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Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author Tara Sage about her career, what inspires her, and the work that went into her new book, The Brules Of Life.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
Here’s a brief bio:
Tara Sage, MA is a life coach, bestselling author of The Brules of Life, digital nomad, multi-passionate entrepreneur, professional speaker, made-up word lover, and blanket hog. She delights in helping those eager to go beyond striving, wishing, and “someday-ing”, to rethink conventions, chart their own course, and create a life they absolutely love. Tara not only wants to help, she has a strong application, orientation and foundation for how to help.
Beyond the school of hard knocks, her official “cred” includes a Masters degree in Holistic Leadership, a Bachelors in Psychology, and coach training certification. She has served thousands around the world to experience a new kind of freedom, has personally broken every “brule” (bullshit rule) in her book, and is on a mission to expand her impact into the millions.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I’ve always been a writer. Writing is my go-to for self-expression, a way to share and organize thoughts, ideas, and stories. My vision for The Brules of Life started to surface in 2017.
Over the course of a few months, I sporadically captured ideas onto a page, seeing real potential for what could be a provocative and personal book. Once I’d written all I felt I had at the time, I stepped away from it, feeling certain I’d circle back to it again at some point.
When did you take a step to start writing?
In the Spring of 2020, inspiration returned as chapters for The Brules of Life started to formulate in my mind. It was clear it was time to pick the project back up again, so I opened the file I’d created years prior and dug in.
How long did it take you to complete your book from the first idea to release?
The Brules of Life and The Brules of Life Companion Workbook were released in tandem on October 21, 2021.
What made you want to write The Brules Of Life?
Outside of the fact that I thoroughly enjoy writing and honestly feel like my entire life prepared me to write THIS book, what really drove me to write it was knowing how powerful the material is. In book form, accessible to people worldwide, The Brules of Life presents a unique opportunity for me to expand the reach of my mission: to help those who feel like a bird in a cage create a life they love so much they’ll never need a vacation.
After serving thousands of clients to go beyond striving, wishing, and “someday-ing”, to experience the true freedom life has to offer, The Brules of Life is the culmination and next expression of this mission as I look to expand my brule-breaking impact into the millions.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Brules Of Life?
Writing The Brules of Life and The Brules of Life Companion Workbook was far easier for me than navigating book publishing and marketing. That’s the beast. Without a good strategy for marketing and publishing, great books can easily get lost in the weeds.
What was your research process for The Brules Of Life?
My life experience, educational background, and work with coaching clients for more than 17 years have all informed the writing of this book. Also, as I wrote The Brules of Life, I released draft chapters to members of my “Brule Breakers Club” (www.bookofbrules.com for details) which provided me with an incredibly helpful feedback loop. Members share how each of the pre-release chapters impacted them, along with questions or suggestions for how I might make improvements. This ensured I wasn’t guessing about what would “land” for readers. This gave me the opportunity to test the material on clients who were eager and willing to provide their early reader feedback.
How did you plan the structure of The Brules Of Life?
One “brule” (bullshit rule) per chapter. Some chapters ended up referencing other chapters, so I order them to be read accordingly.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Brules Of Life need?
Yes. I credit beta readers and my editor with taking my book from good to great. Their feedback was absolutely invaluable.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
I have a theory that there tends to be two distinct writing approaches. I refer to them as: the sculptor approach, and the painter approach. The sculptor dumps a slew of words, a big slab of ideas, and then chips away and, bit by bit, removes all that isn’t needed to communicate the message and/or story. The painter adds one sentence or brush stroke at a time until the piece is complete. I’m a sculptor, for sure. I think knowing your style and what works best for you is key. Then roll will it.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Sure thing! I anticipate a Book of Brules series. Next on the list is The Brules of Self-Care which you can learn more about at www.bookofbrules.com.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am, yes. And it was absolutely worth the effort. Receiving feedback from readers about the impact The Brules of Life is having on their hearts and minds, delights me to no end. The ultimate payment. (Please see customer reviews here: https://tinyurl.com/brulesTS )
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
My website: https://tarasagecoaching.com
About the Brules books: http://bookofbrules.com
Read customer reviews and purchase The Brules of Life: https://tinyurl.com/brulesTS
Read customer reviews and purchase The Brules of Life Companion Workbook: https://tinyurl.com/brulesCW
Amazon author profile: https://amzn.to/2Xz21Lu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraSageSteeves + https://www.facebook.com/CreateYourLife
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarasage/
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