Hello everyone(anyone?)!
My name is Jim Cross and I want to write a book. I live in New England, I’m in my late 20’s, and I’m tired of continuously dreaming of putting a book out there without actually doing it. I’m going to commit to this blog, and hopefully be held accountable by anyone who reads it, to make sure I get it done.
I’ve made two attempts at writing a book over the last two years and walked away from both about halfway through. While I’m still fond of where those stories were going, I’m going to start the journey fresh so you can follow along with me. That being said I’m rather inexperienced (see below), so hopefully you can learn from my mistakes.
I’ve come up with a plan to try and make this project successful. Here it is:
1. Write (duh)
2. Post here and send out emails to try and grow a little community
3. Start an Instagram account that highlights – wait for it – digital art related to my book. Hopefully this Instagram page will draw us some attention.
Now here’s the fun part: I have no idea what I’m doing.
I have no writing training/education.
I have never created a blog before.
I have never created a piece of digital art, or honestly ‘regular’ art, in my life.
What do I have then?
I love books and read often.
Delusion.
…
Those are it.
Now that we’ve established that, I am excited to get started. If this blog seems not fleshed out at first, I apologize, and that’s because I’m still figuring it out. I am going to try and post Mondays and Fridays to start, and want to add an email to that once I get settled.
What to expect on the next blog:
I have two goals for the Monday blog: Come up with a story idea/create a light outline of it, and buy a stylus. I’m writing this on a Microsoft Pro (it has a detachable keyboard), so I should be able to create art on here. I’m sure it will be terrible, but I think it would be more weird if I was instantly good.
I’m excited to get started!
Writing My First Book: Post 1 – Introduction
6 responses to “Writing My First Book: Post 1 – Introduction”
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James, it’s awesome that you are stepping out there to write your book. I truly wish you all the best. Let that excitement carry you through the tough times of creating. If I can offer a tip… Don’t put pressure on yourself to complete a book for public consumption. Take time to create a project because you like it and when you do that you will write because you want to.
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Thank you Mike, that is great advice. You hit the nail on the head – I’m doing this to enjoy it!
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Jim –
I am chuckling to myself as I remember trying to write a novel a few summers back as a summer project. A middle-grade time travel adventure… I think I got down about 20,000 words and now I couldn’t tell you where the word doc is (so I understand the need to start fresh.) BUT – I was excited about my idea! Maybe I’ll return back one day, but today is not the day (ha!)You seem very enthusiastic and excited and I think that’s always what makes the start of an adventure exciting. Best of luck – excited to follow along!
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Hi Alyson – thanks for the comment. If you ever turn back you’ll have to let me know. You’re braver than me to tackle a time travel adventure. I’m thrilled to have you tagging along!
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Hi James! I enjoyed your post. Its cool I came across this because I’ve had a wild hair lately to write a book for the first time. It’s a daunting task when you feel under qualified like I do too, but why not go for it like you said. Your line about “I think it would be more weird if I was instantly good”, that’s a great perspective, don’t go into it putting pressure on it to be perfect. I also run a blog where I will be talking about my journey, https://roseysreflections.wordpress.com/ . Good luck!
My First Book 
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