More than the material things you will leave behind, there is one great treasure your immediate family and generations after them will cherish: A book you authored.
For ages, a friend had been mentioning this line: "At some point in my life, I will write my (auto)biography."
Time passed and guess what? A creative artist and an impressive writer that he was, he never got the chance to fulfill this vision as, unfortunately, only in his mid-50s, he met a fatal accident.
Taking The First Step
Indeed, time is the essential element in achieving our objectives in life. Without recognition of and respect for time, whatever we'd want to do or accomplish will feel out of reach. Effort and vision must partner with action.
In an epilogue of a book a colleague is currently editing, the author/client enumerated how he laboriously saw to fruition his life's project. It is almost ready for publication.
"It was only through imagination that I noted in my journal how I can put together a book that reflects my life... "
This colleague drew for the author a timeline that he followed religiously, setting a deadline for each phase. With that was a firm and optimistic mindset and motivation that "I can do it!"
As always, the most important step in a timeline is "taking the first step". With priorities in mind, the rest follows to completion.
Leaving A Legacy
In writing a book, everything comes into place with the acceptance and self-discovery that, indeed, you have the distinctive experience and skills truly unique to you.
Then you realize that whole life suddenly presents itself as an amazing adventure and continuing saga. Believing that you can do it, you would have written at least one book before you kick the bucket!
Of whatever genre, this determination forms the first part of one's legacy.
I just realized, as a book editor, in the process of facilitating writing one's memoirs, there are interesting parts of life to highlight that one's future generation would appreciate and treasure while others could derive lessons from.
In reading this book genre, scions will gain deep insights into their heritage that they will be proud of to pass to the next generation.
Your Own Brand
And as a book editor and writer, I find it fulfilling to put together the life, perspective and thoughts of the subject as if I were riding in the same platform to explore his own world.
But this book-writing project is not about me. The added plus is that the author shares his inimitable journey with an extensive readership.
As books have the power to influence, inspire, and even challenge readers, this project leaves a lasting impact.
For the author, completing the book is a deeply satisfying accomplishment that provides a sense of pride and an immeasurable satisfaction.
For the author, publishing a book gives him a personal — and professional — brand that adds to his credibility, opens doors for more recognition of the general public, and to stand out in the crowded market of his present profession.
Authoring a book has more than a deeply rewarding value. Whether an autobiography, a reference material, or a historical saga, it is certain that the book will leave a lasting legacy.
(email opinyon.luchie@gmail.com, luchiearguelles@yahoo.com)
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