Writer’s Log, 28/6/13: Half Year Report

We’re halfway through 2013, so it’s a good time to update you all on my book project. My book is about how Internet technology is revolutionizing the health and wellness industries, by empowering you – the consumer – to take control of your day to day health. I’ve had fun researching and writing it. I’ve had my challenges too. Overall, I’m happy with the progress I’ve made so far. But I know there is at least another 5 months of head-down writing to go, not to mention editing and finding a publisher.

I began the hard yards of writing on 7 March, after four months of research and interviewing (together with some post-ReadWrite relaxation and travel). Since that time I’ve written 5 draft chapters and am partway through another couple. I estimate I’m just over 40% of the way there, if we’re talking word count. I had hoped to be a bit further on, however I’m still on track to complete the book by the end of this year.

In terms of challenges, I think the biggest has been dealing with the isolation of writing a book. Particularly as I was already very isolated to begin with, since I live in New Zealand (the book, like my business before it, is very much set in America) and I work from home. The lone paddler, that’s me. So I expected this… When I began the project, last October, I was looking forward to being an indie again. And I have certainly enjoyed the independence of writing a book. What I have struggled a bit with is not having people to knock around ideas with. I’ve missed the comraderie of blogging. So one thing I’m trying to do now is find some people who I can share ideas with, who will offer me feedback when I need it, and just generally provide moral support and encouragement. If you’re willing to help me with that, please get in contact.

I think my biggest learning so far is that being an author is a long-term journey. Not only for this book project, which will take a year to write and then (so I’ve heard) possibly another year for it to get to retail. Long-term as in I’ve got a lot to learn about writing books. Which pleases me, because I’d hate to live out the rest of my days not learning things! Long term as in, all going well, I’ll measure out my career as an author in decades. Perhaps that’s big talk at this time, when I’m only 40% of the way through my first book and haven’t even found a publisher for it yet. But that’s all part of the excitement. I’m in this for the long haul.

I’ve done a lot of reading this year. Reading books, I mean. Some of it research, but much of it for enjoyment. That’s a good sign, although it has meant that I am not as engaged in social media as I had hoped to be. I’m not sure it matters – none of the nonfiction writers who I admire are active on Twitter or Facebook. Still, I want to stay at least semi-active on social media. Since I cut my teeth as a writer online.

It’s Friday evening as I type this. It’ll be 1 July this Monday, so back to the real work then. I’m aiming to complete two draft chapters in July. I’ll keep you all informed of my progress.