Dear Santa:

Every week I promise myself and my friends that I will start writing my book. And every week something happens that stops me. I have so many commitments. I am so busy. I just get overwhelmed so I get nowhere with my book writing. Can you help me? Oh, I know you are busy checking your list twice and packing those toys for the kids, but the greatest gift you can give me is advice. Here is my list…

1. Give me a working title for my non-fiction book. I get stuck with a creative idea for my title. It prevents me doing some serious writing. Wait a minute! It’s coming to me. “How to…” Yes, I’ll start the title with “How To” and follow it with a super solution to a problem. That will get me started. I can always change it later.

2. Help me identify the purpose of my book. Is it to make money, promote my business, become recognized as an expert in my field, to provide information that my Reader is anxious to know? Yes, I want to be rich and famous yet I think that providing solutions to my readers’ problems is the most important criteria that I could offer them.

3. Who is my Reader? Friends keep asking me who is the audience for my book? I think everyone can benefit from my book. Well, that may be true but I’ve been told I need to narrow it down—“find my niche” they say. Hey! I’ve got a great idea. I’m going to the bookstore. I will find the section that would carry my book and review the books that are close or have the same subject as mine. I will read the inside and back covers. That might help me find my niche. It will also give me some ideas on how to present my book—even if it’s an e-book I will learn how to promote my book.

4. Help me set a

Santa you are amazing. I haven’t even sent you my letter and you’ve answered all my questions. Thanks a lot. Oh, don’t forget to send me the appointment book so that I can mark a date and time each day to write. I promise I will check it twice.

I’ll write to you next year about how to publish and market my book. Or I may finish my book in 90 days then I’ll have to write to the Easter Bunny for advice. Merry Christmas to you and a Happy Writing New Year to all writers.

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Joan Clout-Kruse is the author of "Top 10 Traits of Silicon Valley Dynamos," and the e- books "How to Write Your Great Book in 90 Days or less" and "The ABCs of Success." These books can help you plan and set tasks to achieve your goals. Contact her through her Web site http://powerhousewriting.com or at 650 759-2042. She can help you write a "how to" book or booklet to attract clients and get recognized as an expert in your field. She offers 30 to 90 Day book writing programs through personal coaching, e-mail and teleseminars.

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