I just recently completed the project of writing/publishing a book. And it brings me to an interesting dilemma. What book should I write next?
The image above shows my list of potential books to write. It’s a long list and it is growing much faster than my ability to write books!
There are probably a varied set of criteria for deciding which book to write next. And this will vary from author to author. For example some writers may think about marketing and which book would make the most sales.
But for me it’s never about that. It has always been about exploration. What do I want to explore next?
Writing a book, for me, is an exploration and/or a learning experience. And the type of exploration could vary quite a bit. It could be an exploration of a theme, a philosophy, or an idea. Or I just want to delve deeper into a subject, learn more about it.
Usually not starting from Zero
The list I have of potential books is only the first mile marker in the writing of a book. I also have a folder where I have done some writing and thinking about many of these book ideas. It’s a great way to explore the subject and theme without committing fully to writing the book.
From there I can make a good assessment as to what I want to throw myself into. I can make a better decision.
The shame of it all is that I will die before actually writing all the books I want to write. But that’s the way it goes. And this relates very closely to a project I am currently working on.
I have talked a bit about this project in the past.
A long time ago I had a dream that I was in a library, walking slowly between the stacks of books. And I felt an enormous joy at all the learning I would do. Now I am doing a stop motion animation detailing this dream.
And it brings me to a wonderful realization. There is a big transition from consuming to creating. I have made a shift in my life – I used to read a tremendous amount – lots of books in different subjects. And now I am writing books -lots of books in different subjects.
Want to check out my books? Most of them are on my amazon author page, including my latest book: “Pilgrimage”. Right here.