April ‘20 Newsletter
Studies have shown that the brain peaks at age 20 for several functions, and then begins a steady decline. There are ways to slow down that decline and even eliminate it. Exercise has been shown to be beneficial – even taking a 20 minute walk. Stimulating the brain by doing something you’ve never done before is also highly beneficial. Take a class in something you’ve always wanted to learn – maybe an art or music class, or flower arranging; or go to a museum you’ve never been to. Try doing something new at least once per month. A third tip is to find things to do where you’re likely to laugh. Laughter uses several areas of the brain, and releases dopamine, which makes you feel good. Watch funny movies, or chat with a friend about a funny event. Especially in the present circumstances, laughter is needed.
I hope everyone is able to stay healthy and hopeful.
*Information from The Great Courses, Outsmart Yourself: Brain-Based Strategies to a Better You, taught by Professor Peter M. Vishton.
- Paying It Forward
While you are stuck at home, why not take this opportunity to get your book written?
To help those of you who want to work on writing a book, I have opened up my book writing course, as well as my book publishing course, for free! Once you register for a course, you have two weeks to take it, at no charge. After the two weeks, you can choose either to terminate your registration or to continue and be charged for the course. The charge will be applied toward any services you purchase from SkillBites in the succeeding 6 months. For more information about the courses, visit the SkillBites website at www.skillbites.net. To sign up, contact me at judy@skillbites.net so I can register you at no charge.
2. The SkillBites Show
Each month, we bring you an expert to help you get your book done, leverage your book, grow your business or improve your life. The shows are recorded, so if you can’t listen to one live, you can listen to the recording by clicking here.
Our next SkillBites Show will be held on on April 15, 2020 at 1 pm ET. Our guest will be Ann Covery. Ann has helped authors and business owners pitch their book or their business for over 21 years. She blends neuroscience and storytelling for book pitches that bring immediate attention from producers, publishers, agents, podcasters, and audiences for fiction and non-fiction books. She has spoken over 150 times in the U.S., Europe and Mexico. Ann will talk about how to pitch your book, including such details as:
- how to find your best story angles;
- how to tailor your pitch for either local and national outlets;
- your 3-5 best takeaways for podcasters;
- how to craft a one-sentence book description for podcasters; and
- how to pitch your book within a TV segment for producers.
To listen to the live presentation, you can go to https://zoom.us/j/3021564627 or call in, using a line local to you:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abAXTgmoXv
Meeting ID: 302 156 4627
.
Last month, we heard from Chuck Monroe, founder of Gold Dust Publicity LLC, which has been instrumental in the successful launch of more than a thousand books. Chuck talked about how to get publicity for your book.
If you missed this presentation, you can listen to it by clicking here, or you can read a summary of the show on the SkillBites blog by clicking here.
I also did an extra podcast interview last month of Michelle Bridger, a Facebook advertising specialist who helps businesses dominate their niche and set their businesses ablaze with Facebook advertising. She discussed how to use Facebook advertising to launch a book and increase book sales. You can listen to this episode by clicking here.
Do you have expertise that you believe would benefit the SkillBites community of entrepreneurs and authors? If you would like to be the guest on the monthly SkillBites Show, contact me at judy@skillbites.net or 610-783-4519.
- Laughter is the Best Medicine
In lieu of a book writing, publishing or promotion tip this month, I thought people might appreciate a little humor. I’ve listed below some links to videos and a few cartoons that I’ve received in the last few weeks that you might find amusing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXuv8rfADa8
- In The News
I appeared as a guest on Peter Winick’s podcast, Leveraging Thought Leadership, where we discussed how becoming a published author can make you a thought leader. To listen to this episode, click here.
Earn Commissions For Referrals
Do you know anyone who has been wanting to write a book but has been stalling? Let them know that SkillBites offers a variety of services to make book writing and publishing easy, quick and convenient. When you sign up to be a SkillBites affiliate, you can get a commission for each person who signs up to purchase SkillBites services through your unique referral link. To obtain more information and to sign up for our referral program, click here.
Thanks for supporting SkillBites. If there is anything you think we ought to be doing better or anything we should be doing that we’re not, please let us know. We value your input.
Cordially,
