During this blog series, I’ve shared lessons I’ve learned in cultivating my passion for writing in hopes it has encouraged you to discover your passion to sing, teach, serve, etc. We have identified how we can operate in our passion for leisure. We have thought about what more we can do with our passion to take it to the next level. Hard work and determination.
For me, taking my passion for writing to the next level is a continuous process of learning and growing as I advance to do more. What have you learned in taking your passion to the next level? How have you grown?
Next Level Leads to More
The collaborative book project for Building Me While I’m Building It was the first step to the next level. Although it challenged me, I was not overwhelmed because of the support given in doing a collaborative book with experienced lead authors. A team would handle the book design, editing, and publishing. My task was simple…write. And just one chapter. I didn’t know where the collaborative project would lead me, but here I am now working on my first solo book project!!! :O
I am learning that the two are night and day.
Experience in Writing a Chapter
The process of participating in a collaborative book project for me was an enlightening experience. After receiving the time-frame of when I needed to have my pages submitted, I prayed about the subject I would write about. Once the subject of ‘humility’ entered my mind to reveal my personal story, I had my content.
In the beginning, I struggled with the thoughts of why I did not want to share my personal story, but once I got past that, writing was a breeze. I was given about two and a half months as a deadline to submit my writing. Envisioning my story, the words to write came like the stream of a river calmly flowing along its path. It took me approximately two weeks to write my chapter. The most challenging part of my writing task was making sure I did not exceed the number of pages I was given.
My role and responsibilities for this book project were minuscule so I was able to read over my chapter several times to make sure my work was as close to perfect as I thought I could get it. Once I was comfortable with my content and I felt it was ready, I asked about submitting it. I turned it in early, then I had to wait until the next phase was ready.
The next phase only required me to be ready for the book launch. After the book launch, it was left up to me to order, market, and distribute my copy of the book. Instructions were given to order the book, but everything beyond that was a learning adventure.
I had to brainstorm and do some research on how to market. This was fun and scary at the same time. I had no clue what I was doing, but I prayed for direction and my steps to be ordered. I created my website to market and successfully hosted a book signing! What combination of emotions have you experienced while working on your passion? And what new skill sets have you acquired in the behind-the-scenes work of presenting your passion projects to others?
After that adventure came to a calm I reflected on the overall project. The pros and the cons, the ups and the downs. What it took to get to that point and then that question, ‘Is there more’ flashed in my mind. I pondered it and asked myself “What more can I do now”? I chewed on the thought for a few weeks, prayed on it, and the idea of writing a book stuck in my head.
“Alright, Holy Spirit let’s do it. Let’s write a book because I cannot do it alone” is what I said aloud. I referenced some book titles that came to mind over the past couple of years and picked the one that stood out the most. Since I had encountered a powerful heartfelt connection with the editor after meeting her during the editing process of the collaborative book venture, I reached out to her about wanting to do a solo project. We discussed the details and the process of working together. Initially, we arranged for coaching sessions to get the ball rolling. With God making a way, my editor became my writing coach and self-publishing consultant. Together, we are taking a deep dive into the abyss of this solo book journey.
Experience in Writing a Book
This night-and-day experience of writing a book versus a chapter is one that I couldn't begin to fathom. I only dipped my feet in the water by composing a chapter, but now I have been fully submerged in the unseen realms of authorhood. All the decisions about content, design, publishing, launching, marketing, etc. are most of the main responsibilities to think about now, but the focal point has been writing. I am writing a WHOLE book by myself!
In preparation to write I thought, “this shouldn’t” be difficult. I love to write. It’s one of my passions.” When the time came to write, it was like sitting at the park on a seesaw going up and down, high then low, but I was sitting on both ends.
I started to pay attention to the differences between the two projects. I found that writing a chapter was easier for me. I had plenty of time to write but only needed to utilize a small amount of it. I had a greater attention span and was able to check my work.
Working on the book has been more challenging but has been a good experience thus far. The time set aside to write was broken up into doses. I had to use all of the time allotted for each segment and had to put forth more effort than I anticipated. My attention span was much shorter in most instances of keeping still long enough to write. Having to research for this project caused some anxiety which transformed into doubt. Through prayer, self-motivation, as well as support from my editor I was able to press on to make it across the finish line. As a result of focus, effort, and faith to take my passion to the next level, my newest book Mama Know’s Best is in the works and coming soon! ;)
Have you done exceedingly more with your passion? What were some differences that you identified along the way?
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