Ask the Author: Rick Steiner
Answered Questions (6)
Rick Steiner
That's a very interesting question. Thomas Edison was once asked a very similar question and he responded "genius is one-percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. Swap "writing" for "genius" and you will get as close to the answer as possible. I write nonfiction and for those in this genre we have to do a lot of research; and, if you went to college and had to do term papers think of writing a non fiction book as dozens of term papers wrapped up in to one. And, remember we have to get our worked graded as well. Legitimate Publishers are very particular in what they will accept--it's not only about the writing it's about the topic--will it attract buyers. And, if we are fortunate enough to get the book published then every reader becomes a potential critic so when writing we have to be on top of our game and that means nose to the grindstone at all hours of the day or night because one never knows when inspiration will strike. Regards, Rick
Rick Steiner
I write nonfiction so these suggestions are specific to that genre. Write, write, write about something you are passionate about or that you had a personal experience with. Don't self-censor and don't worry about grammar, rather focus on getting the content down and then organize it. You have plenty of time for the edit stuff. You learn to write by writing so keep writing, and the more you know about the subject the better off you will be. Regards, Rick Steiner
Rick Steiner
I decided to write this book because I failed to accept what life was offering me--the chance to retire. I was not prepared for retirement and when I got a call from a "head-hunter" I said count me in...but then after all the recruitment baloney I asked myself why am I doing this? I didn't have an answer so given my research background and training I decide to find out what retirement was really all about. And the book is the result. Bottom line it was a learning experience for me, and hopefully for the readers so they don't do what I did. Regard, Rick Steiner
Rick Steiner
I am flirting with a "title" Help..Less..America. Clearly a play on words. You see during my University career I was awarded $600 million in government and foundation funding to make things better here and overseas. I believe I have a good feel for why poverty is actually growing and becoming almost a way of life for large segments of the population and have some ideas how we can turn things around. Regards, Rick Steiner
Rick Steiner
It keeps your brain energized and it allows you to get all that stuff in your head that is bottled up onto a screen or a piece of paper. It's even better if what you are writing has some redeemable social value. Writing for most of us is the easy part--it's getting the "stuff" published that is both challenging and frustrating. No everyone sees your writing the way you do. Don't write for a publisher or audience write for yourself--it works better that way. Regards, Rick Steiner
Rick Steiner
Once you reach "brain drain" also known as writers block shut the computer and walk away. Don't sit there and ruminate. I typically do something physical like go out and ride my bike or eat something or just get out of the house. If I get a "brain fart" I write it down in a notebook if there is one or just try to remember it--always keep a notebook nearby I have one on be nightstand. Interestingly, go to sleep and try not to think of the book or manuscript. I find that about 5:00AM my brain wakes up before I do and the content floods into my awake zone. I get up before I forget and pick up where I left off. I am an early riser and I do my best work in the early AM--it may be different for you. Regards, Rick Steiner
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