I was really excited about that book-writing project I told you about two weeks ago. My excitement didn’t last very long.
I don’t like to give up, I don’t like to admit when I’m wrong, I don’t like to back down from a challenge, but that’s exactly what I’ve had to do. I wanted to finish that book–for the satisfaction of knowing I could do it, for the exposure, for what it may do for my writing future. But I just can’t. I kept looking at the empty places in this book that needed to be filled out and feeling so overwhelmed. I continued to look at the research materials the publisher sent to me for guidance, and found almost nothing of use for this book.
One-third of this book was written by someone established in the field being written about. While I’m a hobbiest in that field, I by no means have any experience with marketing, tax forms and knowing how likely a person in this field is to get sued. The book was mostly in first-person, the tone was not mine. Perhaps it would be different if I had started it from the ground up, but I couldn’t grab on to this project and run with it. I thought I could, but I can’t.
I hate backing down, but I did. I’ve left the door open–I sent the project editor an email explaining my problems and asking for direction or advice. I’ve essentially left the ball in her court, but hopefully she’ll realize that what I’m really trying to do is bow out gracefully.
A good thing, though, has come out of this. It didn’t take long to solidify my thought that writing this kind of book is definitely not up my alley.
