Writing My First Book: A Fortnight of Lessons

On this day I had promised all of you that I would have the first draft of my book completed, all 60,000 words.  While I have only 30,000 to my credit, I didn't actually get started writing until after the first week.  This became the most important lesson of this little endeavor.  It isn't that tough to write 5,000 words in a day if you know the topic well, which I do — and you are very clear about the how the book will be organized and what points you will cover, which I didn't.

Nevertheless, I'm calling this project a success.  The first reason is I maintained my promise to blog about my progress daily, which generated some supportive and beneficial feedback from readers like you.  The second is I now not only have the shape of the book, but with more than half of it completed, I feel like someone who has completed an equal portion of an agonizingly large and intricate crossword puzzle.  Once you have the finish line in your sights, it is a simple matter of methodically chipping away to make more progress, which may occur in big or little chunks.  However it occurs, you get more excited about reaching the destination, and that becomes increasingly motivating. Incidentally, I don't do crossword puzzles, but that seemed like a decent metaphor – so I'm using it!

To bring this phase of my book writing project to a close, here are the lesson I learned, either on my own or from friends who were happy to share from their experiences.  I've included the tips, lessons, and suggestions that helped me the most, along with an occasional translation, as well as links to the respective posts, mine or theirs, where you can read more in the context of the complete story.  And finally, I have given attribution to the respective contributors for their insights and inspiration.  Thank you to all!

Don't Boil the Ocean  -  better to cover just a few key points well – Judd Hoekstra (via Ken Blanchard)

Tap into the Power of Visualization – Gilda Bonnano.

Get the Shape of the Book as Quickly as Possible – do your research, organize your points, and see it coming alive, all the way down to the font that looks right to you – Jeff Korhan

If you have to do a great deal of research before you start writing, then you may be writing about the wrong topic – unknown blogger.

Write with the Door Closed, Edit with the Door Open – Stephen King

The Trend is Your Friend – Despite setbacks, stay the course with what you know and you will arrive at your destination – James Dines

Write about your industry and you will find the big news of the future today – Frank Schulte-Ladbeck 

The Power of Intention is Healthier (and therefore more effective) than the power of a goal – Dr. Bill Dean

You Need to Keep a Balance – my wife Leslie

Everyone has a Book Inside of Them – Dan Poynter

If your book is going to be different, it has to be the one YOU want to write! – Jeff Korhan

This ought to be enough for now.  In a few weeks, when I'm back from my business and holiday travels, I will share news about the next leg of the journey – editing.  I'm sure it will be another collaborative effort. Until then, keep writing.  I know I will.

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Photo Credit:  Hddod