I always send a questionnaire before a book concept consultation so that the author and I can both prepare for the session. As I look through the questionnaire, I make a list of any seeming or potential gaps in the author’s knowledge of book writing and publishing, so they can fine tune their book concept.
Often some of the writer’s questions have to do with fear of writing a book, self-doubt, performance anxiety and related issues. I make note to discuss any areas that need a breakthrough.
I also list areas we can brainstorm about together, feedback and ideas I want to share, and questions to ask their muse (or creative source or inner knowing). After the education in book writing and publishing, feedback on their book concept and some brainstorming, we answer the remaining questions through a guided visualization exercise “Meet Your Muse.” This often includes addresses fear, self-doubt, etc.
A Common Fear Around Book Writing
During last Friday’s consultation, the author shared her concerns about writing her book. Was it a good idea? Would people like it?
As I guided the author In the “Meet Your Muse” exercise, she shared her muse’s advice:
“As with anything, writing a book is neither good nor bad. It’s the energy with which you approach it. Try to maintain an energy of consciousness and helping others vs. fear of what people think or ego. It’s neutral to write a book. It’s the energy you bring to it…”
She paused and reflected, “I think that’s gonna be a core thing I have to return to over and over to have a good relationship with book writing.”
A Valuable Lesson for Aspiring Authors and Writers
This muse’s advice offers such a valuable lesson. While it’s important to create a quality book and to think deeply about what you are creating, when you get caught up in fear or performance anxiety, it’s a sign you’re on the wrong track.
Ground.
Center.
Breathe.
Open your heart to your future readers.
When you can return your mind to focus on being of service, you’ll find that answers bubble up with ease, writing flows and confidence flows, too.
Do You Need Support on Your Writing Project?
Maybe it’s time you scheduled a book concept consultation with me in order to get clear on readership, tone, content, features, structure, publishing path and more.
Or, if you need help making the time, being accountable, writing efficiently and tapping into your best and most inspiring writing, check out my Get Your Writing Done Program.
A Get Your Writing Done participant just told me that in just two hours a week during our class (and no extra time for writing) she completed 150 pages in the past 3 months! And I read her first chapter yesterday and the writing is fantastic (we truly get into the zone in class, where your best writing emerges!).
She told me, “There’s no way I would have gotten that far without Get Your Writing Done!” Check out the live, remote weekly (or twice weekly) writing program here.
What challenges—or insights—are coming up for you this week? Share your comments below.
3. My colleague Stuart Horwitz once said something like, “You can have a flashback but don’t fall in love with the past so much that the reader loses the sense of the reading present.” So, most of the story should take place in the “linear” arena and the flashbacks should not get too long that the reader loses their sense of where they are.
