I have to admit that this is not my first “start at writing my first book” rodeo. I’ve been around the Writer’s Block before but didn’t officially settle in and take up residence at that point in time. Now, I can firmly say that, with my second attempt, things feel much more homey this time around and I’m viewing this new adventure as a fresh start to the writing of my first book. I can finally see myself as a permanent fixture here at the Writer’s Block. As alluded to previously, I actually attempted to write my first book once before and still have the very rough draft saved in a file on my computer… 20 pages worth of rough draft, I might add. And you’d better believe that some of it will probably morph its way into this brand new manuscript I’ll be revelling in.
My level of expertise at the writing process is novice at best; but one thing I know, with certainty, about this whole experience is that I’m determined to make it my own. I respect one’s right to put in the research before starting a new venture like writing a first book. Therefore, I’m on board with seeking subject matter expert advice from traditionally published and/or self-published authors when it comes to information needed regarding the business aspects of getting my book from brain to potential audiences. However, the writing part is all mine… good or bad… happy or sad. My reasoning for tuning out all the outside noise, regarding the actual writing of my book, has to do with my personal conviction of staying true to myself. As a content creator, I believe that it’s absolutely crucial to put out inspiring works that are a reflection of oneself and not the brainchild of the next content creator or inquiring mind down the way. And since the creative is signing his or her name to the piece of work created, it needs to come from that individual. I’ve personally taken the perspective to remove the external forces out of the picture and stick with my gut instinct as to what I should share with the world. In this way, I can be secure in knowing that the words that come forth and land on the pages came from who I am and from what truly makes me tick.
So, what I can share with you from week 1 is that PROGRESS has been made. I feel more organized about things with this second try. What I decided to do in this first week centered around creating the framework for my book before actually starting the writing of it. Prior experience tells me that the writing part shouldn’t create too much of a challenge for me, because I’ll be writing about what I know from the life I’m living. So, I’m anticipating that, similar to the 20-typed pages housed on my computer, the next set of 20 pages will flow just as easily once Jana gets into the writing zone. I tend to conversate type; and I’m looking forward to the new conversations that my computer will capture during this writing process. Well, enough reflecting. Here’s a peek at the logistics that were worked out during week 1:
- What format(s) the book will be provided in initially as well as in future offerings
- If the book will be a stand-alone or part of a series
- The number of chapters that will be included, which leads to
- The approximate number of pages per chapter.
- If there will be illustrations or not
- If there are illustrations, who I will partner with to complete the visuals
- Possible titles for the book
- The structure for each chapter, which will be consistent throughout
- Possible topics for the chapters in the book (will need to be narrowed down)
- My personal deadline for completing the book and getting it out to audiences
It was quite helpful to go through these items as each one of them builds a portion of the framework that is developing my book. I’m not going to say that things will not change from the way that I’m framing them now. They could. However, I have somewhat of a structured vision now and I should be ready to get the writing on in this new week. Make sure you come back to see what’s in store for week 2.
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