Mastermind groups can provide writers with the support they need to finally turn their book ideas into reality – and get onto bookshelves and ebook readers.

Just as there are different mediums for writing, such as articles, blog posts and books, there are different types of writers. What type of writer are you? Here are three of the most common writer profiles:

• • Solitary and Focused – These writers enjoy retreating into the book writing process. Mentally or physically, they hole up in a space that allows them to pour their time and energy into this single, important task: writing a worthwhile book.

 

• • More Casual but Still Disciplined – These writers don’t need to do it all in one go. Instead, they allow themselves time for the book to take its final shape. They write regularly over a long period of time, and slowly but surely reach their ultimate goal.

 

• Social and Supportive – These writers have great ideas, but they draw the strength to see their ideas through from a group dynamic. The right group nurtures their skills and propels them on to achieve their writing goals. These groups may include writers’ groups, artist salons, group coaching and mastermind groups.

Unfortunately, not many writers have heard of mastermind groups; yet, a number of writers can benefit from the value a mastermind group can bring, not only during the writing process, but also for publishing and marketing their book.

What Is a Mastermind Group?

A mastermind group is an opportunity for people to work towards a specific purpose through learning, sharing, brainstorming, supporting each other, as well as holding each other accountable, in a group setting.

Business and entrepreneur mastermind groups are quite popular these days. And the reason? Because they work. Mastermind groups give their participants a supportive launch pad from which they can achieve their goals. For authors, mastermind groups can be beneficial during the book writing phase but perhaps even more so as the book becomes a product that needs to be published and marketed.

Group Support

In a mastermind group, participants are encouraged to help and support each other in different ways. Here are some common examples, but this is by no means an exhaustive list, as every mastermind group is different.

Sharing

First, sharing outloud can help members to crystallize what’s been going on as well as how to keep going. Participants can talk about their progress, their experiences, what worked well for them and what didn’t, etc. Listening members also benefit from hearing about the experiences and outcomes of others.

Second, they can help their peers. Members can share their wisdom and resources with the group. Participants may know about tools, techniques, etc. that can help their fellow mastermind members to achieve their goals more quickly.

Brainstorming

Two heads are better than one. Mastermind members can present problems they’ve experienced or issues that have cropped up to the group. The group will then brainstorm different solutions. Whether or not members end up using one of the group’s proposed solutions, however, this practice can help members to clearly define different options and streamline their own decision-making processes.

Supporting Each Other

Participants can lift each other up. They can encourage each other and say: “You can do it!”

Mastermind members are typically in the same position and share a common goal. They want to succeed and they want to see their peers succeed too. And since they share something pretty important in common, mastermind participants often make lasting connections and friendships.

Holding Each Other Accountable

Mastermind members often set specific weekly or monthly goals. In the next meeting, they report how well they did or didn’t achieve their goals, and what contributed to that result. Group shame is not the goal, but group support. Being specific, strategic and public about one’s goals helps mastermind participants to stay on track more often.

But whatever the group’s specific offering, mastermind members should benefit from the give and take that the group provides.

Aspiring Author to Published Pro

Writing is often thought of as a solitary exercise, but being a successful author requires knowledge that most writers don’t get on their own. For people who are serious about writing a book and becoming a successful published author, Dudley Court Press has developed a new program, Aspiring Author to Published Pro.

In this six-month program, aspiring authors receive expert guidance and support from writer and publisher Gail Woodard, along with plenty of opportunities to network and connect with fellow aspiring authors.

Through the private online platform and regular calls, aspiring authors receive educational materials and the right tools to help them advance on their book projects, as well as a true author community for support and accountability. In six months, aspiring authors will know what they need to know to successfully write and market their book.

For more information about Aspiring Author to Published Pro or Dudley Court Press’ other publishing programs including Writer’s Sprint and Memoir Writing Made Easy, please get in touch at Info@DudleyCourtPress.com.