TIP 1: If you want to write a book, you must first expect it of yourself.
It is the spring of 2003. I am 62 years old and going through my very first bout of extended deep sadness. I sleep for long periods of time, can’t seem to get myself motivated to do much of anything, and have lost at least 25 pounds.
I don’t feel like eating, and I have to force myself to get outside and continue my daily running practice. People close to me often ask if I have some sort of illness that I don’t want to talk about. I know I am in a state of depression.
My wife and I separated almost two years ago. She is involved in a relationship with a man she loves very much, and I am essentially in a state of shock.
I never imagined that at the age of 62 I would be experiencing the emotional effects of a separation. Marcelene and I have seven beautiful children, and we both love them very dearly. There is no fault to assign here.
I take full responsibility for my role in the breakup of this marriage. It’s just that I can’t seem to bring myself out of this funk.
Several of my children are concerned about my health and try to help in their conversations with me.
They’ve often suggested lovingly, “You seem so depressed . . . maybe you should try writing to bring you some peace of mind.”
I am deeply grateful for their concern, and at the same time Marcie and I are doing everything we can to keep the children out of this separation anxiety that we both feel.
Tip 2: If you want to write a book, get clear on your intent.
A year or so ago I came across some words while reading Carlos Castaneda’s book The Power of Silence that struck a chord deep within me.
I had the statement copied and laminated on a card so that I could carry it with me. From the moment I read these words, I knew the direction my writing could take, yet this separation and semi-breakup of our family has kept me from even thinking about taking on such a gigantic project as planning and writing an entire book.
Today I remove the laminated card from my shirt pocket and read Castaneda’s words softly to myself:
“In the universe there is an unmeasurable, indescribable force which sorcerers call intent, and absolutely everything that exists in the entire cosmos is attached to intent by a connecting link.”
— Carlos Castaneda
I am enthralled by this idea of intention not being something that we do, but rather an energy that we are connected to.
I put the card back in my front pocket, feeling the impact of these words.
Tip 3: If you want to write a book, make room for the universe to assist you.
When you’re on the right path, and you have passion for what it is that you do, the universe conspires with you, because you’re aligned with Source energy. You become part of the creative process.
We are all connected to an indescribable, invisible field called intent—all I have to do to heal myself is cleanse myself of the numbness that I feel, and my connecting link to this great…
