If you are a coach, consultant, or other type of entrepreneur, you've probably been told over and over again, "You need to write a book!" It's like diet and exercise: you know you should eat more healthfully and exercise more, but you don't know where to begin. The decisions are overwhelming: Which diet to follow? Which exercise program is best? Do I need special clothes? How much will it cost? Why should I spend money if I'm not going to stick with it?
Writing and publishing brings up similar questions: Do I self publish or do I need an agent? How do I start? How much will it cost? How long will it take? When do I hire an editor? The questions and lack of knowledge can be overwhelming. You don't start your book because it's all too much. You'll just stay where you are, thank you. It's peaceful here.
In order for any diet or exercise program to work, you have to break through the fear and take that first step. Same with writing. Don't worry about your publishing path yet. Don't worry about costs. Just sit down at the computer or with pen and paper -- however you think best -- and just brainstorm ideas you want to talk about. Which ones excite you the most? Are there connections between seemingly random ideas? Organize those ideas into an outline and start filling in the outline. Congratulations: you've started your book!
Diets and exercises aren't going to do any good if you don't stick with them until they become an ingrained habit. Same with writing. Take time out of your schedule every day to do some writing, whether it's 15 minutes here and there or a couple of hours set aside each day. Figuring out a schedule that works best for you takes time and perseverance. It won't be easy, but if you only get 100 words written in a day, that's 100 words you didn't have the day before.
And, just like diet and exercise, your chances of writing success are increased if you have a buddy. That's where I come in. I offer support for writers in a variety of ways. You can join Writer's Ed, an online group offering guidance, community, and support for writers by fellow writers and me. If you're more of a self-guided person, you can do the occasional check-in call. If you need individual support, my Start Line and Finish Line packages might be for you. Think of me as your personal trainer for writing workouts.
When you maintain a healthful diet and exercise program, you lose weight and gain muscle. When you maintain a consistent writing program, you gain a book and a sense of accomplishment. You also gain new business opportunities and clients.
Book a free, 30-minute phone consultation and let's get you on the path to writing success.
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