A Not So Secret Secret

I secretly (well, not so secret anymore) want to write a book. You think after being a Journalist for 21 years this would be an easy goal. It’s not. I have spent 21 years editing stories so they are compact, accurate and to the point. Writing a book requires you to embellish, create and develop characters. It's totally different. I have also been paralyzed with fear about it for some years now…. Sayyyyying I want to write a book- but doing very little writing. That is… until recently.

Little did I know it all started a year ago- when I began my journey back to fitness. I found the strength, confidence and mo-jo I forgot I had. I worked hard and accomplished so many goals in that area last year. So, when December rolled around and I was focusing on how to take up my fitness a notch I again addressed my desire to write a book.

And then it hit me! I thought about what made me so successful in my fitness and I had to translate it into my writing.

*I set clear S.M.A.R.T. goals

*I put the work in--- even when I didn't feel like it

*I trusted in the process

So simple! I didn't wait until January to start- it was the middle of December and I started. I was kinda like Forest Gump and running--- I just kept writing and writing and writing… and then I wrote some more.

I am currently on chapter 13 of my first book! This is the first draft. I’ve grown so much as a writer that I absolutely think my first chapter stinks…. But I’m writing! My creative juices are flowing and I’m doing the work and trusting in the process. I’ve brainstormed several other book ideas and can’t wait to dig into those characters. And in honor of one of my favorite movies “What About Bob”… I feel like strapping myself to a sail boat (because a book wouldn’t do it justice) and saying “Doctor Leo Marvin--- I write! I write! I’m a writer!”

Now you may be wondering when you will see 'said' book I am writing. Who knows. Probably never. I don’t think it’s very good at this point. I need to edit and revise, then get some beta readers… and on and on before I even make it to publication. But this is all beside the point. All the time I was paralyzed with fear about writing because I was thinking about writing for other people. This book I am writing for myself—and that was when the flood gates opened and the words came.

Just like exercising and eating right- if you do it for someone else… you won’t succeed. It was an Oprah "Ah Ha" moment. I am writing for myself and I am succeeding. Perhaps one day I will write something for publication. You will be the first to know when it comes out. Even sharing this secret with you is kinda big in my world… big in a scary, exciting way! Thanks for letting me tell you a secret.