WARNING:  This is a no-edit zone…

Since I received this cluster of questions that all connect to time and apportioning it effectively, I thought I’d address them in this forum.

Q. How long does it take to write a book?

A.  It depends.

I’m not being glib, I’m being honest.  It does depend on the book.  Some come together in a flash.  Most come together after tons of elbow grease.  And some fight tooth and nail to keep their secrets until either the book or the writer gives in.  No two are exactly alike.  Familiarity with the topic, enthusiasm for the story, desire to write don’t much matter on this.  The stories come as they come, and they do so in their own time and manner.

The longest time I’ve spent on a book:  five years–and I’m still not happy with it.  Yes, of course, I’ve worked on other projects in between, but if I add all the time I’ve devoted to this book, it’s hovering at five years.

The shortest time I’ve spent on a book:  two weeks.  I’d written a book related to . . . READ MORE