You Have a Book In You
Really intimidating to think about, isn’t it? I know. Sounds huge. Even when I was training managers in business writing, I noticed a syndrome: “Blank Page Paralysis.” Now I guess it’s blank screen paralysis. Nevertheless. I’ve written four books, three of them since 2006. And I never had the paralyzing thought I was writing a book.
Here’s how I did it:
1. Write down your “rant.” Just sit down and write it.
A “rant” is your burning opinion you just MUST share. We do it on the phone with a friend. We put it on social media. It disappears into the ether. So I wrote them down.
2. Expand your rant. Do not edit yourself—the screen will remain blank. Resist the urge to write it perfectly. Broaden out the main idea of your rant with stuff you know from your work, your dues-paying activity, or from your personal relationships.
You have read my rants on this blog every month; they have made it into my books. Example: When I heard someone speak about their business, and they were not prepared, it was painful for me. I ranted on “Why You Should Never Wing It.” Example: When I missed the gym during lockdown, I bought a stationary bike and needed motivation. So I wrote “Might As Well Jump.” Save it, so you can find it again. File it away—on paper, or the file on the computer.
3. Use it for an article or a blog.
4. Write another rant.
5. When you have 15 rants, look for a common theme. It will lead you to the organizing principle of your book. Each rant may be a chapter.
As you know, I’m a speech coach. I do have a book mentor to recommend. My colleague and friend, Leesa Ellis. She is offering a FREE Facebook Challenge—5 Days to take your book from nearly written to edited dynamite! So gather up all your unpublished files and bits and pieces, and go for it!
And talk to me about your speaking situations. Whether it’s growing your business or speaking to your staff—or your family—you want nodding and smiling throughout, and your result at the end.
I created my NEW video course “Speak Like A Pro: How To Have Your Listeners Smiling And Nodding” and it’s available to you. Create your own marketing pitch at your own pace, as I guide you on video and presentation deck.
Click here to get your “Speak Like a Pro” course.
[Featured Image Credit: SeekPNG.com]