Alison Jones

21/06/2024

Making the case for business books in bookshops in this week's The Bookseller magazine - and look at that gorgeous stack of Practical Inspiration Publishing titles...

'In many bookshops [the business book section is] the Cinderella section: tiny, tucked near the back, largely unloved. But it could be so much more. Here’s why…'

Have you got (or do you run) a bookshop with a belting business book section? Let me know!

09/04/2024

Well this has made my day - it may be raining outside my window but it's bright Spanish sunlight on my screen. Hello Escritura Exploratoria, and thank you Editorial Sirio for a gorgeous cover for the Spanish translation of Exploratory Writing.

It's out next month in Spain, and then throughout the Spanish-speaking Americas in July.

Big thanks to Editorial Sirio, and to our brilliant rights manager Clare Hodder who has taken my little book on so many big international adventures.

Estoy tan encantada!

19/03/2024

Where do you do your best thinking? 🤔

I'll bet it’s not sitting at your desk.

This time next month - 19-22 April - I’ll have swapped the noise of traffic outside my window for the whisper of wind through leaves, and the ping of notifications for the crackle of a campfire. I’ll be with a small group of like-minded people who want time and space to do their best work, to connect deeply with their vision and message in an environment that encourages clarity and creativity.

I can’t wait.

Here’s what we have planned:

🌳 Strategic serenity: Write it Wild is located in the stunning, secluded Monkton Wyld in Dorset. You'll have a private room with a writing desk and nature just outside your door, offering the peace you need to think deeply about complex concepts and ideas. It’s the ideal setting to take your thinking to a new level.

📘 Focused workshops: I’ll be working one-to-one with each participant to help them clarify their ideas and overcome their blocks, as well as small group exploratory writing sessions and peer-to-peer support and ideation.

🚫 Digital detox: Embrace the opportunity to disconnect and focus. There’ll be screen time if you need it, but there’ll also be sessions designed to reconnect you with the natural world, and to help you find the mental space to develop your ideas, turning insights into impactful writing.

🤝 Support plus solitude: Whether you do your best work alongside others or in solitude, you’ll find the perfect balance here. Write it Wild includes time alone in nature and for private writing alongside group work and reflections around the campfire.

This retreat isn’t just an escape, it’s a strategic pause, offering you the tools and environment to transform your thinking and writing. And there’s just one place left.

Are you ready to give your writing the time, space, and focus it deserves, and in the process refresh, restore and reenergise yourself? 🌲📘

Sign-up link in comments below!

01/03/2024

"You, like me, will start to realize that actually you DO have the answers to the questions and situations that are stumping you: you just needed a page-shaped space and six minutes or so to find them."
A few thoughts on agency and exploratory writing...
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/agency-page-shaped-space-alison-jones-gbece/

29/02/2024

Oooh, it's 29 February - and I have a proposal-related question to ask you! Will you....

(No, not that. Don't panic.)
..be taking advantage of the last day of the early-bird offer for the April 2024 10-day Business Book Proposal Challenge?

Go on, take the leap!
https://alisonjones.leadpages.co/proposal-challenge/

17/02/2024

If you've been intrigued by the idea of , I'm running a spring special on my WriteBrained 28-day exploratory writing course. It's usually £199 + VAT, but this week it's just £49 + VAT (where applicable).
If you want to try a more structured, purposeful approach to journaling, perfect for creativity, problem-solving and wellbeing, why not give it a try?
https://pi-q.learnworlds.com/course/writebrainedcourse

Explore a new approach to writing as a thinking tool: simple, powerful, and just 6 minutes a day.

18/01/2024

How's that writing project going?
Do you think a day in a beautiful place with a small group of writers and authors to focus on getting unstuck, staying motivated, and writing more productively might help?
Thought so.
There's one place left on our Kickstart Your Writing workshop at Gladstone's Library next week. Join me and writing productivity/creative persistence expert Bec Evans there, and rediscover your writing mojo.
(You could even stay overnight and join us for a freestyle day of writing in the library there the next day, make a retreat of it!)
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kickstart-your-writing-workshop-tickets-666359076937
"I highly recommend this day for anyone who wants to connect more with their “why” for writing, and who wants practical advice on what to actually do to remove the blocks and become more productive."
"A day that will replenish your soul and revitalise your writing."
"What a great way to spend a day – I left feeling positive and ready to move ahead."

Simple, powerful tools and techniques for every stage of your nonfiction book or writing project: get started, keep going, finish strong.

10/01/2024

I am SO excited about this. Future 2024. For Insights. For Intelligence. For Action.
If you're within striking distances of Manchester, if you want to be inspired and energised FOR FREE by 10 brilliant keynote speakers, and particularly if you're responsible for sourcing speakers in the north west, join us on January 17 at Manchester Technology Centre.
Or if you can't make it to Manchester (not everyone is so lucky), join the livestream!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-2024-for-insights-for-intelligence-for-action-tickets-763820195767

02/01/2024

What's your focus for 2024?
If it involves writing a business or self-development book, then I have a new year podcast episode just for you.
We naturally tend to think in terms of outputs, 'having written a book', but in reality it's the inputs and the process that turn goals into reality.
What's YOUR first step?

“If you’re thinking about writing a book… that’s a gorgeous, sexy goal, but it’s very unlikely to happen as long as it stays an outcome, a goal, in that form. But if y…

30/11/2023

'Writing alone is like drinking alone: it's OK, but you don't want to be doing too much of it.'

I know that many people find writing alone blissful. That's great.

I also know that many (like me) write alone most of the time because they have to, but would *much* rather write in the company of like-minded people, ideally in beautiful surroundings, because they find the focus, energy and accountability helpful, and because it's just so much more FUN.

That's why I've added a new page to my website with details of upcoming opportunities to re-energise your writing in good company, and with professional support. (NB I'm talking about nonfiction writing here, and particularly business and self-development books: if you're writing a novel, there are others better placed to support you!)

And if you're thinking how great it would be to receive one of these as a Christmas gift (I KNOW, right?) just let me know: I can send you a gorgeous gift certificate perfect for popping in your stocking!

You don't have to write alone

01/11/2023

I'd forgotten that Exploratory Writing had been nominated as a Kindle Daily Deal: it's happening today! If you've not grabbed your copy yet, now would be a very, very good moment....

27/10/2023

When you've written a book and sent it out to find its own way in the world, you hope it'll meet people who 'get' it and love it. There's nothing better than finding out it's making new friends.

Which is to say that my day has just been made by this latest GoodReads review for Exploratory Writing.

Here's the full version:
'Exploratory Writing is a breath of fresh air in our increasingly digital world. This book underlines the age-old practice of using pen and paper for personal exploration, and it's a game-changer. I can't stress enough how vital this tool is for anyone, no matter what walk of life you come from.

The first part of the book provides an insightful introduction to exploratory writing. It delves into the science behind it, explaining why it's such a powerful thinking tool. While this section might be a tad lengthy for some, I found it to be an essential foundation for understanding the value of this practice. It's not just about jotting down thoughts; it's about harnessing the true potential of your mind.

But for me, the book truly shines in its second part. Here, you'll discover a treasure trove of writing exercises that are not only original but also incredibly valuable. These techniques are unlike any I've encountered before. They guide you in digging deep into your thoughts when you're not even sure what you want to say. This is a lifeline if you're brainstorming ideas for a book or grappling with a problem in your life. It's like having a trusted friend who helps you navigate the labyrinth of your thoughts.

Now, don't be put off by the fact that the book is primarily targeted at business professionals. It's a misconception to think that exploratory writing is exclusive to the corporate world. No matter who you are or what you write, this book is a goldmine of techniques to free up your creativity and uncover hidden depths.

In a world that's drowning in technology, "Exploratory Writing" brings us back to a fundamental and timeless practice. It has the potential to transform the way you think, create, and problem-solve. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any writer or individual who is looking to unleash their creativity, sharpen their focus, and discover the untapped potential within their own mind. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the pen and the page.'

Day, as I say, made.

28/08/2023

"It's clear. It's pithy. It's enraging."

Sometimes, as a publisher, you read a review of a book you've published and think, brilliant, they just 'get it'.

And just occasionally you read a review like this one - of Dr Lucy Ryan's 'Revolting Women: Why midlife women are walking out, and what to do about it', by Christina Patterson in yesterday's Sunday Times - and there's nothing for it but to get up and dance like a crazy person around the office.

It's out next week from Practical Inspiration Publishing and it is everything Christina Patterson says and more!

11/08/2023

Thanks to Karen Skidmore: Grow Strong Business for sending on these great pictures from Jo Blackwell, the official photographer at her Momentum event last month: it was such an honour to be invited to speak there, and to see the group engage so creatively and wholeheartedly with exploratory writing. As you can see, Karen and I were totes profesh throughout...
Thanks for the great pics, Jo!

21/06/2023

A fabulous midsummer National Writing Day with this splendid Power Up Your Writing workshop cohort at Gladstone's Library.

10/05/2023

What IS exploratory writing, anyway? I'm glad you asked...

09/05/2023

Could I BE any more proud that Exploratory Writing is listed as frequently bought alongside Bec Evans and Chris Smith's Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts?
(Spoiler alert: No. No, I couldn't.)
And it makes all kinds of sense: Exploratory Writing is perfect for getting started when your thinking is in the early stages (and indeed for getting unstuck at any point); Written is the best book I've ever read on establishing a sustainable writing practice and seeing a writing project through to completion in a way that works for you.
That's why I'm so excited to be running another Power Up Your Writing workshop next month with Bec at beautiful Gladstone's Library ('better than Hogwarts', according to HuffPost).
If you have a book or other big writing project in front of you, if you want practical strategies for getting started and keeping going, and inspiration for writing more powerfully, why not join us? There are just a couple of spaces left: we'd love to see you there.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/600773689277

13/02/2023

I talked to the legend that is Greg McKeown about , , and the to be rubbish.
It was really interesting, and I think you might like it.
podcast
https://gregmckeown.com/podcast/episode/turning-chaos-into-clarity-with-alison-jones/

Bonus: By joining Greg's Newsletter, you'll get Chapter One of "Effortless" AND "Essentialism" FREE! You can view past newsletter by visiting the 1-Minute Wednesday Archives.

19/01/2023

SO much fun chatting to Victoria Brown about , , and the life-changing power of pen and paper on the Creative Slurp podcast. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
https://creative-slurp.simplecast.com/episodes/can-a-pen-and-piece-of-paper-change-your-life-with-alison-jones

12/12/2022

Pssst - want to know a secret?

Turns out one of the most powerful technologies for supporting our thinking, creativity and focus and increasing our wellbeing is one of our oldest and most overlooked: pen and paper.

Writing isn't just for communicating with other people: it's something you can do just for yourself, when you don't know what the heck it is you want to say, and you'll be amazed at what you can discover in just 6 minutes.

Find out more in Exploratory Writing: Everyday magic for life and work, out today on Kindle and just 99p/99c for launch, today only!

'They say you don't really understand something until you can explain it to someone else. But what if you can't yet explain it to yourself? What Alison has done with this book is given everyone the power to explain any idea to themselves - even if that idea is brand new. A simple but brilliant super power.' - Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist and author of High Frequency Change and Future-proof Your Business

'When you're facing uncertainty – which is most of us, most of the time – writing can be a powerful tool for understanding and personal growth. In this book, Alison Jones shows us how to embrace the life-changing power of the blank page!' - Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business

'Jones reveals a nearly-magical cognitive secret: Our thinking is made clearer and better via the practice of exploratory writing, which is easy to employ and of great value.' - Robert Cialdini, Author of Influence and Pre-Suasion

Exploriamus!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exploratory-Writing-Everyday-magic-life-ebook/dp/B0BJW2LX62

Exploratory Writing: Everyday magic for life and work eBook : Jones, Alison: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

09/12/2022

'If we’re to lead successfully, we need to find strategies for thinking that go further upstream, beyond what we know we already know, beyond even what we’re happy to express to others as work in progress.'
Ahead of the publication of Exploratory Writing: Everyday magic for life and work next week, here's a piece I wrote for CEOWORLD magazine about how exploratory writing can be a secret weapon for senior leaders.
Do you use pen and paper as a thinking tool? What might that look like for you?
https://ceoworld.biz/2022/12/09/the-six-minute-leadership-practice-that-might-surprise-you/

Here’s a question: where do you speak about strategy issues when you don’t know exactly what it is you want to say? Certainly not in the board room or at a company presentation. Probably not even in front of your senior leadership team or even in a one-to-one meeting with a key report. You’re ...

14/11/2022

'When I find a practice that’s helpful and helps me become the person I aspire to be, I find a way to design it into my life consistently. Consistency might not sound sexy, but it’s immensely powerful, and it builds trust not only with others but with yourself. Consistency is what shifts what you do into who you are.'
Some thoughts from me on , , and (oh, and too, obvs) in Authority Magazine today.
https://medium.com/authority-magazine/alison-jones-of-practical-inspiration-publishing-on-the-morning-routines-and-habits-of-highly-3e745a65498e

17/09/2022

'I have got to the guts of what I want to deliver.' That's what I love to hear.

My day was completely made today by this note appended to an assignment on the 10-day Business Book Proposal Challenge (reproduced in abbreviated form with permission):

'Sincere thanks for your honest feedback to my first submission on this task, Alison. I realised I was trying to stay in my ‘safe’ zone and play at the sidelines of my topic rather than connecting with my creative potential. And it was, I must admit, rather painful to ponder the lack of clarity I was feeling and conveying. I plummeted into a big dip of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But I stayed with it and kept writing about what was coming up and went to bed with it in mind, which of course by morning had led to breakthrough!

The process of staking out a potential title and subtitle links back to the Day 3 task of summarising and creating an overview (so I have rewritten that and include it here) and then forwards to how I write my author biography (so I shall edit that again after receiving your feedback to this resubmission).

I felt like this needed to be nailed as it's pivotal to my business platform. Getting crystal clear on what this book is about has made me be brutally honest with myself about what it is I WANT to write and to ignore the fears around being visible and generating material that may not be expected by peers, for example. Now I have got to the guts of what I want to deliver I am really happy with this breakthrough.’

When someone takes challenging feedback and rises to it, leans into the discomfort and comes through it to create something so much stronger than their original submission - that's when I know the challenge is working its magic, and it's also when I remind myself that there's no other job on earth I'd rather be doing.

11/08/2022

Ever noticed that it’s when you get away from your desk that you have your best ideas?

But all too often, once you get back to your desk, those good ideas get stuck in a drawer and never see the light of day.

That’s why I’m offering something a bit special for the rest of August: £100 off the Business Book R&D Lab.

It starts where you’re at – whether that’s a few notes on the back of an envelope, a draft manuscript or anywhere in between – and it takes you all the way to a detailed plan for writing and publishing a compelling, distinctive business book in a way that works for YOU and your business.

We work 1-to-1 through four simple, powerful steps: articulate, test, develop, plan. Find out more here: https://alisonjones.com/rd/.

There are just 10 discounted packages available, and only to the end of August.

To claim your package, simply email me – [email protected] – and mention this offer.

And this year, the good ideas won’t end when the summer does.

23/06/2022

It's - and if you think that's just for actual Writers-with-a-capital-W, think again. Writing is one of the best tools we have for helping us think more effectively, not to mention for wellbeing, creativity & empathy. Got 13 minutes? Find out why.
https://youtu.be/59sjUm0EAcM

27/04/2022

I've been reflecting on the amazing experience of speaking at TEDxNorthwich last Saturday. Here are some of the things I learned... https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6925016938289000449/
With HUGE thanks to Sam Newey, Catherine Sandland, Ashley Costello and the whole TEDxNorthwich team, and to my fabulous fellow-speakers.

A few thoughts from my TEDxNorthwich experience last week, which might be of interest if you're considering stepping out onto that red spot yourself......

25/04/2022

Delighted to be named one of the world's top book coaches in 2022 by the Coach Foundation. https://coachfoundation.com/blog/top-book-coaches/

20/04/2022

Got an idea for a business book?

The famous 10-day Business Book Proposal Challenge begins again on Monday and there are just a few spaces left.

This is not a run-of-the-mill online course. And it doesn't produce run-of-the-mill results.

'...hugely enjoyable and a rich creative and learning experience. I've made more progress in 2 weeks than I'd expected to make in 3 months...'
'...what an inspiring, challenging and enjoyable 10 days...'
'...some of the best value advice I've ever seen...'
'...Alison's honest and thorough feedback helped to clarify my thinking and has completely transformed my book proposal...'

Isn't it time you discovered it for yourself?
https://alisonjones.leadpages.co/proposal-challenge/

Got an idea for a business book? Wondering where to go from here? Take 10 days with professional publisher Alison Jones to nail it.

21/03/2022

❤️ Alison Jones, Director of Practical Inspiration Publishing, confirmed for TEDxNorthwich 2022 ❤️

Alison is the founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing and host of The Extraordinary Business Book Club podcast and community. Formerly Director of Innovation Strategy with Macmillan, she regularly speaks and writes on publishing, business and writing, and is the author of This Book Means Business (2018) and Exploratory Writing (2022).

So, it won't come as a surprise to hear that Alison's talk involves writing as she suggests "Let’s Rethink Writing".

Alison is a fabulous addition to the TEDxNorthwich 2022 Speaker team. We are delighted she has chosen our stage to share her talk and looking forward to sharing it with you

Catherine Sandland Ashley Costello Katherine Butler Emma Corkish Robert Rhead Kim Griffiths Adam Birkett Janet Coverdale Lisa Barry Codilia Gapare Tara Tara Julia Kermode Shelley James Trisha Lewis Hayley Roberts Lizi Jackson-Barrett Sarah Turner

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