Post #1 Back BEFORE square one!

     To make this blog more than unread posts of pictures I've taken around Downtown L.A., with my inane commentary under each, let's help each other instead. 

     I'm writing another book.  This blog will report my thoughts along the way.  From before day one.  Preparation, the writing, and how to get the thing sold.    

     This is for all writers.  Those thinking about it.  Those who are reading over their first proof copy.  Even Those who are on book 15.  Seasoned writers can set me straight if I offer bad advice.  Please do. 

     That's the idea.

     I have a book selling right now on Amazon and Kindle, so I'm a step ahead of those struggling to get their first book together.  I've made mistakes.  And through this blog, we’ll discuss my solutions.  These posts will save you a lot of time.

     So, let's get started.

     Before we do anything else let’s ask the most important question of all:   Is this really what you want to do?

     This is basic.  You have to love to write.  Does it gets you up in the morning?  Do you think in terms of how do I get this down on paper?   "People need me to tell them how this went down."    

     We'd all like to be bestselling authors.  Who's your favorite author, "Oh, Maxwell LaSalle is good."  That's about all I ever wanted to hear.  Simple as that.  Impress people with my writing.

     Do you type for 15 minutes, then check what your Facebook friends are up to, then come back, then wander off over to the refrigerator, "We need more beer, I should get down to the 7Eleven," then, come back and, "I should exercises a little, this gut of mine, sheesh..." 

     An unfocused wanabee.

    Can you write for two hours straight, your pen moving continuously?  If that sounds like work, no fun, torture? again,

    An unfocused wanabee.

    You feel alone sitting at your word processor, itching to talk with somebody, thinking about your oncoming evening?   Movie?  Who will I take?  You can't wait to get away?  Far away?

     An unfocused wanabee. 

     We are judged by what we do, not by what we say we're going to do, or think we'd like to do, or, "Oh yeah, I'm thinking about writing a book."  Again Wannabe. 

      But if you'd rather spend your time typing, than hanging around on the internet? 

     Then there's hope.

     You can't wait to sit down and develop a character.  You can't wait to explain something you've just experienced.  You can't wait to get your feelings into words.

     Then there's hope.

     Take the rest of the day.  Think about it hard.  Is this really what you want to do? 

      I said yes.   I want my name on one of those adventure paperbacks on the shelf down at the Walgreen's.  That's all I've ever wanted.  That's my motivation even today.  My name 'in lights.'

     If you say YES, then meet me here next time.  We'll continue this discussion of things we need to do BEFORE we start writing anything down.        

     Together we can get this done!

     (My first book's for sale on Amazon and Kindle. Flower Street Melodramas.  12 short stories.  If you like them, I'd appreciate a good review,  Thanks)

     Later...