William Keiper
Outline! What sequence will pull the reader through your messages to the point they must finish 'it,' whatever it is.
Create a deadline (even a soft one) for getting to a clear, well-articulated goal: a chapter outline, a chapter, your author bio, possible titles, a list of research/resources that may be helpful, a publisher's Q&A for submission, etc.
Write. Try not to edit as you go (let it flow). (Do as I say, not as I do!)
Talk to people about what you are doing and ask them what they think.
Review books that are in the same lane as yours. Use the ideas as jumping off points for you. Build on great ideas--make them your new idea.
Be flexible. Maybe a book turns out to just be an article. Fine. Maybe an outline turns into a book with a message different than you thought it would be.
There will be times when you must triage: an unforeseen gap in logic; a great chapter followed by one that really sucks. Different voices (but all yours). Focus on solving the problem (at least at first level), so you can move on.
Only stress when you are 'summit-ting' (the last mile to completion). Then, do whatever it takes to be complete with the project and show it to the world.
A mentor of mine told me, "You are not a real writer until you have a one star review that says, 'Awful, just awful. If I could've given it zero stars, I would have.'" Ouch!
Don't look back. Look forward. Keep creating.
Create a deadline (even a soft one) for getting to a clear, well-articulated goal: a chapter outline, a chapter, your author bio, possible titles, a list of research/resources that may be helpful, a publisher's Q&A for submission, etc.
Write. Try not to edit as you go (let it flow). (Do as I say, not as I do!)
Talk to people about what you are doing and ask them what they think.
Review books that are in the same lane as yours. Use the ideas as jumping off points for you. Build on great ideas--make them your new idea.
Be flexible. Maybe a book turns out to just be an article. Fine. Maybe an outline turns into a book with a message different than you thought it would be.
There will be times when you must triage: an unforeseen gap in logic; a great chapter followed by one that really sucks. Different voices (but all yours). Focus on solving the problem (at least at first level), so you can move on.
Only stress when you are 'summit-ting' (the last mile to completion). Then, do whatever it takes to be complete with the project and show it to the world.
A mentor of mine told me, "You are not a real writer until you have a one star review that says, 'Awful, just awful. If I could've given it zero stars, I would have.'" Ouch!
Don't look back. Look forward. Keep creating.
More Answered Questions
Jennifer Clark
asked
William Keiper:
Hello William, I wasn't sure how else to reach out to you so I'll try this route. I work at an active 55+ retirement community in East Mesa called Venture Out. We hold weekly seminars for the residents on a variety of topics and they are always requesting more authors. Would you be willing to donate an hour of your time next year to come out and speak with our residents? I appreciate your time.
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