Have you ever sat at your computer or with your writing pad and your mind is blank? The words just won't come. You had a great plan to write a book but you are stuck. Or maybe you are feeling a little insecure and wonder if you will ever finish your book. You begin to feel that writing is such a lonely profession.

Fret no more! Did you know that you could have a cast of characters to draw from to help you finish your book? With this team you not only will complete your book but it will be the best book you've ever written because of the feedback you received while your were writing your book.

To get you started, below is a list of people you can include on your list. This cast can help you write and market your book.

Cast of Characters:

Writing Buddy: This person is awesome. A buddy that agrees to listen to your story as you write it, ask you questions to help you move the story forward, and agrees to follow up when you make an agreement to finish a part of the book by a specific date. Also, gives you support and encouragement.

Book and Publishing Coaches: These experts can save you a lot of time and grief. They know the field and can move you quickly through writing and publishing your book. However it is important that you are ready to write and commit to this endeavor. Don't waste your money if you cannot commit some time on a regular weekly basis to write a book.

Cheerleaders: Family, friends, co-workers, clients, and prospects can help you market your book. Ask them if they would be willing to tell their friends and customers about your book when the time comes. Or on a casual basis you can tell them how your book is coming along. People love to be in on the beginning of a book idea. They will cheer you on if you let them in on the progress of your book

Interviewer: This is someone who agrees to listen to each chapter idea and then interview you on the chapter topic. Ask questions. Once a week you two will work together on a chapter of the book and record the session. Then you can take the recording and use the information in your book.

Researchers: College interns or library assistants can help you with any research you need. For a reasonable fee you can let someone else do this grunt work for you and you will stay on the creative side of writing.

Your Bookstore: Go to the bookstore once in awhile. Search the shelves for books like yours. Buy a book. Sit and have some coffee and enjoy the moment. You will feel more like an author every time you go to the bookstore.

Read the Acknowledgement page of books that will be similar to yours. Write down the names of editors and literary agents mentioned in the book. You may want to contact them when part of your book is done. Or ask one of your cheerleaders or research people to do this for you.

Reviewers: Make a list of people -- no more than five -- that are willing to review your book once the manuscript is done. Have a set of questions ready for them to answer -- Is there anything that needs more clarification, is the continuity okay, etc. These are the people that review the book before it is in its final stage. You will want to implement some of the suggestions they make in your final draft.

Foreword Expert: Who is going to write the Foreword of your book? Make a list of potential experts. You want a recognized expert in your field if possible. Start collecting names and addresses.

Published Authors or Speakers: Gather the names of published authors and speakers that you meet at conferences and networking events. Ask them if you might contact them with questions you might have as you are writing your book. It is important to keep them informed if they agree because they can also be cheerleaders and marketers for your book.

Testimonials: Every book should have testimonials in it and on the book cover. Start making a list of people you want to give you testimonials for your book. Start a relationship with them as soon as you can. Especially those authors and speakers you have on your list.

Bloggers: Wouldn't it be nice to have some bloggers write a review of your book in their Blog? Research Blogs for the ones you feel are the best ones to promote your book.

Do your homework, create your lists, and be prepared. You could save hours of writing time and stay on target with your cast of characters. Plus you will have a ready-made team of people who will market and promote your book when it is published. Writing is not such a lonely profession after all. In fact, it's fun when you have built such a fantastic team that is rooting for your success.

Copyright 2008, Joan Clout-Kruse.