Since I wrote and published my little Complete Flake guide,
Getting Sh*t Done, a surprising number of people have asked me how it’s done. And just as many have said, “I need to write an e-book too, but…” There’s always a but, of course. I know that feeling all too well.
For some of us, writing is hard, painful work.
Photo by pedrosimoes7 via Compfight cc
We put it off as long as possible, or we never do it at all, even though we may feel called to tell our stories or share our knowledge. There are so many other things that need taking care of, after all: the job, the kids, the spouse, the house.
Not to mention plain old resistance, fear–or what I like to call BLANK BRAIN SYNDROME.
I wondered how I could help my friends get those e-books written and out there where they can do some good–both for my friends and the people who need what they have to offer.
Then my BFF, maths-genius Colin Beveridge, decided to write the second in the until-now-totally-imaginary Complete Flake Guides series, about breaking through writer’s block and getting shit, you know, written. Colin knows a bit about the subject: in the past three years, he’s pumped out four Dummies books and nine Kindle books–an astonishing achievement. In that time, I have marveled at his self-discipline and sheer perseverance. In fact, I doubt I would have finished GSD without his encouragement, advice, and prodding.
When I read the first draft of Colin’s book I thought, we should do a course together — 28 days to write and self-publish a 10,000-word*, nonfiction ebook on Kindle. That’s how long it took me to write GSD (though editing and publishing took another month of mostly fear and procrastination.)
So the question is, if you’ve been putting off writing that e-book you’ve been thinking about, would you be interested in a course like that? What would make it really valuable for you? How can we help?
UPDATE: Getting Sh*t Written is now available! Learn more and get started on your book now!
*Notice I said 10,000 words, not 50,000 (as in National Novel Writing Month.) In e-Book Land, less really is more.
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LaVonne: Hello. You are an inspiration to me. I want to be just like you when I grow up. I found you on Bobs blog. I would be interested in a tutorial about writing. There has been an instructional book that I have been wanting to write for quite a while. This is going to ramble a bit. Since I have been following swankiewheels blog I have been wanting to try kyaking but thought I am too old, too out if shape, too chunky etc. Now I am not saying you are any of those things but hearing about you and Charlene both kyaking makes me think that maybe, just maybe I could too. My dream is to live on the road but as I still have 7 kids at home and one of them is due with my first granbaby any day it will be awhile (5years?) Until I can hit the road full time. Sorry to go on so. Just wanted to say hi and let you know I am following you and do admire you. Nora
Thank you so much, Nora – what a compliment! If you’ve signed up for the mailing list in the upper right of the site, you will be notified when it is ready. Btw, re too old, too out of shape and too chunky: totally me too. As far as your plans for 5 years down the road, keep planning but start getting ready now. You can work on getting healthy and strong, a little every day, by going out and having fun with your kids: biking, playing sports, hiking, camping, swimming — there are hundreds of fun things you can do that will be good for all of you, and build life-long memories for your kids as well. Don’t wait!
I would be VERY much interested in an e-book writing and publishing guide. I recently finished reading your “Getting Sh*t Done” book and really liked it. It was informative, short and to the point. I have purchased and read several e-books lately, mainly due to thier low cost and immediate availability. I have never written a book. I have mever been much of a reader until recently. On the rare occasion when I would read a book, it was most always a How-To, Self-Help or Positive Motivational type book. Very seldom a story book for pleasure.
Lately I have been very interested in the Van Dwelling/RV lifestyle (that is how a ran across you) and have read everything I can on the subject. I just started reading e-books as a result of buying an iPad and installing the Kindle app. I really like the convenience and affordability of e-books. I like being able to download the book immediately and start reading. No need to wait up to two weeks to receive a clunky overpriced book to take up precious space. After all, I too am downsizing and simplifying my life. At 55 years old I feel I have experienced a lot in life and would like to write a few books sharing my knowledge, stories and technical expertise in my career as a full-time musician.
So YES, please co-write the book with you BFF!!!
Thanks, Gary – glad to know you’re interested. Colin is still working on the book but we have also decided to offer a course that goes into more depth. We will let you know when it’s ready. 🙂
I would be interested. Please send information to my email address when you GS together, OK?
Great, Theresa! Are you on my mailing list?
I get comment posts by email. You can send a direct email there also. My blog is http://weavingwonder.wordpress.com/ if you want to stop on by. Blessings
Oh, that would be maaaaavalous. I’d be interested in reading something like that.
I’ve put up a page about the course here: http://getshitwritten.com
Hi Lavonne,
Just wanted to let you know that you have been nominated for The Liebster Award. You can read more about it over at my blog, here
http://davidswanderings.com/2013/08/26/the-liebster-award/
Thank you, David! I clicked the link but there was a 404 error message.