It Isn’t What You Start That Matters

The first time I sat down with the legal pad to write a book ended after about a page and a half. I wasn’t satisfied with what I wrote and never came back to it. I tried again a few years later with the same dismal outcome.

A few years later, someone mentioned to me a coach for writing a book. I remember speaking with a number of my friends about my reluctance to write a check to pay for coaching. One of them asked, “I know you want to do this. If you can’t do it on your own, what’s the problem with hiring someone to help you?”

I sat silent for what felt like a long time and then said, “I keep hearing my mother’s voice saying,’ he’s going to cheat you.’” That was my breakthrough. James worked with me through difficult times to get the book out of me.

We developed an outline together. He was going to record an interview with me based upon the outline that would be the foundation for the book. He called me to start the recording.

“James, my mom just died.”

“Oh my goodness. Take two weeks off. Let’s pick up then.”

Two weeks later he called.

“My dad died yesterday.”

“I’ll call you in a month. If it needs to be longer, let me know.”