Three months ago, I set out to write an autobiographical look into my real estate sales career. This week I completed the final chapter and I’m now deep into the rewriting process. It’s funny, my writing process invariably began with me rewriting whatever I wrote the day before. I thought that was sufficient, but now that I’m rewriting the whole enchilada at once, I’m correcting more small errors than I imagined and a few bigger ones. It’s all good though and coming along nicely.
You might be asking yourself, how can someone write a book in as short a time as three months? I know they can take some authors years, but I’m getting older and I don’t have years. I wanted to get my story out in the world because I think it will speak to people who enjoy reading about real estate. Nearly every night for the past three months I’ve set aside an hour or so to write 1000 words. It took discipline but I enjoy writing so it wasn’t difficult.
I’ve written several books over the years, and none that I’ve given a good effort trying to publish. This one is different. I’ve been inspired by my good friend Pat Skipper who wrote and independently published Deceptive Calm. She’s done very well too, best seller well, as the book is a page turner for sure. I may go the independent publishing route too, but first I’ll try submitting the manuscript to as many publishers as I can, until I am successful or thoroughly defeated.
My father wrote a lot of books, but none that he ever published. He could have done the independent publishing thing, except he dismissed the option outright. I have a friend whose wife independently published her book years ago and had 1000 sent to her house so she could sell them. Nearly all of them are still in her garage, and that’s the fate my dad wanted to avoid. Pat Skipper found the right way to independently publish and sell books. I don't think I would have written this book if it weren't for Pat's inspiration.
I had settled on a name for my book, Riding the Real Estate Waves – Into the Great Recession and Through the Pandemic. I really like it but my sister thinks it’s too long. She’s working on the cover art and pointed out such a long title won’t fit on a book jacket. Another title came to my mind, and I’m almost tempted to use it because it’s catchy. In recent years I’ve had several clients call me “King of Terra Linda”. My first broker Rob Bradley used to tell me that one day I would be the 'King of Terra Linda'. It’s too presumptuous right? I’m embarrassed to admit I’m open to that title because that is absolutely not how I see myself. If it gets people to more read the book, it might be worth the embarrassment. I'll likely just stick with 'Riding the Real Estate Waves'.
If you are interested in reading my book, please feel free to email me. I’d love to hear from you. Also, if you have a title preference, King of Terra Linda, or Riding the Real Estate Waves, or anything else I’d like to hear your opinion. I'm open to suggestions. As always, thank you for reading! I appreciate your interest and value your feedback.