Want to write a book? Do it!

"I'm going to write a book one of these days." 

People say that a lot. 

If you're one of them and haven't done it, you can do it: New methods and formats make it easier than ever to write and publish a novel, memoir, history or biography. 

A would-be author, however, must be willing to use the two key tools, neither of them new, that are essential to being published. The two tools are a posterior and a chair. Before you can publish, you have to write, and if you want to write you've got to place the posterior on the chair. You've got to devote long hours to crafting words with your quill, pencil, or keyboard.

You can do it.

Many fine writers live in northern Virginia. They've produced a range of excellent books. Few, however, are full-time authors who do it every day, all day, week after week, month after month. 

My goal is to write a million words a year. That includes books, magazine articles and newspaper columns. My efforts to achieve this goal demand five to ten hours a day, seven days a week doing what you've got to do — planting the posterior on the chair and spending hours there. It isn't always fun but the result can be richly rewarding. 

On May 11, Erica Hershler of the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale snapped a fantastic photo of me with my four current titles. Thanks to Erica, Amanda Post and others in the Fairfax County Public Library system for encouraging books, reading, literacy, and my writing. 

Want to write a book but can't seem to get it done? Or even started?

Take heart. 

You can do it. 

You really can. 

All you need is the two essential tools.

Note: If you have an interest in books and writing and would like to compare notes, contact me at robert.f.dorr@cox.net or (703) 264-8950.