So much to do, so much to say, so little time! Writing books has been a four-decade quest for me, one that millions of others have achieved. Why can’t I? Why haven’t I? is the better question.
My in box is full of newsletters proffering advice on writing better, writing more often, writing to make millions, writing for various audiences, and writing simply for the hell of it. Many are sending the message that you MUST write a book if you are to be taken seriously. One email sender posits, “A book is kind of like a business card. It’s easy! Write about 14,000 words, or about 50 pages, and hit ‘publish.’ It’s simple. Everybody does it.”
Oh really?!
It is true that authors are everywhere. I know at least three dozen of them. They come from all walks of life and they have written and published at least one book. Some have published several books. And many authors have not merely done a self-publishing project (not that there’s anything wrong with that): they have agents and publishers and media tours to promote their books. They are living proof that there is money to be made by putting thousands of words on paper and publishing what they create.
So envious!
Writing books has been on my to-do list since I was about twelve and wanted to write about life in general and about the fear and uncertainty that comes with being twelve. Fast forward four dozen years and here I sit, still meandering down the path toward publishing. “You are such a SLACKER,” I say to myself. Then, as usual, I ease up and tell my other self to lighten up, saying to myself in a soothing tone, “Writing books isn’t everything … there are already way too many books in the world.”
But after seeing inspirational people tell their stories about finding the path to seeing their books published, the urge to write hits again — and I make the commitment once again to write a book. I know I can do it, and I know I can sell at least a few thousand copies! But first things first: I need to decide on one book (among the five that I have on the list) and pursue it with passion and purpose. I DO have something to say. I am NOT a slacker. I WILL write that book.
So much to say, so much else to do!