Yesterday morning, one of my book coaching clients said she had so many competing ideas for what to write–a book, a blog–and even more ideas what to write about–suburban consumption mom goes green, healing, shamanic experiences around the world. She didn’t know how to choose a writing project. In fact, she wondered if she can be writing right now with all that’s going on in her life.
As I led her in a visualization for writing, it became clear to me she needed to ground herself and feel connected to the earth. It would help her release some of the blocks coming up, focus, create structure, feel secure and safe (which cropped up as a need).
Nature and earth energy can be your most powerful allies for writing and creative endeavors. If your head is swirling with ideas and you feel overwhelmed, paralyzed or stuck, go for a walk in nature–in the woods to look inward for answers, by the ocean to clear the cluttered thoughts or anywhere you can breathe fresh air.
Or try a grounding yoga pose like mountain or warrior–outdoors barefoot if you’re somewhere warm. If your backyard looks like mine, an indoor yoga pose will do–maybe just look out the window.
Does it help? What do you do to ground your ideas and move forward?
I’ve begun a 2 month “Winter Writing Extravaganza” and have a plan to get the first draft of the first book in a series of books that I have in mind to write. After I finish writing, then editing my book, I plan on finding an agent, an editor and publisher. I want to make sure that I have all of the steps taken care that I can do before I go to a publisher. I already have the vision and outlines for the series. Is there anything that I need to do to make sure I have everything ready when my book is sent to publishers? How do you suggest that I go about finding the right agent for my book. It is a young adult book.
Thanks so much,
Laura
I would read Regina Brooks’ book Writing Great Books for Young Adults. It gives you “everything you need to know, from crafting the idea to landing a publishing deal.” Regina is a terrific literary agent and founder of Serendipity Literary Agency. This book will guide you through writing a great, marketable book. Make sure you have an excellent editor critique and edit it (preferably several times) before sending it out.
Of course, don’t send the book out cold–send a query letter first and make sure they are interested. I would definitely get professional help with your query. Regina’s book also guides your through that process, but a professional editor’s eye will be helpful as well. Depending on the agent’s guidelines, you can include a brief synopsis and sample pages or sample chapter. Again, Regina’s book can guide you through that process.
Good luck!