Throughout the day I got phone calls and cards from family and friends. I am approaching the 4 decade mark pretty fast, but I am blessed to have a kids like L. and A., siblings that make the world a better place, friends who keep me on my toes, and parents who thought it was a good idea to bring me into the world

I definitely feel strongly about writing a book, it’s just I don’t think I have the patience to sit down and edit the material. I think I would probably need a ghost writer to take care of that. I can’t imagine how much that would cost.

The cost for an editor is not as much as it would be for a ghostwriter. There are several options available to complete the writing, it just depends on budget, but mostly on commitment to get the task done.

If you do a search on line for ghostwriting fee you will see writers charging $25,000-$85,000. They do all the work including research, development, outlines, editing, etc. Book editors on the other hand charge from $2.50-$5.00 per page. Their services can range from straight editing to manuscript evaluation. The number of words or pages will determine the cost to hire an editor.

If you are having problems getting your thoughts together and/or developing your outline you could hire a writing coach. A coach acts as a guide throughout the writing process and could charge a flat fee for a certain number of sessions that could be on a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly basis. The coach facilitates, encourages, and advises the writer. The cost ranges from $35 for a half-hour consultation to $250 for half-hour session.

There are several options for several budgets.

My answer varies according to the person asking. Writing a book and getting it published is a bittersweet experience. Putting words on paper is not as easy as it sounds, but it’s doable. It certainly requires a plan (an outline, a marketing plan, and a schedule) and it definitely requires commitment.

At first it seems exciting, then the realization that you may or may not get this @#$#! book finished settles in. Worries start to fill your little head and pretty soon the manuscript is on the shelf collecting dust. It may be fear of success, fear that a publisher would never be interested, and innumerable amount of other fears. But never fear, you book can be completed and it can be published. It just requires some out of the box thinking and courage on your part.

My friend Derrick Hayes coined the phrase W.O.E. or Words of Encouragement so I pass some one to you. To write your book just get a little creative. Change the scenary and get outside, go to a cozy coffee (or tea) shop, write early in the morning or late at night, do anything to get out of your writer’s rut. You could get out your trusty recorder and talk into it, blog it out, do whatever is necessary to complete your book. Before you know it, your book will be complete and you will be ready to go on to the next phase….getting it published.

The house that we stayed in was fabulous (for lack of a better word) and the view was magnificent!

There was 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms with private balconies off every bedroom. It was three stories high with the kitchen and greatroom on the top floor. Thank God there was an elevator to transport all the luggage!

The weather was cool so I can’t boast about all the warmth and sunshine. It rained off and on for several days too, but that didn’t keep us from having a great time. I had plenty of time for reflection on the events of the year and plans for the new year