I always wanted to write a book as well and I agree with you that “Starting” is the most difficult part.I am going to read the other parts of your article and I will get my book started!!

Make that a MUST. =P

I had to giggle when you mentioned 3×5 cards. My whole life, my daily list, any talks I make, EVERYTHING is on 3×5 cards!

I thought I was the only one!

Yes, certainly “keep going!” But from my vantage point you are already doing that!

Corinne

What a marvelous, inspirational article for people who have been saying, “Someday, someday.” I used to think that way. You are right that it takes bits and pieces for a book to come together.

When I first started writing about my life’s experiences, they started in a journal, shortly after I quit a high profile career on Wall Street.

Then they were submitted to various outlets for publication. First on the internet (heartwarmers.com) and when they were accepted, I was thrilled. It added confidence and then I submitted a story or two to Chicken Soup for the Soul. One of them was accepted in the Chicken Soup for the College Soul and I actually got paid for the piece upon acceptance! That further fueled my confidence!

In the very beginning, I had a bulletin board where I put 3X5 cards up on there, representing potential chapter titles. I would frequently refer to those cards and whenever an idea for a chapter popped in my head, I’d write them down on the index cards. Then when it came to writing a chapter, I’d look at my collection of index cards on the board and pick a chapter idea that inspired me and proceeded to write.

The book I’m compiling is 7 years in the making. It took a LONG time but I was able to do it because I refused to think about the end result (the final book) because it would overwhelm me if I allowed myself to think that far ahead.

So, you are right on the mark. It isn’t that hard to put the pieces together but it has to be done bit by bit.

Thanks for a great article, reminding me to keep going!

Stephen