Tuesday’s writing tip for those who want to write a book
During a recent Published & Profitable exclusive author interview, best-selling author Richard Bolles shared writing tips for authors who want to get published. He also provided an insider’s perspective on his perennial best-seller, What Color is Your Parachute?
Parachute? has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. It is one of the most successful books in history. It has been translated into many languages and has been in print continuously for almost 40 years.
Among the tips he shared:
- Write what you are passionate about. This is a nearly universal truth, and his experience proves it once again. Parachute? emerged out of his personal experiences as an ambassador to campus ministries at a time when many ministers were losing their jobs due to funding cutbacks.
- Write down whatever is on your mind. He encourages writers to stop looking for the perfect sentence. He advocates “stream of consciousness” writing. If he didn’t think he knew what to write, he would write, “I don’t know what to write.” Eventually, his thoughts would come together and the manuscript or sermon would be completed. He advises writers to simply write what’s on their minds and trust that the overall concept will emerge.
- Put illustrations to work. He uses both sides of his brain when he writes, and often requires illustrations to effectively convey a point. He encourages writers to do the same, where possible.
Origins of the “What Color Is Your Parachute? title
In 1968, Richard Bolles was in a meeting with fellow ministers when he was asked to take notes on a blackboard. When the topic of the laid-off ministers started to be discussed and the discussion turned toward how they were going to be “bailed out,” he wrote “What color is your parachute?” on the blackboard, and everyone laughed and the name stuck.
As evidence of his passion for the topic of helping job hunters find rewarding careers, each year, Richard Bolles rewrites Parachute? to address the latest challenges, resources, and trends.
Published & Profitable members may access the full recording here.
December 30, 2008
I have read and used several versions of parachute and it has helped me to clarify what I wanted to do and to find ways to do my writing and my artwork, even though I’m not exactly an author or an artist.
Trusting the inner person to know what to say, and listening and recording those thoughts lead to more than a manuscript but a better relationship with oneself.