Homework #5 - How to Build a Tribe of Rabid Fans - Sue Shigemitsu

Yes, I am behind, but I am slowly progressing.

This is another challenging assignment, but it was insightful for me. Please feel free to leave a comment or feedback on this post. Thank you!

  1. What are your favorite movies?

  • Howl’s Moving Castle

  • Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

  • The King’s Speech

  • Penelope

  • Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs


  1. What theme do you see running through all of them?

  • Having some personal struggle that the main character wants to overcome (a curse, personal struggle in constantly meeting an obstacle in fulfilling a role or quest, etc.).

  • The main character goes on a journey and discovers that can just be themselves because they have unique roles that bring out the good in those around them.


  1. Post to the group a subject you’re thinking of engaging with your tribe on and get feedback.

  • I was thinking on the theme “finding your place in the world” (a place of belonging and acceptance for who you are).

  • I enjoy movies, but the ones that resonate with me are the ones where the individual face common theme of a personal struggle (whether disliking their appearance or have trouble speaking or cannot seem to do things right) and finds a way to overcome it through people they encounter. I want to reach out to those who are the awkward, the outcasts, the ones that are left out because of their appearances or lack of skill. Being in that situation where I have disliked myself because of what I am not in trendy circles or groups. I have learned through people who have approached me and taught me that I am loved and accepted as I am – not someone I try to be. And like those who have taught me to love and accept myself as God created me, I want my writing to remind and encourage other that they are loved and accepted too – most of all by God.


  1. Do research and follow someone who does this kind of shepherding well. Study what they do this week. Tell us all about it.

  • Kim Wuertz – In the past I have been mentored by her when I was part of another writer’s community with her. She is positive, patient and encouraging. She was the one who taught me how to self-publish with Amazon KDP and encouraged me to keep writing. Though I follow her on LinkedIn, I have not been able to see her activity lately.