The Author's Walk

To become an author …

To become a DOER, not a dreamer …

You gotta write. It’s the only way.

It’s a big step … that first step.

Are you ready to take it?

So many writers ask me if there is a “rule” for how much they should write a day. As in word count. Hours in. Are there minimums they must meet to succeed? And must they write every day? In my opinion, most ideas like this that have filtered their way are silly and unrealistic. And, in my opinion, the only Rule is to starting writing if you want to be an author. It’s a step-by-step forward as you begin your walk.

Phooey to all the “rules” you have heard. Make your own … ones that fit your timeframe, your needs, your families, and for many of YOU, around your day job.

Does your word count matter? Hmm, a good question. In my opinion, nope. Dump it. My question would be: Are you writing … anything? A sentence? A paragraph or two? What about lots … a draft of a chapter … just something? That would be a start.

Some say you must write 1,000 words a day. Really? The better question is to look within and see what’s flowing. Are you on a writing stream and it’s hot, hot, HOT? What do numbers matter? You may drop in a few thousand. Just freaking write. If it’s a noodle time, then noodle—smoosh the words around and see what starts to gel. It could be only 100 words … but a magnificent 100.

As a writer—I’m writing shorties and longies. It could be blogs, an eblast to my followers, or a complete chapter. Typically, I grind a chapter out rough, then come back to it. Word count is irrelevant to me. Does what I wrote make sense?

If it’s nonfiction, is there a beginning, a middle, an end … and a CTA—call to action? Do I have a lead hook to lure the reader in? If not, I add it. If fiction, are my words moving the storyline forward? Is there too much telling? Does the opening make sense? Does the reader want more to keep turning the pages? Does the end of the book make sense?

If you are only dabbling, thinking about it, you haven’t crossed the writing bridge choice yet. Diddling and dabbling doesn’t get a book done. Writing does.

Once you cross, then commitment comes into play. You start believing that you will have a book … become an author. Woo Hoo! The virtual carrot is dangling in front of you. Now is your time to turn your virtual dream into reality.

To become the author you desire to be, it’s time to become a DOER, not a dreamer.