So what should a new author do? BLOG. You create your voice. Quit writing in a cave. Get real live feedback. Communicate with ideas with people Think of this as your focus group or market research. See who connects with you - and if your stuff resonates with a particular group. Get a mentor, a PR coach and go to conferences (like Blogalicious Weekend) to help you with your blog, define your target audience, grasp the big picture and avoid costly mistakes. Way before the book come out!!! At least 3 to 6 months before. Have a marketing plan and get contacts and instructions from your PR coach to execute the plan. A written plan is your road map to success. Have a budget or learn how to create partnerships or joint ventures to leverage your lack of funds. Bartering is good if you have no money. Build a brand – online and offline. Be consistent in all your marketing materials including blog, presskit, postcards, biz cards, etc. Have an email list of folks interested in your subject and understand your brand and you feed them with valuable information BEFORE your book is out. (Your blog will do this for you)

Writing is not for the faint at heart. If you really want to do this. Take this test and watch this video. Do the work. Write your best-seller; but remember to keeping the marketing mindset. YOU got to SELL the book if you want to be a BEST-SELLER.

Friends don't compete. Just think if Gayle wanted to "compete" with Oprah - instead of being her friend? What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Karen is authentic, open and honest - we click. If we do have a disagreement - just like sisters - we can talk about it openly and work it out. Never do we harbor ill feelings. People who are secure in themselves are not afraid to see BIG destiny unfold for their friends. Karen, thank you - and just know I would like either a Rolls Royce or Bentley. You can pick the color. I value your opinion. I see you going there my sista and I'm with you.

Being a work at home mom, one of the biggest challenges I encounter daily is balancing time between working and squeezing in time with my children. It's hard because from one standing point, you need to work even harder when you run a business, because not only is your name on the line, but it is your business name now as well. From the other standing point, the reason you decided to work from home is to spend more time with your children.