These are thoughts I couldn’t find a place for. Enjoy. With homage to Jimmy Cannon, who inspired me in many ways, including his legendary columns titled “Nobody Asked Me, But.”
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Making money is an easy way to set targets because you can count money. And it’s easy to believe that with more money you can buy the things that will give you the life you want. But that usually doesn’t work out the way “logic” says it will. Sure, you need money, but you need “enough,” not a lot. Enough not to worry about money all the time, and enough to do the things that matter. And you need more than money, things that aren’t easy to count. You need work you enjoy. You need relationships that are strong.
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I wouldn’t say that “writing is thinking.” For me, writing is part of the thinking process until we get to the first draft. After that, the two are indistinguishable. You can’t tell where the thinking ends and the writing picks up or vice versa.
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AI is a great helper, but an awful master, or even individual contributor. AI can do many things, but it can’t provide judgment; it can’t perceive possibilities, and it doesn’t have emotion or what some call “lived experience.” Only humans can do those things. And let us remember that AI will cheerfully give you the watered-down average of what’s out there on the net, good or bad, treasure or trash.
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“What helps you keep going after the novelty has faded? “
One thing first-time authors usually aren’t prepared for is the time when novelty fades, and motivation evaporates. My experience and my experience with clients is that you need three things to get through and finish. You need to know your big Why. Keeping your eyes on the prize lets you remember why it’s worth doing. You need to track progress with some kind of leading indicator. This varies a lot by individual, but three popular things are word count, time worked, and milestones. And you need good work habits that make it easier for you to show up and get to work.
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On the coaching side, I’m telling clients they can use AI for all kinds of things, just not for writing. Without the wrestling with meaning that comes with human writing, you won’t produce anything good. You’ll also miss the joy of discovery that comes from trying to get it right. And when you write yourself, you don’t settle for the watered-down average of what’s already out there.
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Here’s a lesson if you’re considering a coach or ghostwriter to help with your book. They should ask you lots of questions. A couple of months ago, an author engaged me for a manuscript review. When I sent them a list of questions to answer so I could evaluate their manuscript, I immediately received an email back that said: “I know this will be helpful.” I was the third person she’d engaged to review her manuscript, but the first one who asked questions about goals, ideal reader, etc. That’s a sad commentary on the industry but a cautionary tale if you’re seeking help with your book. One size does not fit all.
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The Bear Bryant Rule
Paul “Bear” Bryant was one of the most successful college football coaches ever. In 38 years of coaching, he had only one losing season. During his 25 years at the University of Alabama, he led the Crimson Tide to 24 straight bowl appearances and six National Championships.
He got the nickname “Bear” in his teens after agreeing to wrestle a bear at a traveling carnival. No record of the outcome of the match survives. Bryant was a colorful character, known for his black-and-white houndstooth hat and colorful sayings. This one is especially relevant if you aspire to write a book.
“It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”
My Bear Bryant Rule uses that quote as a model. It’s not the willingness to write a book that sets you apart. Everyone who sets out to be an author has that. It’s the willingness to do the mundane, boring scut work that enriches your writing.
Do the research
Capture ideas and insights.
Block out time to write.
Prepare your writing space.
Plan the writing.
Get feedback.
Do your starting ritual.
Close the door and turn off the phone.
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Is writing a book right for you? I’ve helped dozens of clients answer that question. Contact me and let’s chat.
Or ask WallyBot some of your questions. That’s my free and slop-free chatbot.