Day Three: Get the WRITE Tools

Getting the 'write' tools simply means that you are going to need to get the tools to get the job done. There is nothing more frustrating than getting ready to start a project only to realize that you still need things. When you start writing a book, you are going to want to make sure you have everything that you need to reach your goal. Here are some of my must-haves when I sit down to write:

• Writing tablet with blank pages: I use this to as scratch paper, just to scribble thoughts and jot down notes.
  
• Pens (at least four colors): The reason I use many colors is to categorize what I am writing. It is easy to assign colors to your notes and then go back and write a paragraph or a page in each category.
  
• Music: I choose classical because it is clinically proven to relieve stress and it helps me stay focused and my creative thoughts to flowing. (Choose the music that works for you!)
• Snacks: I have people disagree with me. But when I get in a writing flow, I automatically need to have everything I need right near me. My writing favorites are, Wheat Thin Garden Chips, bottled water, grapes, apples and Swedish Fish. Sounds crazy, but hey it works for me! :)
• Computer or Lined Paper: The reason I said 'or' is because I don't believe in letting ANYTHING stop you from completing or reaching a goal. Nothing. If a computer is not available, then do it the old fashion way. Pull out a piece of paper and start writing. Of course, if you have a computer, then you would automatically type your book that way. (If you use a computer, another must-have is a USB device to store your writing on for easy access and increased protection of your work.)

Here are my Writing Tools. I have them and you will need them too! A book does so must to position you as an expert. So don't pass up the opportunity to let others read what you have to say. If writing a book if your goal; I say 'go get the write tools!'

Day Two: Start Digging...

Whatever your topic you are going to need to get a seat and start digging. Even if you have been in the insurance industry for twenty years, you will need to do some research if nothing more than to verify facts.

It is important that you get in the frame of mind that you don't know it all. And that it is your duty to find out and deliver all the information that you can to the individuals that will be buying your book. But more importantly you need not look at the research process as anything more than you positioning yourself as an expert in your field.

Don't allow ego to stop you from getting the best book out to your prospective clients, customers or buyers. Because many times in the research process you will find that you will learn a few things that will help further your endeavors as well.

Be sure to remember that you have so many tools at your disposal:

• the Internet
• libraries
• publications
• interviews with peers or colleagues
• and many, many other substantial resources

The most important thing to remember when writing a book is that you need to give yourself to discovering as much information as possible to help satisfy the needs of your readers.

Day One: Prepare

When starting the writing process, the first thing you should do is prepare. You see, writing takes time. And it you don't put some things in place before taking on the writing process, you are sure to get distracted, frustrated and ultimately fail to complete your writing goals.

• Make Up Your Mind - The first thing you should do is make up your mind that you want to write. AND that you ARE going to do it. The human brain is powerful and it will do whatever you tell it to do. But YOU are the one that controls its outcome. If you want to write a book, then write a book!

• Decide - What are you going to write about. Each person has something that they could talk hours about. Whether fashion, biochemistry or even cats. You have something that you enjoy talking about and if you do, then someone else does...write about what you are passionate about. Which leads me to my next tip.

• Know Your Audience - Too many people jump into writing a book that they want to sell without first knowing who they want to purchase the book. If you want to write a book on cats, then it stands to reason that 'cat lovers' are going to pick up your book. So when you are writing you should keep those 'cat lovers' in mind.

Writing a book is the easier than you think, just take your time, believe in yourself and get it done.