Today, for your reading enjoyment, I offer an unusual selection. Although, when the majority of the books I discuss are “unusual”, does that, in fact, make them quite ordinary? Hmm…that’s one to ponder.

OK, on to business.

What, you ask, causes me to suggest this book is not a regular, standard book? Here is why. It is part resource, part memoir, part instructional and part cheerleader. Yep, it’s a how-to, why should I, how’d you do it, rah-rah, get ‘er done sorta thing. Can you imagine? That’s a lot for one book to offer!

Ready for another shocker? I have not finished the book!

I know, totally wacky-right?

Why am I writing about a book I am not finished with? It isn’t a sit down and read cover to cover kind of read. It is more of a read a bunch of beginning stuff and then read the rest bit by bit. Savoring each chunk as you go and working through the activities as you devour it. Cool, wouldn’t you say? Obviously, I think so.

I toyed with the idea of reading it all-just so I wouldn’t have to admit that I hadn’t finished it. But decided that would ruin my experience and I am convinced you wouldn’t want that.

Here’s what I can tell you. SARK contends that within each of us, exists a talented writer with a unique vantage point – tales to tell and stories to share. This book is all about revealing that inner writer. Finding your voice, uncovering whatever is keeping you quiet and moving it aside.

I believe there is invaluable power in writing. When I am frustrated, writing in a journal can be an effective release (and healthier than Oreos). Anyone who has kept a gratitude journal can testify to the power of noticing and writing that which we are thankful for. Remember the last letter you received? And I’m not talking about those horribly boring, sanctimoniousness Christmas letters you get every year from your braggart cousin or that creepy employee you fired seven years ago. I am talking about a real, handwritten letter from someone you know and love. Special right?

Anyway, hopefully you can see what I am talking about and hopefully you have received one of those letters. Have you written one? Lately? Do you love someone? Take a few minutes and write them a letter right now. Can you imagine how excited they will be when they get it?

One suggestion from the book it to write every day (not a surprising suggestion from a book on writing) but also to read every day. I recently read something from Jim Rohn on the secrets of highly effective and successful people. One suggestion he gave was to read two books a week. His opinion was that if you did this, in ten years you will have read 1000 books. And much like the premise this blog is written around-you WILL be a different person as a result. Now, I’m not sure who you’d be in ten years if each of those was a romance novel-just saying. Perhaps variety is the key. Fiction is fine. But maybe add in a few titles you wouldn’t normally gravitate to.

Personally, I am reading around five to seven books at any given time. Only one of those is fiction (mainly due to my inability to keep characters straight in one book, let alone multiples). I used to finish a book completely approximately 10% of the time. Which is actually a secret agenda for this blog. To hold me accountable to finishing what I start. Ironic that I mention it in THIS particular post.

So, if you feel the inner writer inside you whispering and you need some inspiration to get you started, here are a few ideas (some already discussed).

• Start a gratitude journal – Write three to five things each day that you are thankful for.
• Write a letter – Write and send (if you choose) a letter to someone who matters to you.
• Chronicle a Christmas (or any holiday) tradition – Write about a favorite holiday tradition your family shares or a favorite holiday memory.
• Try a story starter – Use one of these story starters to get you going:

  ·     You are hurrying down the stairs, carrying a birdcage…

  ·     The door cannot be seen from the outside…

  ·     Without the book, he couldn’t possibly…

  ·     It was finished. I knew it, yet…

  ·     The more I resisted, I discovered…

  ·     Before the phone rang…

So there you go. If you feel like going for it, you’ve got a few places to start-or make your own way! Here is a challenge for you, should you choose to accept it. Write your life story-in just six words. Maybe you are familiar with this concept, and if not, Google “Six Word Memoir” or check out this site. But NOT before you write yours though. Otherwise, you will read others’ which will flavor your own. This might even be a fun project for a daily journal. Six words a day. Cool. If you feel in a sharing mood, leave your six word memoir or daily note in the comments.

For what it’s worth, here is mine (for now anyhow):
Made choices. Some poor. Mostly good!