I promised this blog would be updated regularly with advice and encouragement on writing a book. And... I haven't updated it in three months. I’m sorry. Here’s what’s been going on.
If you’re new around here (or if you have, say, other things to consider in this life and DON'T think about me every waking minute), here's a little reminder of what likely brought you to this neck of the woods:
You're interested in writing a book. At some point, you landed on my website, Green Goose Writing, and saw I promised advice on where to start or how to get unstuck, so you can finally finish your book.
Good for you.
If you’re not sure who I am (no offense taken—it's all good), I'm Liz Green. I'm the book coach, editor, and ghostwriter behind Green Goose Writing. I help first-time writers who have been through something, and want to write a book about it to help others.
But they don’t know where to start or get stuck trying to put the words on the page. I help them finally write their book, so they can share their experience and pay it forward.
I’ve written nineteen books, taught college writing classes, and am an Author Accelerator certified book coach specializing in memoir (more on this to come.) I have a post-graduate degree in journalism and two decades of writing and editing experience. I also have the littlest dog and the largest dog around (definitely more on this to come).
I'm British-Canadian, and I live in a small ski town in BC, Canada (where we are a little grouchy with the Americans right now, but we also recognize not all Americans are super happy, either. And we want to be friends with the ones who are friendly to us).
That's me, at the top of this email, looking only medium-happy because, as the subject line says, I made a mistake and don't feel great about it.
My mistake
I promised you'd get regular advice and encouragement on writing a book here. And... I haven't updated this blog in three months. I’m sorry.
You may not have noticed. I think there have a been a few other things going on in the world lately. Maybe.
But they are things that remind me how important it is to share stories. To hear what others are saying in a way that connects, instead of just being noise.
In this crazy world, I believe it's more important—and powerful—than ever to share our stories. People need to hear from others going through what they're experiencing. They need support. They need to feel like they're not alone. Like they're not powerless. Like there's hope.
Books can do that.
But only if people take the time and energy to write them.
Why it's been so hard
It's been so hard to start writing for you again for a few reasons.
1. I've been working my ass off on something special that I'll tell you about soon. It's taken a ton of time, but I am finally in a place where I can talk about it more.
2. I feel pressure to say something meaningful to you. Something profound. Something brilliant.
THIS (number two, haha) is how my clients often feel. They feel pressure to write a book that is meaningful, profound, and brilliant. And... what if they can't?
That's a big, mammoth, gut-wrenching question, and I will address it soon. But for now, I'm going to give myself the same advice I give them.
The advice
When it feels hard to start—for whatever reason—make the start SMALLER.
Much smaller.
Smaller still.
What's the smallest action you can take right now?
Now go smaller.
For me, this action is to write you AN email. Not a brilliant or profound or insightful one. Just any old email.
And ta daaaa—you're reading it. (I will now accept my gold star for doing what teacher (as in, me) said.)
I will get into the bigger questions and the stuff that really matters later. For now, I'm doing the smallest possible step in the thing that feels hard.
And you?
What feels hard to you? If I may take a guess... writing a book?
Yeah. That feels hard because, frankly, it IS hard. At least, writing a decentbook is hard.
What's the smallest possible step you can take? Now smaller.
Maybe...
Create a Word or Google doc. No writing in it; just create a new doc.
Tell your partner/friend/mom/kid that one day, you'd like to write a book.
Walk into a bookshop or online store and browse shelves for three minutes, looking at books that are like what you dream of writing.
Reply to this email and tell me you want to write a book. (I won't do anything with it. I won't pressure you! We're LEGIT just looking for a small step.)
That's all I've got for today. I did my small step and am going to eat a curry tonight to reward myself. (I love me some rewards. I highly recommend rewards.)
If, since you signed up for these emails, you've got any questions about writing books, hit reply and let me know. I'd be happy to answer.
(And hey, that can be your small step!)
Thanks,
Liz "Teeny Tiny" Green
Editor, Book Coach, and Ghostwriter
Green Goose Writing
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