First book stage fright

As some of you know, I'm working on my first non-fiction book on a maritime archaeology theme (nope, no specifics right now :).

Okay, I admit that I'm struggling somewhat with this writing journey as I've never yet attempted anything on this scale. Eeek.

Funny how at times, I'm sure the writing skills I've developed over the years have suddenly left me, hitching a ride on a colourful butterfly, flying off on a summer breeze, never to return. Say what? Yeah, the very skills I competently use every day in my business somehow escape me when I face the blank canvas on this particular project. Odd how my mind feels transported back to writing kindergarten, for lack of a better term.

It's like I know what I know but I don't, you know? Then again, could it be that I'm quivering with "writing jelly legs" because I know that my skills and abilities will be stretched and tested in ways they've never been before?

So what's the problem? Isn't that every writer's dream - or anyone with a creative drive for what they're passionate about - to learn, create, be challenged and keep the passion alive?

Guess so, otherwise we wouldn't, as a species, evolve in this context, and Lord knows, there are enough examples of these dynamic, prolific creative types, both on and off the planet.

The thing is, just like with America's Got Talent, I performed the first audition (wrote the book proposal) and I've made it to the next round (got the contract). Reality hits: now I'm staring my dream directly in the face (I gotta write the thing). Next round? We'll, we won't think that far ahead yet.

First I need to ask my brain to try to make sense of words and string them together in a somewhat coherent manner - at least that's a start.