About the Book
In Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? seasoned coach and author Bella Mahaya Carter shows writers how to use their present circumstances as stepping-stones to a successful and meaningful writing life, navigated from the inside out. It encourages writers and authors to rethink their ambitions (which may be fueled by the tyrannical demands of the ego) and trust in their heartfelt purpose and values in the journey to becoming, or continuing on, as authors.
Many writers believe their self-sabotaging thoughts are trustworthy and true. They take rejection personally. They surmise that if they don't achieve their goals they have failed, and lose sight of who they are and what matters most.
This book is for writers looking for inspiration and for authors daunted by the publishing process, who might lack the requisite author platform to get published the way they dreamed, or whose careers may not be unfolding as expected. It aims to be the friend and trusted expert writers turn to when hijacked by their own thinking. Ultimately, it reminds authors that they are infinite creators.
About the Author :
Bella Mahaya Carter is a creative writing teacher, empowerment coach, speaker, and author of an award-winning memoir, Raw: My Journey from Anxiety to Joy, and Secrets of My Sex, a collection of narrative poems. She has worked with hundreds of writers over the past eleven years and has degrees in literature, film production, and spiritual psychology. Her poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, articles, and interviews have appeared in Mind, Body, Green; The Sun; Lilith; Fearless Soul; Writer’s Bone; Women Writers, Women’s Books; Chic Vegan; Bad Yogi Magazine; Jane Friedman’s Blog; Pick The Brain; Spiritual Medial Blog; Literary Mama; several anthologies, and elsewhere. She lives in Studio City, California. Visit her online: www.BellaMahayaCarter.com.
Review :
2022 16th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Writing & Publishing
2022 16th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Self-Help: General
2022 International Book Awards Winner in Business: Writing/Publishing
2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner in Writing/Publishing (Non-Fiction)
“Inspired and inspiring, informed and informative, erudite and eloquent, practical and useful, detailed and comprehensive, Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? is thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation making it an ideal DIY 'how to' manual for being a successfully published author in today's volatile and competitive publishing industry. While strongly recommended, especially for community, college and university library Writing/Publishing reference collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of anyone seeking to establish themselves in a successful writing career.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? is a respite for any writer navigating not only their inner critic but also the brass tacks of publishing, an often fickle industry. Carter’s voice instills a sense of calm and assurance in uncertain times. This book is a meditation, and a perfect gift for the writer in your life. I truly love it.”
—Elizabeth K. Kracht, author of The Author’s Checklist: An Agent’s Guide to Developing and Editing Your Manuscript
“In Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? Bella Mahaya Carter bridges the gap between our expectations around what it means to write and share our work and the reality that many writers face. Her book is a gentle reorientation that can lead nervous, overwhelmed, or jaded writers to a more hopeful path filled with personal growth, living your creative dream, and waking up to realize, ‘I’m living the life of a writer I had always hoped for.’”
—Dan Blank, author of Be the Gateway: A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Creative Work and Engaging an Audience
“Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? delivers a master class in how to write, publish, and promote your book. Bella Mahaya Carter is as motivating as she is inspiring. Every author can learn from the practical and actionable wisdom offered in this book.”
—Fauzia Burke, author of Online Marketing for Busy Authors, founder of FSB Associates, and cofounder of Pub Site
“For any writer who experiences the common doubt, discouragement, or despair that can accompany a creative path, Bella Mahaya Carter’s Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? will be the perfect antidote. Full of permission and patience, journal exercises and relatable stories, this book is like an encouraging best friend who will help you gently yet firmly meet your goals.”
—Jordan Rosenfeld, author of How to Write a Page Turner: Crafting a Story Your Readers Can’t Put Down
“With warmth and wit, Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? offers practical and inspirational advice for writers struggling to make sense of both the internal and external journeys of being a writer in today’s world. Readers will feel like they’ve found a new friend in this book.”
—Laraine Herring, author of Writing Begins with the Breath: Embodying Your Authentic Voice
“Bella Mahaya Carter has written the quintessential guide to writing for both novice and experienced writers alike. In Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? she inspires and informs through every aspect of the writing process. It is truly a writer’s bible! From addressing barriers to creativity to self-care while in the midst of a project to practical suggestions for writing, publishing, and promotion, this book overflows with clarity and insight. As a writer, I felt held lovingly in Bella’s capable hands. She will support you to dream big, step beyond fear, and get your project done and out into the world.”
—Gail Brenner, PhD, author of Suffering is Optional: A Spiritual Guide to Freedom from Self-judgment and Feelings of Inadequacy
“In Where Do You Hang Your Hammock? Bella Mahaya Carter beautifully points to that which is beyond words. She also provides practical suggestions and questions that guide us to follow our own wisdom. This book is a gift for anyone who wants to improve their writing or become a writer. The author’s gentle touch left me feeling uplifted—and motivated to begin my next book!”
—Natasha Swerdloff, coauthor of Coming Home: Uncovering the Foundations of Psychological Well-being
