Write Yourself Back Together Again

speak your mind

In the wake of the killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, the Dallas police officers, and others, the past week has drained us all emotionally, spiritually, and perhaps even physically. I do believe that as writers we are to use our words to speak out against injustice. We are to use our writing to help bring about change. We are to speak our minds, even if our voices shake.

But I know that as humans, sometimes tragedy leaves us speechless. Sometimes we just can’t find the words. Sometimes we’re left metaphorically paralyzed by the pain we feel from all the madness around us.

This is why I believe that we must not neglect self-care, even in such a time as this.

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How Days Off Can Improve Your Writing

give yourself a break

I used to pride myself on being a workaholic. Javacia “No Days Off” Bowser I called myself.

My work ethic is necessary if I’m going to do all the things I want to do: teach, write, and build a business.

But this “all work and no play” attitude makes Javacia a dull and crabby girl. And it makes me a sick girl, too.

These days I try to take off one day each week. I don’t always succeed, but I stick to this more often than not and it’s made a world of difference.

So, as we enter 4th of July weekend, I urge you to give yourself a break. Take a day off.

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The 3 Cs of Blogging

3cs of blogging

On Tuesday, June 28 I’ll be the guest speaker at the Alabama Women in Business Luncheon to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Club, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive in Birmingham.

I’ll be speaking about how to use blogging and social media to boost your brand or business.

If you are a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, I’d love to see you there. Tickets are only $30 and can be purchased here. (If you are a member of ALWIB admission is free.)

During my talk, I’m going to cover what I call the three Cs of blogging: clarity, content, and community.

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Summers Are For Slaying

beach babe

Summer is here.

Although for me, summer started long before June 20.

In addition to running See Jane Write, I’m a teacher, so for me summer began the moment I left work on the last day of school.

But I am also a small business owner.

For the teacherpreneur summer is a difficult dance.

We want to take a break. We need to take a break. We deserve to take a break.

But we also know that summers are for slaying. We know that with no papers to grade and no lectures to write, we have the opportunity to take our businesses to the the next level.

But we also know we can’t pour from an empty cup. We know that we need to rest. We know self-care is a feminist act.

After the school year ended, my husband and I took a short trip to visit his hometown. I lounged around reading books. We went to the movies and to the beach. We ate way too much food and spent quality time with family and friends.

But now it’s time to get back to work. Now it’s time to slay.

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The See Jane Write RoundTable is Back!

sjw roundtable

Consider your biggest writing, blogging or branding goal for 2016 that you have yet to accomplish. What’s standing in your way? What’s holding you back? At the See Jane Write Roundtable event we’re going to help you identify your biggest obstacle and help you begin developing a strategy to overcome it.

Do you feel stuck or stagnant? We’re going to help you move forward so you can take your blogging, your business, or your writing career to the next level.

Here’s what attendees of the first See Jane Write Roundtable event had to say about this unique event:

“Gathering with a group of women, many whom I did not know, I had no idea that I would walk away feeling so inspired on my own writing journey, but also so excited for the creativity coming out of See Jane Write,” says Jennifer Dome King of the blog Stellar Fashion and Fitness. “Everyone is so enthusiastic and focused on the dreams they shared, if sometimes a bit timid as to whether we can actually accomplish what we desire. But the encouragement and advice I received at the Roundtable made it clear that with the work and dedication, we really can see these dreams come true. It’s so great to have powerful, supportive women like this to turn to!”

Brie Cash of the blog I Am Woman declared, “I even made a new friend!”

One participant said the See Jane Write Roundtable was a “spiritual experience.”

Meagan Saia of the blog Life of Owen, called it “magical.”

“What was most impressive to me about these women writers is how different we all were, and yet so similar,” Meagan wrote in her recap of the event. “Not only were our outward appearances different but age and jobs and more. So many differences. And yet we were all there for the same reason: to continue to ignite our passion and tell our story.”

Because this is a discussion-style workshop designed to give everyone a chance to get personalized advice, only 15 spots are available for this event. Reserve your spot today at sjwroundtable2.eventbrite.com.

Light refreshments will be served.

5:30 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 21

Desert Island Supply Co. (DISCO)

5500 1st Avenue North in Woodlawn