Reacting to life changes and making something

I've always fancied the idea of making something, but I've also tended to let the idea rattle around in my head rather than actually get off my arse and do something about it.

I was snapped out of my constant procrastination by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the Tohoku region of Japan on 11 March 2011, which scared the hell out of me and made me seriously question what I wanted out of life. I quickly came to the conclusion that I didn't want to be stuck in an office doing a job I didn't particularly enjoy, and I also knew I wanted to do something connected to my adopted home, the place I love.

Putting the pieces together

I went to a local home centre and craft shop with my son this morning to pick up a few tools and materials for the project I'm working on, including the letter stamps pictured above.

Screw it, let's do it

Sir Richard Branson, my namesake and a man I greatly admire

Some people are only too willing to tell you you can't do something or your ideas are stupid. All too often, we listen and scrap a perfectly good idea.

Why? Are we really sure that we can't do it, or are we listening to people who are sure that they can't do it? There's a huge difference.

The Creative Instinct: new course

I'm really happy to introduce a new three-part course on creativity called The Creative Instinct.

The course has been developed over the last few years through working with clients and has been condensed into three main components:

 

6 simple tips for overcoming writer's block

Anybody who writes, either professionally or for pleasure, knows the feeling: you sit down to write, but the words don't come.

Writer's block can strike at any time and it can be a pain.

Instead of sitting there and getting increasingly frustrated, try one, two or all of these tips - and feel free to share your own.

 

1) Set plans and stick to them

I've recently decided to make Friday's posts about writing. which means that every Friday I need to come up with something on this theme. A schedule can help because it gives you a structure to work from. (I know today is a Thursday, but I've posted a day early due to Christmas.)

It can also help chronic procrastinators.

 

A complete guide to press releases: 50% to charity + how you can help

I am currently finishing up my book 'A complete guide to creating outstanding press releases' and hope that it will be ready for sale in January, as scheduled.

I have decided to release it as an ebook, downloadable in PDF format, for two major reasons:

1. I want to donate at least 50% of the proceeds from the sale of the book to the Japanese Red Cross Society to help the reconstruction efforts in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami. To be able to do this, I needed to keep costs to a minimum and be able to control the sale and distribution of the book.


2. It makes it much easier to distribute. I will hopefully publish books in the traditional way in the future, but I wanted this book to be available instantly in an electronic format that means it can work in conjunction with the optional online learning course which will accompany it.

How you can help

I don't really like asking people to buy my stuff because I believe in letting people decide without any pressure. If you are not interested in the book, don't buy it - please don't feel under any obligation to part with your money. If you would like to support the people affected by the earthquake and tsunami, but don't want the book, I hope you will consider making a donation.

If the book interests you and you think it would interest people you know (perhaps your clients, friends or readers of your website) please help me spread the word. I genuinely believe the information in the book and the accompanying course will help people with a major part of their PR.

If you write for a publication or blog and you think your readers would be interested, please drop me a line and I can forward a sample or full copy for review.

Thanks for your support.

In case this is all news to you, the book covers every aspect of creating outstanding press releases and ensuring they get noticed, from what to do before you start writing to deciding on tone, length, style and images, audience targeting, media targeting, alternative press pack ideas, following up once the press release has been sent and much more.

Power PR: Press Releases

I have revised the title for my forthcoming book to 'Power PR: Press Releases' (as you may already have noticed).

The aim of the book is to help people create outstanding press releases and ensure that they get published and noticed.

Topics include:

• Media targeting
• Audience targeting
• Style
• Content
• Length
• Image
• Format
• How and when to make contact
• Dos and don'ts

The book also contains a number of activities to help create great press releases and there will be an optional course to accompany the book, including:

• Case studies
• Free editing, proofreading & drafting advice/help
• Additional activities
• Optional ongoing services

The book will be available in January 2012 in ebook format.

If you would like to reserve a copy, or receive a free sample, please email me at: richard at storm-from-the-east.com with the subject 'PR book'.

Thank you!