Yearlong Quest to Bring Calm to My Life, which details her life-long battle with anxiety.

When you visit her Pinterest profile here, guess what?

You’ll see breathtaking skyscapes, lovely labyrinths, spiraling mandalas, vivid flowers, Buddha statues, serene pools of water, gorgeous trees, inspirational quotes and peace signs.

Here we have Priscilla’s journey from panic to peace—laid out for us visually.

She is showing us that she has found calm (or knows what promotes calm), poising her as an expert on alleviating anxiety…the topic of her latest book. And,  Priscilla is also “telling” us that she’s well versed in meditation, spiritual contemplation and Buddhist philosophy (which also ties in to her first book).

While you may not have heard of Priscilla until now, you’ve probably heard of Mary Ann Radmacher. At least, it’s very likely you’ve seen her art and words on posters, cards and plaques.

When we visit her Pinterest page, not only do we see Mary Anne’s favorite art products and books (in addition to her own books and paintings) but also how others have transformed her words into visual masterpieces (including tattoos!).

Lastly for non-fiction, let’s visit my Pinterest profile. I am a Tarot expert (among other things), and my first two traditionally published book are about—wait for it—Tarot! So you’ll find a board dedicated to all the Tarot books I own (over 250!), as well as specific Tarot cards (for example, Fool images from over 50 decks).

Yes, my books are among the Tarot books listed…and yes, I have a board dedicated to all my books/eBooks…but those are a mere mention in light of having 30 different boards at this writing.

Thus, my boards are eye candy for Tarot enthusiasts—but I’m also indirectly saying “I know Tarot!” People will check out my books and blogs, and maybe even order a Tarot reading from my site. Passive income, anyone?

And lest you think you can only point to already-published works, check out my Snowland board. My husband and I are contracted for the Snowland Tarot deck. We co-create the images and he paints them. I’ll be writing the companion book. So what have I done to generate interest on Pinterest? Why, post the cards as they’re finished…complete with the URL in the comment sections, directing people to SnowlandTarot.com. Sneaky, huh? But not obnoxious!

If you’re a biographer or historian, pin images of your subject and related events. A cookbook author? Recipes! Kitchen gadgets! What you cooked last night! Science writer? Give us all the nebulas, rainforests, rock formations, infographics, microscope slides, cute critters and unusual insects we can handle! (And don’t forget to share the love by posting your favorite books on the topic, too!)

OK, you fiction writers…it’s your turn.

Yes, non-fiction expertise may seem easier for “pinning”—and you’re probably correct. All this means, though, is that you’ll have to think outside the box a bit. Isn’t that what you guys do anyway? *wink*

Let’s start with my absolute favorite Pinterester, Gypsy Thornton. Gypsy specializes in fairytales, so her amazing boards are dedicated to the characters, environment and stories found in folklore.

Her boards are not only dedicated to specific tales like Red Riding Hood, Billy Goats Gruff and Arabian Nights, but also mythical beings, maps, picture books and ballets. One of the most intriguing elements of her Pinterest page? Individual boards dedicated to a specific color—red, green, brown, white, and so on.

Lest you think, “That’s all well and good, but how will that help me sell books or gain a following?”…guess how I discovered Gypsy? She happened to re-pin the image of Jack Frost from our Snowland Tarot board to her Ice Maiden’s Touch board!

You’re starting to see the viral possibilities, aren’t you?

Let’s keep going, fiction writers, by stepping our toes into genre waters!

Writing a romance? Already published one (or more)? Create boards splayed with “hotties”, celeb crushes, romantic gift ideas, quotes about romance, Hollywood relationships or your favorite romance novels. Although I’m not a romance writer or reader, I have a board dedicated to hearts…just because I like them.

Are you a cozy mystery writer? Your boards could be collections of your series’ theme or location—coffee, cookies, embroidery, cupcakes, bookstores, orchards, BBQ, tea, floral shops, libraries, knitting, cooking schools, psychic cats, decoupage, Tarot readers, churches, donuts, home repair, antiques…you get the “picture”.

If you write traditional mysteries, dedicate your Pinterest boards to symbols of the genre—magnifying glasses, fingerprints, footprints, forensic tools. Or what about boards featuring your favorite authors (Mary Higgins Clark! Agatha Christie! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle! Tess Gerritsen!) or beloved sleuths (Sherlock! Poirot! Miss Marple! Jessica Fletcher! Columbo!)? Heck, you can create a board with quotes featuring the word “mystery”…or even songs that have the word “mystery” or “mysterious” in the title or lyrics! In fact, you can pin YouTube videos to your boards! (Click here to find out how).

Do you pen historical tomes? Dedicate boards to the city and occasions you write about, as well as décor, garb, architecture, music, politics, significant players, parallel events and so on.

At the very least, you’re a writer…right? So why not create boards with encouraging quotes, writing advice, books on the craft, esteemed authors, favorite writing teachers, admired publishers or creativity tools?

Writing your first book? How about a board (or boards) dedicated to your work-in-progress! Visually brainstorm characters (preferences, favorite foods, playlists, decorating style, clothing), settings or even plot points.

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this post, but I hope it’s demystified Pinterest for writers and given you a bazillion ideas for the writing life.

Here are 10 Pinterest Tips for you:

1. Don’t be spammy. Imbed your book cover or blog among helpful, interesting and visually stimulating boards. Don’t make it all about you.

2. Put the red P symbol on your site or blog linking to you Pinterest page. Alternatively, use the Follow Me on Pinterest image with a link back.

3. Comment on, or “like”, the pins of others. It’s easier and faster than commenting on blog posts! If one of their images fits the theme of one of your boards, by all means re-pin away.

4. Follow the boards of other writers or creatives you find inspiring. If you only like one or a handful of boards from  Pinterest profile, you can select only those.

5. Create a group board to magnify the fun factor and cross-pollinate ideas (and fan base). It’s less demanding than a group blog.

6. If you’ve authored multiple books and eBooks, by all means make a board for it (among many other boards, of course)! Mine’s titled My Books—I Made It Myself!

7. Spread the love by creating a board featuring the books you own or love that are related to your specialty (or not!).

8. Give a shout-out to fellow pinners on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, your blog, etc. when you discover exceptional boards, providing a direct link to them.

9. Name your boards with a descriptive or catchy title. Don’t forget to choose a category, too. If your board doesn’t fall under any of the preset categories, simply choose “Other”.

19. Select visually interesting images (on Pinterest, bigger is better) to express your uniqueness and expertise. You can find images via Google Images (make sure to pin from the source), other Pinterest boards, websites, blogs, DeviantArt, photo sites or your own hard drive. If you know who created the image, give credit.

To learn more about Pinterest, visit their About page. If you’re not already signed up, you’ll have to request an invite. They’ll let you in pretty quickly…within a week.

Above all, have fun! Pinterest shouldn’t be a burden, but a creative outlet to show the world what you love...all via striking, quirky or pretty pictures.

 -- 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). Visit Janet online at JanetBoyer.com

How Long Is the Average Book?

According to BookLamp.org,  the question “How long should my book be?” comes up fairly often when working with early writers. It is a deceptively simple question that’s historically had very little data to help answer it.

Until now.

Behold, an infographic from the Book Genome Project!

-- 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)

When Death Happens, Do We Quit?

I buried my Dad two days ago.

This won’t be a memorial post...I’ll do that soon. :o)

But as I was chatting to a few people on Twitter and Facebook, I realized that I’ve received compassionate, wise advice repeated often:

Be gentle with yourself.

Take it easy.

Don’t overdo it.

Of course, this is especially wonderful advice to someone who normally runs on two speeds: Inertia…and “too much is never enough”. I tend to be “all or nothing” in my approach. 

As a quadruple Scorpio who has witnessed the death of three people, I’m no stranger to the deeper mysteries and scary things of life.

My first reaction leans towards extreme Hermit mode, wanting to cut off ties from “extraneous” people and “frivolous” pursuits. Then, Destroyer mode kicks in, and I want to scrap everything I’m working on and blow up every blog I run. 

But the flip side of the Destroyer is the Creator…arguably the strongest archetype at play in my psyche.

Then, the Sun dawns and I remember to NOT to create means to stagnate. Stagnation equals “not growing”. 

When you’re not growing, you die. That is, die before you’re dead.

My Dad wouldn’t be honored if I stagnate; it would be a form of soul-death.

Uprooting the tender shoots of planted ideas wouldn’t serve the living. Turning away from my gifts that vine their way through my writings wouldn’t serve me, either.

Yes, it’s conceivable that I, or anyone else, could “bury” themselves in work or other pursuits to “avoid feeling”. 

I know what that feels like. What it looks like.

I’m grateful for well-meaning friends and colleagues reminding me to be easy on myself.

And they’re right.

Yet, I’m discovering that “easy on myself” doesn’t mean quitting writing. 

Rather, it means to pay attention to what my soul wants (needs?) to communicate via words—even if only to myself in a private journal. To refuse to play the popularity game that so many writers get caught up in, especially with the admonition to “build your platform!” or “never go dark!” in social media efforts.

I remember the poets, essayists, and storytellers of old who communicated their soul without the help of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ or Klout. 

These ones told stories and captured the human condition for others to ponder because they were compelled to, not necessarily because they were ABLE to.

My Dad’s death reminded me of this important distinction: If I’m not writing or communicating from a deeply authentic place, then I’m just doing it because I can. And, even if I write well—and others agree—that doesn’t mean it’s fulfilling or meaningful.

I think we extroverts may get caught up in the “how am I driving?” social media and traffic metrics more than introverts, because we usually look outward for feedback—a sounding board to echo back our effectiveness and to help us refine what we feel, think and value. 

None of us know if we’ll be here 24 hours from now. Life is too short to do what deadens you.

Do what you love.

-- 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

Writer Hazard: The Dangers of Switching Genres

So I wrote this little short story last year involving a Tarot podcaster, conference and a murder.

As some of you might remember, it caused a major brouhaha—including a rather widespread hatefest involving contacting the publisher of my upcoming book (got a real lovely call the day before Thanksgiving from the owner…less than 12 hours after the story went live on Amazon), as well as individuals threatening other Tarot artists/writers to disassociate themselves from me (or else), warning Facebook friends of mine that we shared to unfriend me (or else), calling for mass unfollowing of my Twitter account/unliking my BITT, TIR and Snowland FB pages, widespread “boycott Janet Boyer” blog posts…and even rallying cries to burn my first Tarot book.

One publisher of Tarot decks even banned me from posting on their Facebook page and blog (regardless that I hadn’t visited their social media presences for some time). Others actually stated that I’m capable of murder, was plotting murder and/or should be sued for my “criminality”.

Some spent their time speculating on my mental state, including throwing around psychological disorders and what meds I must be on (or should be on…or, perhaps, am not taking). About a dozen wrote nasty “reviews” of my short story on Amazon, showing their true colors (that bled rather differently than their “loving earth mama” or “I’m so spiritual” online personas).

One even went so far to lay out a curse-laden blog rant, saying she hoped I burned in hell…and that all sorts of bad things would befall my family.

More widespread than you thought, huh?

Of course, I didn’t answer most of these public antics, even when they involved fellow Tarot deck creators or artists lying about their associations with me or otherwise throwing me under the bus amidst the mass hysteria.

And really, this post isn’t about the appalling behavior of many in the online Tarot community, which made them look far, far worse than my first attempt at publishing a short story accompanied by a clear description, including a caveat (that they had to buy via Amazon, mind you).

If I weren’t a stronger woman, I may have given up both Tarot writing and fiction writing in the face of such pettiness, assumption and revulsion. Granted, the last three months haven’t been the easiest.

But it has gotten better!

You know, when you show a different side of yourself that others don’t want to see (or don’t expect), some crazy things can happen. This is why some couples split up when one individual starts to show her whole self (that she hid during dating) or when another begins a path to spiritual growth…and his partner would like him to stay just as he is, thankyouverymuch.

Sometime, somewhere, someone got it into her head that working with/reading Tarot equals spirituality, godliness or perfection (read: in alignment with my idea of what is “right” or “good” or “appropriate”).

Deepak Chopra once said, “The measure of your enlightenment is the degree to which you are comfortable with paradox, contradiction and ambiguity”.

Obviously, most are not even in the ballpark of enlightenment, because any action that violates a preconceived expectation or desired response results in the types of “micro” things I described earlier. Not surprisingly, these types of behaviors are the seeds to what causes rifts, marginalization, bullying, bigotry, discrimination, violence, war and genocide on the “macro” level.

Interesting, no?

So what does this have to do with “switching genres”?

Well, writers take pennames for a reason. The most common reasons are twofold: 1. They want to “hide” a side of them (from family, faith, culture, tribe or employer) 2. They want to differentiate one “side” of them from another

Take, for instance, author James Scott Bell. I’ve known him as an author of excellent writing craft books but, until recently, I didn’t realize he was also a Christy-award winning Christian novelist.

Last year, Mr. Bell decided to create the penname K. Bennett, saying it was to help him separate his new fiction series from his past work…especially for the sake of his readers. What is he now writing about? A female zombie lawyer practicing in L.A.!

Brilliant…but, knowing how pitchfork-prone Christians can be, I can totally see why he decided on a penname for his zombie-at-law series. (For the record, I used to be an ordained Pentecostal pastor…so I know of what I speak).

Turns out, many in the online “Tarot community” are quite pitchforky, too. Had I written my short story under a pseudonym, I may have avoided all this vitriol (maybe not, but who knows?) Individuals went so far to assume that the twisted protagonist in my short story WAS me, that the scenario was based on “real life” (yeah, like I have dozens of bottles marked XXX laying around my house)…and that I was plotting to do what my protagonist did. And that my fictional story was actually a “rant” based in actuality.

Bizarre, huh?

Many who glom onto the “Tarot community” label find comfort and support among their fellow “Tarotholics”. Why? Because they have been marginalized from their own family, community or faith of origin for thinking or being “different”. Ironic, isn’t it, when “one of their Tarot own” acts or thinks differently…and receives similar treatment by their hands.

Now, the reason Stephen King, Joe Hill, Dean Koontz, John Sandford, Chelsea Cain and Jeff Lindsay don’t get this kind of reaction is because they have built their careers or writing about twisted, violent and/or repulsive folks.

But what happens if you start out as a minister? A Christian author?

Or, like me, someone known for her Mind/Body/Spirit non-fiction?

Ouchies.

People don’t like that. (Anne Rice, anyone?)

They want you to stay in that box they’ve built for you. They want to be able to predict and approve of your behavior. No coloring outside the lines. No flexing the creative muscles. No writing outside of your traditional genre. No “acting differently” from what they think the box defines as “appropriate” to your personhood, authorhood or even your “spirituality”.

When you see it here in black and white, it looks pretty absurd, doesn’t it?

And yet, it happens all the time for those who decide to march to a different tune. Some, with minor, albeit troubling, consequences (like mine). Others, with far more serious (even deadly) results.

So other than losing your preexisting author platform, are there dangers to switching genres as a writer? Absolutely.

I just hope your genre switcheroo, should you choose to accept it,  is less painful and messy than my own has been…

-- 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)

It's Try TO, Not Try AND!

One of the most egregious and irritating grammatical errors I see everywhere?

Using "try and" instead of "try to".

For example, "I am going to try and use this expired coupon".

No, no you're not.

For one, that's just plain wrong. That is, trying TO use an expired coupon. Pay attention to the date, for God's sake!

Two, you don't "try and" do anything. You try TO do something.

I can't believe how often I come across this grammar mistake. Sure, one can expect it on the web and on blogs. But Writer's Digest books? And writing magazines? Gah! Where the hell is the editor?!

So, please, do me a favor lest you make my blood pressure knock out the ceiling: use "try to", not "try and"!

-- 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.

Brand Congruity and Brand Confusion

“No one brand can be all things to all people…By trying to be everything, the brand will end up being nothing at all.” – From The Experience Effect: Engage Your Customers with a Consistent and Memorable Brand Experience by Jim Joseph

con•gru•ous [kóng groo əss] adj

1.  Appropriate: appropriate to or suitable for a purpose or situation (formal) 
2.  Corresponding or consistent: corresponding to or consistent with each other or something else 

While writing is an art, publishing is a business. With the publishing world changing by the second, pundits are now telling authors that entrepreneurship is now a necessary component for long-term success. (Click here to watch a fascinating interview between Dan Blank and Colleen Lindsay on We Grow Media to see what I mean). No longer can authors write in silence and solitude, delivering their manuscript to publishers and expecting the marketing department to “take it from there”.

Especially with the glut of self-published work flooding the web, traditional authors are finding it even harder to stand out, engage readers and earn loyal followers.

Recently on Twitter, I Tweeted “Dear New Age Author: if your Tweets are incongruous with your books or ‘brand’, you might want to rethink being on the wire”.

Some agreed. One strongly disagreed.

What is the greatest way an author can become a “stand out” entrepreneur? I’ll tell you: By creating and defining her brand, and then acting consistent with that brand.

So what is branding, anyway? It is the “vibe” of your personality or product. It the unique flair that sets you apart from others. It’s what you or your books stand for.

Why does this matter at all? Well, apart from “brand recognition”, there’s the most important component of the brand experience to consider—the consumer.

You cannot create or define your brand if you don’t know your own audience.

That is, you must know whom it is you want to reach with your message. Who do you want to entertain with your words?  Who do you see benefiting the most from your products? Knowing the answer to those questions will help you define your brand.

So what does it mean to be congruent with your brand? Let me start by explaining what it does NOT mean. Brand congruency does NOT mean:

1. Being afraid to let your freak flag fly
2. Refraining from stirring the pot
3. Shying away from provocative topics
4. Hiding your light under a bushel

Congruency doesn’t mean bland; on the contrary, it means consistency with your unique voice, personality and promises of your book, products or services.

So what is brand confusion, anyway?

Imagine that you come to associate your local bank with longevity, austerity and trustworthiness. Everything the bank has done for the last 50 years—the name, the colors of its logo, its slogan, its advertising, employee dress code, and managerial behavior—all reinforces that brand.

One day, the marketing department decides to change the bank carpeting to a bright orange, the slogan colors to fuchsia, the bank name to Funny Munny and the logo to a circus tent.

Um, yikes.

While this is an extreme, and crazy, example, this is exactly what brand confusion causes: a head-on crash between expectation and reality. This is especially disconcerting for your audience and readers when your name or books have been around for a decade or more, and, as an example, you try to swim the Twitterstream like a toddler entering white water rapids—spouting off stuff inconsistent with your brand.

Why does this matter? Now more than ever, consumers have huge BS detectors. And if THEY don’t, it’s very likely their Facebook friends, Google+ Circles and those they follow on Twitter DO have a big ol’ honkin’ BS detector.

What is BS, in this case?

Lack of congruency.

Individuals will equate lack of congruency with lack of authenticity, which will breed mistrust for many. Not only might this result in brand dilution, but also arguably lost sales and loyal readers.

Let me give you a fictitious example, especially since I happened to zero in on the New Age niche with my earlier Tweet: Imagine if you will a metaphysical author and healer calling himself The Butterfly King. His branding colors of choice are butter yellow and grape jelly purple, with butterflies adorning his website, logo and books. Consistent with his brand, his books and messages tout a lighthearted approach to spirituality, where All is One, love is god, tenderness triumphs and farts are flecked with fairy dust, smelling like fresh baked blueberry pie.

This noob gets on Twitter, and instead of his ethereal, uplifting advice that his audience comes to associate with his brand, he comes off as a George Carlin/Roseanne Barr/Archie Bunker mashup.

Yowzers.

Talk about cognitive dissonance!

So what is The Butterfly King to do to create brand congruity rather than brand confusion?

He has three solutions as I see it:

1. Censor himself and get in alignment with fairy dust fartin’
2. Create distinct social media IDs for his various interests/components
3. Redefine his brand to include those incongruous elements, or state the incongruities outright

Number 1 is self-explanatory. Number 2 would be the equivalent of an author donning a penname for brand distinction. For example, James Scott Bell, writing teacher extraordinaire and fiction writer in his own right, has recently created the pseudonym K. Bennett for his zombie lawyer series and explained his decision at the The Kill Zone blog. (Yes, you read right! Am I the only one excited to read the first book Pay Me in Flesh?)

In the future, I plan to write psychological thrillers and horror fiction. I already have my penname picked out. Why? Because I don’t want someone who knows my “brand” of straight-up Self Help reviews, mystical spirituality and practical Tarot application to encounter a major brain freeze when I start to write about sickos!

And yes, in this age of transparency, it wouldn’t be too hard to figure out a person’s nom de plume; but pennames aren’t for anonymity anymore as much as they are for brand distinction.

So what about number 3? Well, what if you happen to be a deeply spiritual person with profound insights…but you also have a potty mouth, trickster archetypal pattern and penchant for yelling when the Emperor has no clothes?

Why, that would be me! And that’s why, wherever possible, I describe myself with four Is: Innovator, Iconoclast, Initiator and Instigator. I also usually identify myself as a quadruple Scorpio. For me, this is what “warns” people that I’m not an ooey gooey type of New Age author (although it’s rumored that I have a marshmallow center…don’t believe it, though. It will ruin my brand.)

Doing number 3 will not guarantee that you won’t be misunderstood; in fact, odds are pretty good that you’ll still end up offending someone. But this won’t be because of brand confusion, as much as it will be the stragglers that may be unfamiliar with the totality of your brand (for example, only knowing one of your books, but never visiting your website, reading your blog or subscribing to your newsletter to get the “whole” of you).

Your brand can be as narrow or as expansive as you like. It can be fun, flirty or serious. Whatever you do, though, make sure your brand is defined and distinct, defended by your adherence to brand congruence. To remind you of why this is important, I’ll leave you with another quote from The Experience Effect by Jim Joseph:

“Essentially, positioning is how we want the consumer to think about our brand. It should differentiate…The brand experience actually becomes the positioning in consumers’ minds, and the experience effect is what puts it there. That’s why it’s so important to understand it, to get it right, and to keep it consistent. It ultimately determines how consumers feel about the brand and how they attach meaning and value to the brand. It’s also what will differentiate the brand from other brands in the same category.”

-- 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) 

The Problem With Positive Reviews

For several years, I was the New Age Editor at the second largest women's site on the web. We once had a discussion about reviews and someone asked me why all my book reviews were positive. (At that time, I focused solely on reviewing books.)

I answered that I happened to be reviewing books that I liked--and that I didn't want to "send out negativity" into the Universe by writing a negative review. Knowing how time-consuming and, at times, excruciating the creative process can often be, I certainly didn't want to be responsible for discouraging an author, either! Not only that, just because I didn't like a book doesn't mean that someone else wouldn't benefit from it.

A few individuals shared with me that readers would take reviewers more seriously if they posted both positive and negative reviews. I was reluctant to begin writing "negative" reviews, but I eventually began doing so and I'll tell you why.

For those of us who live in rural areas devoid of any New Age bookstores, the closest one may be an hour or more away. Although some larger chains like Barnes and Noble and Borders may carry a few decks and metaphysical titles, the selection can be pretty darn paltry--even in more populated towns.

And the local libraries in my area? Utterly devoid of occult titles, except for the occasional Sylvia Browne book. But forget trying to find a book or deck on Tarot, let alone serious tomes on esoteric subjects. The librarians tell me that occult books are the ones that get stolen as soon as they’re added to the shelves.

This means that those of us who live in rural areas but love to collect Tarot decks or devour metaphysical books lare crap out of luck.

That is, of course, except for the wonderful world of the Internet.

Folks like me often must buy books and decks sight unseen and rely heavily on reviews. We hope they're honest, we trust that they'll be comprehensive, but...guess what? Sometimes, they are not.

Although I can, and do, get tons of decks and books directly from publishers for review, I often spend hundreds of dollars a year on similar items. Why? Because I may not want to wait or I may have communication glitches with publicists/publishers, so I just go ahead and buy them myself. (Not to mention the dozens of impulse buys. Yikes!) I have spent thousands of dollars over the years on such books and getting many free isn't stopping this trend!

In other words, I was a consumer before I was a reviewer of metaphysical books, decks, DVDs and CDs. And, I still am.

Now, here's a scenario for you explaining why I happen to write "negative" reviews: Some time ago, I received The Fantastical Tarot and The Crystal Tarot from Amazon.com. While The Crystal Tarot isn't so bad, The Fantastical Tarot isn't my cup of tea. I bought the former because I saw some attractive (but small) images in The Tarot Bible, and the latter because I saw it at a "Which Card Are You?" online quiz.

No, I didn't read the reviews first because I rarely, if ever, read reviews of items that I think I'll someday review myself. (Just my way of not wanting to be influenced, even subconsciously, by the views of others.) However, I did look at an online site that features card images and reviews.

Not surprisingly, the card images displayed by that site are NOT representative of the whole deck. Only the most attractive images are featured, and if the Minors happen to be Pips only (e.g. the 6 of Wands showing 6 actual wands or the 8 of Swords showing 8 actual swords), only selections from the Majors, Aces, and Court Cards are (conveniently) shown.

In other words, the most decorated and intricate cards in the Tarot.

I've noticed this skewed trend of only showing the pretty cards, which is one reason I try to pick 15-18 representative cards from a deck to accompany my reviews, even cards that I don't like.

Yet I do believe that was the first time I've been burned on my own purchases. Now, that would be bad enough, but there are two other details that bug me about the site I'm referring to:

1. It only publishes positive reviews
2. It is an affiliate of several outlets that sell books and decks

How do I know? Because none of my (submitted) "negative" deck or book reviews have been published on that site--only positive ones. And, I don't recall ever finding a negative review on that site. Ever.

While this may be good for deck creators and authors (not to mention the site publishing only positive reviews and attractive images who get money from every purchase), it is NOT good for consumers. Not only does this cheat people out of their money, but it also engenders a sense of distrust among readers towards reviewers in general.

Is it easier to write positive reviews than negative ones? Absolutely! And more fun, to boot! Positive reviews fly off my fingers while critical reviews take longer, especially since, at the very least, I try to point out the positives of a book or deck if there are any redeeming qualities.

But this latest experience of getting burned on on-line purchases reminded me (and encouraged me) as to why I write critical reviews: My sense of ethics compels me to be honest. My first loyalty as a reviewer is to the consumer, my fellow book and deck enthusiasts—not the publisher, not a publicist, not an author or deck creator (even if such happens to be an acquaintance or colleague!)

In my mind, a critical review—an objective, balanced review—isn't a "negative" one. (Obviously, what determines "balanced" is subjective!) In fact, there are times when readers email me about a "negative" review gushing, "Thank you so much for this review. I went out and bought the book and LOVED it!"

Yes, you read right.

This shows me that critical reviews also serve the public for the simple fact that what I may consider a "downside" may very well be an "upside" for someone else.

So don't we reviewers owe it to the public to provide balanced, honest reviews?  I think so. At least, this is what my personal ethics compels me to do.

Otherwise, reviewers just serve as publicists. It is the publicist’s job to describe the contents of a book, deck, or product and then to apply the most positive, compelling spin possible in the hopes that someone agrees to review the product or interview the author for the ultimate purpose increased sales—not mine.

And the hell I catch for some of my reviews? Unfreakinbelievable. And all from the Tarot community. They harass me on forums, stalk me on Twitter, complain about me to publishing companies, send me anonymous emails and stir up pitchfork mobs. It’s bizarre, really. No wonder people think Tarot users are whack jobs!

Instead of appreciating the other 1,200 reviews I’ve written to help consumers, they focus on the one they disagree with—or, sometimes, a “negative” review of a book penned by author they adore or are friends with. They call me a bully, repeatedly, hoping the perception sticks. Then, any OTHER author or fangirl that gets disgruntled picks up the whining buzz of these Twalkers, further perpetrating the droning “Janet is a bully” line.

I’ve been reviewing books for almost a decade because I love books! Same with Tarot decks. But I benefit from honest reviews, too. Before you start to rag on me or any other reviewer, consider:

1. We aren’t paid for our reviews
2. Free stuff is NOT commensurate the time and energy spent on reviewing
3. A book isn't an author’s “baby”, it’s a product
4. A negative review isn’t personal
5. Literary criticism is a respected art form
6. Public harassment by an author makes the AUTHOR look bad, not the reviewer
7. Negative reviews can generate buzz and exposure, too
8. One review isn’t going to sink a book or a career
9. Honest reviews do consumers a great service
10. Reviewers are real people behind the screen, just like the author

 -- 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) 

Should Reviewers Be Paid?

Last week, I received an unusual package.

Not unusual in the contents--these were review copies of New Age CDs--but what came with it: a label, on each CD, saying (in red) Submit your review to (email address) and receive $25. Thank you!"

I was floored.

This is a respected music company I've reviewed for for years. Yeah, I get the occassional desperate self-published author or deck creator wanting to pay me for a review (which I always decline) but...a publisher?

Fast forward to today, when I was visiting a professional LinkedIn group for book publicity. Another (desperate) self-published author wanted to know where he could get his book reviewed. A few replied to the author, and he said he considered those who review for money "a practice that I consider unethical from a writing and journalistic standpoint".

Some reviewers piped up, saying "I never accept money for reviews." One member, though, remarked: "Professional book reviewers (aka not your relatives) deserve to get paid, just like any other type of professional. Why would you think otherwise?"

What do YOU say, dear readers? Should reviewers be paid for their reviews (and time and/or influence)? If so, how much? If you think this will affect the quality of the review (increased tendency to write a positive review), how come?

What about Kirkus Reviews, who have staff (paid) reviewers? Or, the Kirkus Discoveries reviews, in which self-published AUTHORS pay THEM to review their work? Or staff writers like the wonderful Ron Charles of the Washington Post?

I really want to hear your thoughts on this one, readers!

-- 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)

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).

Occupations in the Tarot - A Guide for Readers and Fiction Writers

I'm very happy to announce that my newest eBook will appeal to TWO distinct types of people: fiction writers and Tarot readers.

What some fiction writer's don't realize is that the 78 cards of Tarot can be used for creative writing and brainstorming. I've just published an eBook for Kindle (or you can get it from my main website) called Occupations in the Tarot: A Guide for Readers and Fiction Writers. This guide (only $2.99) provides HUNDREDS of professions, vocations and roles for characters using Tarot cards. 

For Tarot readers, this eBook is a goldmine for helping client's figure out a job path for a career reading or possible educational choices for college students.

In case you find yourself performing a career reading for a client, or perhaps are searching for a suitable occupation for your novel's protagonist, this Occupations in the Tarot eBook will provide you with hundreds of possible job, role and vocational associations for each of the 78 cards of the Tarot.

Some are tongue-in-cheek, but most are connected to Rider-Waite card imagery, esoteric attributions and twists on traditional interpretations. (For example, the choice for "Furniture Reupholsterer" for The Devil connects with the esoteric mode of consciousness Renewing Intelligence from The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages by Paul Foster Case.)

Click here to have Occupations in the Tarot: A Guide for Readers and Fiction Writers delivered to you in seconds via Kindle. Click here to order directly from my website.

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

Book Gems #3 Ensouling Language

I've started reading an extraordinary book called Ensouling Language: On the Art of Nonfiction and the Writer's Life by Stephen Harrod Buhner (published by Inner Traditions) that's heartfelt, honest and surprising (any author with the balls to say that the popular Writing Down the Bones is one of the worst books on the writing craft deserves my attention for at least a few pages!).

Just because the title includes the word "nonfiction" doesn't mean Ensouling Language isn't applicable for any writer wanting to mine the deepest, most authentic raw  self to put on the page. Here's a compelling excerpt from this hefty 464-page book (that's worth every penny):

The craft must always spring from who you are and the meanings that are important to you. The only thing that you ultimately have to give is your experience of your own life, your essential individuality…

Your writing will only mean something to the readers who buy your work if it means something to you. Your passions, your commitment, must course like blood through the body of your words. Then, truly, the writing will stir, rise, open its eyes. And the more you fill your writing with the meanings that come from deepest in yourself, the more it will impact your readers. That is why, if the work is good, you will always feel afraid as you write it. For you are exposing some deep part of yourself to outside view. You are allowing yourself to be naked inside the work. And one of the difficulties with this is that you know it, you feel it.

To order Ensouling Language from Amazon, click here. To find out more about the author, 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).  

One Woman + 1,186 Reviews + 2 Book Deals

I need your help, friends! I submitted my reviewer/author story to Seth Godin's Initiator Domino Project and it's a finalist! If I'm one of the winners, I'll end up in Godin's next eBook project (powered by Amazon.com).

Please vote 10 Stars for me! (No registration required...just click the 10th Gold Star!) You only have until 5 PM EST tomorrow (March 23).

One Woman + 1,186 Reviews + 2 Book Deals http://vote.thedominoproject.com/nomination/one-woman-1186-reviews-2-book-deals THANK YOU SO MUCH! The shortened link, if you'd like to pass it around for me, is http://bit.ly/VoteJanet

I am so excited, everyone! You can read my story on there, too, before you vote. You only have to click the 10th star...no registration or anything. Please pass this along on YOUR blog, Facebook page, Newsletter list or Discussion Board if you've enjoyed my book, deck and other reviews!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support over the years--and especially your 10-star vote today!

If you'd like to have some background on what the Intiator Contest is, just click here to read the announcment at Seth's blog.

Freaking out,

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot 

 

Non-Fiction Book Proposals - 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Before you even think of pitching a non-fiction book proposal, ask yourself:

1. Has it been done before?

If yes, how does your book differ? What does your book offer that others on the topic do not? You must provide unique, useful and desired material for an agent or publisher to consider at a book that's similar to others in the market.

2. What's the market?

Is your book really "for everyone"? Or is likely for a targeted market? If the latter, which niche market? Don't say "it's a little bit about everything". Those types of books are almost impossible to sell. If need be, narrow your focus.

3. Can I encapsulate it in an elevator pitch?

In other words, summarize your book in one sentence (preferably including how it reaches your target audience)…in the time it would take for an elevator ride.

4. What's your platform?

At the very least, you must have a website in today's market, even if it’s just an engaging blog. Even better if you have a frequently used Twitter presence and Facebook page. Don't have those yet? Start now. It's never too early to begin laying a foundation for your platform. In fact, the more solid the platform, the more confident you (and your potential agent/publisher) will be when it comes time to dive on launch day. Consider registering your name as your primary website URL (for example, JanetBoyer.com), or your book title. The former will give you more flexibility should you publish additional material, however. And, should a publisher sign your book, they may change your proposed title anyway.

5. Who are you pitching to?

If you're pitching to an agent, what other non-fiction books has she sold? What non-fiction authors does he represent? If you don't know, find out. You don't want to send off half-ass queries, pitching your non-fiction proposal to, say, an agent that's only interested in representing literary and YA fiction. If you're pitching directly to a publisher, Google them if you haven't already. Read past catalogues. Discover what, and whom, they publish. Read the Submission Guidelines on their website. Does your book fit in with the publisher's front list? Does your topic match past published genres? If you're still at a loss, then go get the most recent edition of Writer's Market which comes out every summer. And for crying out loud, get the name of the agent or acquisition editor right…and use it! (In other words, don’t even think of writing “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madame”).

If you've decided to self-publish:

Ask yourself the first four questions. If you want to be competitive, then you'll need to know the answers to those questions to effectively market your book. If you don't know the answers to those four questions, how do you expect to convince readers to plunk down money on your book? For the perceptive reader, self-published books are a risk because of their reputation for sub-par quality.

Speaking of quality, here are some additional questions to consider before self-publishing:

1. Are you willing to hire an editor?

You will likely need a content editor or a copyeditor or both. Even the best writers find it difficult to organize or edit their own work, especially for cohesion and for grammatical or spelling errors (that MS Word doesn’t catch).

2. Are you a graphics wiz?

If you can’t create an attractive book cover, hire someone who can. "You can't judge a book by a cover" simply isn't true, especially when it comes to self-published works. Almost every time, I can spot a self-published book by its (ugly) cover.

3. Are you social media-challenged?

If you are overwhelmed by the idea of blogging or Tweeting, then hire someone who can translate your concepts into relevant, fresh web material. Read blogs you admire, follow Tweeters you find fascinating, fan writers who shine on Facebook—and then politely ask them whom they use (or if they can recommend someone who does similar social media marketing).

While hiring an editor, graphics designer and social media maven won’t guarantee book sales, these investments will at least elevate you to roughly the same playing field as traditionally published authors.

If you’ve decided to try the traditional publishing route, answering the first five questions concisely, accurately and sensibly will help you stand out in the minds of agents, publishers and readers.

Janet Boyer is the author of Back in Time Tarot (Hampton Roads) and Tarot in Reverse (Schiffer Books, 2012). A prolific blogger and reviewer, as well as a social media maven for publishers and authors, Janet’s main website is JanetBoyer.com.

Daily Blogging Motivation - WordPress Issues a Challenge

Over the New Year, WordPress issued a challenge to its bloggers: make a post daily (or weekly).

Seem like a tall order? Maybe.

But for those of you who have resolved to blog more in 2011, using the Daily WordPress Challenges may be the impetus you need for creating thoughtful, interesting and unique posts.

You can sign up for the daily or weekly prompts, or follow @postaday on Twitter.

Another benefit? You don't have to be a WordPress blogger to use these daily prompts.

Happy blogging!

-- Janet

Throwing the Baby Out (Our Unforgiving Nature and Fragmented Self)

It's no secret that I can be a tough reviewer.

In fact, some people get quite pissed at me for writing a less-than-glowing review of a book or deck. The irate may be the author, or it may be a friend of the author--or just a long time fan of a particular author's work.

Recently, I noticed some fall-out from a particular review I wrote about three months ago. Some in the Tarot community went so far as to block my Twitter account so I couldn't follow them, while one insulted me rather uglily (is that a word?) in a Forum. I refused to defend my review or allow myself to be baited in what was really a personal attack on me (and even my book).

Silly playground games, I thought.

I can certainly understand the impulse to want to "protect our own" or even become outraged when someone presents an idea or behavior that clashes with our own belief, experience or world-view. But what I find intriguing (now that some time has passed!) is how reactive we are as humans--even ones aiming towards expanded awareness or even Zen-like magnanimity.

We are so quick to "throw the baby out with the bath water", to borrow a cliche, ready to cut off, squash, drown or hide anything that offends us or our sensibilities--even when such actions may be to our detriment. That is, we are so eager to invalidate, castigate or marginalize a person--even when we used to be a "fan" of an author's work and having benefiting greatly from his/her insights. But we're ready to toss it all out when one of our sacred cows or personal beliefs get sacrificed or stepped upon.

Maybe we write off an author because she irks us. Or maybe we seek to destroy a person in a rather public way (anyone remember what Oprah did to James Frey on her show? At least she apologized, but only personally).

I wonder if Oprah would have behaved differently had she known that Frey's son had a genetic neuromuscular disorder? (In fact, the 11-year-old died during the three-year span of the controversy). Or would her personal self-righteousness gave way to compassion?

Could Oprah's public vindictiveness arise out of the unclaimed shadow parts of herself, I wonder? After reading some of Kitty Kelly's biography on Oprah (click here for a surprising New York Times interview), I have to wonder if Oprah reacted in response to her own disowned parts--the ones that she lies about or tries to suppress via intimidation, "freezing out" or even food consumption.

No doubt, we are a fragmented people, we humans. The quest for wholeness and awareness, and the end of suffering, calls for us to seek out those fragmented parts of ourselves--recognizing, integrating and healing those "cast off" parts of our personality or archetypal patterns that we just can't seem to accept.

Those parts may be deemed "bad" or they may be deemed "good". When we deem parts "bad", we tend to demonize others who display that very same trait. When we deem parts "good", we tend to project them in the form of adoration. Either way, we aren't owning them.

And this fragmented Self desperately tries to find wholeness, but it can't even accept the fragmented parts that make up the whole. And if we can't accept ourselves--warts and wondrousness both--we usually can't truly accept it another, let alone actually see it.

Author Debbie Ford addresses this fragmentation and need for wholeness quite brilliantly in both the DVD The Shadow Effect and the book of the same name.

Fragmentation, or disowning our shadow (either "dark" or "light") is what causes ministers to condemn homosexuality while having gay affairs or politicians crusading to eradicate prostitution while frequenting escorts. When someone pounds a particular drum in a repeated, public way, it's usually their own music that they're really trying to drown out.

So I thought I'd share my musings about shadow work (something I've embraced for years--painful stuff!) and how our fragmented humanity often causes us to cut others off...and makes us the poorer.

What are your experiences? Your thoughts? I'd love to hear them, if you're willing to share.

-- Janet

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