Now Let Me Ink That Page: #MakeUrPenLOUD

Dear Pennies & Pens,

As you hopefully know, I’m in the process of publishing a book called #MakeUrPenLOUD. I previously talked about the book in this post: Press Pen: Flavor’s Night Out, The InkSpot, Jewels by Cacha`, and The Network.

Today, I wanted to dedicate a post to the book because I’m sure y’all are wondering why my posts have been sporadic as of late. I feel guilty about that because I had just placed myself on this new year blogging schedule but the book is taking up so much of my time! Not only did I write the book but I’m also editing it as well as designing the interior and cover.

#MakeUrPenLOUD will be published by my new company, The InkSpot. This April, I’m hosting an event called Flavor’s Night Out along with my business partner to celebrate the launch of our new brands.

It has always been my dream to publish a book so now that I am this close to making it happen there is no way, I’m going to let anything stop me. The funny thing is the book idea came to me so organically. I was back in Cincinnati (my hometown) enjoying a much needed break and spending time with my family when I had a convo with BFF and decided to get serious about writing a book.

I figured that writing a book on blogging would make the most sense because so many people have asked me for advice on how to become a blogger, where to find content, etc. So when I got back to Texas, I wrote a list of chapter titles and just started writing.

I didn’t create an overall plan for the book, I just let it develop itself as far as what the content of the book entails. That said, it wasn’t until the last few weeks that I truly understand what the book is about and what its true value is. I know that sounds totally backwards but that’s the way my mind works. Lol!

However, the fact that I let the book develop organically is going to be my saving grace because writing a book (no matter what type) is an inherently creative process. When it comes to writing, planning isn’t always a good thing because then you lose your creative edge.

And so now here we are on March 10th and my book is set to be published by early April. That fact alone made my heart beat so much faster! Lol. But the book is done, I’m just finalizing the edits as well as designing the interior and cover. Also, I’m shooting the book’s cover and my author head shot as well as the marketing campaign this weekend while in Dallas.

By now you’re dying to know what #MakeUrPenLOUD is all about. #MakeUrPenLOUD is a book that teaches readers how to create unique and original content for a lifestyle blog. In #MakeUrPenLOUD, readers will learn how to write about fashion, beauty, music, film, art, and travel, and events.

Each chapter is dedicated to a certain topic like “How To Conduct Interviews”, “How To Plan Fashion and Lifestyle Photo Shoots”, “How To Attend and Cover Events”, “How To Collaborate with Brands”, and so much more. I started blogging in 2008 and since that time, I’ve learned so much about blogging.

That’s why I wanted #MakeUrPenLOUD to be totally different from anything else on the market. It’s a book about lifestyle blogging because in my humble opinion that is one of the hardest types of bloggers to be. Lifestyle bloggers cover multiple different topics at the same time so they are in a league of their own. The cool thing about lifestyle blogging is that the blogger creates content that will inspire, motivate, or empower their readers.

Lifestyle bloggers blog about fashion, beauty, music, art, home decor, sports, travel, food, wine, beer, events, etc. Lifestyle blogs are unique because the content is very diverse and ever changing. Lifestyle blogs are written from the perspective of the blogger so no two lifestyle blogs are the same. Lifestyle blogs usually do have a focal point but overall the content varies.

Lifestyle blogging is difficult because the blogger must be able to manage multiple projects at the same time. This means the blogger must be able to multitask as well as having multiple skills such writing, photography, social media marketing, styling, planning, etc. Personally, I’ve planned fashion shoots at the same time I’m preparing for a press trip.

A lifestyle blogger also has to learn how to work with different types of brands. However, this isn’t a bad thing because it means a lifestyle blogger has more opportunities available to them. If a lifestyle blogger executes properly, they can collaborate with any brand out there.

It has taken me years to learn everything that I’ve written in this post and in #MakeUrPenLOUD. That said, I hope you will check out #MakeUrPenLOUD when it drops this April. I honestly think it’s going to change the game and you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t support it.

And there it is: de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.