“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.” – Aristotle
“Always do things right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” – Mark Twain
“I’d rather make a show 100 people need to see, than a show that 1000 people want to see.” – Joss Whedon
However long you think it “should” take you to write, publish, and launch your book – multiply that number times five.
Seriously my fellow authors and authors-to-be, stop handcuffing your creativity, quality, and ultimate success with these unrealistic parameters for completing your book! Just because Mary Jo Smith finished her great American novel in one month, doesn’t mean that’s your new gold standard. (With apologies to any actual great American novelists named Mary Jo Smith who did this.)
You’ve heard the adage that “Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” These words of wisdom become even truer when applied to something that a LOT of people are doing – like writing books.
If you’re aiming to write a book that rises above the noise, then cutting corners isn’t going to cut it. You’re going to have to invest some time and effort and try harder than the corner-cutters in order to make a dent in the marketplace. This is simply the reality of creating something – anything – of good quality. Overnight success almost never happens overnight.
“In innovating and inventing, an “overnight success” is really “overnight recognition” for a process that began first with curiosity which then transformed into learning and then evolved into an iterative process of trying, failing, and trying a different way, over and over, until finally the breakthrough was achieved. The initial spark of curiosity and willingness to constantly learn from failure are keys to the ultimate success.” -Russell Redenbaugh
If you’re looking for “quality control” during your book writing process, please check out my coaching services!
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