Writing Can Be Scary

The Mission?

Should you accept is, to write a book in the month of November.

Over at Pragmatic Programmers, they issued a challenge similar to the National Novel Writing Month at NaNoWriMo.org, to write a pragmatic lifestyle or technology related book for the month of November. I have always said I will not only write a book, but I will get published.  In fact, I expect to have multiple books published.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/olivander/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/olivander/

Here’s the fear:  I don’t know if I can write a book in 30 days.  In fact, I have had so much difficulty eating my own dog food with regards to blogging on a consistent basis, that the challenge of writing a book seems daunting.

Ho, Hum, time to get back to life.  No, wait a minute here. That’s what a challenge is for isn’t it?

I mean when some people set out to do an iron-man triathlon or climb Mount Everest, they are not sure if they can achieve the goal. The idea is not necessarily achieving the end goal, but becoming better via the preparation during the journey to the finish line.

So, here’s my personal challenge. Write everyday for the month of November. I don’t care if I write here for my consulting blog, my personal blog, my fitness blog, guest post at other blogs, write in my moleskine inspiration journal, or on the back of a bathroom stall.  The Goal is to write.  Now, there is more to it.  I am pretty good at updating my facebook status or twittering along everyday, but I want more.  So, the goal is not only to write everyday, but to write something substantial everyday.  Okay, so I chickened out.  It’s still a lofty goal.  The way to eat a dinosaur is one bone at a time. What’s next?

What am I going to write about?

Since my goal is not necessarily to write a book.  It’s just to write every day.  I’m going to let the topic float to the top.  Although, I have a couple of themes that I’m choosing for the journey.  Besides, what’s the point in telling you the topic now.  You’ll have to tune in tomorrow.  Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel to see.  Of course, it’s a long season, 30 days.  Anything can happen.

Happy Halloween.  Scott’s dressing up as an author.

Be careful, this message may self-destruct.