The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pens Returns!

every woman

Tuesday night I hosted the first See Jane Write Roundtable. A small group of women gathered at Revelator Coffee Company to discuss one thing: “What is your biggest frustration right now with regard to writing, blogging, or entrepreneurship?” But this was no pity party. The goal was for each woman to leave with at least one action step to help her overcome the obstacle in her way. And after getting feedback from the participants I realized they left with an action plan and so much more.

“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.”

The evening reminded me of See Jane Write’s very first event, a gathering of only about a dozen women crowded around a table at a local Mexican restaurant discussing writing and what we would want out of a writing group. See Jane Write has come a long way since those humble beginnings and has grown from a small writing group into a thriving network of hundreds of women. To sustain See Jane Write I’ve had to transform this venture of mine from a hobby into a business, but my vision and mission remain the same: I believe every woman has a story worth sharing. I also believe in sisterhood and I believe that sometimes it takes sisterhood to give a woman the courage to share the story she carries in her heart.  

roundtable

I left the event wondering what I could do to foster and facilitate more “magical” and “spiritual” experiences for women writers, but also an experience that would help them accomplish significant professional and personal goals. I have an idea, but it’s HUGE and, therefore, scary. I plan to announce the details soon but today I want to announce that Sisterhood of the Traveling Pens is coming back!

If you’re new to See Jane Write you have no idea what I’m talking about, so let me explain. I believe we all need support to accomplish our goals and so I started helping women find writing partners. My pal Erin Shaw Street jokingly said, “It’s like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pens!” I took that name and ran with it.

At Tuesday’s event most of the women there said they felt they needed a writing or accountability partner. Through the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pens I will help you find a writing, blogging or business buddy. This can be someone you meet with regularly simply to sit in your favorite coffee shop and write for a few hours, whether you’re working on your blog or your next book. This could be someone who keeps you accountable to make sure you’re building your business as you should be. Or maybe you’re working on a memoir or novel and you need someone to give you an honest critique of your work. You and your writing, blogging, or business buddy will determine the purpose of your partnership, how often you’ll meet, etc. My job is just to help you find each other.

If you are interested in finding a writing, blogging, or business buddy email me at javacia@seejanewritebham.com and I will send you a list of questions I need you to answer so I find the best partner for you.

Please note that this service is only open to See Jane Write members. If you’re not sure if your membership has expired, email me. If you know you’re not a member and would like to join you may do so here.

I’m ready to play match maker so let’s do this!

Jane About Town: Things To Do This Weekend

Whether you’re looking to make a difference, make a good meal, or just see a good show, we’ve got something to help you plan your weekend.

Bards of Birmingham Presents Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Set in a Women’s Prison

julius caesar

“My name is Julius Caesar,” says the personable young man in the suit who greets you as you come through the door. “If you need legal representation, I can help.” He passes you a business card advertising his law firm ofCaesar and Associates, and directs you to a table where an attendant is receiving money and issuing tickets.

After paying for admission, you’ll turn over your ticket to discover the crime for which you’ve been charged: felony drug possession, breaking and entering, assault. And this is all before you set foot in the prison itself – a place in which the “prisoners” will interact freely with audience members, and prison guards will make sure that you don’t speak too loudly or break any rules.

This is Bards of Birmingham’s rendering of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: an experience in immersion theatre in which audience members will become part of the prison population in the penitentiary in which the play is set. In this modern American setting, Caesar serves as the public defense attorney to the women of Rome Penitentiary, where Caius Cassius is the warden. Marcus Brutus and Marc Antony are both inmates, serving life sentences.

Bards of Birmingham is a unique theatre company that seeks to empower young people through the vehicle of Shakespearian theatre. The cast for their plays is drawn primarily from community children and youth ages 22 and younger.

See the Bards of Birmingham in action April 17 at 7:30 p.m.; April 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; April 24 at 7:30 pm.; April 25 at 7:30 p.m.; or April 26 at 2 p.m. All shows will be held at the Desert Island Supply Co., DISCO, 5500 1st Avenue North in Woodlawn.

For more tickets or more information email thebardsofbirmingham@gmail.com or visit bardsofbirmingham.com.

 

Birmingham’s Best Bites Book Signing

The popular cookbook Birmingham’s Best Bites, which features favorite recipes from restaurants, bars, and food trucks around the Magic City, is now available in hardback!

martie and chanda

Martie Duncan and Chanda Temple, curators of the cookbook, will be signing copies of Birmingham’s Best Bites Friday, April 17 from 4-6 pm at the Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South in Homewood.

Arts for Life

Enjoy a free fun family day at Avondale Park, 4101 5th Avenue South, Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day will feature music, dance, and spoken word performances and much more, including various children’s activities. Arts for Life is a festival designed to encourage African Americans to donate blood.

The Faux-lympics

The Faux-lympics will be held Saturday, April 18th at Crestwood Park. Teams sign in at 3:30 p.m. and the games start at 4 p.m. This field-day for adults will feature fun games like tug of war and sack relays. But you don’t have to be an athlete to compete; just be willing to have fun and support a great cause! An after-party with BBQ from Jim N’ Nicks, frozen treats from Yogurt Mountain, beer, wine and live music will follow the games. Faux-lympics is hosted by Gateway’s Junior Board and all proceeds go toward support of Gateway’s Residential Program, a program that takes care of and helps treat children and teens who have been severely neglected and abused. For more information, visit http://www.gway.org/faux-lympics.
 If you have an event you’d like to see featured in a future edition of Jane About Town, send the information to javacia@seejanewritebham.com

You Need to Look the Part to Get the Role

SYC now open 2-3 (1)

Fashion isn’t simply about clothes; it’s about confidence. And I think most style bloggers would agree with me.

In my latest column for B-Metro Magazine, I wrote about the outfit I wore for my Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 photo shoot and how that outfit actually taught me valuable lessons about business and about life. In addition to those lessons, which you can read about here, I’ve learned something else important about fashion: Sometimes you need to look the part to get the role.

Last year when I made the decision to take myself seriously as a businesswoman part of that meant trying to always look my best. I knew I needed help and so last fall I signed up for Style Yourself Chic, a virtual style coaching program by Megan LaRussa Chenoweth of Southern Femme.

If you’d like some tips from Megan, her free video series is still available here.

But I’m also excited to announce that she’s re-launching Style Yourself Chic!

With her exclusive and proven 7-week course, Megan can help you stop second guessing your wardrobe and start being more present in your day-to-day life. It’s amazing how much more you can give to those around you when you start by taking care of yourself.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn in SYC:

  • The ins and outs of your UNIQUE body type so selecting flattering clothing is a breeze.
  • Once and for all WHERE to shop to suit your specific style, silhouette and budget so you don’t waste your precious time going from store to store.
  • The RIGHT combination of items in your closet so that putting together polished outfits in a matter of minutes is a no brainer.
  • Simple accessorizing FORMULAS to ensure you are finishing off your look daily the right way.

Megan has spent years perfecting her style coaching methods through working one-on-one with her VIP clients, in addition to training with some of the top experts in the coaching and fashion industries. This has allowed Megan to get her VIP clients AMAZING, LIFE CHANGING RESULTS. They get more than just a fabulous, well-edited wardrobe when working with her; they also get endless confidence, self-acceptance, and less stress and more joy in ALL areas of their lives.

The Top 5 Ways to Be Effortlessly Chic WEBINAR-1

Megan will be hosting a FREE WEBINAR tomorrow during which she will teach you the top 5 ways to be effortlessly chic. Click here to claim your spot.

You can learn more check out the Style Yourself Chic program by clicking HERE. And make sure to take advantage of Megan’s early bird special. If you sign up by midnight on April 15, you get half off this fabulous program!

Stay stylish and stay chic!

The See Jane Write Roundtable

sjw roundtable
Original Image by mcveja via Flickr/Creative Commons
I’m always brainstorming ways I can help the women of See Jane Write and recently a new idea came to me — the See Jane Write Roundtable.

The See Jane Write Roundtable will be a series of small group discussions on topics related to blogging, writing, or entrepreneurship and is an inexpensive alternative for those who need some one-on-one help, but can’t afford Java with Javacia consultations or Blogging Boot Camp.

The cost of these sessions is only $25, which is just to help cover the cost of the venue.

The first See Jane Write Roundtable will be held Tuesday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Revelator Coffee Company. We’ll have the whole place to ourselves!

The topic: What is your biggest frustration regarding blogging, writing, or entrepreneurship?

My hope is that you will leave with an action plan to help you overcome that obstacle once and for all.

Roundtable discussions are great because they are meant to be a collaborative effort. Yes, I’ll be there facilitating the discussion and adding my insight, but with a roundtable discussion there is intentionally no head of the table. Everyone will contribute which means you’ll have a variety of perspectives from which to learn and glean wisdom and information.

Only 10 spots are available so get your tickets today by following the link below:

See Jane Write Roundtable
5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 21
Revelator Coffee Company
1826 3rd Ave N Unit 101, Birmingham, AL 35203

Let’s Take Flight Together

Javacia-683x1024

Do you dream of seeing your byline in your favorite publications?

Do you have an idea for a blog or business, but you’re not quite sure where to start?

Maybe you already have a blog or brand, but it’s not getting the attention you feel it deserves.

Or perhaps you’ve written a book but you just can’t seem to sell it.

If any of these sound familiar, I’d like to help you get unstuck and soar. Let’s take flight together!

As founder of See Jane Write, I used very simple but very powerful strategies to grow a small writing group into a network of hundreds of women. And this network has helped me start an award-winning business and land the paid writing opportunities I once only dreamed about. You can use these same strategies to build buzz for your blog, book, brand, or business.

I want to share these strategies with you and answer any other questions you may have about writing, blogging, or business

For the next seven days I will be taking appointments for 11 one-on-one coaching sessions.

7:11

I’m calling this my 7/11 special. No, you can’t come to me and fill a pot with your favorite flavor of Slurpee (I’m sure y’all have heard about this on the Internet), but I can fill your mind with what you need to take your next step.

If you would like to meet face-to-face for hands-on help, you can get a one-hour session for only $99 (usually $125). If meeting in person is a challenge, we can chat via Skype. This one-hour session will only cost $75 (usually $100).

This offer ends April 18. (We can meet anytime, you just need to purchase the session by April 18.)

Here’s what one of my clients had to say after we spent an hour chatting at her favorite Starbucks:

My one-on-one session with Javacia was more than I expected. She not only listened to my goals and aspirations, she provided me with practical next steps to help me accomplish each. She was friendly, yet very professional. I left with an ambitious to do list which is now my roadmap. She followed up, as promised, with websites, worksheets, and tons of information to help advance my dreams to write, get published, and speak professionally. I now consider her my writing mentor.

— TiJuana W.


You see, after we meet I’m not going to check your name off my to-do list and forget about you. I’m going to follow up with information and inspiration to keep moving your closer and closer to achieving your goals. 

If you know you need guidance, but you’re not sure this is right for you, simply email me at javacia@seejanewritebham.com with any questions you may have.

If you’re ready to fly click here for a face-to-face session or here for a Skype chat and then email me at javacia@seejanewritebham.com for next steps.

Let’s do this!