So I’m writing a book. It’s called Your Big, Bold, Creative Life: A User’s Manual, I’m 23,784 words into the rough draft (over a third done!) and if you want, I’ll share the entire process with you.
Yep, I’ll give you an insider’s view into everything: writing, publishing, and promoting.
I’ll share everything I learn about building a sustainable writing practice (writing a book takes endurance, baby!). I’ll reveal the contents of my private journal as I brainstorm not just the book itself, but also how to publish, how to crowdfund the editing and production, and how to promote. I’ll show you the steps I go through in the design process for the cover and interior of the book (including finding and hiring a designer, deciding whether to do any design myself, etc.).
I’ll share a little bit here on the blog periodically, but it feels pretty intimate to share all this stuff with The Public…
So I’ve created a special newsletter, the Book Report, just for my peeps who are really interested in this stuff, and who want first dibs on the book when it’s done (including exclusive pre-sale bonuses!)
If you want the full reveal, including a chance to get a free review copy of the manuscript, click here to subscribe to the Book Report, and I’ll send you my latest video diaries all about the book.
The first Book Report video is above — check it out! (At 10 minutes it’s a bit on the long side; I know we’re all busy, so I’ll aim to make future video diaries under 5 minutes.)
Wheeee! This is kinda scary, but also really fun! Here we go!
PS – I talk in the video above about how bringing my computer to bed made me a zillion times more productive, but Laura pointed out in the comments to my last post that bringing your computer to bed is frowned upon in some circles, and for good reason. If I were to somehow bring my iMac (ie, my Work Computer) into my bedroom, it would be a disaster. I’d have no separation between work and my Creative Cocoon, and would probably leap right down the internet and email rathole. The only reason bringing my computer to bed works for me is that in my head, this particular computer is not My Computer, it’s simply a tool that allows me to write more efficiently. So take care if you try this technique yourself!
PPS — Pssst! Know someone who might benefit from seeing this today? Pass it on!
Melissa, I get it about the portability thing. When I was doing my 40 paintings in 40 days, it really helped that I had one easel that was really light weight and easily moved from one place to another. As to the other issue of fitting it all in…I tend to feel like I can only focus on one, maybe two things at a time…and sadly it often doesn’t feel like I can afford to make one of those my creativity…I love that you’re sharing your process for this.
I hear you, Carol! Making time for creativity is a challenge for most creatives — and of course, what I’m here to help change! 🙂
Thank you for that Book report Melissa. I struggle with the same issues around time disappearing into the big black hole of daily and backlog tasks that delay me making progress towards the completion of Assets for the deadlines of events that I really want to do. I like the idea of sidelining the backlog and just dealing with today.
I found your Creative Ignition Kit timetable really helpful for scheduling slots. I set an alarm that acts like a school bell at the end of ‘class’ then I go to the next subject. Some days I have just the one ‘class’ some days I might have as many as 4, but all the ‘classes’ contribute to my graduation!! 😉
I love your “class” model, Jaiq! It reminds me of one of the life design templates in Barbara Sher’s book, Refuse to Choose, also based on a school day, which can work really well for certain types of Passion Pluralites (those of us who like to keep a finger in lots of pies every day. :))
That’s pretty similar to how I approach my own day, and it’s worked really well for me (though I confess I’m not always so consistent about using a timer… I’d like to get better at that!)