The Steve Laube Agency is committed to providing top quality guidance to authors and speakers. Our years of experience and success brings a unique service to our clients. We focus primarily in the Christian marketplace and have put together an outstanding gallery of authors and speakers whose books continue to make an impact throughout the world.
Our Service Philosophy
Content
To help the author develop and create the best book possible. Material that has both commercial appeal and long-term value.
Career
To help the author determine the next best step in their writing career. Giving counsel regarding the subtleties of the marketplace as well as the realities of the publishing community.
Contract
To help the author secure the best possible contract. One that partners with the best strategic publisher and one that is mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
Recent Posts
Silencing Your Inner Critic
Picture this. The cursor blinks incessantly on the blank screen, a stark reminder that the well of creativity is beyond empty. You sit there, fingers poised over the keyboard; but no words come. Instead, your inner critic begins its relentless assault, questioning your ability to be creative and casting doubt on your worth as a writer. It’s enough to make you wonder if slamming your face into the keyboard might yield more coherent prose than anything you could muster. Sound familiar?
When faced with the deafening roar of your inner critic, it’s essential to have a few tricks up your sleeve to quiet the noise and reclaim your creative mojo. Here are a few strategies to help you silence that mean-spirited inner voice and get back to the business of writing.
Be encouraged.
First and foremost, acknowledge that writing is not just a hobby or a pastime—it’s a calling. You’ve spent time in prayer, seeking guidance from the Lord; and you feel a burden on your heart for a particular group of people. In those moments of reliance on the Lord and the passion you hold for your audience, you already possess everything you need to eventually bring your work to fruition. Trusting in God’s plan and having hope for your readers are powerful motivators that can help drown out the negative chatter of your inner critic.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that something is standing in your way—a barrier preventing you from tapping into your creative flow. Take a moment to identify what you need and address it head-on. Are you tired, distracted, or overwhelmed? Perhaps your inner critic is merely a reflection of how you’re feeling toward yourself, and you’re not always the most compassionate critic. In those moments, it’s time to practice self-compassion.
Be nicer to yourself.
What does self-compassion look like in practice? Well, think about how you would treat a friend in need of encouragement. You’d likely offer a kind word, a listening ear, and maybe even a cup of coffee. So, why not extend the same grace and kindness to yourself? Treat yourself to a little pick-me-up, whether it’s a latte from your favorite coffee shop or a chat with a trusted friend. Sometimes, all it takes is a small gesture of self-care to shift your perspective and quiet your inner critic.
If the gentle approach doesn’t quite do the trick, it might be time to escalate to DEFCON 2: rest and relaxation. If your mind is feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, forcing yourself to soldier on will only lead to further frustration. Instead, give yourself permission to step away and recharge. Take a nap, go for a walk, or simply allow yourself a few moments of quiet reflection. Sometimes, letting your mind rest is the most effective way to jumpstart your creativity and silence the inner critic once and for all.
Keep on going.
Silencing your inner critic is not always easy, but it’s essential for unleashing your creativity and fulfilling your calling as a writer. By acknowledging your call, practicing self-compassion, and taking time to rest and recharge, you can overcome the negative self-talk and get the job done. Remember, great writing comes from a place of authenticity and vulnerability, so don’t let your inner critic hold you back.
Leave a Comment
The Goofy English Language
I stumbled over this poem about odd plurals in the English language. There was no attribution. If you know who wrote it, please let me know so I can give proper credit. Very clever! We’ll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes, But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, Yet the plural of moose should never be meese. You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice, Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice. If the plural of man is always …
Fun Fridays – April 26, 2024
Today’s six-minute video explores the making of paper, from forest to scribe. I have visited large printing press operations and seen the warehouses stacked with massive rolls of paper waiting for use. I eventually learned that different types of paper are key to different types of books. Think about the difference between thin Bible paper and the glossy paper in a magazine like National Geographic. It all starts in this manufacturing process. Enjoy a few minutes about one of the foundational elements of the writing journey. ShareTweet
We Have a Failure to Communicate
Recently, I was listening to someone speak to a group of grade school children and was struck by how many words and phrases the kids likely had no idea of their meaning. Even if you speak clearly and slowly, a six-year-old will probably not understand the phrase “Take the left fork in the road,” and much less “substitutionary atonement.” It’s in the same communication category as traveling to another country. Rather than learning the language and culture, speak loudly and slowly, “I NEED TO FIND SOME TOOTHPASTE FOR SENSITIVE TEETH. DO YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND THE NEAREST WALGREENS?” …
Fun with Book Terms
I love books (good thing, since I’m a writer and literary agent). I love reading them, of course; but I also love holding them, buying them, touching, holding, smelling, studying, even just seeing them on the shelf. So let’s have some fun with book terms. I find them fascinating. Maybe you will too. Here’s an even dozen: ARC An ARC, or Advanced Reader Copy, is a prepublication copy of a new book that a publisher and/or author gives to reviewers, potential endorsers, and others for feedback and support. Callout (also “pull quote”) Often used in magazines—but sometimes in books—a callout …