Since the day that my book, Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion For The Written Word, was published, I've had this irrational fear that no one will read the introduction. Why read the intro? Just curl up by the fire and jump right into Chapter 1. And then Chapter 2. And Chapter 3. And so on ... I didn't always read book introductions when I was younger. And it was for the same reasons: I simply couldn't wait to dive into whatever it was that the author was trying to teach or the story they attempted to tell. I was wrong. Book introductions are critical. Not only do they set the stage for what's to come, but they also serve a valuable purpose in setting the tone and voice for the entire book. Authors work incredibly hard on their book introductions to ensure they cover: 1. How the book came about. 2. Why the book was written and who it's for. 3. The scope and subject matter of the book. 4. A peek into the life of the author. 5. Why readers should keep reading. 6. And more ... With my book introduction, I wanted the reader to see from the very beginning that this wasn't some boring textbook about writing. It was a book chock full of useful tips, tricks, and life hacks for all writers, and it was written by someone who has been in their shoes. And my goal was to drive all those points home with relatable stories about my successes, failures, and what makes me tick as a writer. By reading it, readers would hopefully realize that this book was going to be different!
Below is a quick excerpt from my book introduction:
I'm sharing all of this with you because, well, I really love writing. I'm not a guy who has a passing interest and has never been in your shoes. I'm also not writing a book just to say that I wrote a book. I've stayed up until 3 a.m. night after night, staring hopelessly at a blank computer screen before, suddenly, the words I'd waited so long for finally fit together like magical puzzle pieces. I've agonized over the smallest of errors. I've taken every critique and rejection to heart. I've experienced the riot of emotions many writers face when something they wrote is finally published: Did people like it? Did they hate it? I've patted myself on the back and questioned if I am good enough – all in the same breath. And I keep coming back for more. I love being a writer! My goal for this book is simple: to educate. But not in a boring, textbook way. I want to share what I've learned, tell a few down-to-earth stories, and have a real conversation about writing, writers, and how we can master our passion for the written word. I've got quite a bit of practical knowledge in this noggin – either because someone passed it down to me or because I learned it through years of trial and error.
So with all of that said, please buy my book and read the introduction. I'm confident that by doing so, you'll enjoy Chapter 1 and every chapter that comes after it that much more. This book is for writers of all experience levels, genres, and professional pursuits. Whether you’re a journalist, college writer, aspiring freelancer, or future novelist, this book is for you, so you too can Write Like You Mean It! Get your copy: B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../write-like.../1139205404
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Write-Like-You-Mean.../dp/1612545270
Thank you for reading! And Happy Thanksgiving!
*STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This, a writing and editing services company located in Denton, TX, and the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion For The Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.
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