Category Archives: Announcements
Return to Centre…
Want To Feel More Balanced, Grounded, Peaceful, and Happy in Your Daily Life?
This brand new spiritual self care program from author and coach Juliet Madison will help you return to your true self, harness your inner power, and maintain peace throughout any challenge, via 44 weekly ‘centring’ processes; guiding and supporting you throughout 2019…
Dear friends,
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am excited to share this with you… for the past six months since I had surgery to remove a vital organ, I have been working on something behind the scenes, whenever inspiration strikes, but not really knowing what it was. I thought at first I was journalling; jotting down thoughts and words to help me through a difficult time, and yet, these words seemed to come through me not from me.
So maybe I was writing a book. Another book. And maybe it will be a book eventually, but as the words kept coming effortlessly and I found myself not even having to think about what I was writing, I realised I was channeling insight and guidance from… somewhere. Perhaps the collective universal consciousness that ties us all together. It felt similar to the process of doing intuitive readings and coaching for clients around the world, where I tap into their energy and pinpoint areas of significance or answer their burning questions, but this time I was reading myself… at first.
Then as these insights began to help me regain my sense of peace, I realised they could help others too, and when I decided to open myself up to receiving more insight, it flowed even more, and in a way that I felt I was tapping into a universal need, a core, unified link between us all that needs to be nourished and supported… A ‘centre’ within ourselves and within the earth and universe itself, that we can sometimes stray from during life, but that can be accessed and returned to. We can return to this centre, where healing, hope, harmony, and peace resides. And this program is the result. What started as a way for me to cope with a challenging time, soon became a way for me to reach others, united by our spirit and human need for connection and peace within ourselves.
Centring is an ongoing journey, not a destination, and I’d like to invite you to share this journey with me in 2019…
First, what is Centring, or being Centred?
Being centred is the ultimate in self care… it’s about being tuned into your core self, your true spiritual and energetic nature where there is no judgement, no pain, and no fear. For want of a better explanation, it’s like heaven on the inside. It feels balanced, it feels peaceful, it feels confident, it feels well. It’s knowing you can say, “I’ve got this” no matter what is going on. Regardless of your religious beliefs or affiliation, we all have this inner core, this soul part of ourselves where our true, unlimited nature resides, that is not only part of us but part of all of us, together, united, as a whole. By being centred yourself, you also help others to more easily return to their centre too.
Why is Returning to Centre important?
Centring is the foundation of peace, alignment, and manifestation. It tunes us into our source, which is love, and which shines a light to our authentic self so that we are supported throughout any challenge, and allowed to be the best and happiest version of ourselves.
Returning to Centre works from the inside out. Instead of trying to fix all your outside or external circumstances that are not the way you’d like them in an attempt to feel better about your life, you aim to feel better on the inside first so that it doesn’t matter what is going on around you. And do you know what often happens when you are centred and aligned on the inside? The outside circumstances often shift anyway, seemingly by themselves! Our true power is not in influencing things around us, but by returning to ourselves, which allows the power of the universe to manage all those external things. This is not to say that you shouldn’t take external action, or make changes, it is simply to emphasise where your true power lies. And when you know this, everything else is work-out-able.
No matter what is going on around you, you CAN feel centred and grounded, and at peace. If you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated, time-poor, tired or unwell, held back from your goals and dreams, you feel no one understands you, or you feel too ‘sensitive’ to handle modern life, centring can help.
It’s not about hiding your feelings, or being positive 100% of the time… feelings should be experienced and expressed. It’s about having a continual connection to that special part of you, that centre, that holds you up through everything you go through.
When centred, manifestations happen more quickly, easily, and in alignment with your true self and what is best for you, because you’re operating from the highest vibration of yourself. When you’re in this state, everything that happens is right for you. Everything. Even the challenges. Centring allows you to not be afraid of challenges that are a normal part of life, but to know that all is well.
In life, we want the great job, the amazing partner, the perfect holiday, the house, good health and longevity, the book deal, the lotto win, etc, because it’s normal and human to desire things that we think will make us feel good. But what if you could feel good, or better, regardless of what you have or don’t have? And what if by feeling better within FIRST, those things you want come to you more easily?
This is what can happen, and often happens… this is the power of RETURNING TO CENTRE.
February 14 to December 20, 2019
Think of me as your spiritual life coach for 2019… not a guru, not a master, simply a guide. To teach this material that has helped me, and to help you integrate it joyfully into daily life. It is YOU that has the power, you are your own guru, and I’d love to be the guide and witness to your inner light and power shining through.
What does this 44 week program include?
Starting on Valentines Day, as a gift of love to yourself, you will enjoy…
- 44 inspiring weekly teachings posted in our private Facebook group every Sunday.
- 44 ‘return to centre’ strategies and activities, one to focus on each week. Depending on the nature of the activity, these may either be something you can do in an instant, or done at a later time, or integrated into your days as life unfolds.
- Monthly group intuitive card reading for extra insight, guidance, and focus.
- Discussion with myself and other participants, and answers to questions relating to each weekly topic.
- Weekly follow-ups to check in on how the activity for the week went for you.
- A safe space without pressure or expectations, to talk, express, ask questions, and have your self care supported and celebrated.
- Surprise gifts and giveaways 🙂
- The opportunity for individual, private intuitive readings for your specific needs.
- A downloadable PDF of all the teachings and activities at the end of the course, for future reference to use again as needed throughout your life.
- The opportunity to contribute your experiences and feedback to be published, should this material be made into a book in future! 😉
As you move through your day to day life, my intention is that you will be able to recall and utilise these strategies as needed to help you through anything life throws at you, or simply to maximise your wellbeing and happiness and support you in living a wonderful, miraculous, joy-filled existence!
Let’s do this together…
Why trust me with your spiritual self care?
My mission, or calling in life, is “entertaining and inspiring myself and others through stories, art, and self empowerment”. That is a broad description that I feel sums it up succinctly. After I left my successful career as a naturopath to homeschool my son with special needs, I have written over 20 books of both fiction and non-fiction, with 17 published so far in the last six years, and have written and facilitated numerous courses and workshops both online and in person. As well as writing, teaching, and creating art, I also do ‘readings’ as an intuitive guide and spiritual mentor, assisting clients with their life questions and future predictions. My aim in this area is to help people feel reassured, confident, and positive about their life and future, and with this course, it is to help you with the awareness and tools to return to your true self and inner peace and power at any time.
I practise what I preach, and I will be as much a student of this course as you will be, so I see it as a partnership, a team journey, where the collective energy and support of the participants will create something even more wonderful than planned. 🙂
“I would highly recommend working with Juliet, as her valuable insight and advice will help direct you onto the right life path.” ~ Marie
“She hit the nail right on the head, she definitely has a gift of insight.” ~ Bonnie
“Very quickly and with barely any information, Juliet intuited to-the-point information regarding my next career steps and how they related to my life overall. Even more impressive, she provided a specific vision of what was going on with a friend coping with cancer. Juliet’s insights helped me to provide targeted support for my friend without my friend having to struggle to verbalize her journey.” ~ Amy
“Juliet did a distance reading for me and all I can say is WOW. The reading was so accurate.” ~ Karen
“Most of everything you told me months ago has finally come full circle. I can’t believe it, and I just wanted to say thank you so much!” ~ Carol
When you make a conscious decision to keep returning to centre, the universe responds to your commitment by committing to you too. It shows you more people, places, and things that will commit to you. It lines you up with experiences that match the high vibration that you’re radiating… it’s magical. 🙂
To take part in this program with 44 weeks of guidance and strategies and personal support from me, it is only $10 a week; a total of $440 for the whole year. However, because 4 is my favourite number and I want it to be as affordable for as many as possible, until February 10th I am going to reduce the fee to only $4 a week, which is less than a cup of coffee! So for the whole program, from February 14 to December 20, your investment is only $176. Most of my courses that last for a weekend or up to two weeks are around the $50-$150 mark, so for a whole year of mentoring, don’t miss this extra special deal! Sign up before Feb 10th for only $176, or one of the other options below, and if you’re one of the first ten people I’ll also give you a BONUS free email reading which is equivalent to a 15 minute/1 question reading, valued at $44!
If you like, you can also select the 2nd option below which includes not only the program, but also four email intuitive readings to use anytime throughout the year at more than 50% off. Each reading is done via email and is equivalent to about 15 minutes, and includes 1 question answered about anything specific in your life. You can use these all at once for four questions in total, or spread them out through the year.
And with the 3rd option you get everything above, plus a full chakra reading, which is a special type of reading (valued at $99) that provides you with a visual chart showing the percentage each of your chakras/energy centres in the body are functioning at, along with a description of how that is impacting your body, mind, and spirit, your emotional profile, and physical issues you may be prone to, and how to get closer to balance, and to centre, through a combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual tools. A perfect accompaniment to this course.
So, without further ado,
Let’s get centred!
> To register, simply choose one of the options below and click ‘buy now’… you will receive a confirmation email instantly, and a link to join the online group where the program will take place.
OPTION 1: RETURN TO CENTRE 44 week online program: $440 $176 AUD one time payment (save $268).
OPTION 2: RETURN TO CENTRE 44 week online program PLUS 4 email readings: $616 $255 AUD one time payment (save $361).
OPTION 3: RETURN TO CENTRE 44 week online program PLUS 4 email readings PLUS chakra reading: $715 $333 AUD one time payment (save $382).
I look forward to helping support your spiritual self care, for a happy, balanced, peaceful, authentic, miraculous and magical 2019!
Love,
Juliet xo
enquiries: jtmauthor@gmail.com
Happy International Women’s Day! Plus a library talk…
Happy International Women’s Day! 
😀
😘
Who are your favourite female fictional characters?
I love writing about brave, authentic women who become empowered throughtheir challenges to live their best life possible… and after 17 books (15 fiction), it’s hard to choose a favourite, but if I had to I’d say April from April’s Glow…
I love that she speaks her mind without fear, even if it gets her into trouble, and that despite being an amputee she doesn’t let her disability define her, but simply does the best she can within her limitations. I also love that even after promising to stand by her fiance when he develops quadriplegia, and he shuts her out of his life to spare her the difficulty, she moves on with grace and hope towards a new future, starting a fresh life running her own business in Tarrin’s Bay. And then after all she’s been through, and dealing with an alcoholic father, she falls for a recovering alcoholic. She worries he will be just like her dad… but still she gives him a chance, and learns about the healing power of unconditional love and acceptance.
April was an amazing character to write, and when I think of my own challenges I am reminded of those who are dealing with so much more, and I am grateful.
Let’s celebrate the power of amazing female characters in fiction who have the power to remind us of our own strength, as well as giving us an entertaining story.
Books are important. Women are important. And you are too. 
👍
😊
👊
✌️
Thanks to Escape Publishing for publishing APRIL’S GLOW and many other books with strong female characters. READ THE BOOK…
>>> And to celebrate International Women’s Day, I’m giving a library talk this weekend about my writing journey over the past several years!
If you’d like to come and don’t live too far away, it’s at Shellharbour City Library, on the beautiful south coast of NSW, Australia, on Sat March 10 at 1pm.
See flyer below for details and how to book your free seat. You can also register quickly and easily online here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/author-talk-juliet-madison-tickets-43152568494
How Becoming A Writer Helped Me Become Myself…
Today is the 5th anniversary of being a published author. It’s my publishaversary! 😀
(Psst! Keep reading to the bottom of this post for a chance to win a signed copy of one of my books, and a journal… 🙂 )
It’s days like this that make you think back on your journey and how far you’ve come…
Since my first book, FAST FORWARD, was published in 2013, 16 more books have followed, and 4 anthologies/collections (see my BOOKS page for all the details). I’ve written romantic comedy, women’s fiction and coastal/small town romance, young adult supernatural mystery, and self help. I love diversity, and writing different genres helps me to feel creatively fulfilled.
I’ve learned a lot over the past five years of being in the industry (and also my eight years of writing), about writing itself, the editing and publishing process, cover design, marketing, and have experienced all the ups and downs including getting new contracts, getting an agent, getting rejections, getting good reviews and bad reviews, having the genres I choose to write both celebrated and ridiculed, and being both on time and behind with deadlines… the writing life is definitely a rollercoaster! I’ve also come to teach what I’ve learned by running online courses and doing coaching and critiquing for other writers, with Writing Mojo Academy.
But today, I want to write about something else:
How Becoming A Writer Helped Me Become Myself…
I’ve been reading a lot about authenticity lately, about the courage to be yourself, and coming into awareness of who you really are. Writing has, I feel, helped me to find my authentic voice, both in my writing and in my personal life, and discover and create who I really am.
When I think back to that person I was when I first opened a word document and wrote, Chapter One, she is so different to the person I now am.
My writing journey started when another journey had ended… my successful career as a naturopath, online health coach, and business owner. It didn’t end in a bad way, my circumstances simply changed, and with them, I had to change. My priorities had shifted, and deciding to put the wellbeing of my son first, I left my career, took him out of school, and facilitated his high school education myself through distance learning (a form of homeschooling, done through a high school). This decision not only helped him (he is now 21 and has not only written a couple of novels himself, but is pursuing a career in acting and also photography), but it also helped me, even though I felt guilty leaving my patients behind and wondering how on earth I was now going to pay my bills.
It was when this change began that I started reading again, never having had much time for it unless it was a medical or health book, or a research manual. I got back into fiction, and then ideas started to form in my mind. I would like to try writing a book… I think I can do it… I just want to know what it feels like to write a complete novel… thoughts roamed around my head, until that day I wrote ‘Chapter One’. From that moment on, I never stopped. I found my passion, my calling; to be a storyteller and to bring entertainment and inspiration to other people.
But I had no idea at the time that my writing journey would become an intensely personal journey of self-discovery.
When I started, I was undergoing immense change from being a successful working single mother, to a stay at home single mother homeschooling a child with special needs. I became isolated. Lonely. Withdrawn. I had also started developing a health issue that continued for many years, and for the next five years or so, every day was a struggle just to get by. To have the energy to get through the school lessons. To do the household chores. Even the grocery shopping took all my energy and effort for the day. But still I wrote. Writing became my outlet, my therapy …my healing.
I had loved working in the health field and was a confident and highly-regarded practitioner, but inside, I was struggling to understand and accept who I was as a person. An individual. A woman. Not only a mother or a practitioner. I hadn’t yet become aware of the fullness or truth of my identity. In some ways, I was scared to be myself.
Writing gave me a voice.
It gave me confidence.
It gave me self-expression.
Through my characters I dealt with life’s challenges, I found ways to understand things that had happened to me, I processed my emotions through my character’s emotions, and I enjoyed the thrill of my characters’ experiences.
By creating new lives through the art of fiction, I created my own new life.
I was not only becoming a writer, I was becoming myself. My true self, that until then, hadn’t been fully expressed.
And when I became published, I became heard. I hadn’t felt truly ‘heard‘ before. This was both exciting and scary, but the more I found out that readers enjoyed my books, the more confident I became, in my writing, and in myself.
Writing books, meeting other writers, reading their books, and immersing myself in this wonderful world of words, made me feel like I had found people who ‘got’ me. Who I could relate to. And I developed many new friendships as a result.
The more and more I wrote, the more and more my life started to become something resembling a novel! Sometimes funny, sometimes sweet, and sometimes heartbreaking. My career blossomed, and so did I. I started connecting with more and more people, trying new experiences, enjoying greater health by finally looking after myself and not just my patients, and ‘came out of my shell’. I even got a tattoo! …Something I had never thought I would do, but as I became more aware of my own essence, I wanted to express it, and as an artist as well, this was one way that felt right. It made me feel more ‘me’.
I am proud to stand confident and say I am a creative, motivated, determined, intuitive, resourceful, and kind person. A mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunty, a partner, a writer, and a woman.
It is always a process, and sometimes it’s not easy; learning more about yourself and coming to love and accept yourself and be confident with who you are, but I am there. My words, and the 19 books I’ve written so far helped me get there. They helped me tune into my own authenticity and personal power, and to finally be able to say, ‘It’s okay to be me, just as I am.’
Thank you for reading.
Love, Juliet xo
> GIVEAWAY!
To enter to win a signed copy of my latest book, THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT; a journal of transformation through the art of letter writing, please visit my Facebook page and follow the instructions on the GIVEAWAY post! And to stay tuned for more giveaways coming up this month, select ‘get notifications’ on my page to make sure you are notified when I post on Facebook.
I’ll draw the winner on Feb 8th. Contest open INTERNATIONALLY.
Real Life Experiences of the #SecretLettersProject
Dear Readers,
August was “Secret Letters to Strangers Month – Global Kindness Initiative”, to tie in with the release of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT book. People around the world wrote uplifting letters to strangers (using the Official Template or including the hashtag & website), and left them in public places for people to find. I did this too, and had a great time finding sneaky places to leave them! Many of us shared our experiences and photos in the Secret Letters project Facebook group. If you haven’t yet joined, you can do so HERE.
August may be over now, but secret letters to strangers will continue for all who want to keep writing and making this a regular part of their life. I hope to run the same event next August to make it more of an ‘official’ annual event to get as many letters out to the world all at once in a shorter space of time, and encourage new people to participate.
I’d like to thank every person who got involved in the project, it’s so rewarding to see people getting benefit out of not only finding these letters, but writing them as well. Some wonderful stories came through of people finding a letter just when they needed some encouragement or were having a difficult day.
Here are just some of the real life experiences and feedback I’ve received from recipients… (click each image to read up close)
“I recently lost my mum and one day a friend and me where in a second hand shop in Te Awamutu (New Zealand) looking for a special tea cup and saucer for a special friend when I came across this white envelope addressed
Dear Stranger – open me!
Yes you! If you found me, I’m yours! 🙂
Finding this envelope came at a time where I really needed it. The letter was so lovely and very befitting with how I was feeling and grieving the loss of my mum.
Thank you kind stranger! xox”
“So last week I received this secret letter. I cannot begin to tell you how much I needed these words particularly right at that moment. Last month I had a miscarriage my husband and I have been trying for our 2nd child for some time now without any luck. Finally we get that positive test only to lose that hope in a few short weeks.
It all happened so quickly I found out on the Tuesday had procedure done Friday and was back at work the Monday. Bring me to last week. After a rough week at work not having systems working and wasting a lot of time trying to get them fixed adding unnecessary stress coz I’m falling behind the work that needs to get done.
On Thursday we had to take my son to hospital we got home at 3.30 am in the morning and I was up at 6:30 am for work.
On less than 3 hrs sleep I worked a full day only to have more system issues and fall more behind with my actual work. When I spoke to my boss there was not even a care that I had showed up to work that day rather than call in sick like I should have. I walk out of work to find this letter. Everything that was written was exactly what I needed to hear.”
You can search social media for the hashtag #secretlettersproject to see other photos, stories, and experiences.
In addition to the recipient, writing these letters has also proved beneficial for the writer:
“As I was writing each word, I was feeling connections being formed and developed with people everywhere. Every person I pass on the street or have contact with could be a recipient of my letter, therefore I started acting that way towards others more often too and the results were surprising. After writing each letter I felt lifted, positive and significant.” ~ Tina
“For me I felt like I was writing the letters to myself without realising until I read them back. Giving myself permission to feel things I didn’t realise I didn’t know I needed.” ~ Laura
“It helped me gain perspective and peace on dark days knowing I was potentially helping someone else. It is truly givers gain where you get something wonderful by giving without expectation of getting something in return.” ~ Traycie
And it was great to see people writing about the project on various blogs and websites:
- The Simple Life: Secret Letters Project on News Tribune.
- 9 Secret Letters to Write for Reflection, Growth, and Transformation on Popsugar.
- Blogs: Keeps Me Out Of Mischief and Anxiety Mum.
I would also like to thank everyone who has bought a copy of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT, which not only talks about writing letters to strangers, but talks about the secret letter writing process I’ve developed for 20 different types of letters, such as Dear Universe, Dear Me, Dear Ex, Dear Son/Daughter, Dear Past Event, etc.
I love creating books like this and hope to make many more, and every sale, every word of mouth recommendation, every review, makes a BIG difference for an author in being able to continue writing and publishing the books they want to write. So if you’ve got the book and would be happy to leave a star rating and/or a brief review online, that would be very much appreciated! It doesn’t have to be detailed, just a simple ‘I loved this book’ or something similar is all that’s needed. The more reviews a book has the more visibility and exposure it gets in online stores such as Amazon. Thank you to everyone who has supported the book so far!
>> If you haven’t got a copy, you can get it from all online book retailers such as Amazon and B&N, and in stores in the US and Australia (Dymocks). The Book Depository has free fast worldwide shipping too.
And if you’d like to leave a review, go to the online store you purchased it from to leave your feedback, and/or write one on Goodreads. Thank you! 🙂
…Now onto something new and exciting… I’m holding some fun and inspiring online courses about my secret letters process, and you’re invited!
The first course: Secret Letters for Self Empowerment, is starting soon on Monday Sep 18, through to Friday Sep 22. And the first course is FREE! But if you miss it that’s ok, you can go back to the group where the content is posted and do the activities in your own time. You don’t need a copy of the book to participate, but it is a good adjunct if you wish to get the most out of it. The course will help with your self confidence, self love, self acceptance, and self empowerment, and is a great starting point for the courses that will follow.
JOIN here! It’s free. 🙂
The two follow-on courses (dates to be confirmed but probably during January) are:
- Secret Letters for Releasing the Past
- Secret Letters for Manifesting
These are a little more intensive than the first course and numbers will be limited so that I can guide each individual through the course as needed. The purpose of all is to free yourself from any limitations and past hurts and grief and allow you to move forward into the life you want to create for yourself. Once you experience the full healing and manifesting power of a secret letter, it will become a regular part of your life as it has for mine. 🙂
If you’d like to be notified when registrations open for the above two courses, please email jtmauthor@gmail.com and ask to be notified. And you can also join the group for the first course to take part. I look forward to seeing you there!
CLICK HERE to take part in the Secret Letters for Self Empowerment online course!
Love, laughter, and light,
~ Juliet xo
Everything You Need To Know About The “SECRET LETTERS TO STRANGERS MONTH – GLOBAL KINDNESS INITIATIVE”
Everything You Need To Know About The “SECRET LETTERS TO STRANGERS MONTH – GLOBAL KINDNESS INITIATIVE”
During August, people around the world will be writing secret letters to strangers and leaving them in public as an anonymous act of kindness, to spread hope and inspiration and remind people that we are all in life together, and by connecting with each other we can make a difference and emphasise the good in the world.
By writing a secret letter, you could make someone’s day, or even change their life.
You might even find a letter yourself. How nice would that be?
So far over 3000 people have responded to the event invitation on Facebook, and it has been shared over 1000 times… I’d like to say a BIG thank you to all who have expressed interest and have shared and invited friends… all it takes is one person to make a difference, but with many, we can spread so much more kindness and inspiration, and I can’t wait to flood the globe with uplifting letters this August!
If you haven’t yet responded as ‘going’ or ‘interested’ on the event page, you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/events/465815260431665/
You can also join the private Facebook group for THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT, the book that inspired the idea to have a month dedicated to writing letters to strangers, as “Dear Stranger” is one of the chapters in the book (there are 20 different types of letters included in the book, such as Dear Me, Dear Soulmate, Dear Universe, Dear Ex… all to help gain emotional wellbeing, forgiveness and acceptance, and self empowerment). Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesecretlettersproject/
To participate in the Secret Letters Month this August, all you need to do is the following:
- Download and print out the official Dear Stranger letter template. It is in the files section of the Facebook group, on the Secret Letters page of this website, and you can also download it RIGHT HERE. You can print 1 copy or 100, or however many you would like. You don’t need to explain in the letter about the secret letters month, there is an explanation at the bottom and a website address where the recipient can choose to share their experience or take part too.
- Write a positive letter to a stranger. It can be a few sentences, half a page, a full page, or several pages. You can write one letter or many. *See tips below of what you could write.
- Leave your letter or letters somewhere in public during August (although you can start earlier if you like, and you can continue after August). You can simply leave the letter as is, fold the letter, or put it in an envelope, or a plastic zip-lock bag (if leaving outdoors where it might rain). If using an envelope, be sure to write something on it that will encourage someone to open it, eg: For You, Dear Stranger, Open Me, etc. *See tips below on where you could leave your letters.
- Optional: Share in the Secret Letters group (or on the Facebook event page) about your experiences, your letters, photos, how you felt, etc. You can also share on social media using the hashtag #secretlettersproject. If using Instagram, you can tag me at @julietmadisonauthorartist …And if you find a letter yourself, please let us know!
And that’s it! Print the template, write a letter, and leave it in public. Simple, but powerful.
Tips on what to write:
Think of a tough day you’ve had and what would have made you feel better. What words, phrases, or positive sayings come to mind? Imagine the person receiving your letter is having a bad day, or perhaps they are having a good day, and when they receive your letter, they are going to feel even better. Write about positive things you have learned in life, supportive words of encouragement, or a reminder that each and every person is special and a valuable part of life. You may even simply write something like “Dear Stranger, I hope you have an amazing day!” The letter can be as long or short as you wish. As you write, imagine the recipient with a big smile on their face as they read your words.
You may choose to leave it unsigned, write your first name, or write something like “from one stranger to another,” “from anonymous,” “from me,” or “from a friend.”
Example:
Dear Stranger,
You might be wondering what this is all about. Why would someone leave an anonymous letter for someone else to find? The reason is simple. There is a lot of negativity in the world, but I am choosing to spread joy and kindness. I would like to wish you an amazing day, and I hope all your dreams come true. Always believe in yourself, never give up, and keep smiling.
Love,
Your anonymous friend xo
Ideas for places to leave letters:
- In a public park (weather permitting, or placed in a plastic bag)
- In a doctor’s waiting room
- At the gym
- In a library on a shelf or inside a book
- At a bookstore
- Under the windshield wiper of someone’s car
- In a shopping cart
- In a payphone booth
- At an automatic teller machine
- In a stranger’s mailbox
- In an elevator
Other tips/ideas:
- Put your letter in an envelope and write something on it to encourage the recipient to open it. You may wish to decorate the envelope too.
- Along with your letter, include a spare blank letter & pen for the recipient to write their own and save them printing it out
- Leave a gift with the letter, eg: a scratchie ticket, a bookmark, a small amount of cash, a book, a movie voucher, a café gift certificate, etc.
- Decorate your letter with drawings or stickers
- Have a letter writing party with friends and then go on a kindness spree together
- Get your children involved to teach them about the importance of showing kindness
- Blog about your experience or share in the Secret Letters Facebook group
CONTEST:
*I am also running a preorder contest during July… if you order the book before August and send me your receipt or proof of purchase via email or Facebook message, you’ll go in the draw to win a personal handwritten letter from me along with a special secret gift! This contest is open worldwide.
To enter:
- Order a copy of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT from your preferred retailer. Some options are: Amazon, Book Depository (free worldwide shipping), B&N, Booktopia, Dymocks.
- Send your proof of purchase to me by July 31 at jtmauthor@gmail.com with “Secret Letters preorder contest” in the subject line, or send via message on my Facebook page.
I’ll draw the winner at the beginning of August.
Thank you for taking the time to participate. I’ll also be writing my own secret letters! Have fun and enjoy.
~ Juliet xo
*HERE is the letter template again.
A Secret Letter…
Dear Friends,
Imagine if you were going about your day as usual, or maybe even having a really bad day, and then the corner of an envelope poking out from behind a tree branch catches your eye… or maybe you arrive back to your car to find an envelope tucked under your windscreen wipers… or you’re browsing the books in your local library and notice an oddly placed envelope between the spines…
You pick up the envelope, wondering what it is.
It says ‘For You’.
You wonder if someone has dropped it, or left it for someone else who didn’t pick it up, or it as been mistakenly placed where you found it.
But still, it says ‘YOU’, so maybe you should open it?
You open it. Of course you do. 🙂
You start reading. A small smile lifts the corners of your lips, when you realise the letter IS for you.
But you don’t know who wrote it. It could be anyone… a friend, a school student, a busy parent, a local doctor, or a stranger. Regardless, as you read the words, you feel a strange but exciting connection to the person who wrote these words. It was like they knew what you needed to hear, what would help you on this very day. It’s like a guardian angel whispered in their ear inspiring their words and guided them on where to leave it so you would find it. It seems somehow … magical.
The letter reminds you about what is really important in life. It reminds you that you are doing the best you can. It helps you understand that you are not alone. This letter, from an anonymous stranger, helps you feel connected. Special. Lucky.
You re-read the letter and then glance around… is someone hiding, waiting to see your reaction? Or have they long gone, satisfied in the knowledge that the right person at the right time will find it? The right person did find it. You found it. This simple letter has made your day, and the warmth of gratitude fills your heart.
Imagine that…
Now imagine if you were the person who had written the letter. You may not ever know who received it, but you would know you’d done something great, however simple, that could either make someone smile, or even change their life. You just never know.
If you had the chance to do that, with only a few minutes of your time, would you do it? What if not only you did it, but lots of other people. Hundreds. Thousands. Maybe more… Imagine the effect on so many people, letting them know that someone out there cares, even if they are a stranger. Because we’re all in this life journey together, and one by one, and together, we can make a difference. By spreading kindness and support, we can bring more light to this world that is experiencing so many dark moments.
During August 2017 to coincide with the publication of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT book and journal, I will be encouraging people around the globe to write secret letters to inspire strangers and leave them in public to be found.
And I invite you to take part…
Join the “Secret Letters to Strangers Month – Global Kindness Initiative” here: https://www.facebook.com/events/465815260431665/ and let’s make a positive difference in the lives of others.
*I would love to get as many people as possible to take part in this, and I need your help to spread the word. Please share the event page or this blog post with as many friends as you can, in your FB groups, and in any communities you belong to. Thanks in advance! 🙂
~ Juliet xo
How To Boost Your Writing Mojo!
Writing is more than just putting words on the page, or the screen.
Often, before that happens, there is a whole lot of mental and emotional preparation to get in ‘the zone’, or to get that writing mojo flowing.
Sometimes it flows, sometimes it doesn’t.
Sometimes we have to make ourselves write to get it flowing, but one key to help the writing flow time and time again, is passion. For writing itself, for your story, and for the big picture of ‘why’ you write. If you’re lacking in passion and enthusiasm for any of these, your writing can suffer.
You can be enthusiastic and passionate about writing, but have trouble getting words written because your story doesn’t feel alive or fresh enough to you… you can be passionate about your story but find writing challenging and difficult, or you can love writing and your story but get sidetracked and distracted because you don’t have a clear vision or passion for the big picture of what you want to achieve. Making sure these elements all work together is vital to boosting your mojo.
If you’ve lost some passion for writing itself, one of the best ways to get it back is to read. Read something for the enjoyment of it, and remember how powerful writing can be. You can also try writing for the sake of writing, without pressure or judgement, just write something without censoring yourself and watch how much lighter you start to feel when thoughts and emotions become words and are released from your mind.
If your story isn’t making you excited to get at the computer each day, then you need to boost your story mojo by clarifying your story hook (a succinct summary of main premise and plot) and making sure it stands out enough and is as unique as can be, deepen your characters’ goals, motivations, and conflicts, and get into the ‘feeling’ of the story and discover why it will be enjoyable and satisfying for a reader to read. A few tweaks and improvements can get you more excited about your book which makes the writing process a whole lot easier. Or, start a new story.
And do you actually know why you write? For many, it’s mainly a case of: “I can’t NOT write”. It can be like part of our DNA, something we feel born to do. Yet this doesn’t always compel us to write and to enjoy the process. Go deeper, think about how you feel when you write or after you have written… what does it bring to you and to others? Hold onto that joy, that bliss, that meaning and purpose, and bring it onto your day to day writing life. Keep reminders of your ‘why’ in the form of post-it note messages or affirmations to yourself, a collage of inspiring images, a picture resembling a goal stuck on your fridge, or simply a feeling in your mind. Remembering the big picture can help to keep the writing mojo going. You can also create a mission statement for your writing or career, for example, mine is: “Entertaining and inspiring myself and others through stories, art, and self empowerment.” I have this stuck on my whiteboard above where my laptop charges. If I get caught up with deadlines, overwork, or disappointments like bad reviews or less than expected sales, this helps bring me back to the big picture, to my “why”, to my passion for what I do.
This is me getting my writing mojo boosted at the RWAus 2016 conference in Adelaide!
The new year is a perfect time to think about what you want to achieve for the year ahead, and to get off to a great start with enthusiasm and passion… which is why I’ve created a fun and interactive online course called WRITING MOJO, to help you do just that! And even though I’m the teacher, I’ll be doing the lessons too, along with you, in the private group for course participants.
The course will start in January 2017 and contain 7 detailed lessons over approximately 2 weeks, but can be started at any time and done at your own pace. A downloadable version will also be made available. It is for all types of writers, beginners to advanced, and doesn’t matter if you write (or want to write) fiction, non-fiction, memoir, self help, health & fitness, or ‘how to’ books… it’s all about getting yourself ready for a year of success, creating and achieving your goals, and enjoying your writing life. And I’ll be there to help you along the way.
During December, pre-bookings for the course are $50 off the full price, and I’m also giving a free chapter critique to the first few students, so to secure your spot head over to the COURSES page where you can book easily online.
Hope to see you there, and I wish you a magical year of motivation, magnificence, and mojo! 🙂
~ Juliet
Cover Reveal! THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT…
I love the colours in this cover, what do you think?! 🙂
THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT will be out in August 2017 with Sourcebooks, but is already listed on Amazon for preorder – click here.
You can also join the secret Facebook group for updates and to read real life secret letters and even submit your own – click here.
What are secret letters all about??
“Reclaim your emotional well-being, supercharge your self-empowerment, and create a magical life of miracles through the healing power of letter writing…”
Discover how an advanced form of journaling known as secret letter writing can help you become more positive and empowered in your life.
Whether the letter is for your eyes only or shared with another, this emotional release and manifesting tool has the power to transform your sense of self and your relationship with difficult circumstances to embrace positive outcomes and opportunities.
The Secret Letters Project is a practical and inspiring resource containing instructions and examples of 20 types of letters to write for various circumstances in your life, to help with things such as; dealing with grief, resolving resentments, releasing emotions and expressing yourself safely, asking for or offering forgiveness, uncovering answers, starting your life over or moving on from the past, providing clarity and closure, declaring your desires and intentions, aiding recovery from illness or addictions, giving gratitude, and expressing excitement and anticipation for what the future may hold.
No matter what challenges, choices, or opportunities you are facing, a hand-written letter from the heart can help.
Join THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT Facebook group to keep updated> – click here.
Sneak Peek of COLOR YOUR DREAMS!
Not long until COLOR YOUR DREAMS releases in April 2016!
And, for those in Australia who would prefer an Aussie edition that includes the letter U in COLOUR (hehe), there will be COLOUR YOUR DREAMS releasing in June 2016 in Australia!
Here are both covers.
And now for a sneak peek… what can you expect to see inside the book? There are 100 coloring/colouring pages based on positive words, and each has a themed activity page of inspiring and empowering exercises (the mental and emotional kind, not physical) to help you feel fantastic and create a life you love! 🙂
Here are 5 sample pages (watermarked with my publisher’s logo):
If you’d like to keep updated on COLOR YOUR DREAMS, take part in exclusive giveaways, share your coloring creations or chat coloring, feel free to join my fun Facebook group HERE. You can also like my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
>>PRE-ORDER with free shipping at Book Depository.
Happy coloring! 🙂
~ Juliet xo
New Release! SCENT (The Delta Girls #3)
Book 3 in my Young Adult paranormal romantic suspense series is now available! Scent is a stand-alone story but also continues the overall mystery from book 1 (SIGHT), so if you haven’t read the first yet, the details are HERE. Book 1 is currently on special for 99c at some retailers.
SCENT is told from Sasha’s point of view. She can smell the future! 🙂 But she needs her sisters and their respective senses to be able to put their predictions together in order to help others and themselves.
Here is the book description:
Five extraordinary sisters discover that they each have a unique talent, an extra-sensory perception that enables them to see what others can’t. It makes them incredible, it puts them in danger, and it brings them closer to learning the secrets that have haunted them their entire lives. These are the Delta Girls.
Sassy Sasha is having an online interlude with a secret admirer. She’s convinced it’s the gorgeous Taylor Petrenko behind the romantic emails.
There’s little time for love, though. As new developments come to light around their father’s disappearance, the Delta Girls start to question just how well they knew their father. The sisters experience increasingly detailed and troubling sensory predictions that bring fear and uncertainty, weighing them down with the responsibility toward helping those in danger.
Sasha distracts herself with the excitement of newfound romance, refusing to partake in further analysis of the visions. When her sisters cover for her so she can sneak out for a date, her sense of scent becomes heightened and awakens the memory of a vision she shared with her sisters. Sasha realizes a moment too late that she is in danger, and must gather all of her strength if she is to save her own life.
SCENT is published by Diversion Books and is now available in both print and ebook from all online retailers, with audiobook to follow, and can be purchased or ordered from physical bookstores as well.
Links:
- FREE & fast international shipping from Book Depository (all 5 books available to order/preorder).
- Diversion Books
- Amazon US / Amazon Aus / Amazon UK
- iTunes/iBooks US / iTunes/iBooks Aus
- Kobo
- B&N
You can also add SCENT to Goodreads here.
I hope you’ll enjoy the 3rd book in The Delta Girls series! Book 4 (TASTE) is releasing in April 2016.
~ Juliet xo
THE DELTA GIRLS:
SIGHT (Savannah’s story) – now available!
SOUND (Serena’s story) – now available!
SCENT (Sasha’s story) – now available!
TASTE (Tamara’s story) – Coming April 2016
TOUCH (Talia’s story & the series conclusion)- Coming July 2016
JULIET MADISON 