Mike De Socio’s Journey of Writing Morally Straight
In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Mike De Socio and I delve into the grueling yet transformational journey of writing a book. This conversation offers a treasure trove of insights for aspiring and seasoned authors alike. From the unwieldy nature of a single Google Doc and the emotional toll of editing to the personal transformations catalyzed by writing, this episode covers a myriad of key points that can make or break an author’s journey.
The Writing Process: The Perils of a Single Google Doc
Mike De Socio’s journey began with a single, expansive Google Doc. Comprising around 70,000 to 80,000 words, this document soon became unwieldy and unmanageable. “Using a complicated system of numbering chapters instead of splitting them into separate documents did not simplify things,” Mike admitted. I wisely advised against such a solitary method. Instead, I suggested organizing work into folders-based chapters, minimizing attachment,s and enhancing flexibility in content rearrangement.
De Socio also highlighted the challenges of finding the right workflow. Dedication and discipline were key. Spanning 18 months, his focused sessions of 2-3 hours twice a week allowed him to pen down 90,000 words. My emphasis on realistic word count goals resonated with Mike’s practice of setting weekly targets of 1,000 to 2,000 words, balancing productivity and manageable output.
Emotional and Personal Transformation: More Than Just Words
Writing a book left a profound impact on Mike beyond the realm of words and pages. “The process brought about significant personal and professional changes: ending a long-term relationship and moving to a new city,” he noted. I expanded on this, observing how authors are often transformed by the process, involving a range of emotions and personal growth. This transformation can redefine how writers view themselves and how others perceive them.
Moreover, Mike’s encounters with feedback were emotionally charged. With around 12,000 track changes, the editing phase was a colossal task. Despite the overwhelming feedback, Mike found relief post-editing, describing the phase as intense and fulfilling. I emphasized the importance of understanding revisions and recommended the use of a blank manuscript to review comments, a technique that eased Mike’s process of absorbing feedback.
Research and Reporting: The Backbone of “Morally Straight”
Organizing research was more challenging for Mike than the actual writing. Utilizing browser tabs and transcript highlights, De Socio found it overwhelming at times. Tools like AI transcribers were immensely helpful, albeit requiring good initial effort to master. We discussed different writing tools like Google Docs and Notion, which can significantly help in organizing ideas and enhancing searchability within a document.
The shift from journalism to book writing posed additional hurdles. Mike was astounded by the slow pace of the publishing process in contrast to the rapid churn of journalism. He also discussed the dynamics of interacting with sources, finding some surprisingly cooperative while others posed challenges.
The Aftermath: Crossing the Finish Line and Beyond
Post-publication, Mike found the conclusion gratifying. Although the book’s release didn’t immediately usher in new job opportunities, it did shift his self-perception and that of others. He felt a renewed creative energy and set his sights on new projects. His book, “Morally Straight,” resonated deeply within the scouting community, sparking long overdue conversations.
Notably, the BSA’s resistant stance towards participating or acknowledging the book did not deter him. I also shared personal connections to scouting, appreciating Mike’s narrative. The book’s title, “Morally Straight,” used ironically from the Scout Oath, encapsulates the book’s essence — a critical examination of the inconsistent application of values in the BSA.
Advice for Aspiring Authors: Passion Over Profit
Mike offered invaluable advice: do not write a book for financial gain. The time and emotional investment are significant, and one must be genuinely passionate about the subject to endure the challenges of writing. We both agreed on the transformative power of writing, emphasizing authenticity and commitment.
A Journey Worth Taking
Mike De Socio’s experience underscores the emotional, practical, and personal hurdles that define the authorial path. Aspiring writers can draw lessons and inspiration from Mike’s journey, understanding that while fraught with challenges, the result is a deeply rewarding and transformative experience.
Whether you are in the throes of writing or contemplating your first words, remember: that every step of the journey shapes you as much as it does your book.
Join us again next week for more captivating insights from influential authors and publishing experts. Remember to subscribe to Authors Who Lead and visit our website for more show notes and past interviews.
That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay—take action.
Episode Resources
Connect with Mike here:
Instagram
LinkedIn
MikeDeSocio.com
Get a copy of Peter’s book here:
Morally Straight
