“I have a problem,” said Igor to the King and Slide Rule of Building Blocks Inc., the head architect for the Castle.
Slide was having Sunday dinner with Igor, from Moat Designs Ltd., who was the general contractor for the Castle, and also the King of the Castle. “Another round of brew for everyone,” said the King, waving his hand in the air. Servants immediately surrounded the party. “What kind of problem are you having, Igor?”
“Well, it’s not a big deal. But I’m going to lose some sleep over it.”
“Perhaps Slide and I can help you? Why don’t you tell us about it? I’m sure we can help.”
“I’ve agreed to write an article for a magazine, and I’m sort of stuck on it. Can’t seem to get it going.”
“Igor, that’s wonderful news. Writing an article for a magazine is one of the best ways to promote yourself. People will respect your opinion, and see you as an expert. You can use it after the article comes out to promote yourself, and you can also say you wrote for so-and-so magazine.”
Slide is now depressed because he wasn’t given the opportunity to write an article and get on the good side of the King.
The King pushed himself away from the table. “So, what’s the article on, if I may ask? Maybe you can quote me in the article, which will give you a lot of credibility.”
“I don’t know what it’s on.”
“What do you mean? Didn’t the magazine ask you to write something specific?”
“No, they just asked if I would like the opportunity to write for their magazine, and I said yes.” “Well, no matter. I’m sure Slide and I can help. When is your article due?”
Igor tipped his brew and drained it in a long series of gulps.
“Igor. When is it due?” asked the King in a firm voice.
“It’s due on Monday.”
“Oh, so you’ve got a week to get it done. You’ll be in good shape.”
“No, it’s due this Monday, not next Monday.”
“Tomorrow?”
Slide is now laughing at Igor and very happy. “Igor, what are you thinking about? You should have started this at least a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think I can help you.”
“Please, I need your help.”
“What magazine is it going to be in?”
“The Farm and Grower Building Gazette.”
“Great. I can hardly wait to read it,” replied the King sarcastically.
“Your Majesty, I really do need your and Slide’s counsel on this problem.”
“Well first of all-shoulda, coulda, woulda! You shoulda started much earlier to get your ideas established, which means you coulda been done by now, and you woulda impressed everyone with your professionalism.”
“I know.”
“So, the first thing you should do is read ‘Overcoming Procrastination: A 42 Year Report’ written by the author of this column. It took over 42 years to write this short report on how writers can overcome procrastination.”
“Really?”
“Yes, but for you, your first step is to write down all of your ideas, sort of like brainstorming on paper, and then develop those ideas by circling them and then connecting the bubbles together to generate some sort of thesis and sub-points for your article. Next, you need to write a rough draft. Ideally, when you have completed that, you would then read it the next day, and start the editing process.”
“Editing?”
“Yes, writing is the art of re-writing. There are not many writers around that can write perfect fresh copy, unless you’re Hemingway or some famous author. Do you know what Hemingway said about writing?”
“No. I don’t even know anybody named Hemingway.”
“He said: ‘There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.'”
“Great, now I’m going to bleed,” said Igor. Another round was served to them and the King quickly removed the chilled mug from in front of Igor. The King waved at a Knight who immediately provided a stick of charcoal to write with and a piece of paper. The King placed them in front of Igor.
“You can take the first step. Don’t worry about Slide and I. We’re going to be sitting here, along with all my Knights, servants and serfs, watching you create your first article. I know next time you’ll plan ahead in writing your article.”
“I want to say thank you.”
“You want to say thank you?”
“Well, perhaps I should say, shoulda, coulda, woulda.”
Ronald A. McKenzie is president of COMPASS Consultants Corp., a strategic planning and marketing company specializing in developing business growth. He is a published author and has made nationwide presentations on the subject of strategic planning and marketing. He resides in Las Vegas and can be reached at ramckenzie.compass@gmail. com and www.compassconsultantscorp.com.