One question I got a lot on the book tour was about working with a writer’s group to keep me on track. (Couldn’t have done it without them!) Other writers wanted to know if it was “safe” to share your book idea with others writers. Wasn’t I worried someone was going to steal my idea? The quick answer: no.

Maybe if I was writing a high-concept thriller, I might have been more cautious. But in my writers group, I was working with other professional writers who  had their own projects going. I didn’t get the sense anyone was trolling for ideas. And secondly, nobody else could write in my voice. Even  if somebody had “stolen” my idea, nobody would ever be able to write quite the way I write.

I trusted that sharing my work would have more benefits than keeping it locked up without input.

At the LTD conference  for entrepreneurs a couple of weeks ago, the subject of “stole ideas” came up again. In this context, two women who had started tech companies were relating their experience gathering a team of advisers and getting advice from “anyone who could be helpful” in the initial stages of the idea.  The moderator asked about concern over  stolen ideas, and the CEO of Plum District laughed off the question, ” It is SO hard to start a company and so much work, that if anyone really wanted to steal the idea and make it happen, more power to them. “

In other words, steal my idea. I dare you.

I’ve seen paranoia about stolen ideas really paralyze writers and would -be entrepreneurs. They spend so  much time and energy on protecting the “intellectual property” that they forget to develop and execute the idea! Should you be careful and protect yourself legally? Of course, but don’t get so weighed down in the sanctity of your idea and you make that your focus. My advice, find a group of like-minded people with relevant experience and tap into their knowledge. I believe well-considered critiques on a project can only improve the initial idea.

Have you gathered a panel of advisers– either formally or informally? Do you have plans to share your idea/project/plans ? What have you gotten out of  seeking advice or help?

Embracing my chaos, Lian

Related Posts:

Do the Work #3: How’s it going so far?

Do the Work #2: Getting started

Many thanks for the good wishes. Doing a little writing this morning, then heading out in the garden to mulch. That’s a good day…

In the meantime, a long promised picture of my $7 necklace. Please compare it with a photo of the necklace belonging to the Duchess of Cambridge.

Cost seven bucks but looks like a million.

Costs a million bucks but looks like seven million.

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

It occurred to me today, looking at my desktop calendar, that we’re exactly 6 weeks from January 1, a day many of us probably used to set our “goals” for the year. (Otherwise known as New Year’s Resolutions!) I’m sure any social scientists in the Crew can tell us that most people fall off the resolution bandwagon in, what, 2 to 3 weeks.  I know that’s when you start to see the beginning- of- the- year crowds thin at the gym.

So, at 6 weeks, are you where you thought you would be on January 1?

If you are, good for you. How have you powered through? And, if you’re not, how do you plan to readjust and get going again?

For me, I had specific page goals for my new book . Am I there, 6 weeks in? No, I’m behind in the total page count. But on the flip side, I think conceptually, I’m way ahead of where I thought I’d be. The story is coming together fairly well and I have an overall creative concept that I’m really happy with but it did take a few weeks extra to get there. I had to do some research, play around with ideas in my head, try out a few pages. It wasn’t some creative flash that sparked a writing rampage. It was slow, steady work  but when I got there, I knew it was right for the story. So, I’m at ease reassessing the quantity of my page count goal because I think the quality is high.

I don’t believe in beating myself up over work not done. It’s not productive in any way. In fact, it  can be really counter-productive, causing you to give up all together or feel trapped in an endless cycle with no forward progress. ( Raise your hand if you start a diet every Monday because you “blew it” the previous Friday?) Life happens and expectations can be re-set. Moving forward is the key for me, not regretting what I didn’t do last week, but buckling down to get the work done the next week.

On that note,  I’m moving forward.  Back to the book. How about you?

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Need motivation? Catch up on Do the Work Wednesdays with these Related Posts:

Do the Work Wednesday #2: Getting Started

Do the Work Wednesday #1

Of all the awards show, I love the Grammys best. The awards are bogus sometimes, but the show is the best. And, you know why? Because the Grammys don’t give out every freakin’ award on the show. Just the biggies with lots of performances. Good call, Grammy. So, here we go:

Best Moments: Jennifer Hudson’s song; Adele’s tears; and Taylor Swift’s stunned expression at her well-deserved standing ovation.

Lowest Moments: Chris Brown’s graceless thank you speech and whatever that Nicki Minaj number was.

LL Cool J now joins Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris in the elite circle of  Men Who Can Host Anything.

And, he totally pulled off that prayer in the beginning to Sister Whitney.

I see politicians lining up to grab Bruce Springsteen’s new anthem “We Take Care of our Own” for their own anthem for the election. Except so few of them actually do.

You’d think after all these years, Bruce could afford to buy Little Stevie his own mic.

I know it’s great to have Adele back, but can we take a second to praise Bonnie Raitt?  Wow, talk about sounding great. Loved the Alicia and Bonnie tribute to Etta James.

I don’t know how Lady Gaga sat there all night with that fishnet on her face. It was making MY skin crawl.

Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters is the world’s nicest rocker. But I’m not sure everybody in the house appreciated his comments about “real”  music vs. computers. Like the dance deejays he performed with ten minutes later who riled up the crowds just as much as the Foos.

The Beach Boys tribute didn’t work on any level. Adam Levine looked bored and the poor Foster the People hipster look terrified. And, I’m not sure The Beach Boys even spoke to each other during rehearsal.

Words I never thought I’d type: Rhinestone Cowboy made me cry. Way to go, Glen Campbell.

Rhianna killed. KILLED! Then Coldplay showed up and that was a downer.

I feel nothing for Chris Martin. Not a single flicker of Rock Star Crush. But at least Gwyneth didn’t sing.

Loved Fergie’s dress. Maybe she’ll let me borrow it for a black tie event I have to emcee in June.

No hard feelings, Sir Paul, but I think Diana Krall should have sung your “new standard.”

Still, the guy has a rockin’ head of hair.

Who are The Civil Wars? Will Google later.

Adele deserved every award she won.

Bruno Mars appeared to be the only person in the house that didn’t know Adele was going to  win everything.

Every show should end with a Beatle.

Your thoughts…?

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Related Posts:

Random Thoughts on the Golden Globes

Seriously, this came in my inbox today. Nothing personal, fellas and gals, but I think I’ve spent enough time with you people this year.

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

One of the most difficult aspects of writing for me is sitting down and getting starting every day. (And, I’m not talking about “writer’s block” which I believe to be an excuse, not an actual mental condition.)  But I do procrastinate daily when it comes to starting my work. I’ve set a  4- to- 5 page per day  goal for February through April. Weekends off for good behavior! And I’m happy to say that so far (this week!) I’ve hit my target. But…It’s taking me a little longer to get my tushie in the chair and get started, leaving me with less time for blogging or any other activities.

Yesterday, I spent two hours cleaning the house and folding laundry before I felt settled enough to write. I’d like to be more efficient, but maybe I need those two hours to mull, ponder, work through story in my head before committing it to paper. We’ll see. But as long as I’m sticking to my goal, I can’t beat myself up.

What do you need to do to get started to Do the Work? Do you stick to a routine? Set aside a certain time every week? Sneak in time when you get it? Let’s talk…

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

An inspiring day at ltdLIVE , a conference from entrepreneurial women leads to a theme podcast! Insights and business advice from women CEOs and Founders of taskrabbit.com; Plum District; glassybaby; and Kate Somerville.

Hear more on Chaos Chronicles 504!

Links from the show:

Meet Lee Rhodes of glassybaby :

It began with a light of hope. The glassybaby founder Lee Rhodes was fighting her third battle with cancer and raising her three small children when the first glassybaby was created in 1998.  She was searching for peace and calm and found it when she dropped a tea light in a handmade votive.   She found great hope and healing in its color and light.  glassybaby was born.

When Lee was cancer-free, her friends and family began asking her to create more glassybaby.  She opened a glassblowing studio and the company grew, through word of mouth. People gave them as gifts of love, celebration, consolation, and joy. Visit the glassybaby site here.

glassybaby = good product + good company + good will.

Plus, other CEO/Founders with great companies and great stories:

Kate Somerville • Creator, Kate Somerville
www.katesomerville.com

Megan Gardner • CEO Plum District
www.plumdistrict.com

I announced it on the podcast so it must be so: Every Wednesday in 2012, we’ll discuss our Do the Work goals. (You know, if you want and there seems to be some sustained interest!)

This Wednesday, I’m doing the work at the ltdLIVE Conference, learning all kids of tips and tools to make BIG, BIG, BIG things happen. But that doesn’t mean Chaos Crew memeber who want to join in the groupthink can’t add a comment and tell us what Do the Work means to you.

If you’ve picked another theme for 2012, by all means, share! We inspire each other.

Embrace the Chaos, Lian

Hello, Crew. Now Posted: Chas Chronicles 503. Thanks for your patience as I nail down my fiction writing schedule and make that work with recording , editing and posting both The Satellite Sisters podcast and The Chaos Chronicles podcast. I have big plans… but sometimes Small Windows of Time to Execute the Plans!

On Chaos Chronicles 503:

An update on my theme for 2012: Do The Work

Lian Goes to the Mall! I buy a dress, learn a few things about mall shopping and can barely walk back to tmy car!

Food facts for The Big Game! How many portions of Chicken Wings will Americans eat on Sunday?

Debate This: Will I ever be a Debate Mom? The jury is still out.

Helpful Links:

Did you miss my tale of Root Canal Rage on Satellite Sisters? Ah, it’s a must listen for those of you who have Dental Issues. Or enjoy Frozen Yogurt. Click here to find the Satellite Sister Podcast.

Looking for business inspiration? I’ll be the emcee at this week’s conference for entrepreneurial women in Pasadena called ltd LIVE . Tickets are still available. Click here for information and the line-up of speakers including Kate Somerville and Ricki Lake.

Embracing my Chaos, Lian

Ah, I can see from the responses that College Admissions is going to be a rich and fertile topic here at The Chaos Chronicles. And, thank goodness, we have so many college profs amongst the Chaos Crew to keep me sane and honest as the next 18 months of my life is circumscribed by the admissions process for my older son.  On Chaos Chronicles 502, I talked to Dr. Nancy Berk — psychologist, stand-up, and mom– who wrote a new guide about the admissions process for parents like me called College Bound and Gagged.

I admitted on the podcast  that I’m trying to keep an open mind about what college my son might attend, but here in California, parents focus in on the Ivies and the UCs. Everything else is the “next tier” down if you listen to the talk in the bleachers. (Okay, I’m exaggerating– but it’s close to that kind of mindset! Trust me! The list of “good schools” is shockingly short considering the large number of overall colleges and universities.) I expressed to Dr. Berk that I didn’t worry about my son’s expectations, it was my expectations that concerned me. How could I keep a healthy perspective when all the parental talk around me is about ratcheting up the stakes?

I loved Nancy Berk’s no nonsense advice: Avoid those parents!

I also loved Jennie from Iowa’s advice on my blog. So I cut and pasted her response here:

Hey Lian!

Loved the show — here are my thoughts as a) a Midwesterner b) someone who went to a GREAT and unknown college (Earlham College) and c) a professor at a school rated by US News as “an A+ school for B+ students”

a) If people are judgmental, they aren’t worth your time…let them live their lives of quiet desperation….as Holden Caulfield would have said,  “You don’t need Phonies”

b) There are a MILLION great schools, only about 8 have a “big” name, 30 have a “almost big” name, etc…..AND, there’s NO saying that the teaching, learning and peers there will be good. My friends who went to Harvard and mostly teaching-assistants as their Prof’s were too busy being important Harvard profs.

c) Having gone to a small, unknown school, I found the disadvantage was only in the first few years out — the alumni circle was less powerful – so whereas my friends who went to Harvard, Brown, Stanford started in entry-level positions, my friends from Earlham were secretaries and worked our ways up. After 2-3 years, it was all our quality, not the name of our school. Also, when people had heard of my school, it earned me extra points because they knew its worth and value (and probably knew I wasn’t a “phoney!”)

d) LOTS of very smart people are professors and can’t all get jobs at those “important big schools.” Dare I say, there are outstanding professors even at community colleges and small, unknown schools. In fact, I think you’re MORE likely to get a good professor at a “less important” school that cares about teaching more than CV’s/Publishing (I’m biased. )

e) Probably the best thing for a kid will be not to be laden with debt.  Being debt-free will go a LOT further than the name of an “important big school”

I am deputizing Jennie from Iowa, aka Ma Schmidt,  to keep me sane on my journey. She’s right: I don’t need the phonies!  But I do  need  Chaos Crew member and fellow blogger Professor Alan, on my  “Talk Me Down” team. Here’s what Prof. Alan wrote in response to Ma Schmidt’s comments:

As a tenured professor of a mid-ranked state school in the Midwest, let me “amen” everything Ma Schmidt said.

Thanks, people. Oh, btw, I’m now getting the SAT Question of the Day, and I miss about 90% of them the first try. Even the English ones with the grammar. That’s humbling! All those things I sued to know, like Algebra.

Embracing my chaos, Lian