Amanda Lewis

At this time of year, our farmers’ market is held inside an old Nissen hut, rather than outside. I visited the market on Saturday and made a beeline for my farmer at his table full of leafy greens and root vegetables.

“You’ll be happy to know,” I told Graham, speaking through my mask, “that I’m gathering my seeds.”

His eyes widened. “No! It’s too early to plant seeds. It’s too cold outside.”

“You misheard,” I said. “I’m gathering the dried seeds. I’m putting them in envelopes so I can give them to friends in the spring.”

His shoulders dropped and he smiled.

Sometimes it’s easy to know when to start the work. Farmers know exactly when to start seeds and when to harvest crops. Teachers know when to begin their lesson plans. Sellers know when to approach buyers about an upcoming product.

But if you’re a creator, setting your own schedule, how do you know when it’s time to write a book?

• My clients have offered these as reasons for writing:
• I want to expand my business offerings and spread my message
• I won’t be here forever and I want to leave a legacy
• I want to make my kids and partner proud of me
• I have a story to tell
• I’ve always wanted to write a book, and I know I can do it

If you have a reason but need a way to begin, I can help.

In my new program for non-fiction writers (starts January 2023), I’ll help you sort through your ideas and co-create your book direction. Together, we’ll shape your outline, revise a sample chapter, and create a plan for finishing your first draft. You can cruise into your spring knowing you’re a writer by virtue of writing.

Here’s how you can prepare for the writing period: data collection. Start gathering stories, useful facts, and snippets of conversation. Think about what your audience might need to hear from you in one to two years.

Rest easy, knowing exactly when you’re going to start: the week of January 9, 2023. And I’ll be with you the whole way.

Questions? Check out the FAQ on the program page, and reach out for a free 15-minute call. Early bird registration until December 5, 2022.