Have You Decided Yet?
by Gary Hibberd,
Staff Writer
How many times have
your heard someone (or perhaps yourself) say, “I’d like to write a book
about [insert topic here]”? The normal response to this is a warm
smile and a knowing nod. But let’s look at this for a second;
You'd/they’d like to write a book? Well, I’d like to
swim across the Atlantic Ocean. I’d also like to learn how to
speak Italian. But aren’t we merely stating preferences here?
However, if I decided to swim the Atlantic Ocean the next
question you’d ask is how am I preparing to do this? If I
decided to learn to speak Italian you might ask "Why," and then
"Where am I going to learn?"
The difference between
like and decide is that one is merely an expression of desire,
whilst the other requires action! Once you’ve decided to
write a book the next important step obviously is choosing your
subject matter.
There are dozens of
techniques for coming up with stories (if you haven’t got one in
mind), so I won’t bore you with specifics;
there are many on this very site which will give you
food-for-thought. However, one suggestion I do have is to consciously
be on the lookout for stories no matter where you are. Again, this is taking
conscious action rather than letting your day drift by, sitting
at your desk at a certain time each day thinking of the next line or
idea for your story. Look around you, listen, and stretch your
imagination every second of every day, and when you sit down you’ll
be streaming full of ideas! Your imagination is like a muscle and
needs to be stretched and allowed to grow so that it develops into
an idea machine!
Once you’ve decided to
write your book and you have your story in mind, the next stumbling
block writers generally fall foul of is time management. I’m sure
you’ve heard or read countless times that you should try and write
every day. I partly agree, except for one thing… Don’t try…
DO IT! Let’s try a simple exercise now: wherever you are, lift
your left foot off the floor by about 6inches. Now try
to put it back down. Find that difficult? Confusing?
Now, either you’re sitting there with your foot still in the air, or it’s back on
the floor. Either way, trying wasn’t possible; you did one or the
other. If you try to write everyday you will most likely
fail, but if you commit to saying you will write everyday, somehow
your mind (and your calendar) will find a way to let this happen!
Don’t get me wrong; I’m a new writer and I find it difficult
sticking to what I’m advocating, but I’m getting better each and
every day. I’ve now decided I am going to write a book by
(a deadline of)
December 23rd 2006. I have a story outlined and ready, based on
sitting behind an ambulance in a traffic jam on my way to work.
Finally, I’ve earmarked in my diary the time I will sit and
write every day of the week. So, have you made your decision yet?
Discuss this article
here.
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"There's a book in all of us." And Gary is no different.
Although a virtual newcomer to writing professionally, Gary
has such a passion and enthusiasm for life and writing that
it eclipses his lack of professional exposure. Gary hopes
to share his experiences in the development of this craft as
well as share his views on what it means to be a
'professional' writer. Holding a diploma in
Life Coaching,
Gary brings to the table experiences from people who have
lost their drive or direction in life and offers tips and
tricks to get motivated, be positive, and achieve goals.
Gary is currently working on his first novel and researching
a factual guide to the world of disasters!
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