Credit: Tim Green via Creative Commons
I struggled with making a decision, until I finally made it. I put three and one half years into writing my book, I’M IN. I liked my first draft. Others did not and gave me a devastating blow. I was told it was dry and boring; the details were only meaningful to me. It had no appeal. OUCH! I thought about giving up. I did give up.
I couldn’t let go that easily. I spent countless hours contemplating the question, “Who am I writing this for?” For me? For the family? For a general audience?
I began Draft 2. I put a little more of my personality into my writing. I liked it. I began to understand who my audience was. It was “all of the above.” I began to understand that if I wrote for myself, with the idea no one was going to read it, I would be honest and genuine. And, that would have appeal to a general audience. Maybe?
While writing Draft 3, I found my groove. I found my voice and I used it. Writing became a pleasure; it was easy. I finished my book and I felt an enormous sense of relief and accomplishment.
I was nervous to hit the “Publish” button. But, I did it. And there it was, on the Amazon Kindle Store. My book and my biography. Me, Peter F. Morneault, was out there for the world to see!
Am I really doing this? Am I writer? Am I qualified to do this? Will people like it? Will anyone buy it? Will anyone leave me a review?
I will be completely honest with you. I have sold less than 15 books. I was discouraged until I had a conversation with myself yesterday.
Peter, you wrote this for yourself. You wrote this for the Girard family. They were the reason you wanted to write this book in the first place. Look at the friendship you now have with the family. Carol gave you a great compliment. Hannah Girard told you she is using YOUR book for her book report. That’s what matters!
Yesterday, I made a decision to give my book away for free. The idea came from Jeff Goins (goinswriter.com) who has been an online teacher and mentor for me. He has been very generous with sharing his experience, knowledge, and tools to help me become a better writer. He is always giving! He is my writing role model.
As soon as I hit the “Make it Free” button, I felt a sense of relief. It was done. I couldn’t change my decision.
I changed my perspective. I no longer cared about how many books I sold. I began to wonder, “How many people will I reach? How many people will I teach?”
In recent weeks, I had given myself away to help find lost dogs in our community. In return, new doors of professional opportunity are opening. I am building new friendships with good people. I am being given experiences and “gifts” that I never asked for. Giving pays handsome dividends.
As of this morning, over 325 people have download my free book. I am thrilled! That’s not a NY Times Best Seller List number but I don’t care! What matters to me now, is the opportunity I have to motivate and inspire 325 people with my story, with my words, and with my actions. Perhaps, my giving will have a ripple effect and continue to spread.
I don’t know what the future holds for me. I’m sure you will hear about it here. Thank you for being in my audience! Thank you for giving me your time. I hope that the words of my blog posts somehow and in some way pay you handsome dividends.
Be Kind. Be Thankful. Be Significant.
