Ask the Author: Mike Thomas
Answered Questions (4)
Mike Thomas
I just finished my first book in May 2016, and am figuring out the balance of trying to publicize that book and also starting a new adventure. I have decided to dedicate the balance of my time to giving "Agents of Change" my primary attention until the end of the year, and then starting 2017 off with a predominant focus on "what's next". In parallel, though, I am going to play, to explore, and to prototype some of the ideas in my head to help me figure out where I might go with book #2. Do I stay in the non-fiction genre, do I continue to write about innovation, or do I shift gears and move to fiction? More to come!
Mike Thomas
Just start writing. Try different topics, different genres, different voices, and just see what feels like "you". Once I decided that I wanted to turn the hobby into an actual published work, I started blogging. This was a low risk way to find my voice, to put my writing out in the world, and to get some feedback as to what worked and what didn't. It can be scary to take something so personal and to subject it to the critique of family, friends, and strangers, so finding a low risk way to start can be a huge enabler.
Mike Thomas
For me, it is just an amazing outlet to capture some of the ideas and stories that constantly run through my mind. Turning the chaos of my imagination into a real and tangible thought is an exhilarating and freeing experience. And while much of my favorite writing is actually in pieces that I have not shared publically, I can't deny that holding my own book in my hand, seeing it exist in the world, and knowing that others are digesting and sharing it is an amazing and humbling concept as well.
Mike Thomas
I have two approaches to deal with writer's block... one is proactive and one is reactive. Neither are a guaranteed success, but have at least been helpful in getting myself "un-stuck". My pro-active approach is to capture as many thought starters, ideas, and writing topics that I can when the wave of creativity strikes me. I simply utilize the "Notes" app on my iPhone and keep a running list of ideas to serve as a catalyst when I have trouble getting started. When that doesn't work, I actually just start writing my stream of consciousness... this may turn into a journal entry or even a poem, but the process of "just writing anything" has often led to some of my best heart-felt writing.
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