What I propose to do. I was teaching a seminar on writing last week, and telling the students that writing isn't a problem, it's a progress. I also made the very bold statement that you can complete a book quickly and easily if you just sit down and write it. I made a challenge, that if they agreed, I would help each of them write a book in 14 days, and then continue to help them market themselves and their book, either to publishers and agents, or my more preferred route, self publishing.

And then I thought about the people I read on hubpages, and explore their writing as often as I am on (sorry, I don't comment nearly enough, but most of you inspire me to write more). I decided to issue the same challenge to my hubpage companions.

Do you want to write a book?

Do you want it done in fourteen days?

I set a task for myself to help as many people as I can get their books done. I am also going to set the challenge for myself too. So if you're up for the journey, and want to accomplish your goal, let's eat the elephant together. I will write, and I will help you write your book in 14 days.

Today is November 8, which means if we are true to form, you will have a complete manuscript by the day before Thanksgiving. But most people are going to need a little time to work up the courage. So let's start on Nov. 14 and finish up on the 28.

Are you ready? Each book should be about 30-50,000 words, and for this task, let's stick to non-fiction. (Although I think you can do the same exercise with a fiction book with no problem).

I don't expect too many people to take me up on this challenge, because self defeating behavior is a habit in all of us (especially me, gosh I have to fight it). The first rule of this club (could we be called the Write Club?) is you have to believe in it.

You can do this. I watch some of you throw up 1000 words a day on a hub, so I've no doubt in my mind that you can do it.

You have to want to do it.

But no hand holding. And if you start, you have to finish. There are some logistics involved, and I should probably think this out longer, create a forum and a lot more of the "business" side of it. But we have a forum here, and we have a way to contact and communicate, and we have an audience.

Kenny Wordsmith inspired me on the logistics with the titles of some of his hubs. Just title them, thus: My Title One, My Title Two, all the way up to My Title Fourteen. Be sure to keep a copy of your posting on your computer, for later.

Now, Step One. Believe in yourself, and your work.

Step Two: Pick your topic. The great thing about non-fiction subject matter is you're going to find people who like what you like, and will read what it's about. Me for example! I'm active in real estate investing, have read over 100 books on the subject, and buy at least two new ones every month. People who like a subject will continue to educate themselves on that subject. So pick a hobby you love, something you would talk to anyone about: Painting. Marketing. Cooking. Alien Abduction Theory. Pick your subject, and that's what you're going to write about.

Step Three: Now you've picked your subject, and the market you're going to gear it to. (hopefully, you've considered a niche, instead of a broad topic, because specific info is a lot better than general.) Start writing. Write your first post right now! Join my fan club, and I'll join yours (if we haven't all ready) and know by the title of the work: MY TITLE HOBBY #1 that it's part of the write club.

(second rule of write club: see rule number one!)

Step Four. Post your hub with title, and let others comment on it. They will offer suggestions, they will offer critiques, they will support you and make you better. Don't listen (or read) into them yet. You need forward momentum, and no distractions.

If you want to create a 14 step outline as a road map to your success in writing the book, then I absolutely recommend it. It helps to have some guideposts along the way. But you must write.

Step Five: Write some more. Post one hub every day on your topic.

Tips on writing: Write just like you talk to your friends. Tell the info just like you would to your mother or grandmother. Use short sentences. Lots of white space.

Use lots of page breaks. Make lists if they work for your subject. Insert comments, and commas, and parentheticals. If you go on a tangent, make it interesting. Tie it all back into your main subject matter. Don't worry about proper grammar. (yet)

Don't worry about the rules of editing or style.

Break all of the rules.

My favorite quote about writing comes from a business man, Robert Kiyosaki. He said, "There are a lot better writers than me. I failed English. But I've never seen a blurb on a book that said BEST WRITING AUTHOR. I have seen BEST SELLING AUTHOR. And I don't write good."

Why would I like that, you ask? Because I think we get a little scared in English class because our dangling participles are out there for everyone to see. Who cares? Life's too short, and that fear can stop you from achieving your goal.

Just write. Write it like you would tell it. And tell it often. With verve vigor and energy, so that your passion shows through. That's why I said pick a topic that you love. That love will show through.

Now, keep up the energy and keep writing. That's step six.

So are we starting tonight or do you need a day to decide on your topic? If you're like me, you've got more than one hobby, and just aren't sure which on you want to start with. Relax! If you can write one book in fourteen days, with the help of your friends, then what could you do in a year?

Twelve hobbies? Have more than twelve? Then you are a busy busy bee! Maybe our next task is to write a book in 3 days, just like Jack Kerouac. Who's got the Benzedrine?

Start now. Pick your topic. Ready? Set? Well, you know what comes next . . . !!!