 Expert Author Judy Wright is in today's Author Spotlight. Judy is a parent educator, family coach, and personal historian who has written more than 20 books and hundreds of articles. She speaks internationally on family issues, including end of life. As a PBS Ready-to-Learn consultant, she works with Head Start organizations and child care resource centers. The symbol of the artichoke has great meaning for Judy in her teaching and writing. In fact she's often referred to as Auntie Artichoke. As she works with families she sees that frequently, like the artichoke, only the outer edges are exposed and they can be prickly and sometimes bitter. But, as you expose the artichoke (and people) to warmth, caring, and time, gradually the leaves begin to open and expose the real treasure inside. She and Dwain, her husband of 40 years, have six grown children and seven grandchildren. We asked Judy to take a few minutes out of her schedule to share her life's experiences and how they've helped make her a successful Expert Author and Article Marketer. - Okay, what's the story behind Auntie Artichoke?
Our daughter Debra suggested the name because it symbolizes the work I do with families. I help them to get to the heart of the story in the journey of life. The title of "Auntie" is an honorary one and it was given to me when we lived in Hawaii and used by many of my Native American friends. It signifies a wise woman who loves unconditionally.
- What do you feel sets you apart from other Expert Authors?
My global message is to create respectful relationships both personally and professionally. Those people who have a mutual interest in making a better life for themselves and their families are drawn to the information I provide. My goal is not to sell a product as much as it is to build a community of kind, thoughtful people who want respect for all. My message is more important than money to me. Even though I am grateful when someone buys one of my products, I am also grateful when they read and share my articles with their blog and friends.
- You average 900 views/article. What's your secret to success?
I'm successful! Thanks for that affirmation. Sometimes when we are in our little home offices in our pajamas and wool socks writing about positive discipline, death and loss, overcoming anxiety, or the other many other subjects, we forget that there are wonderful people out there hungry for this encouragement and wisdom. When someone joins my mailing list and I get a little email from the auto-responder, I know they will get a welcome message from me. However, I also send them a warm hug and blessings across the miles. Somehow, I like to think that they know I care about them as individuals and want their success in life.
- You have 232 articles - how do you stay motivated to write?
I used to be a speaker who wrote and now I am a writer who speaks. I am as happy as a clam (or I guess hibernating bear is more appropriate in Montana) to share my wisdom and skills with those who are looking for answers and encouragement. I am not as disciplined as others who write every day, and even though I sign up for the #HAHD challenges, I usually don't win the mug or mouse pad. But that is okay, it helps remind me of my commitment to write information that others can use.
- How do you decide what to write about?
I teach parenting classes and am on the board of a few non-profits that do good work. The subjects are usually questions that have come up and I think if one person is interested in the answer, maybe a hundred other people are too.
- How do you balance writing for quality and quantity?
Well, my editor friends are appalled that I don't edit and edit and change and rewrite, but I think we are in a different time and age. I go by the adage that "it doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be done." So many people are paralyzed by perfection. Most of the time, good enough is good enough.
- How does article marketing fit into your overall marketing plan?
It is very important. I have written over 20 books (some of them, memoirs for hospice patients, are private), but hardly anyone buys books on preventing a crisis. So while I have wonderful guides on building self-confidence, getting kids to work at home and preparing for the loss of a loved one, no one cares until there's a crisis. That's why article marketing is so effective. I feel this connection with the reader when I am writing about solving a relationship problem and they feel a connection with me when they are reading the article.
- If you had to start over again, what would you change?
I'd relax and realize that I don't have to do everything at one time. I would also quit feeling guilty because I didn't understand or implement what I paid someone to tell me. I would conquer one aspect of marketing, like writing articles, and then move to the next. Too many times I would be frustrated because I didn't "get it" and it seemed like everyone else did. They didn't. They just quit trying to build an online community and I didn't.
- What advice you would give newbie article marketers?
Don't give up! I mean it. Put your left foot down and then your right foot and then breathe. Or in the case of article writing, just write one and then another and then another. Now do it again and again.
- Anything else you'd like to share?
As a grandma, I am astounded and humbled by the world that my grandchildren are creating. When I was a farm girl in Idaho, I could never have imagined the opportunity I would have to communicate and build community with people from all over the world. This is such an incredible time in history and it is my hope that people do not become discouraged and quit sharing their wisdom and guidance through articles. I am certainly proof that someone, somewhere, is hungry for what we have to share.
By bringing passion and love to her article writing, Judy proves that there are many different avenues to achieving article marketing success. Writing about the things that are important to you will provide avenues to an audience that sheer numbers and writing acumen cannot. Here are 6 lessons from Judy that you can put into practice today: - Allow your message to be more important than money ... and the money will follow.
- Take care of your readers and they will take care of you.
- If one person is interested in the answers you can provide, maybe a hundred other people are too.
- So many people are paralyzed by perfection. Most of the time, good enough is good enough.
- Relax and realize that you don't have to do everything at one time.
- Don't give up! Just write one article and then another and then another. Then do it again.
Now put these lessons to good use today by writing a bunch of new, fresh, high-quality articles. Speaking of bunches, there are a bunch of Editors just waiting to review your articles and review time is still averaging under 24 hours for Premium and Platinum members. And leave a comment for Judy. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you. :)
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