How’s that book that you’re NOT writing coming along?
I rarely, if ever, blog about someone else’s post. I don’t know why—because a lot of my writing friends and connections write outstanding posts that offer many helpful resources and ideas.
So, I hope to write more about the articles and books that inspire, encourage, and inform me.
Today, I’m sharing a post by Jeff Goins, “The Totally Boring Process of Writing a Book.” Jeff’s post really hits the target for me while I’m writing a book.
Writer. As a writer, I’ve always struggled with transitioning from research to writing.
Why? I give many excuses.
- Waiting for inspiration?
- Bored with the subject?
- Insecure about subject matter?
- Obsessed by the research?
- Blah, blah, blah …
Thankfully, I’m not the only writer with this problem. Misery loves company, I guess. But I see this problem routinely.
Instructor. As a writing instructor, I observed my students procrastinate, as they struggled to complete their assignments all the time.
[Oops! Did I says “procrastinate”!]
In fact, I know several students who never finish writing their master’s theses or doctoral dissertations! They completed the course work for their degrees, compiled volumes of research, but never wrote their final papers. So, they failed to complete their degree work.
Observer. I know a few professors and ministers who used their entire sabbaticals to do research, but they never finished their books. Such wisdom—still waiting in some obscure files somewhere.
Recently, I listened to several historical fiction writers confess their ongoing struggle, moving from the research phase of their writing to actually writing their books.
One writer just completed a book that she’s been working on for 25 years. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS! Oh, she’s written other books. But she’s had this prize tucked away for safe-keeping until her other projects were finished.
Is this a common problem for writers? I think so.
Who am I to judge other writers? I’ve been collecting research on my book for 10 years. That’s why I’ve been so focused in this phase of the writing process—gathering 10 years worth of research from every corner of my home and computer files.
Question. So, how do you break away from your research and start writing?
My writing friend, Kathy, shared some wise advice from a writers conference we both attended: “Put your bottom in the chair and stay there until you meet your goal for the day.”
So, I wish I had the answer. Perhaps it’s simply these two words …
JUST WRITE!
How do you transition from research to writing?
