Real Secrets of Expert Authors

Which came first: The expert author or the book? It depends. Consider today's installment of Promptly’s Top 20 Lessons from WD in 2009 series:

#13: Your Enthusiasm Is Contagious
"People think you're an expert when you write a book; it gives you some authority, whether you deserve it or not. I took advantage of that. I became more of an expert after writing the book--not before writing the book--and then the credibility the book got me was worthwhile. You just find something you're passionate about and share it creatively and enthusiastically, and if it's viable, it's going to succeed." --Travel writer/radio and TV host Rick Steves, as interviewed in the July/August 2009 issue of WD.

I think it's the second half of what Rick's saying that's really key: If you're sharing something you're genuinely passionate about, that kind of authenticity is going to resonate with your audience in a way that only you can.

This, then, is the inspiration for today's prompt:

Writing Prompt:
As quickly as you can—without over-thinking it—make a list of five things you're an "expert" in. (It could be microbiology, it could be blogging, it could be finding a way to rationalize buying a $4 cup of coffee a day, or it could be talking your wife into letting you watch "just five more minutes" of the game.) Choose one and use it as the inspiration for a story—fiction or nonfiction, funny or serious—in 500 words or fewer.

We'd love it if you'd share your response in the comments field below!

And until next time, as Rick Steves would say, Keep On Writing.

Jessica

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