This is the first post of my new blog. And the first step in a new life, you could say. After years of wishing and dreaming and procrastinating, I finally stepped up.
You see, I’ve been a writer for many years. And I always wanted to publish a novel. So last month I finished my first novel. I’ve started, but never finished. But this time was different.
In addition to that, I decided to take seven of my short stories and publish them as well. I’ve had short stories published over the years. I’ve also written and published articles and done tons of business writing. So seeing my writing in print (or online) is not anything new. But finishing my novel is new. So is going ahead and publishing the short story collection.
So now, it’s done. And my novel will be published in a couple of weeks.
That’s why the reason for this blog. To have a place to post info about my books and share it with my readers.
So I’m going to start with a post I wrote for my newsletter.
It’s good advice. I’m glad I finally took it.
What do you want to say?
Every published author has answered that question – that’s why their books are published. Not because they know more than you do, or have more experience or more connections. They’re published because they know their “why.”
Where do you begin? Start where you are right now.
When it comes to writing, it’s so easy to procrastinate. I’ll start when I have time, I’ll start when I taken that class, I’ll start after I: “fill in the blank.” There’s always going to be another reason not to begin.
That’s why you have to ask yourself, why do I want to write this book? Why is it important that I share this? What do I want to gain? If you haven’t answered any of those questions, it will be impossible to get started.
Over the years I’ve talked to many people who want to write. They have a lot to say, yet still they hesitate. What’s stopping them?
When it comes to my own writing, I’ve often asked myself the same question! But, it’s so easy to listen to the voice in your head that says you’re not good enough, or that no one wants to hear what you have to say.
It’s the same thing that keeps a lot of people from marketing themselves. They’re afraid to come on too strong, or have others think badly of them for promoting themselves.
All of these fears can keep you stuck in non-stop planning, yet never writing. (And if your book is published, those fears can keep your from promoting it.)
So if you’re really serious about writing a book, will you commit to a completion date right now? It can be two months from now, six months…or a year from now.
The most important thing isn’t the date itself; it’s the commitment to yourself and your book.
What do you want to say, and when will you share it?