writing

Major Accomplishment Accomplished

Posted by Barbara Techel

If I could, I’d sit in this chair right now with a glass of wine, a tissue in hand, and thank God for all the blessings in my life. What am I so thankful for today, you ask? Well, what started a year ago as thoughts that wouldn’t let me sleep at night, then turned into what felt like walking up the steepest hill ever every single day, to seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, to feelings of elation, doubts, questions, elation, doubts, questions, to finally elation is the major editing of my new book is complete.

I just hit the send button moments ago accepting the last major changes to my manuscript, Through Frankie’s Eyes: One Woman’s Journey to Her Authentic Self and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way. It’s not like I haven’t written a book before… but it is. Writing children’s books about Frankie was pretty much pure joy. Writing this book about myself and what I’ve learned in life from Frankie was challenging at times, as well as scary, fun, and thought provoking…. and I could go on and on.  But the bottom line is that after I hit the send button I felt myself grow ten feet taller.

I accomplished what I set out to do even when I wanted to quit and forget the whole thing. But what kept me going was little Frankie lying beside me as I wrote and wrote, and edited and edited and edited. I love you, girl.

It takes a team to make a book and while I have much work to do yet and more team members to bring on board, I have much to celebrate with this milestone. So for now I shall say thank you  to God for always guiding me, my hubby for listening to my ups and downs, and my mom for cheering me on every step of the way…. and for my editor, Yvonne Perry for kindly and compassionately taking me under her wing even though she is in the midst of publishing her own book, along with many other tasks on her plate.

Though I can’t sit in that particular chair in that particular field like in the photo, I will find a way to celebrate… which will likely be a walk with Frankie finding beauty in nature around me…. and once home a nice glass of wine and a celebration toast with John…. and lots of hugs for Kylie and Frankie. Simple things. Simple joy. Life is good.

Just Start

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’m often asked how to write a book. The simple and short of it is, just start. Sound too simple?  Well, you really don’t need to make it complicated. We tend to do that. At least I did it – and still have to remind myself. At the beginning I would search for ways in which to make my writing easier.  A schedule, certain time of the day, shortcuts, read how other writer’s did it, etc. But having just finished another major edit to my new book Through Frankie’s Eyes I can say without a doubt that the answer to writing a book is unequivocally, just start.

I scheduled one to two hours every other day at the beginning of writing my new book.  I scheduled myself into my appointment book the writing times I would adhere to, which was before I did anything else. This worked for me. As I got into writing my book I found myself going back to it other times during the day – near the end, I couldn’t stop and would write more often.  The process is going to be different for everyone – but just start.  Maybe you only have 15-minutes a day or perhaps 30-minutes.  Maybe you can only write 2 or 3 times a week or just on the weekends – but no matter what – just start.

It was quite the high when I had my manuscript printed out at my local printers and realized I had written a whole book – my first (well, nonfiction that is)!  It was exhilarating!  It is one thing to see your typed words on the computer, but to actually hold the manuscript in your hands is a feeling I’ll long remember.

Just like anything in life we can be our own worst enemy. We think there may be a shortcut or better way to do something so we put things off.  And this morning as I went to print off my grocery list which I thought I had saved after I put it together last night on my computer, I realized I didn’t save it.  Oh man, now I have to start all over again. I hemmed and hawed in my head about it and then reminded myself to just start – and before I know it I will have it done once again.

Make Writing a Happy Habit

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’m a big fan of writing coach, Cynthia Morris and have taken advantage of many of the services she has offered. Being a writer can feel lonely at times as well as sometimes frustrating – or can leave you feeling inadequate – at least these have been my challenges.  Every time I’ve taken a class or read a book or ebook from Cynthia it is a shot of just what I needed to keep going.

I wanted to share with those of you who are writer’s and looking for help in developing a daily habit of writing… a wonderful course with Cynthia. She has an excellent 6-week course that will set you on the right path. And with her kind and honest feedback you will find yourself growing by leaps and bounds.

Information about Make Writing a Happy Habit course:

If you’re tired of struggling to get to your writing projects, Make Writing a Happy Habit is what you’ve been waiting for. This online course goes where other classes don’t: straight to the heart of why you write, so you can build a solid foundation to continue writing even when class is over.

If you are:

  • Full of ideas but lack the discipline to focus, follow through and finish
  • Isolated and yearning for the support of a writing community
  • Lacking the structure and focus you need to stay with your writing projects
  • Unable to make time for writing, always pushing it aside for other demands…

This is the class that will put writing where it belongs: at the heart of your creative life so you can feel great about seeing your brilliant ideas take shape.

Click here for more information and to sign up

Full disclosure:  I am an affliate for Cynthia Morris’ company Original Impulse. Please know that I only recommend products/services of those that I have personally used and completely trust.