I've been stirring around a book idea for about 6 months. I add a little info here, stir. Add another idea, bake it a little longer. Never really getting the cake baked. Maybe I was waiting for the golden moment when Oprah calls and invites me to write a book and make me famous. Yea, as Dr. Phil says, "How's that working for ya?"
Who's permission am I waiting for?
So last week while traveling I had some time and space to think, plan and ultimately decide. Decision is a powerful thing. It took me two glasses of wine to clear my head of the whirlwind and to pull out an empty pad of paper and start deciding if this book idea has the right ingredients to be a fabulous souffle. a tasty cupcake, or a bowl of fruit jello.
What kind of permission am I waiting for?
I made a list of all the people I could think of that could help me with book writing. It was a pretty impressive list. I can't believe how many people I am closely connected to that have written books. Why can't I tap into their experience? I stopped waiting on permission and started dialing the phone and talking to these people. All were supportive.
Then came the next decision. Do I know enough about this topic to write a book about it. Malcom Gladwell says it takes 10,000 hours to be an expert at something. That's good news because I've been married to my husband for 13 years, that's 113,880 hours and I've had my son for 12 years so that's 105,120 hours. You see my book is about the world of ADD/ADHD and the working title is, "Not Wrong, Just Different." Because I've lived with these two guys for over 100,000 hours, clearly I'm an expert.
Looks like I'm out of excuses and waiting for permission seems pretty stupid so I better get to work.
Once I got out of my own way the ideas started flowing. I made 6 pages of notes in one sitting and two "phone a friends" for input. Now I've got a couple of interviews done, a few more scheduled, three more books of research ordered and I'm making notes every day.
I have no idea where this book is going but it feels good to be started with a new energy and excitement.
What great things in your life are sitting there waiting for permission to get started?
I, Rebecca Hession, author of RandomThoughtsByRebecca and fellow seeker of all things grand, give you permission to start today with your idea of greatness.
Let the games begin.
