Image via WikipediaCharles Schultz was a genius at bringing philosophical concepts into everyday life. In one of my favorite comic strips, Lucy says to Charlie, "You know, Charlie, life is like a deck chair. Some people place their deck chair so they can see where they're going. Some turn it around to see where they've been. Others, Charlie, place their deck chair right in the middle of the action to see what's going on all around them. Charlie sighs and says, "I'm just trying to get mine unfolded." This just cracks me up! What an astute observation and don't you just get a mental picture of all these chairs facing every which way and then there are all the folks trying to get theirs open. Well, I'm opening my deck chair in a new direction and it involves setting a goal for writing a book. Yes, you read that right. I am going to spend the next two months of this blog reporting first on setting a goal to have a book finished and in print before the middle of March. Why did I pick that time frame? I'm speaking at A Called Women conference March 24th and I would like to have a book ready to share at that conference. What will be the topic of the book? It will be about discovering your passion, setting goals, visioning the future and achieving the goals you set. I expect writing and publishing the book will be a key example of what I'm writing about!
In my weekly blog, I will keep you informed on the steps and progress that I have made. I'm excited and a little nervous to be announcing this. I've had it in mind for quite some time and being a school counselor, I'm about to have some significant time off for the holidays. So far I've blocked off certain days to spend writing. I've also reviewed all my past blogs and made a spread sheet of different examples and stories with themes. I expect I will be able to use some of this material in the book and I wanted to have it categorized so I could find it easily. Will I be able to stick to my plan and get the book started? Will I be able to get it finished and in print before the conference? Well, I'll be opening my deck chair and facing it in that direction! I'll be keeping you informed of the progress and planning involved.
The next question of course is where are you in the picture? Have you opened your deck chair? Where is it facing for the new year?
Here's a great book to get you thinking about writing and publishing the book you've always dreamed of...
Wishing you lots of luck and inspiration, Lynne. And looking forward to the updates!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! And while you’re keeping us updated, promise that you’ll hold me accountable for getting one of my books finished too. Like you, I have so much material already written, put categorizing and organizing, well. I need goals… hey, I know! Let’s hold each other accountable. Would that help you? I know it would help me. What are your weekly goals?
ReplyDeleteLynne, more power to you! Keep that deck chair facing in the right direction and know we are all rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteLoved the Peanuts analogy, too. :)
I'm in the same boat regarding some final editing during the first of the year and making decisions about self-publishing.
With speaking at conferences, you should have no problem in promoting your book. Hooray!
Looking forward to your updates, my friend!
Blessings!
@Corinne--thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDelete@Debra--Thanks for the offer... I'll be glad to hold you accountable, it's so easy to get off track and get busy doing the urgent things in my life rather than the important. I'm going to try and blog about the distractions as well as the goals. The way I've set goals is a deadline to have the book finished and so far I've set aside days to write where that is my main focus. I've not set an amount to write each day although it might come to that. That is what a friend of mine has done. I don't want to spend more time writing goals than doing the work!
@Martha, thanks for the encouragement. The upcoming conference is a huge motivator. I probably wouldn't be doing this otherwise but I have used it to get myself going. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteLynne, I love your goal and I too want to open my deck chair and look in the direction of a dream realized.My book is in the pipeline for nearly two years now. Maybe your post was the catalyst it needed, like Debra's book :) Thank you for your inspiring post and good luck. Wish me luck too.
ReplyDeleteAll the best...:-)
ReplyDeleteLynne what a great metaphor! I honestly don't know where my deck chair is facing but I do know that where it was facing...well that time has ended.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the idea that I can choose any direction but am not sure....which way to face... For a change this period is where I need to be.
However I am looking forward to read more about yours.
@sulekkha--go for your goal! Use whatever it takes to get moving and get your book out there. The world needs your energy and creativity!
ReplyDelete@Janu--thanks :)
@sparklemeaen--there is great freedom in recognizing the power we have to live our lives intentionally. Blessings to you in all your endeavors. You are a wonderfully creative person with great gifts to share.
Lynne: Very EXCITING! I admire your pluck to put your goals out in public this way! Holding you in my heart as you move confidently toward achieving your dreams!!!
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