Why would a writer want to write more?

Why would a professional writer who's suposed to be writing articles for newspapers and two websites AND work on her next book open a blog? You'd think I'd have plenty of word play in my life already!

Well, yes. And I do. In fact I should be doing it right now. But the work of a scribe is solo work. There's nobody for me to meet at the water cooler (kitchen sink) or cafeteria (dining room table) with whom I can share my grumbles, joys and stunning insights on life. My friends are neat, cool, dear, kind, fun, creative, loving ... but except for the other wordies, there's a limit to how much they want to hear about my writing life.

So ... you're it! Welcome to my kitchen sink.

Beyond the obvious work of setting up a blog today, I've been creating handouts for a new, book coaching workshop (a 2 hour, small group deal) for people who want to write a nonfiction book but can't for the life of them figure out which of several tempting topics they should work on first.

It's a valid dilemma. And one I can help them sort out by taking them on a tour of their own minds and hearts. The 3 pages I've worked up so far are designed to cut through the Heavy Shoulds, and get to what each person will most enjoy writing and having written. (Which are two different things, actually.) Say the marketing specialist feels she really should boost her professional standing and share her knowledge & experience for the price of a book, but she's sick to death of marketing. And really wants to share her thoughts about simple meditations for beginners ... or dried pod collections ... or spark plug polishing.

As I tell my writing class students, it's a blessing to have more than one topic from which to choose. But making the choice can be a real bear.

I'll let you know how this project grows. Those who sign up for the sessions are just going to love the handouts and small group discussions. There's nothing like having your goals unveiled through someone else's insights!

Writer Lin