Lately, I feel like an imposter.
Many of you have told me that the way I set goals and accomplish them is inspirational. Thank you so much. And, yes, lately it seems I’ve been able to do this in my running.
But there is one big goal I’ve had for YEARS that I have not been working toward. At all.
Last year, I had a short push toward it, but it fizzled during a two-week vacation. I even had a blog to try to help me, but I ended up writing more on the blog than I did writing toward my book.
I don’t know why it’s so hard. Maybe because I can’t decide what kind of book to write or what to write about? I love the “chick lit” genre, but I also love nonfiction books about running. Should I combine the two? ย Mostly, though, I need to make time for writing. Just like I had to do for running.
Something occurred to me yesterday: Perhaps writing a book is like training for a marathon. What if I tackled the book the same way I trained for the marathon?
So I looked up a plan, then copied the time I would spend running to train for a marathon into time I will spend writing the first draft of my book.
(And, yes, I also will keep up my running. I need running.)
For long runs…er, “long writes” on Sundays, I looked up my times for the distances listed on the training plan and inserted them into the chart. Rest and cross training days became days I step back from writing to read instead.
Like anything, writing is a habit. And just like running — it’s difficult to get in the habit and so easy to get out of it.
So I’m taking my own advice:
22 comments
That's an awesome idea!! I've been wanting to write a nonfiction book but have been struggling with actually starting it. I may have to give your “training plan” a try!
Fantastic idea. Good luck!
GREAT idea. Good luck!!! Make this dream happen!
That's a great idea! I think that philosophy could be applied to other major projects too.I want to read it when it's done!
You are such a fantastic writer, I know you can do it – just take it in pieces like you said :). I went to this blogger conference this summer on health and fitness and one of the topics was publishing a book. Not an interest of mine (cuz I can't write – ha), but I found it fascinating on the differences between being published and self-published. Both had some very strong pros and cons (two woman gave presentations together – one published, one not). The woman that did find a publisher spent weeks in the library writing down publishers and then trying to sell her cookbook idea. Here's her blog in case you had some questions for her on publishing: elanaspantry.comCan't wait to see what you write :).
I love it and totally support the goal and the plan to achieve the goal! I can't wait to be the first in line in DC to buy it!
I love the way you planned this all out! I need to do this for my scrapbooks!! I can't wait to read your masterpiece!
Love your plan!! There is a huge window out there for a fiction novel based on running… hmmm, storyline of a group of ladies who meet with one thing in common – running. They all have different obstacles & challenges in life, but the bond of running holds them together. It would really make a fantastic novel… the life we live every day!
what an awesome way to work it into your schedule. I need to start doing that with some of my “need to accomplish” items
Try Nanowrimo. It'll force you to stick with it. I plan on doing it this year for the first time.
did you write this just for me? I posted awhile back about how my major was journalism because I love to write and read…so I have wanted to write a book forever, but can't get started. a plan might be just the thing to do!
Great idea!! Oh and my opinion, a combined book sounds awesome. I would read it!!
Love this approach! Good luck! If you write I will buy .. promise!
Ooooo I would totally read a chick-lit book about a female runner. Can't wait to see what comes of this!
Good luck with the book! I love writing too, but can't do dialouge!
This is awesome! I also have a dream to write a book someday and this never occurred to me – what a great way to tackle this project. I can't wait to hear how it goes. And I am looking forward to your book! ๐
Wow! Good luck!! I will definitely read your book when you finish it ๐
I love the idea of combining a chick lit with running! Thats what the world needs – a strong, focused, health-minded, female protagonist. Throw in a hot, fast, sympathetic, male running partner (or maybe physical therapist? yowza!) and that is a book I would read!!If there is one thing the last 2 years have proved, its that you can do anything Kerrie!
Ah girl, you're speaking my language. Maybe I will hire you as my writing “coach” and you can write a plan for me. Write a book about writing like a runner or start another blog documenting your writing training….ha…okay, wrong direction. But really, I'm right where you are at here…I could have written this same post…My husband has really been pushing me to WRITE my book! I have lots of ideas but no direction…not quite sure how to get started…I'm the kind of person that needs to see the big picture…where I'm going after I start…like how does it all work…publishers, editors, ahhhh, overwhelming at times. You go girl!! Do it!!
Seriously, this is brilliant, and could be applied to so many other things as well. Wishing you much success with your writing!
Such a good idea!! I think the book should involve running for sure ๐ I would definitely buy your book too…can't wait for it to be published ๐
I wish you all the best with your book, this looks like a great plan! Keep us posted ๐ And maybe a little preview ๐