Defining the Book's Shape

My wife doubles as my editor, and she has raised a valid question, "Why are you providing all this information on how the writing is going?" She is concerned that this might be too much information. I understand, but it is provided for those who are contributing to the process, primarily the H/R Managers.

My hope is that these articles will give them insight as to how the book is coming along, which in turn will make them, and their case studies, a bigger part of it. If that is not what's going on, feel free to scan through, or simply ignore these.

As I've stated previously, writing a book is an adventure. What is surprising, is that it emerges on it's own, if I'll simply let it. What's not so easy is to organize it, structure it, so that it progresses and flows. My goal is to have it state it's points in a way that makes sense to the readers, while stimulating thought & leaving an impression on them.

Because this is my first book, it would have been much easier if I'd chosen to research the process before I began. This was not done, purposely, as an attempt to create a fresh, honest, and "from the gut" document. I know this will drive my publishing friends crazy, but that's the way I want it. And they will get the last say (hopefully not laugh) in the process when they edit it.

Professor Culbert gets the credit (or blame) for negatively inspiring me. Writing pages & pages of notes, thoughts, values, and retorts has forced me to not only crystallize what I don't believe, but what I do believe. In another few days, I will be at the end of this phase.

Sitting there will be 100 or so pages of material that will foster another 200 or so as I fully develop the thoughts. In between, I am called to create an outline, which many would have developed at the onset. But to make the point very clear, I want it to outline itself without me making arbitrary decisions. Reviewing the 100 pages will do that for me.

Some of the decisions to be made along the way are: 1) How many chapters/pages will be devoted to responding to the good professor? 2) What do I personally see as the pros & cons of the PR? In other words, what do I believe in vs. with what do I disagree? 3) What related tools do I want to evaluate, such as the 360's? 4) How do I want to leave the reader?

The impact of the book, to me, is everything. For example, as much as I take issue with Culbert's book, it certainly made an impression on me. I have to give him credit. I was left with no alternative but to take action. Is that call to action my purpose in writing the book? I don't think so.

In searching my motives, it seems to be more of a thought provoking attempt at improving the way we look at our people, and honestly treating them well. I want them treated professionally, and with dignity. Culbert obviously wants this for the employees, but in attacking authority & management, he ignores meaningful relationships, positive mentoring & guidance, including what is done right, and what needs improvement, These are the very things that help employees elevate performance and develop a sense of satisfaction.

Putting structure into the mix at this point helps define the shape of the book without forcing the issue.