Writing a Book? Me? WTF?

Many of my English teachers from my past would have likely have trouble believing it.  You see, I wasn’t very motivated for much of my schooling years.  High School and College in particular.  I had other interests and excellence on my report card was not high on that list.    School wasn’t difficult for me; I was just really immature to be honest and didn’t balance my priorities at all.  But I did get through it, and I did transform myself quite a bit over the years.  Fortunately!  

This past year or so I have done a bit of deep dive (well, fairly deep) on the craft of writing. The process, tips, backgrounds of authors, the how to, etc., etc.  I have a lot to learn.  So many authors are armed with a background in writing, journalism degrees or experience, and the like.  Not me.  Nope.  Not even close.

My resume includes things like:  Ex-professional soccer player, pro coach, entrepreneur, husband, dad, business manager, small business founder, youth coach, board of directors, investor, etc., etc…. a lot of different hats I have worn, and experiences gained over the years.    Anyway, I certainly don’t fit the standard author mold.  However, I do like to say that “I have a doctorate in life experience.”   My wife typically corrects me with “you mean a doctorate in BS, don’t you?” 

I sat down to write in earnest a few years ago.  The plan was to author a book on my soccer experiences and another on ideas for training players and the US Soccer player development challenge.   I started to do that and suddenly took a right turn and delved deep into authoring a novel.  I just couldn’t get the story out of my head and go back to work on my soccer books.   One day I was telling my daughter about it, and she said, “Dad, if that book is in you and constantly on your mind, go write it!”  So, I took her advice and did. 

Stopping on a couple of books to start an entirely new one sounds like a fool’s folly.  Perhaps it is.  The biggest challenge honestly is my attention.  Helping to run a business that I own a substantial part of is a big distraction!  Carving out time and being able to stay off work items has been the biggest hurdle.  Never have I had any writer’s block.  Just time available or “work is always on my mind” block. 

I have been asked about the process by some.  Will detail that in a future post.  But I am an early riser and that has been the most productive time.  Typically, after a horrible, wonderful cold plunge (yes, seriously), I am at my computer by six am with coffee by my side.  Coffee is a key to my process.  Good, strong coffee and writing in the morning seem to fit together with me very, very well.