I'm often consulted about the process of writing a book and my mantra has never changed: As difficult as it is, writing a book is the easy part. Everything that comes after that is hard. After the first presentation where I said that, I stepped into an elevator and a fellow said, "You are the most depressing speaker I've every heard." "Moi?" How could that be? "Well," he continued, "you said writing the book is the easy part and I find it tough." I thought about it for a moment and replied, "Sir, it is tough and you are in for a ride."
When my third book was published, I was giving another presentation on the topic of being an author and repeated what Mr. Elevator Man said to me. I looked at the audience and said, "Upon further consideration and two more books, I have come to the conclusion, that I respectfully--- agree with myself."
There is much more to a book than the mere writing of it. It's not just the 20 action points I listed yesterday after editing the back cover copy of my forthcoming book sent by my publisher. Much like being a parent, it's a lifetime job. You can have more kids and write more books but they are all yours and require support. But there is nothing like holding the first book, hot off the press and saying, "I created this!" And then the work begins. But it's great fun, an Eticket ride and a true adventure and no diapers must be changed!
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