Books are Magical
Even in the age of blogging and tweeting, a book is still one of the most effective ways of diving into the thoughts and imagination of those who would inspire us.
Books still represent a significant symbol of one of our most important and overlook missions on Earth.
Our legacy.
Who has secretly (or not so secretly) harbored a dream of writing a book? (Raise your hand proud.)
That used to be me, too.
Most of you gave up on that dream because of fears that it takes too much time and effort — or fears that your ideas aren’t good enough — or that writing a book is just too large an undertaking.
Here, you’re going to discover that none of that is true.
I’m Beth Barany. And I’m ready to get started. Are you?
With just 15 minutes a day, and recognizing how you’re an expert in something, you can get started on your writing today.
15 Minutes a Day…
… keeps the writing blues away. The most powerful 15 minutes of your life are the ones you spend doing what you’re here for, what you’re meant to do. I’m talking about your passion, your message, your way of touching the world.
Develop your daily writing habit as simply as you make your daily cup of coffee. In fact, make your coffee, then sit down to write for just 15 minutes. Surprise yourself by writing what’s actually in your head. Talk to your audience as your fingers tap across the keyboard, or scribble across the page.
And, breathe. Read more here, for a dose of inspiration.
You Are an Expert… in Something
You may think your ideas aren’t good enough, but actually you’re the wrong person to make that judgment. If you just share your ideas with your target audience, (I’m assuming you are in business and have a target audience), then you will see how much value they put in your expertise.
Then write down what they say is valuable. Trust them.
“Inch by inch, life’s a cinch.” — Anonymous
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and all that. Why do you think writing a book is?
Regularly (a few times a week is good, daily is best), drop in on your book like you would a good friend. You’ll be delighted and surprised to watch your book grow. Look back after three months and see the progress you’ve made. Celebrate after six months, or year, and hold a finished book in your hands.
If you need support, ask for it! And yes, I’m here to help, support, guide, and kick you in the derriere, if you need that, too. Metaphorically, of course.
c. 2010 Beth Barany
*Thank you to executive coach extraordinaire, Bryan Franklin, for drafting the introduction to this article during my Facilitators’ Master Class.
Author of The Writer’s Adventure Guide: 12 Stages to Writing Your Book, and Overcome Writer’s Block, Beth Barany is also an editor at The National Networker, and editor to the forthcoming anthology, While I Was There: Life at UC Berkeley 1960-2010. She’s also a contributing author to several anthologies, including Writing Romance (and managing editor) and Creativity Coaching Success Stories. Typically Beth’s clients are aspiring authors who want to build a business around their book. She helps them get their books done and out into the world, so they can generate revenue. Beth works with clients in the US, Canada, and Europe, and gives workshops nationally and internationally. For more information, see her site: www.bethbarany.com, and her blog: www.writersfunzone.com/blog.
This article was originally published in The National Networker Newsletter (http://www.TheNationalNetworker.com), and is reprinted with permission. This article may not be reproduced in whole or part without including the name of this author and an acknowledgment of the fact the article was originally published in The National Networker Newsletter (http://www.TheNationalNetworker.com). Any other use of this material is unauthorized and is a violation of law.
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Go with your inspiration and instinct and not your self doubt. That’s what I discovered when writing ‘Lethal Inheritance,’ (YA fantasy), and don’t expect your writing to be perfect first go. The first draft can be really artrocious and the finished book can be terrific.
You can read ch1 of ‘Lethal Inheritance,’ at http://publishersearch.wordpress.com/lethal-inheritance/ and on the home page, you can see where I’m up to in the process of getting published .
Tahila, Thanks for sharing your link to your first chapter with us. I’m glad you’ve taken the plunge and written you book! Good luck on your quest for publication. Are you looking for feedback on your book?