As mentioned in other posts, I’m writing my first book. This has always been my dream, but I’ve never actually taken the steps to write a book because I find the process so intimidating. I decided however, that this would be the year. I also decided that I would blog the book process so that those of you who wish to experience this will know what to expect. If I make mistakes, perhaps you can learn by them. If something I do works, perhaps that will work for you as well.
Book Writing So Far
I already have my outline down and a couple of chapters. The funny thing about the outline is that every time I talk to someone else about my topic, or every time I start typing, I think of more stuff to add. The good news is that I have plenty of material for my book. So far it appears to be writing itself.
My only negative experiences are with time and confidence. I do try and write at least a page or two each day, but there are so many distractions between work and family. I think what I need to do is to stop looking at the book as “extra” work and start scheduling it in to my daily routine.
I also have periods of self doubt. Am I a good enough writer? Will people want to buy my book? Will anyone want to publish my book?
Publisher Interest?
At SXSW my friends Chris Garrett and Rick Calvert introduced me to a representative from Wiley Publishing and helped to pitch my book. I thought it went well. I told her my topic and why I feel it will sell. I also told her about my community, who I feel will read my book, and how I will promote the book. The next day when I bumped into her in the lobby of my hotel, she said she was looking forward to pitching my book when she went back to work.
Yesterday, I sent a note to the rep thanking her for listening to me and briefly reviewing what I told her at SXSW so it’ll be fresh in her mind when she discusses it with the editorial team. I also mentioned that I’m blogging about my book writing experience here so she knows I’m already up on the marketing.
Will anything come of this meeting? Maybe….or maybe not. It’s a positive step, though and I’m glad it happened. The worse that will happen is that Wiley passes on my idea and I’m back at the same place I was last week. Just a minor setback.
Friends in Low Places
I learned that I know more author friends than I realized. Ever since I told some of my writing friends I was writing a book, they have been offering to introduce me to their agents and giving me the best advice. This is a relief. I trust my friends to steer me in the right direction and their advice is invaluable. Patrick O’Keefe is a wealth of information when it comes to learning about payments and royalty statements and how all that works out. Joel Durham is the author of several books and has been so generous with his advice and offers for introductions. Other friends have also offered tips and insight. Having friends who are authors puts me in a better position than many aspiring authors and I know I’m blessed. Again, nothing may come of this, but so far it’s a step in the right direction.
So that’s where I stand during the first stages of writing my book. I’ll keep you posted on the progress and what happens with all the publishers and agents and everything else in between. If I make mistakes, I’ll post them here. If there’s good news, I’ll post it here.If anything, I hope this will inspire many of you to write your own books.
To be continued…
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