I have decided to experiment by using Shawn's course Wordsmith Academy to complete a nonfiction book in about 6 weeks, as noted in my previous post. Specifically, I will be working on a memoir about my late cat Lydia, which should be a novella-length book. The book will be titled, "Lydia’s Lantern what a little blind cat taught me about light." In going through the course, I encountered the first two questions that I need to answer first: Why am I writing this book? I’m writing this book because my late cat Lydia—blind, albino, hearing-impaired, and quietly extraordinary—left an imprint on me that I still don’t fully understand. She arrived during an incredibly difficult period of my life, a time when I was raw and weary, and somehow this vulnerable little creature became a source of comfort and unexpected transformation. I feel compelled to follow the thread she left behind, to discover what she awakened in me, and to memorialize her in a way that honors the truth of our connection. What do I want this book to do in the world? I want readers to feel as if they’ve stepped into a fairy tale that happens to be real. Not a story that preaches or teaches, but one that feels enchanted—where a small, unlikely guide enters a human life and quietly shifts its orbit. My hope is that readers will feel the wonder of encountering a creature who becomes more than a pet: a mirror, a mystery, a catalyst. I want the book to awaken that soft, forgotten place in people where magic still lives and where love can transform us in ways we don’t expect. I may change my mind, but I intend to start posting the draft on Substack. Assuming I can even use it -- I have had some technical challenges lately -- all on their end. Still waiting for them to fix the bug. This is going to be my Substack About Page: About Lydia’s Lantern what a little blind cat taught me about light There are moments in a life when the ordinary world falls away. For me, that moment came in the form of a little blind, albino, hearing-impaired cat named Lydia.

All right, I'm going to be posting here my progress writing a nonfiction book using Shawn's methodology, as outlined in his course Wordsmith Academy. It's supposed to be finished in 6 weeks. Because of the holidays and other potential interruptions, as well as many other projects that I'm simultaneously doing, it might take me longer than 6 weeks, though I will try my best to stick to the schedule. That said, I am having a bit of a health issue too, and I do not want to compromise my health. I have written and published nonfiction books before, notably "Hypoglycemia for Dummies" and "The Encyclopedia of Hepatitis C and Other Liver Diseases." I have also written newspaper columns, articles, essays, poems, and short stories. I have been working on a YA (Young Adult) sci-fi urban fantasy novel.

One problem I have never had is a lack of ideas. I'm bubbling with them! So the issue I have is that I have lots of ideas for books. Even as I work on one, I get more and more ideas for other books. What do I do? How shall I approach this? @Shawn Helgerson or @Yvette Muhammad -- who have, or are, writing a book(s) -- or anyone else -- do you have any suggestions?

Last I checked, we were ranked at #2,967. I just checked again and we’re at #2,313!!! Dude… At this rate we’ll be in the top 1,000 by December! What goal should we set? Top 500? Top 100? Top 10? Or should we just chill, not worry about rankings and simply enjoy the ride and build each other up?

In order to avoid gamification here in The Abundance Institute, I came up with a different ranking system I thought could be a good way to help each other develop: The Guild is the craft side of The Abundance Institute.* Guild titles aren’t automatic; they’re conferred by peers when you reach certain Skool levels and have demonstrated meaningful contribution.* 🌱 Apprentice • Unlocks at Skool Level 1 • Granted automatically when you join • Access to The Abundance Experiment foundational course • Focus: learn the soil and rhythm of abundance 🌾 Journeyman • Unlocks at Skool Level 3 (with peer confirmation) • Access to The Mustard Seed Principle course • Recognized for consistent engagement and supportive presence 🌳 Craftsman • Unlocks at Skool Level 6 (with community vote) • Eligible to host or co-host community calls • Models abundance through mentorship and steady contribution 🌺 Master Craftsman • Unlocks at Skool Level 9 (by invitation and peer approval) • May create and host paid courses within TAI and keep proceeds • Helps shape the future of the Institute and mentors other leaders How Guild Advancement Works: 1. Post a Request: When you reach the Skool level tied to your next Guild rank, make a post titled something like: “Request for Journeyman Recognition – [Your Name]” In that post, share:• What you’ve learned and integrated• How you’ve contributed to others’ growth• How abundance is showing up in your life or work 2. Tag Two Members: Tag at least two peers who can confirm they’ve been mentored by you or benefited from your insight. 3. Community Vote: The community replies Yes or No in the comments. When a clear majority supports your advancement, your new rank is confirmed. 4. Receive Your Invitation: Each Guild advancement brings a personal invitation to new spaces or privileges: • Journeyman → access to The Mustard Seed Principle; • Craftsman → option to host or co-host calls; • Master Craftsman → option to create and host paid courses and retain proceeds