I’m not much of a fiction book guy.

I kinda read non-fiction. That’s my thing.

And when I DO read fiction, you’ll find me doing crazy things like I’m doing at the moment.

Which is: reading Robert Louis Stevenson’s, Treasure Island.

(Yes, those with elephant-like memories will recognize I’m STILL plodding my way through it!)

Despite this… I still take inspiration from fiction authors that have put SO MANY years of dedication into honing their craft.

One of them is: Stephen King.

Much to my shame, I have NEVER EVER read a Steven King novel!

Although, some film adaptations I HAVE seen. (Carrie, anyone?! 🩸)

I can’t help but admire his work ethic.

He’s learned to FOCUS. And cut out the crap that’s not needed for his writing process go smoothly.

One of the quotes I just love, is from his book, On Writing. Where he says…

“The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.”

I think that quote is definitely worth dwelling on. Because SO MANY TIMES people are held back by their own fears.

It’s the thoughts like… “What if I can’t come up with an idea?”

Or… “What if people don’t like what I write?

They get stuck on those must-answer-before-I-start type of questions…

When, in fact, it’s the artful voice of self-doubt talking.

On the other side of starting is a joyful place.

I found myself there when I started writing daily email.

You know… people thought I was a bit loopy. 🤪

But I tell you what… it was the ONE thing that got me writing.

Sure, when I sat down and wrote my first email it took me FOREVER.

But the next time it was a little easier.

And so on.

Now it’s kind of second nature.

In the lead-up, I was like… “What on earth am I doing?”

But I knew I HAD to take action. Because otherwise NOTHING would happen.

My business would not move forwards…

I wouldn’t be building strong customer relationships…

And ongoing sales? Well… that would remain a pipe-dream.

It can feel like the SCARIEST MOMENT EVER to get started with email marketing! 😱

(And it DOESN’T have to be daily email like “Crazy Chris” here!)