Facts With Flair BooksRecommended Books
Welcome to my growing collection of books that I've either written or read, and personally recommend with my review.
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FEEL THE FEAR... AND DO IT ANYWAY: Dynamic Techniques for Turning Fear, Indecision, and Anger into Power, Action, and Love
Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. (1938-2012), is best known for her groundbreaking book, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.” She gained international fame for her writing and speaking, helping millions of people worldwide overcome their fears and heal their pain.
I first discovered this book in 1990, and the title has stuck with me ever since. Susan talks about how parents often tell their kids to “be careful,” and it hit me that I was doing the same with my daughter. I started to follow Susan's approach: “All you have to do to diminish your fear is to develop more trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way!” Trusting that I could deal with anything that happened, I was able to relax the "parental reins" a bit.
As writers, we often struggle with believing in ourselves. I've found Susan’s advice is a great way to have a clear mind, free of fear, and full of energy for more productive activities!
FIND YOUR WHY: A Practical Guide For Discovering Purpose For You And Your Team
Simon Sinek, David Mead and Peter Docker wrote this book in 2017 and it was an instant hit. Their mission: “To profoundly change the way in which the business world works” resonated strongly with businesses and individuals alike. Building on Simon’s 2010 block buster Ted Talk: Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Action, which has 11 Million YouTube views to date, the trio cemented the concept that “People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it”.
This practical guide takes you on a journey to discover the pieces you need to acknowledge and shout to the world your “WHY”. The book’s focus on “helping others” is still so relevant today and Simon encourages us all to build the world we imagine by simply asking: “You in?”.
Discovering your WHY is just as important for Writers, Solo and Entrepreneurs alike. We may not have large organisations to manage, but we are responsible for keeping standards and morale high, even if only for ourselves. If you want to dig deeper into your differentiating factor, I recommend you check this book out.
The Successful Author Mindset: A Handbook for Surviving the Writer's Journey
Joanna Penn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers (as J.F. Penn) and non-fiction, a professional speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. Her website (www.TheCreativePenn.com) is regularly voted one of the Top 10 sites for Writers.
I have been a follower, reader, and customer of Joanna Penn for many years. Her Creative Business Books for Writers and Authors series has 11 titles to date. Most of which I own a hard copy of. Joanna writes in a simple, easy to understand manner and tells you everything you need to know.
The 142 pages within contain no-fluff, practical advice that just keeps delivering, starting with how to deal with self-doubt and imposter syndrome for authors to dealing with the negative attitudes of others, before and after you publish. It’s been my “Go To” book, keeping me motivated and determined to finish my writing projects.
If you’ve ever experienced haters, lack of faith or had doubt about your writing ability, then this book is for you.
How To Write A Novel - From Idea To Book
I have been a follower, reader, and customer of Joanna Penn for many years. Her Creative Business Books for Writers and Authors series has 11 titles to date. Most of which I own a hard copy of.
I love this book because Joanna walks you through the process of writing a novel, from ideation, research, plotting, the nuts and bolts of a novel and writing the first draft. I prefer to read her book than ask AI because Joanna is an awarded novelist and non-fiction author. What she tells you is her experience and I find that 100X more valuable.
Write Useful Books - A Modern Approach To Designing and Refining Recommendable NonFiction
Rob Fitzpatrick has written a practical and useful guide for anyone considering writing non-fiction. I love his statement:
"At least every few pages, you want your reader to be thinking, 'Oh wow, I can use that.'"
I couldn't help but take copious notes while reading his 144 page book, which packs a punch. Highly recommended!
What If It Does Work Out? How A Side Hustle Can Change Your Life.
Susie Moore has an infectiously positive outlook on life. I always feel better after reading this, or any of her other books.
This book particularly caught my eye as she explores our natural fear of starting a side hustle - starting with a chapter titled: Why Wait? She knocks down every objection with that same breezy, happy countenance. I love her explanation of how to sell without being sleazy. Love it!
It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now - How To Create Your Second Life At Any Age.
Barbara Sher is one of my all time favourites. This is one lady who is practical, empathetic, straight talking and explains the most confusing concepts for women like beauty, time limits, aging and having the courage to live our lives to the fullest in the most easy to understand way.
I started reading Barbara's books when I was about 40 years old. Doing these reviews has resulted in me placing her book right back on my nightstand, ready to be revisited. I wonder what nuances Barbara has for me, now I'm in my 60s?
How To Be A Productivity Ninja
I remember buying Graham Allcott's 300+ idea-packed book in 2017, just after it had been published. I read and re-read the book, several times. My analyst-brain gobbled up the logical processes and the exercises. I wrote copious notes and implemented so many of his "ninja" productivity methods, some of which I still use today, especially the organisation tips.
It was the "Do Phase" Graham explains that was a gamechanger. I get so much done now, because I write a master list the night before and power through the items on it the next day. Thank you Graham!
Atomic Habits - An Easy & Proven Way To Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Here's James Clear's juggernaut - Atomic Habits! With zillions of copies sold, and for good reason, it's a terrific read, there's no reason why we all shouldn't read it, at least once!
James walks us through the best way to "eat an elephant" which is of course "one bite at a time"! He explains the importance of people having limited self-control and that we can only change a bad habit (like eating sweets) is by not having them in the house at all! Wow, that makes sense! I love this book!