Coaching isn’t what it used to be. 

Years ago, the mention of the word coach would immediately bring to mind the guy in a polo shirt on the sidelines, a hand on one hip–clipboard in the other, with a whistle hanging from his mouth. For some, this visual brings back positive childhood memories, while for others, it triggers more painful athletic experiences.  

Coaches used to only relate to the playing field, but over the years, this career field has expanded to include so many areas of our life. An athletic coach helps their players grow internally and physically to perform well on the court or field by their mentorship, accountability and training. So it makes sense that we would need coaches for other important aspects of life such as writing, speaking, starting businesses, and even, managing general life to help position and mentor us in these areas, as well. 

In the creator content spaces such as writing, speaking, and podcasting, there are multiple...

Do you need a way to level up your writing and podcasting productivity? There are many systems and software to choose from, but one of the best writing tools you can implement is Canva.

It's no secret that Canva has been a game changer for graphics and design. Their user-friendly interface has allowed people from all walks of life and skill levels to create content for social media, video, conferences, classrooms, and so much more. If you can drop and drag, you can use Canva.

But what does that have to do with writing, speaking, or podcasting? Canva is a tool that can significantly benefit your creative career. Here are eleven ways (out of the many) that Canva can make your passion project more successful.

1. Creating Lead Magnets: Are you trying to build your email list but need a creative way to attract subscribers? Canva can help you make an attractive lead magnet to draw in your target audience. What you create does not have to be elaborate or time-consuming. It can...

7 Benefits of Publishing your book with Called Creatives Publishing

 Do you have a book burning inside of you that you are ready to get out to the world? Then the time is now for you to move forward with that dream. Publishing your message will open up doors for you in multiple areas, increasing your platform reach and influence. It is a great way to get booked to speak, receive invitations for podcasts and provide an alternate stream of income.

Publishing your book is also a valuable form of legacy building. But did you know that even with a high percentage of people wanting to write a book, only 2% actually do? Despite the obstacles that may try to stand in your way, you can be among that 2%. 

Engaging in the publishing process may seem daunting but it is more than doable. Time to shake off imposter-syndrome and believe in your ability to finish what's in your heart to start. You've got the goods to bring that dream to life. And Called Creatives has the...

20 Reasons Why You Need a Mastermind Group 

Have you started working towards your passion project but are unsure of the next step? Joining a community of other writers and speakers through a mastermind group can give you the inspiration you need to move forward. Although it's tempting to work on your own or google your way out of feeling stuck, here are twenty reasons why you need to join a mastermind group—or what we at Called Creatives know fondly as Collectives.

1. Connection: You don't have to launch your career or ministry alone—no matter how unique it is. It doesn’t matter if you are starting a new podcast, publishing a book, or embarking on a speaking career. 

Connecting with others with the same goals and interests is a huge benefit to your passion project.

2. Inspiration: You may feel stuck at a specific part of your process. Maybe you are struggling with writer's block or need help figuring out the must-have equipment for a podcast. Your moment...

5 Keys to Publish Your Book

Have you ever wondered why traditional publishing takes so long? Or why your self-publishing date may need to be extended? In our fast-paced, instant gratification world, looking at a lengthy publishing timeline may seem daunting. 

Here are five needed keys to publish your book with success. 

1. WRITING: It's hard work.

You have an amazing topic or testimony that you are ready to share with the world. But as you pull out your computer, you realize that the words don’t just appear. Writing takes discipline, consistency and focus.

Here are some practical ways to help you engage:

• Do a writing sprint. Set your timer for fifteen minutes and get out as many words as you can. These may help you make a daily writing goal. 
• Feeling stuck? Stand up and stretch, go on a walk, or fold that laundry that keeps bugging you. Sometimes those simple actions will jog your brain cells.
• Read these articles: 
  • From Passion to Project in just 15...

How to Write a Book Proposal

Called Creatives Book Proposal Template

Are you looking for ways to make your proposal shine and stay at the top of an agent or publisher’s stack? Agents and editors receive hundreds if not thousands of these a month but are looking for the unique proposals they can’t say no to. One of the most asked questions in the Called Creatives Community is how to write a book proposal. We took the guesswork out of it and created a book proposal template just for you! But before you start typing everything out, read on to find out five specific things to consider as you prepare.

Readability:

• You may be tempted to make your proposal shine by adding an abundance of words and glittery graphics, but publishing professionals don’t necessarily need all that. They are concerned about the content so make sure your proposal is clean, clear and organized in a way that is easy to read.

Platform:

• The word platform seems to intimidate because of the...

When it comes to writing down content, there are many good options. . If you are only interested in journaling your thoughts, a pen and paper will suffice. . But it requires a different process to release messages for public consumption. We’ve come a long way from typewriter-created manuscripts.  We now have the ability to jot down words in any moment or margin that inspiration hits. It’s not just about the big word processors like Microsoft Word, pages or even Scrivener, anymore. 

The notes app on your phone, whether builtin or purchased, can be your best friend when it comes to keeping a consistent writing lifestyle. 

Here are ten ways your notes app can deliver big results. (These are tips based on Apple’s notes app, but a comparable one for Android is Google Keeps app.)

1. Random thoughts: This is basically the essence of sticky notes, planners—the composition notebook we carried to school. You have a record keeper at your fingertips, ...

What if the career in writing you’ve always wanted wasn’t something you could do by yourself? It’s a question you might not have considered. Yet none of us are meant to journey through life alone. This goes for basic human needs to our deepest core passions. The call that is stirring up inside of you is unique and beautiful. You will see it grow beyond your expectations when you cultivate it in community. 

Called Creatives (CC) is that kind of place. If you are looking for clarity on your next step, need training that google can’t give you, and want to connect with other like-minded and hearted women, Called Creatives is what you are looking for. Not only has Called Creatives helped launch writing careers, it provides the evergreen offering of these five core benefits: 

1. Clarity: Many answers can be found through a google search, but there is nothing like the laser-focused information you can gain from women who have been where you are...

At Called Creatives, we believe that God has gifted women in a multitude of ways in order to bring influence. There is no lid on what can be released through a woman whose heart is set on stewarding her influence well. One of the ways that women walk out their call is in the area of speaking. This may range from leading small groups (even in the home) to sharing a message on a stage in front of thousands. 

If the goal is for your message to reach others beyond your home, finding your place at the mic may seem daunting. But it might not be as far off as you think. Here are seven ideas to help you broaden your reach and increase your invitations to speak. 

1. Be faithful: What has God put in your hands right now? Consistency and intention in the season you are in will plant seeds for the areas he is calling you to later. There are no shortcuts when it comes to this holy process. You never know what doors God will open for you when you are faithful to the right now. 
2. Hone...

This is part two of our Write your book in 30 Days blog post. 

• Day 1:
• Organize your outline on your app or program of choice. If a great way for you to write is in the MARGINS, create a new folder in your notes app that’s accessible across your devices. Then make 12 -15 notes with the chapter ideas as titles that flow with your outline. Or you can make as many notes as you want that cover specific topics or scenes. 
• If you are writing non-fiction, you may already have a ton of content from your own blog posts (not submitted to anyone else) to scribbles in your journal. If you are a speaker or podcaster, you may have a lot of messages and programs that fit what you want to write. This is where you can fill in your outline with content you already have to give you more areas to expand on. It’s also always encouraging to see what God has been writing on your heart all along. 
• The process of filling in your outline with descriptions and/or scene ideas should...