For everyone – something to think about.
Article by by Carolyn Madison ~ November 9th, 2010. For Publishing Basics.   www.publishingbasics.com
Bucket List Books – Before Time Runs Out
I love talking with writers. I like to find out why they write. What is it that drives a person into periods of relative seclusion to devote the significant amount of time and brain power it takes to create and organize the intricate details of a manuscript? Beyond that, what makes a person invest the additional time and discipline it takes to rewrite and revise that manuscript for publication? Of course, the writing process involves moments of sheer inspiration and enthusiasm when you know you’re writing a section that is really good. And there are those moments of joy and satisfaction when you look at that same section later and decide that you still think it is really good. But then there are other times when you later look at a portion of your writing and have no idea what you were thinking—and you press Delete.

At times writing is like straddling an active volcano; the words ignite, erupt, and form steady streams of content that connect and flow—and you can’t type fast enough. But then there are times when the volcano is quiet; embers from previous work smoulder and smoke rises, obstructing your vision. You are paralysed, not knowing which direction to go. No new coherent or compelling words come to you—nothing at all—and you have zilch to show for the time you spent at the keyboard. You need to keep your project moving, but nothing is happening.

So there it is—a curious endeavour—the writing process. Actually getting to the point of producing a book requires a great deal of time, effort, energy, and patience. Progress is sometimes unpredictable. Why do people bother?

Although there are many worthy reasons to write and publish, one major reason is that there is something we are compelled to communicate. It is something we have to do. We simply can’t forget about it. That’s good—because if we are not compelled to write it, how likely is it that anyone will be compelled to read it?

I’ve encountered several authors who have shared another major reason to write and publish: time is running out. I mean time is actually and finally running out for good. I’m not referring to typical externally- or self-imposed deadlines—such as book signings that were prematurely scheduled. I mean impending death. This is a bucket-list situation. They want to check it off the list before it’s too late. In such cases there are only months or weeks left in which to produce that written legacy or tribute for a loved one.

Negotiating the writing, revising, and publishing processes at any time is a major commitment, but in times of personal crisis even greater challenges arise. The nuances of communication take on a more monumental nature than usual, yet needed communication may be inconsistent. Emotions are highly charged and frustrations flare. Organization lapses and brains go fuzzy. Details slip and memory fails. Focus is shattered and priorities change.

Is it more important to sit and talk with a loved one who is seriously ill, or to work on your manuscript? If an author is ill, will he have the strength of mind and body to complete the writing/publishing project at the quality level he intended? Will he be able to complete it at all?

Do you or does a loved one have a bucket list book that has been postponed? If so, reconsider the priority it should be given before time runs out.

To read more: http://www.publishingbasics.com/2010/11/09/bucket-list-books-before-time-runs-out/