How to Finish Your Book (Really)

​I’ve written 11 nonfiction books. I’m completing the final edits on my 11th book (to be published in April 2020 by Shanti Arts). I write this weekly Writers' blog (most weeks). I write for a local paper. I’m working on the finishing touches of my novel. And yes, I’m writing my 12th nonfiction book (which is for writers!). I’ve published a few short stories, and, I’ve submitted poetry to contests. (Okay, and I'm taking notes on a memoir I'm working on). 

Like most authors, I don’t make enough of a living from my writing, so I have day jobs. 
 
So, how do we keep writing till our project is complete?   
 
The way to keep writing is to stay in the conversation with your theme and subject. You are in fact writing when you are cleaning the toilet if while cleaning ideas come to you. (and you jot them down).

When you are in the conversation you will harvest metaphors and lines like an apple picker during peak season. While in the conversation you will think about how to present an idea or scene. You will work sentences in your head. You will pay attention and notice more. What you notice will be relative to your subject and theme. You will explore ideas on your feet and off the page. 
 
When sharing your subject and theme with someone else it is conversational when the dialogue is going back and forth, not if you are just telling someone about your book or ideas. There is a back and forth, a give and take, an exchange in conversation. You will get more ideas, make more connections when you are heavy on the listening and light on the talking. 
 
All in all, when we tap into the conversational nature of reality with a given subject or theme the doors of the Divine open up to synchronistic and meaningful encounters which will have you pulling out your field notebook and taking notes.  
 
Of course, writing does get down to putting ideas down on paper (or these days your computer screen). However, the writing it down part will be more natural and progressive, just part of the conversation. Conversational writing will not feel forced and there is no such thingy as a writer’s block.
 

How to Stay in the Conversation and FINISH your Project (book/blog/article): 
 
Focus your conversations and explorations.
 
Be open and look for metaphors and analogies in your daily environments (that are subject and theme related).
 
Always carry a field notebook (on my walks, I use my phone to take notes).
 
Hand write ideas or thoughts down (every day).
 
Have guiding questions that open you up to receiving ideas. 
 
Write a weekly blog on your subject or theme.
 
Keep to a particular subject (and theme) till your project is done. (That means you Dina.)
 
Join a supportive Writing Circle, (not a critique circle).
 
Hire a Writing Sherpa!, Mentor or Coach. 
 
Take workshops on your theme or subject (just as important than on how to write).

Sign up for my on-line class The Initiated Writer.
 
Find a new environment once a month to write in.
 

And you could always get a new (rescued) puppy . . .  

We will be welcoming Lulu into our home on March 27th. 

---