October 9, 2018 

 

Note From Rochelle

 

Dear Writers,

 

What’s getting in the way of writing for you?

I’ve been thinking about offering workshops to help you move forward with your writing and book projects. I’ve developed a survey to get your feedback on what topics interest you most. And here’s the fun part—one of you will win a complimentary 45-minute coaching session. (That’s a value of $100!) Here’s the link to the survey. It will remain open until Sunday.

Today, I am delighted to welcome author and mentor Dianne Allen to the blog to talk about her writing process.

 

Enjoy!

Rochelle

 

 

Writers@Work: An Interview on Writing with Dianne A. Allen

by Rochelle Melander

 

Welcome to the blog! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

Greetings, friends. My name is Dianne A. Allen. My youth was spent racing sailboats, living in Sarasota Florida with my parents and brother. My maternal grandmother was a writer. Though I never met her, I heard many stories about her and her writing. My mother had a love for writing and language. She was strong in helping my brother and me learn the proper words to express ourselves. My mother used to say that a great command of the language will pay off over and over. She was correct. In fact, the first book I ever read was a dictionary!

 

How did you get started writing?

My love for writing came many years after finishing college. I was working in the profession of mental health and addictions. I created and wrote handouts and other content for the clients. I began to realize that writing was fun, and I was enjoying the process. At a conference in Nashville, I received an inspiration to write a book and was even given the title. That book has been developed mostly in handouts for clients over the years.

I began to follow my writing vision and have since written several books and numerous blogs. I continue to write daily.

 

I love your new book, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders. Can you tell us a bit about it?

My latest book, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders has 366 different words of the day, a quote for each day, a reading, and a daily application or action step followed by a place to journal your ideas. I believe that everyone has leadership within and that position alone does not determine leadership. I also believe that as each one of us follows our personal visions and heart’s desires, our world becomes a better place for the generations to come.

 

 

 

You mentioned to me that you developed a new writing process during the creation of your books. I’d love to hear more about this.

 

Over time, I have developed a fun and exciting writing process that feeds my soul as I create the writing I am doing at the moment. First, I take 5 minutes and take many long, slow deep breaths while holding the idea of the content and I imagine the reader reading. What are they feeling? What are their bright ideas? How are my words serving the reader and the greater good? These questions and more I ponder during the quiet time. Oh yes, there are no phones or other electronics, or notifications turned on while I am doing this time.

 

I then begin to write from my inner guidance and intuition as the guide while I allow my knowledge and desired message to be the navigators of the project. I relax and smile and allow my mind and hands to flow with ideas and content.

 

When I feel complete with that particular project, I save it and do not re-read yet. Then, after a few hours or preferably the next day, I do the same five-minute meditation focusing on the reader and the message. I then read the document out loud to myself. Any place that I stumble receives an edit or improvement for readability. If it sounds funny to me out loud then chances are the reader will stumble as well. When it reads freely and flows nicely, I publish or consider it complete.

 

You’re a busy entrepreneur. How do you carve out time to write?

Being an entrepreneur can sometimes be a challenge. There are days when all I want to do is write and I have to work through the emotions of having to complete tasks that I may not want to do! Some days are filled with other joyful activities and if that goes on for a few days, I will start yearning to write. I write in a journal daily about inspirations and ideas. Typically, I write for books and blogs in my laptop. I allow times for both handwriting and typing!

 

Writing is one of my creative outlets. It has a priority in my life. I average about 1,000 words every day or two, sometimes more. Sometimes, I binge write. One these days, I can write a book of about 40,000 words. I understand that if we are not allowing our creative energies to flow, the stagnation will cause spiritual disconnections and emotional discomfort and eventually lead to physical distress.

 

What are you reading now?

You would imagine that a writer loves to read. This is true for me. I love to read scientific and spiritual articles and books that focus on brain science and neuroplasticity. I recently finished The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and I am embarking on reading The Invisible Anatomy by JK Dickinson.

 

What writing project is next for you?

Yes, more books are coming. Yes, more blogs are being written. By writing, I am fulfilling my purpose and vision. I am truly grateful to be able to guide others along their journey with compassion and care. As one of my clients has said, “You are able to hold the flashlight along the path and lead others in a caring, safe manner.” This is my goal personally and through my writing.

 

 

About the author. Nationally known speaker Dianne A. Allen takes her raw experience, education and information and offers exhilarating solutions to life’s challenges. She works as a mentor, author, speaker, podcaster and life catalyst for bright and sensitive people creating exciting and diverse avenues to opening and expanding possibilities of personal transformation. She is the author of five books including The Loneliness Cure–A Guide to Contentment and Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders. Dianne communicates her message with care and compassion. Visit her website www.visionsapplied.com for more information.