you have any questions throughout the book make sure you ask them here – www.HowToWriteABookASAP.com/Questions
Also find out how you can join other authors like yourself in the How To Write A Book ASAP “Writers Circle” – www.HowToWriteABookASAP.com/Training
Chapter 1
Mindset - You Have What It Takes!
The Word document cursor was flashing and seemed as though it would never stop. I knew that writing my first book would be difficult. But, I was ready to face the challenge. As I sat there looking at the blank canvas, I got a little nervous. “Can I do this?” I thought to myself.
My mind went back to high school and college thinking of what my English teachers would say if I told them I was writing a book. I know what they would say. Better yet, I know what they would do - LAUGH.
You see, I was a great student. In most of my classes I got good grades and was involved in school activities. But when it came to English, I got C’s and D’s. I can’t really put my finger on why, other than I just couldn’t quite seem to get the concept of grammar. Oh, and I wasn’t particularly fond of reading either.
The ironic thing is that although my teachers would probably laugh at the concept of me, Garrett Pierson, writing a book, I guarantee that most of them had never written a book and they taught writing! I wasn’t going to let my English grades stop my desire to write.
After thinking about how my teachers might react, my thoughts went to my friends, family, and others who would read my book. “What if they didn’t like it?” I thought to myself. “What if someone notices a spelling or grammatical error? If someone calls me out on something in my book, then what?” I was pretty much just being a baby. That’s what it really came down to. Sometimes we think that if we could make everyone happy then the world would be a much better place. But the truth is that if we try to please everyone, our chances for success are pretty slim. I couldn’t let what others thought or think stop me and neither can you.
The next roadblock I had to overcome when writing my first book was the inner monologue going on in my head. Doubt, anxiety, and the sheer lack of knowledge were intimidating. I didn’t know how to write a book, nor did I possess the skills to do so. But the underlying truth was that I wasn’t going to let my limitations and fears stop me.
Here’s why: I made a commitment to write a book and therefore I wasn’t going to give up. I have a saying that I have kept with me ever since I was a teenager. “Never Give Up.” The truth is, I was scared. But nothing was going to get in my way.
We have discussed some initial challenges to writing your first book, namely concerns about what others think about us and our own self-doubts.
Here is what I have learned when it comes to other people’s opinions; they’re just that, their opinions or perspectives. If someone doesn’t like my book then that is his or her right to have that opinion. But it doesn’t mean that my book doesn’t have value and won’t help someone. The way I look at it is like this: when someone talks bad about my book then I have succeeded in creating a topic that somebody feels is worth discussing.
Here is a quick example illustrating what I mean. Howard Stern has millions of listeners. Guess who makes up the majority of his following? It’s the critics that hate him. They want to hear what he has to say next. They’re anxiously waiting for the opportunity to debate their point of view against his. Sometimes, I think he says things just to get a response out of people. Those who aren’t critics who listen to him enjoy the differences of opinion, no matter which side they agree with on a particular topic.
We’re about to change any negative thoughts, roadblocks or challenges into opportunities for success. Sound good?
Are you still staring at the blinking cursor on your screen? Have you written 100 words yet? Are you stuck and can’t seem to move forward? It’s OK. I’m here to help you get through any obstruction that might be in your way. In my opinion, the key to writing a book is quickly finishing it. If you don’t finish the book what’s the point? Your voice can’t be heard and you can’t help or entertain others if you don’t yield a complete work.
It’s no secret now that I am not a great writer. My English grades in high school and college were horrific. That seemingly important detail didn’t thwart my ambitions, rather it made the end result sweeter; like an underdog transforming into a champion. Don’t allow past negative experiences imprison your future opportunities.
I’m aware that past run-ins with the writing process aren’t the only webs of regression. Everyday you have social and family activities, as well as jobs, church assignments, community projects and school. And although these provide balance and are positive experiences for the most part, they can act as deterrents in completing your book. If you wish to accomplish anything in your life, including getting your book published, you must make time in your hectic schedule to do it. None of the events or excuses above has the power to stop you from writing because you have the authority to choose what to do with your time.
Allow me to illustrate my point with a parable. There were two wood vendors whose large carts sunk in the mud while trying to reach the market a few hills away. One was a cantankerous, closed-minded old man who sat upon his cart in defeat. The other man, just as old, surveyed the situation, organized himself, and used his wood to form a makeshift ramp then pushed the cart up and out of the mud. Although your proverbial cart might be stuck in sludge, I promise you that the market is only a few hills away. Keep an open mind and an optimistic attitude. Nothing can stop you. Forget what the world thinks – you can do this.
Let me tell you a story about Brad Burton, a man I dearly respect. His experience in writing his first book is another testimonial which illustrates that you can do this.
Brad is now a professional motivational speaker with charismatic magic and an exceptional, “welcome back, best friend” smile. Brad also has dyslexia, which is a learning disability that impairs spelling, sounding out, and recognizing words and letters.
When Brad set out to write his first book, you can imagine the fear and doubt that came to his mind. The task seemed insurmountable. If you were in Brad’s shoes, would you even attempt to write a book if you had trouble handling even the basics of written English?
But with help from his coach and editor he overcame his fears and wrote an amazing book in the process.
His book, “Beyond Illusions” has become one of my favorites. He journeyed through the deep waters where every word was an enemy to the blissful shores of accomplishment by composing 127 pages of valuable, insightful content. He became an author!
If you want to hear more about Brad’s journey in writing his first book go here – http://HowToWriteABookASAP.com/bradbarton.
I have heard of people who have been in the process of writing a book for years who still haven’t finished and probably never will. I am not saying that you have to write your book in any certain amount of time. What I am saying is that if you set a goal and you commit yourself to it, more than likely you will triumph. For example, if you want to write your book in 90 days, set a goal to do so and go do it. If you want to write your book in one year then
