Twelve months ago I decided to write a book. Along with space travel and playing Brad Pitt’s on-screen lover in a Hollywood blockbuster, writing a book has always been high on my life’s to-do list.
Like all big projects we embark on, hindsight’s a wonderful thing and if I could turn the clock back, I would give Jordana, circa 2014, so many tips. I would say ‘Get an ergonomic desk, purchase a killer coffee machine, and know that not all writing sessions need to be accompanied by a tub of hot fries.’ But since I can’t go back in time Marty McFly-style to prevent said cardiac strain, I can share some lessons I have picked up, which will hopefully benefit other writers on the same path.
1. Don’t settle. For anything.
I am self-publishing. My book, Capture My Attention, is about being creative with online content so it’s only fitting I want creative freedom every step of the way. When you self-publish you make every decision; cover design, illustrations, chapter headings, breakout boxes, the number of references to Grumpy Cat and Kim Kardashian (or is that just my book?).
I spent hours – hours – labouring over my cover design and only now, at the end of the writing process, I’m finally on the right track. Finding a designer who truly understands the concept I envision has made me way more enthusiastic about the marketing challenge ahead. I don’t believe authors should settle on any artistic or aesthetic aspect because a book is a huge investment – of time, money, and sanity. You need to feel confident about every element of your book because if you’re passionate, you’ll be excited, and marketing it will be much easier. That’s why a photograph of a shirtless Ashton Kutcher will feature on the cover of my book. I figure that will pretty much market itself, right?
2. Don’t set unrealistic time frames.
I planned to write my book in three months. My background is in journalism and online content, plus I’ve written hour-long comedy festival shows, so I thought ‘How hard can it be?’ I calculated: three months, seven days a week, eight hours a day equals… enough time to blitz 55,000+ words. I was wrong. While some authors can magically meet that time frame, I couldn’t. Contrary to what I originally thought, writing the first draft wasn’t the biggest part. It absolutely took a long time but it was the subsequent development and editing that I found far more time-intensive. And, also, the part in which I had my best ideas. Only after getting distance from the first-draft writing process, was I really able to dig deeper; to share more, to say more and to say it better.
For me, three months turned into six, then nine, and then 12. And now, my book is set for release in September. By setting unrealistic deadlines, I felt unnecessary pressure along the way. This, coupled with my naturally high level of anxiety… well, instead of self-publishing, I almost self-imploded. Multiple times. Thankfully I’m still here to tell the tale. Just.
3. Perfectionism can be a curse.
The beauty of self-publishing is that you’re in charge of every decision: every deadline, every edit, every caffeine break. The downside of this luxurious scenario is that you’re in charge of every decision: every deadline, every edit, every caffeine break. If you’re like me, a perfectionist (read: obsessive), it’s a dangerous scenario. I interviewed amazing people for my book who have inspired me creatively and professionally, including author, humourist, comedy coach and speaker Judy Carter. She shared awesome insight that directly affected my writing process. When asked what advice Judy would give to her younger self, she said: “Get your ideas out there because you can always make them better”. While I desperately want to keep editing and re-editing, I know I need to stop. I’ve spent the last 12 months pouring everything into my manuscript and Judy made me realise that if I keep striving for perfect, I might never actually release my book. Plus, isn’t that what second editions are for?
So… that’s it – three lessons so far. I have plenty more to share, and I will. I hope these have been helpful. At the very least, I’m happy to have brightened your day by conjuring a visual of Ashton Kutcher without a shirt (well, for some of you anyway).