• Am I willing to put aside other projects and make this a priority? • Can I get support to break through any blocks that come up? • Are there people in my life who might support me in this endeavor, help me gain confidence and hold me accountable? • What dreams of mine might the book help me fulfill? • What dreams may this book help my readers fulfill (or what might they get from it)? • What’s the price of not writing this book? • What do I need to overcome to write it? If you answer those questions honestly, you’ll have a better idea whether you have the resources and the motivation to write your book. Then, it’s time to clarify what the book would be. Examining your vision and goals will help you get started. If your book is a
at you th k o o b a ’s e “ If ther but it hasn’t , d a e r to t n wa t, then you e y n te it r w n bee .” must write it rison Toni Mor
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memoir, you’ll need to clarify the theme (it should have one overarching theme) and the period of your life you’re writing about (shorter is usually best). If you’re writing fiction, it’s a whole other ballgame—you need to think about character, scene, plot, story arc. For any book—from self-help to textbook—you must get clear on who your readers are and what will motivate them to read your book. Okay, if that voice in your head is saying, “Yeah, why on earth would anyone read my book?” you’re in good company. However, this is a voice you’re going to need to learn to say, “Thanks, but no thanks” to. It will come up from time to time and you’ll need some strategies to turn it off—go for a walk in nature, talk to a supportive friend. Re-read a complimentary letter or e-mail. Or just put your tootsie in the chair and write anyway. You can also start with shorter pieces—write an article, a blog post, start your own blog…you don’t have to start with a book. Get your feet wet. But take action. To paraphrase Marianne Williamson, who are you to hide your light? Let it shine: write, write, write…and share. An award-winning authority on writing and publishing books, Lisa Tener guides you to joyfully express yourself in writing. She blogs for the Huffington Post, serves on the faculty of Harvard Medical School’s publishing course, and teaches her own Award Winning Book Writing Courses in person and by interactive teleseminar. Download your free Author Tool Kit at www.LisaTener.com