Alright, let's explore one of the most important things you should know about yourself as an author and a person—your core values and how to align those values with your writing. 

Core values are your fundamental beliefs or principles that serve as the foundation for yourself, your books, and your author's business and decision-making process. They guide behavior, influence actions, and help determine priorities. Core values are intrinsic and often deeply held, and shape your culture and identity. They are the essential and enduring tenets that a person or organization stands by, even in changing circumstances. Examples of core values include integrity, respect, innovation, responsibility, and compassion. These values act as a compass, directing how a person or organization behaves, interacts with others, and makes choices.

Now, this probably sounds a bit like buzzword bingo at first glance, but stick with me.

It's pretty much about making sure your career and the stories you pour your heart and soul into actually reflect what matters most to you. And trust me, it's a game-changer, both for your writing and how you feel about it.

Why It Matters

Imagine you're at a party, and someone asks what your book is about. You start sharing, and their eyes light up because your passion is just infectious. That's what happens when your writing is a mirror of your values—you're not just writing; you're sharing a piece of your soul. It makes your work resonate on a whole new level, not just with readers but with you, too.

Defining your values

So, how do you even start aligning your writing with your values? First up, you gotta know what those values are. And I'm not just talking about the easy stuff like "honesty" or "kindness" (though those are great!). Dig deep. What really fires you up? Is it justice? Adventure? The beauty of second chances? Once you've got a handle on that, you're halfway there.

The easiest place to start with this exercise is how you define success. Your definition of success will guide your career and help you make good decisions about what kind of covers you create, how you network and collaborate with fellow authors, and how you promote your work.

How do you get to the point where you can make these sorts of decisions about your writing career in a way that feels good and will move you toward your goals? 

By defining your values. 

Your needs direct your feelings, and your feelings influence your values. Your values are a core set of principles that give your work meaning. A set of standards that determine your attitude, choices, and actions. Values aren’t static and can evolve with you as your career evolves. Personally, knowing my values is one of the most useful tools I have to reflect on what’s important to me when making big decisions about my writing career.

For example, I’ve always been a self-pub until-I-die type of author. But recently, I was presented with an opportunity to publish traditionally, and I had to revisit my core values to be sure I made a decision that was true to who I am as an author and where I see my career going in the next five to ten years.

My core values are creativity, authenticity, self-respect, growth, community, meaningful work, success, boldness, self-reliance, and freedom. 

Filtering my decision through those values and evaluating how each would or could show up for me if I decided to publish traditionally helped me to make sure that I asked the right questions and established an approach that would put me in the driver’s seat of this career decision. For example, when I ran it through my “boldness” filter, I was sure to ask how the publisher defined erotic romance. Was it language? Explicit sex scenes? Word usage? What tropes and taboos were off the table?

My core values serve as goalposts to assist me in evaluating my career choices. I really want you to take some time to pick out at least ten core values that can be guiding principles for you. 

Your Writing, Your Rules

Now that you’ve taken some time to establish your core values, take a look at your current project or the ideas simmering in the back of your mind. Do they get you excited because they echo what you believe in? Do your characters embody your values? I’m not saying this is a necessity, but if your stories and characters don’t align with your values, it might be time for a little recalibration. It doesn't mean you need to scrap everything and start over. Sometimes, a small tweak in perspective or motive can bring everything into alignment. But here’s the million-dollar question: Does the thought of sharing this story or character make your heart beat faster because they echo your beliefs? If you're nodding along, fantastic! If there's a little hesitancy, though, it's all good. We're about to dive into the art of recalibration, and trust me, it's more about finesse than overhaul.

When your project is in tune with your values, writing doesn't feel like a chore; it feels like a mission. If the excitement isn't there, it might be a sign that something's off. But hey, identifying that disconnect is the first step towards creating something truly impactful.

The Art of Recalibration

Recalibration sounds technical, but it's actually pretty simple and creative. It's about shifting things slightly here and there to bring your story in line with your values. Think of it as adjusting the sails on a boat to catch the wind just right. You're not changing the destination. You're just ensuring you get there with your flag flying high.

But remember, small tweaks make a big impact!

You and your writing are in constant evolution. What resonates with you now might shift down the line, and that's perfectly okay! The key is to stay true to yourself at each step of the journey. Your writing is an extension of you, after all, and by embracing your values, you're not just following the rules—you're setting them.

So, take a moment to reflect on your current work through the lens of your values. A little recalibration can turn "just another project" into a labor of love that stands as a testament to who you are and what you believe in. Remember, in the world of writing, your rules are the ones that ultimately matter the most.

Practical Exercise: Create a Values Statement

Alright, let's roll up our sleeves to craft a Values Statement. Think of it as your personal manifesto, a declaration of what drives you to tap away at those keys day after day.

Why Bother with a Values Statement?

It helps you navigate through tough creative decisions, keeps you aligned with your true north, and reminds you why you started this journey in the first place. Plus, if you decide to share this statement with your audience, it's a fantastic tool to with them on a deeper level. They get to see what you're all about, beyond just the genres you dabble in.

Getting Started: First, grab something to write with. Yep, old-school pen and paper work great, or a digital notepad if that's more your style. Find a quiet spot where you can think without distractions. This is about tapping into what matters most to you, so you'll want some peace and quiet.

Reflect and Jot: Start by reflecting on your core values. What principles guide your life and, by extension, your writing? Are you all about empowerment, love, courage, adventure, or maybe a mix of several ideals? Jot these down. Don't overthink it. Go with what feels right.

Drafting Your Statement

Now, take those ideas and start shaping them into a statement. There's no right or wrong way to do this, so let your creativity flow. You might start with something like, "I write because..." or "With my writing, I seek to..." This isn't about crafting the perfect sentence on the first go. It's about getting your core values down in a way that feels true to you. 

Here are some prompts to get you started:

1. What Matters Most: What are the three values you hold most dear? How do these shape your perspective on the world, and in turn, influence your writing?

2. Inspiration Source: Think about a book, movie, or real-life event that deeply moved you. What values were reflected in it that you connect with? How do these align with your own writing?

3. Defining Moments: Reflect on a pivotal moment in your life or career. What value was at the core of this moment? How has this value influenced your writing journey?

4. Change Maker: If your writing could change one aspect of your readers’ lives or perspectives, what would it be? What value does this change embody?

5. Legacy Thinking: Imagine what you want people to say about your work decades from now. Which values would you want your writing to be remembered for embodying?

6. Reader Connection: Consider the bond you wish to forge with your readers. What values do you want to resonate with them through your stories?

7. The Why Behind Your Writing: Why do you write? Beyond fame, fortune, or recognition, what deeper values motivate you to keep putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard)?

8. Challenges Overcome: Think about a significant obstacle you've faced in your writing career. What values helped you overcome it? How has this experience shaped your approach to writing?

9. The Core of Your Stories: Look at the themes or messages that recur in your writing. What core value or values are you exploring through these themes?

Take your time with each prompt, and don’t rush the process. Your Values Statement is not just a reflection of who you are as a writer today, but a guiding star for where you want your writing to take you—and your readers—in the future. Write freely, edit later, and remember, this is about capturing the essence of what drives you creatively.

Refine and Reflect

Once you have a rough draft, take a step back. Maybe make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Read it aloud. Does it resonate? Does it make you feel excited about your writing? Tweak it until it feels just right.

Creating a Values Statement might seem like a small step, but it's a giant leap in understanding and articulating what drives your writing. It's about owning your voice and your place in the vast world of storytelling.