Completing a Lifelong Goal
Writer Donita Brown recently finished the first draft of her memoir, and we invited her to sit down for a little interview to talk about her experience.
Q: OK, Donita, can we have the basics about your project and your book coach?
Donita: My book is a memoir titled Wisdom From My Father. I worked with Author Accelerator certified book coach Deb Lieberman.
Q: How long have you been working toward finishing your draft?
Donita: 10 years ago I started collecting little things that my sweet, wise father said to me with the intent of “one day” writing a book about his wisdom.
5 years ago, I made an outline and said I was going to work on it, but life got in the way.
This year for my birthday, I decided to hire a book coach. After much research I went with Author Accelerator and was placed with Deb.
Q: How does it feel to have finished?
Donita: Lovely. Just lovely. But oddly, instead of feeling like it’s finished, I have a feeling that this is just the beginning.
Q: What did you do to celebrate?
Donita: I sent my book to be printed at FedEx (fancy, huh?) and will be giving the very low budget copy it to my dad on a long hike he and I are doing soon. My book is about the wisdom he has given me. He has no idea that I have been writing this book and I am buzzing with excitement about it.
Q: What are your next steps?
Donita: I will be sending my book proposal to a few agents. If that does not seem to pan out, then I’ll self-publish.
Q: Why would you recommend coaching to get to a finished draft?
Donita: My book coach, Deb, was such a help in this process. She provided insightful feedback, was encouraging and help me accountable.
