Wanna Write a Book? 7 Secrets for Aspiring Authors

Written by Barbara Huson

I just finished my 7th book. Hard to believe after what I went through with my first one. As excited as I was to begin that first time, when I read the crap I wrote, I tore up the pages, feeling defeated.

My yearning to write kept me coming back, only to repeat the pattern yet again. This went on for months. I’d rip up pages in disgust and walk away in frustration.

Still the book kept calling. But clearly, I had neither skill nor talent to write it.

Then one day, while walking down a bustling San Francisco sidewalk during rush hour, I overheard two people chatting behind me.

He: I’m so frustrated trying to write this book. I just don’t have the time!

She: I know! Everyone wants to write a book. But no one’s got the time. And that’s really what it takes—putting your tush in the chair until you’re done.

I Am Writing

Written by Barbara Huson

If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know that I’m writing my 7th book, Rewire for Wealth. My publisher’s given me a very tight deadline. With holidays looming, I’ve decided to take a short break from my weekly blog.

But, I don’t want to leave you, my loyal readers, without some weekly encouragement so my wonderful assistant, Lynda Jo, will be posting past blogs you may have missed—or, as is so often the case, you need to review again (it’s amazing how things will land in your inbox just when you need them). You’ll also see updates on my writing progress.

Here’s the first encore from August, 2018.

My Personal Experience in Rewiring

I’m making myself crazy. I’ve been doing it for months. Ever since I decided I was ready to birth my next book. In a fit of over-zealous optimism, I gave myself till summer’s end to finish the proposal.

Well, summer is quickly coming to a close. My proposal, however, is nowhere near completion. Not even close. I’ve been beating myself up—unmercifully—for missing my goal.

I’m a big believer in setting deadlines. They’re terrific tools for staying on track. But, I’m recognizing, there’s a major downside to made-up deadlines.

The trouble comes when I don’t meet them. Rather than rethink the timing, I scold myself severely for screwing up.

Oh the absurdity of artificial deadlines! Yet, on reflection, I realize I’ve done this my whole life.

In fact, I suddenly realize, it’s actually a habit that’s been hardwired in my brain. And the very thing I’m writing my book about—3 steps to rewiring the brain—is precisely what I need to put into practice. Yes, there’s hope!!!

I’ve already begun the 1st Step: Recognize. I clearly see that chastising myself for falling short of an arbitrary deadline is unhealthy, unproductive and habitual. Sure, deadlines can be motivating. But self-flagellation is no way to foster creativity.

Now, the 2nd step, Reframe. I need to see this differently. Looking back, I realize (big sigh!) proposals always got written, projects always got completed…just not on my schedule. Instead of defying the current, what if I deferred to Divine timing? Only in hind sight can I possibly know what’s actually in my own best interest.

Finally the 3rd step, Respond Differently. I make a promise to myself. From now on, if I’m feeling stuck, if doors stay closed, if nothing flows freely and it ceases to be fun, I’m viewing these as indicators that it’s time to surrender and reassess rather than doggedly pursue a rigid decision.

The essence of my rewiring experience boils down to this: I’d rather live with the tranquility that comes from trusting a Higher Power than the stress of self-imposed pressure.

Are you still pursuing a goal that’s past its “expiration date”? Why? Leave a comment below.

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Finding Pleasure in the Writing Process

Written by Barbara Huson

I remember sitting down to write my first book. I was so excited. Until I read what I wrote. It was awful. I tore up the pages in utter defeat.

This went on for months. I’d write. Read the draft. Rip it up in disgust. Walk away in despair. Eventually the book got written but oh, did I suffer. It was the same with each of my next 6 books.

Now, working on my 8th book, I swore I’d do it differently. And I did. Here’s how I made the process actually pleasurable.

1. Don’t wait until you’re inspired. William Faulkner said, “I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately, I am inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.” I’ve blocked time on my calendar for writing. And I’m at my computer, inspired or not. Of course, deadlines work wonders!

2. Kick perfectionism out the door. My new approach: Write shit, then clean it up. Awful first drafts don’t mean I’m an awful writer. It means I have to become a really good rewriter. As prolific writer, Nora Roberts says, “I can fix a bad page. I can’t fix a blank page.”

3. Hold tight to a grander vision. I’m approaching this book as if I’m supposed to write it and there’s one person out there who really needs to hear what only I can say. When my ego insists I’m a fraud and everyone’s about to find out, I just say “Thank you for sharing” and tune in to my Soul’s guidance

4. Make it a priority. Writing had to take precedence over the myriad of other items on my list. When the book became a priority, right up there with spending time with my kids, the momentum shifted and the writing took precedence. No struggle or effort necessary.

Is there something you know you should share with the world or, perhaps, that one person who desperately needs to read what you have to write? Tell me about it, here, then start writing!

Get the support you need to create the Wealth you desire in my virtual community of women supporting women, The Wealth Connection. Join the conversation today!

Writing

Wanna Write a Book? 7 Secrets for Aspiring Authors

I Am Writing

My Personal Experience in Rewiring

Finding Pleasure in the Writing Process

Meet Barbara Huson

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