Beacons

I'm getting ready to write about beacons in one particular concept (writing), but I realize how many ways one could use that concept.  So, forgive me if this rambles a bit as I get hit with 238 ideas at once. 

I was working with a client in my Get Started Now program last year, and she was having a hard time figuring out what she wanted to write about.  However, one theme that kept popping up for her was that she was passionate about people's stories being told.  "There are all these stories out there, and they just need to be told!" she'd say over and over.

It was pretty obvious to me that telling other people's stories was what she needed to write.  At first, she didn't agree; "That's not good enough. It needs to be bigger."

Really? Isn't that what a lot of books are about, in one form or another? Telling others' stories?

That idea, that passion, was a beacon for her.  And as such, she should use it to help guide her.  Not so much as a sign post far ahead that she would move toward, but more as a lamppost that shines its light and guides the way.

I took that concept and applied it to my From Idea to Ink workshop I held this spring.  As my writers worked through their book ideas, some beacon would come to light for each of them.  It was easy for me to see, and not for them.  Probably because these concepts and passions were such a part of them that they couldn't see them.

Talking with a client this week about writing website copy for her new website, I mentioned the idea of a beacon - why she was passionate about her business and what she wanted to convey to her potential customers.

And then there's the idea of personal beacons that guide us.  I call them core values, and they serve as my guide in life.  I can look at them if I'm conflicted or needing to pick a direction.  They light my way.

What are your beacons?