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The Steve Laube Agency

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The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » Archives for Megan Brown

Megan Brown

Self-Improvement for Writers: Setting Goals and Embracing Growth

By Megan Brownon August 29, 2024
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As writers, we often find ourselves deeply entrenched in our craft, focusing on penning the perfect prose or creating compelling narratives. However, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is self-improvement and planning to grow as a leader. Developing as a leader is essential for any writer because leadership involves the ability to influence and impact others positively.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding writer, embracing personal and professional growth can significantly enhance your experience as a writer and your work in impacting an audience.

Writing is not only about putting words on a page; it’s about creating impact and influencing readers through your message. To do this effectively, you need to see yourself as a leader. Leadership in writing means guiding your readers, whether it’s through storytelling, teaching, or persuasion. This role comes with the responsibility of setting an example, inspiring others, and driving change through your work.

To develop as a leader and writer, it’s vital to set clear, actionable goals. Start by assessing where you are and where you want to be. Do you want to enhance your writing skills, expand your knowledge base, or improve your leadership abilities? Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Here’s a framework to get started:

Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on your current skills and areas for improvement. Are you strong in narrative writing but need help with structure or editing? Identifying these will help you set focused goals.

Set short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals could include attending a writing workshop or completing a chapter in your manuscript, while long-term goals might involve publishing a book or developing a new writing style.

Create an action plan for yourself. Break down each goal into smaller, manageable tasks. If your goal is to enhance your leadership skills, for example, you might start by reading books on leadership and applying their principles to your writing practice.

Check in with yourself and see how things are working. Regularly review your goals and adjust them as necessary. Celebrate your achievements and learn from setbacks. This will keep you motivated and focused on continuous improvement.

Effective writers continuously work on refining their skills. Beyond just writing, this includes developing leadership qualities, such as communication, empathy, and strategic thinking. Take advantage of courses, workshops, and seminars that focus on both writing and leadership. The Christian Writers Institute’s free course “Are You Ready to Write?” is an excellent starting point. This course will help you gain confidence, offering practical tips and resources to enhance your craft and plan your work.

Read books that inspire and challenge you. For leadership, consider Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Both offer profound insights into personal and professional growth that can be applied to your writing and leadership development.

The most effective way to grow intentionally is to develop a plan. A leadership-development strategy is crucial for long-term growth. It involves creating a plan that focuses on both personal and professional development. Determine what kind of leader you want to be. Do you want to lead by example, inspire through your writing, or mentor other writers?

Setting clear leadership goals will guide your development efforts. Outline the steps you need to take to achieve your leadership goals. This could include attending leadership seminars, reading relevant books, or engaging in community service. Cultivate relationships with other writers, leaders, and mentors. Networking and building a supportive community can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your strategy as needed. Be open to feedback and be willing to adapt your approach to meet your evolving needs.

Self-improvement is a continuous journey for writers. By setting realistic goals, prioritizing skill development, and creating a robust leadership strategy, you can enhance your writing and make a significant impact.

 

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Category: Career

Answering “Where Should I Start?”

By Megan Brownon August 14, 2024
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For many aspiring Christian authors, the work of writing and publishing can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. With endless advice on structures, marketing strategies, and writing techniques, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Many times, new authors will ask me, “But where do I start?” Before diving into the nuts and bolts of the writing world, there’s a foundational step that …

Read moreAnswering “Where Should I Start?”
Category: Career, Encouragement, Faith, Get Published, Theology

Making the Most of Conference Season: The Importance of Follow-Up

By Megan Brownon July 25, 2024
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Ah, writers conference season—the time of year when writers come together to learn, connect, and get inspired. There’s something phenomenal about being surrounded by fellow creatives, soaking up knowledge from industry experts, and leaving with a head full of ideas and a heart full of inspiration. But as the dust settles and the conference high begins to fade, what comes next? How do you …

Read moreMaking the Most of Conference Season: The Importance of Follow-Up
Category: Conferences

The Power of Mentorship: Why Every Writer Needs a Wise Guide

By Megan Brownon July 10, 2024
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When I first dipped my toes into the world of writing Bible studies, I found myself captivated by the work of Erica Wiggenhorn and Kim Erickson. These two remarkable women were pioneers in launching what would become Moody Publisher’s women’s line, and their dedication to teaching the Word with both depth and practicality left me inspired and eager to follow in their footsteps. Nearly …

Read moreThe Power of Mentorship: Why Every Writer Needs a Wise Guide
Category: Agents, Career, The Writing Life

Pursuing Purpose: How Your Writing Can Serve and Inspire Others

By Megan Brownon June 20, 2024
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What if I challenged you to think outside the box and consider new ways to wield your pen—or keyboard—for good? A few years ago, I stumbled on an exciting revelation about freelancing. It wasn’t only about churning out articles or snagging bylines—it was about using my words to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes in my community, the ones making a real difference. By 2017 I found myself …

Read morePursuing Purpose: How Your Writing Can Serve and Inspire Others
Category: Career, Christian, The Writing Life

Crafting a Space for Productivity

By Megan Brownon June 5, 2024
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Let’s talk about the magical wonderland that is your workspace. Whether you’re penning the next great American novel or crafting compelling content for your blog, the environment in which you work can have a profound impact on your creativity and productivity. So, let’s dive into the importance of curating a space that sparks inspiration and fuels your creative fire. Welcome to my …

Read moreCrafting a Space for Productivity
Category: The Writing Life

Side Hacks for Overcoming Writers Block

By Megan Brownon May 16, 2024
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Do you ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, your mind as barren as the Sahara Desert, while deadlines loom ominously overhead? Yeah, been there, done that. Writer’s block can feel like an insurmountable hurdle, but fear not! I’ve got a plan—a trusty arsenal of “top ten” hacks to kick that pesky writer’s block to the curb and get those creative juices flowing …

Read moreSide Hacks for Overcoming Writers Block
Category: The Writing LifeTag: Writers Block

Silencing Your Inner Critic

By Megan Brownon May 1, 2024
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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 …

Read moreSilencing Your Inner Critic
Category: Editing, The Writing Life

Navigating Writing Through Seasons of Transition

By Megan Brownon April 11, 2024
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After two decades of service in the US Air Force, my husband hung up his uniform, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our family. With all of us finally under the same roof and a more manageable schedule, we’re filled with anticipation for the future. Yet, amidst the excitement, the uncertainty of what’s next and the complexities of merging our parallel lives into one shared …

Read moreNavigating Writing Through Seasons of Transition
Category: Career, Personal

Avoiding the Inferno: Navigating Burnout in the Pursuit of Publishing

By Megan Brownon March 27, 2024
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Let’s sit down for a heart-to-heart about something many of us tend to overlook: burnout. Speaking as a recovering striver who’s donned the hats of a military spouse, mom, and author for the past two decades, I’ve danced dangerously close to the flames of burnout more times than I care to admit. So, grab a cup of coffee, find a quiet corner, and let’s unravel the …

Read moreAvoiding the Inferno: Navigating Burnout in the Pursuit of Publishing
Category: Inspiration, The Writing Life
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