Recently I’ve had some really sweet comments, emails and conversations that've certainly spurred me on. They confirm that I really am on the right path, doing what I’m meant to be doing. These affirmations have me thinking about how important it is to feed back to people whose work, words and vision you believe in. I mean, how else will they know unless you tell them?
I’ve also started thinking about how, though I am an affirming person (I think), there are some areas where I could step up my game.
For example, I love books. I believe in books. Books have turned on lightbulbs in my head that have steered me on new and better courses. I’ve bought those books en masse and distributed them to my friends and family. I’m even trying to write a book. BUT… despite this great passion for and debt to books, I’ve only ever written ONE Amazon book review! And that’s because I was specifically asked to. Unbelievable. If and when I publish I’ll be begging friends and strangers to review (positively!) my book on Amazon, because rave reviews are so important to sales.
I decided to make a list of 10 of the top books I’ve ever read and write a glowing review for each on Amazon. It won’t be hard because they’ll be books I genuinely believe in and would tell my friends about anyway.
So, I’m off to do some serious reviewing. Will let you know how I get on & the books I choose shortly.
Now, let the shout outs begin. I’d love to hear someone or something you’re raving about at the moment. It doesn’t have to be a book, it could be a musician, website, charity or designer. Whatever. Anything or anybody!
Can’t wait to hear.
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10 comments:
I read at least a book a week and yet I've never done an Amazon review either! And I love eating at restaurants and love reading the reviews on Yelp, but have yet to start an account and post my own reviews. I think I will do that soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
As for something I'm raving about recently, I just discovered the group XX and I LOVE them!! Especially the song VCR. I keep playing it!
Not sure its quite what I BELIEVE in, but right now I am very much enjoying 'MARVELLOUS MUFFINS' by Alison Holst (http://www.holst.co.nz/portal.asp), given to me by my mother-in-law. Alson and her husband Simon are a true Kiwi institution as I understand it, and have published many recipe books together. I have to thank Alison for the Cheesy Red Pepper Muffins and Sizzled Sausage & Sage Muffins that she helped me make for my husband's birthday brunch last Sunday. To put this in context... if you look up the antonym for domestic, you might find my name. Yet, I was a baking fiend on Saturday and Sunday morning, and I am fiercely proud of the results - all thanks to this little book :-)
Nadine, good call about restaurant reviews. Also reminds me I want to review the hotel we stayed at on our honeymoon - Las Brisas in Acapulco - it was phenomenal.
Rachael, do you have any of your muffins left? I'm so glad you stepped up to the stove and whipped out some sweet b-day creations for the family. :)
Alisha - great point. And I would like to follow in Rachaels footsteps...I was really struggling with cooking recently and then got this AMAZING cookbook - Donna Hay, No time to cook. It is pure genius!! The meals are the BEST.EVER. I love you Donna.
As soon as I read your post my heart went YES!!! I actually just love encouragement and encouraging and still I don't do it enough!!!!! So I just want to rave about that for awhile....and overuse exclamation marks because I can. Why don't more people??!!!! They are really encouraging!!!! Also my secondry but no less enthusiastic rave is about being home. Since we moved into our new home I just feel so planted. I'm excited about putting down deep roots, about community, about being a mum and living free. (And gardening...I've only just started and I think I may be hooked!) Go Alisha!
Every single time I stay in a hotel room, I mean to leave a comment when I get back and I forget! So, I want to rave about the Fanad House in Kilkenny, Ireland. Pat Wallace, the sweet gentleman who owns the b&b, helped us in every way possible - lower rates, warm beds, great recommendations - plus, he was just the epitomy of an irishman. Thanks Pat for making our stay that much more...authentic and welcoming! http://www.fanadhouse.com/index.html
How's that?! Great idea for a post. How are the reviews coming along?
Mel, the cover of the latest Donna Hay magazine looks AMAZING! A FOUR layer chocolate cake. Mmm...
JBR, I agree, exclamation marks are underutilized!!!! I curbed my usage when I moved to the UK (didn't want to be TOO enthusiastic), but not I'm resuscitating them! I'm so happy for you guys to have a home and to start growing some roots, figurative and otherwise.
Lady, thanks for the Irish shout out. I love those B&B owners who make the whole stay so warm and memorable.
My reviews coming along slowly. One down, 9 to go!
I just wanted to say thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. I'm excited that you'll be back in Seattle soon, and I look forward to getting to know you and Dan better, too. I posted this in a comment on another friend's blog, but I'm excited about the America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. They have explanations about everything, which I love, and the recipes are fairly simple, everyday recipes that often utilize ingredients I have on hand. I love your enthusiasm about encouragement and supporting things you love. Personal recommendations are the best!
Ooh...Rachel, America's Test Kitchen cookbook sounds great! Can't wait to try it out and see you soon in Seattle. :)
I love reading... I've always got my head in a book. I find a good book just the most wonderful, powerful escape.
I've just finished 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' - very very good and highly recommended!
Saskia x
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