5 things people get wrong about launching their first book. I recently ran a Masterclass with YPO Chair called How to Write and Launch a Great Book. For this audience of entrepreneurs, coaches, & consultants, a book is a tool. The 5 truths I shared about modern authorship:

As the ancient ship crossed the river Styx The cruel man opened the Book of the #Damned Fearing their plans He searched for a spell To free him from eternal Hell Then he heard a Demon say, “You’ll never get away You were a killer And now you’re prey!” #vssGhostShip

“Where’s One-eyed Jack?” Asked the Captain “He’s in the Crow’s Nest! Had to tie him to the mast. Kept falling out.”said the First Mate. “That’s because he’s been a #corpse for the last 3 weeks!” “Oh,I thought he looked a little pale!” #vssGhostShip

“Captain!”Cried the young newbie sailor,“The #moon is falling into the sea!” “Nay,the moon’s a Goddess &often drops below the ocean,”winked the Captain as older sailors grinned. “But won’t she drown?” “‘Twas a joke,”sighed the Captain. “Oh, glad she can swim!” #vssGhostShip

#Bubbles filled her mouth as she chugged more champagne. “Lisa! You can’t drink so much alcohol before a dive, especially a deep one!” I’ll be fine,”Lisa replied,“I do it all the time!” “It’s okay,”said Joe,her husband,“She has great life insurance.” #vssGhostShip

#vssGhostShip The fierce storm washed many of his crew overboard as the Captain &remaining crew desperately tried to save them. But then an enormous #Cthulhu rose from the sea &dragged the flailing sailors under water, pausing for a moment, smiling and murmuring, “Lunch!”

The Captain stood on the Bridge of the sailing ship,a lovely young woman by his side. “The seas are #calm today—so different from the night’s torrential rains &hurricane winds.Thank you for saving us from the rocky shore.” The sea nymph smiled,“It’s what we do.” #vssGhostShip

She leaned on the rail of the old sailing ship watching the #horizon & filled with regret.She’d fallen in love with a human &begged Poseidon to change her to a human form.Jed was her 1st lesson in love &loss; he couldn’t deal with her constant munching on raw fish. #vssGhostShip

How many times can a heart be #broken? Another day of watching the horizon for his ship to return.“Come back to me,”she whispered,knowing that the debris scattered on the shore told his fate.Then she heard his voice in the sea breeze,“I’ll always be with you.” #vssGhostShip

“#Row! Put your backs in it!” And 16 pairs of oars cut thru the rough waves. A crew of 35 eager Viking warriors headed for new territory searching for gold & other plunder &ready for battle. Their ship’s proud dragon head would soon create fear in all who saw it. #vssGhostShip

Nestled in her berth,lulled to sleep by the gentle motion of ocean waves,she sighed.Then a familiar sound awakened her.Bright moonlight thru her portal made her shiver.They were back,#shadows dancing on the walls,beckoning her to join them.Why do they follow me? #vssGhostShip