In our recent Wisdom and Words series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joe McMonagle, a devoted spiritual healer and author. Joe shared valuable insights and writing tips about his journey, both as a spiritual guide and as a writer. His upcoming book, Shadows and Light, is an epic fantasy that explores deep themes of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation with Joe, offering tips for aspiring authors.
1. Enjoy the Writing Process
Joe emphasizes the importance of enjoying the writing journey. He suggests that writing should not become a task but a labor of love. "Don't make it into a task," Joe advises. "You have to love what you're doing because that drives you to continue writing."
2. Incorporate Personal Experience
Drawing from his diverse background, Joe uses his life experiences to enrich his storytelling. With a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Joe's rich educational background adds depth to his narrative. His career as a religious seminarian priest and 26 years in the software industry also contribute to the authenticity of his characters and plot.
3. Research Thoroughly
Joe's novel features a boy named Tom who has unique healing abilities. To make the story believable, Joe did extensive research on pottery, herbs, and healing practices. He even took a pottery class to understand the craft better. "Researching was fun," Joe says. "It helps to add authenticity to the story."
4. Collaborate and Seek Feedback
The journey of writing a book can be solitary, but collaboration and feedback are crucial. Joe worked with editors, beta readers, and even consulted friends who were herbalists. He also collaborated with artists for his book cover. "Relying on the wisdom and knowledge of other people was key," Joe explains.
5. Embrace the Editing Process
While Joe found editing less enjoyable than writing, he acknowledges its importance. He learned to "show, not tell" from his soul coach and made significant revisions to improve his manuscript. "Editing took a lot of effort," Joe admits, "but it was necessary to make the book better."
6. Trust the Publishing Process
Navigating the publishing world can be overwhelming. Joe initially considered traditional publishing but was deterred by the complexities of query letters and the possibility of losing control over his work. Finding the right publishing partner in As You Wish Publishing made the process smoother. "The guidance from As You Wish Publishing lowered my anxiety significantly," Joe shares.
7. Stay True to Your Message
Joe's ultimate goal is to share a message of innate goodness and purpose. He aims to inspire readers without being preachy. "The message is what matters most," Joe says. "People are beautiful and innately good. Some might have forgotten that, and my book is an invitation for them to remember."
8. Visualize Your Success
Joe's partner, Michael, shared a powerful technique: visualization. Visualizing success can help manifest it. Michael used this method to find the perfect job and partner. For authors, visualizing a successful book launch and positive reader reception can be a motivating factor.
9. Find the Right Support
Support from loved ones and professionals is invaluable. Joe credits much of his success to the support from his partner, Michael, and the team at As You Wish Publishing. "Having a support system means everything," Joe notes.
10. Take One Step at a Time
The path to publishing can be daunting, but taking it one step at a time makes it manageable. Joe advises focusing on the next task rather than the entire journey. "One step at a time," Joe says. "It will happen in its own time."
Conclusion
Joe McMonagle's journey from priest and software engineer to author is a testament to the power of following one's passion and trusting the process. His insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey, thorough research, collaboration, and staying true to one's message. As Joe prepares for the release of Shadows and Light, his story serves as an inspiration for all writers embarking on their literary journeys.
For more information about Joe McMonagle and his work, visit http://joemcmonaglehsp.com.
Start your publishing journey with As You Wish Publishing.
Comments