I have a confession to make. I have a book under contract that is now a year overdue. It's been bothering me--a lot. Ironically, it's a book I actually want and need to write. It's the second edition of my book, Treating the Lifetime Effects of Childhood Victimization. The first edition of that book has been the foundation of most of my work over the past 10 years, and the field has grown so much since then. But the first edition was also the most conceptually difficult book I have ever written. I thought it was going to kill me in the process. To say that I am a bit anxious about diving in again would be a classic understatement.
I also find that other priorities seem to always jump ahead in the queue. So I need some incentive. I've decided to set a rather ambitious--and public--goal for myself. In 50 days, I head to Europe for some speaking engagements. Before I go, I'd like to send this manuscript to my editor.
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to write a book, I invite you to join me on this adventure. This book is not my first; it is actually my 22nd. I know from long experience the ups and downs of this process. I know how easy it is to find something--anything--else to lets you avoid that blank screen and blinking cursor. I also know what it's like to actually finish a book and see it go out into the world.
The role of writer is not a particularly glamourous one. But it can be one of the most satisfying jobs you do. So if you're interested, or maybe just a bit curious, fasten up your seatbelts and let's get going. It's going to be a wild ride. :-)
Kathy
looking forward to it Kathy , no pressure :)
ReplyDeleteNicola in Ireland
The first step, for me, is to SIT DOWN at the computer or a notepad and write SOMETHING. Anything. An outline, a concept, a list of ideas, a drawing. Save it and print it out, and start both a paper file and an electronic file. Writing ANYTHING gets me started.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy, this will be a fun journey...I am with you, and you have motivated me to complete a curriculum during this time period...if you can complete a book, surely I can finish this small project that has been hanging over my head.. seat belts fastened!
ReplyDeleteI will follow your blog, even if it is one of those things I search to ''have to do'' instead of writing myself. I'll be delighted to follow the process in an experienced writer while I wrestle with my third first book in process (the other two being non-fiction, this one fiction)
ReplyDeleteBrave of you to publicly commence this project; vastly intimidating to us newbies in the writing field. 50 days? Yikes. I'll use your blog as my own procrastination-from-writing destination ....
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy for sharing this with us. My first training is as a translator. So I never sit in front of a blank screen. My challenge is to render a text that is as faithful to the author's message as possible.
ReplyDeleteI will appreciate your input on what it is like to write a book.
As a translator, I always have the reflex to want to translate a good text or a good book for my fellow French speaking colleagues from Quebec.
Ghislaine Reid, B.A., IBCLC