The one question that I am constantly asked by other Pastors is, when do I find the time to write. The simple answer is, it's never easy. For me it's primarily by inspiration. When it hits me I try to respond. Of course the most opportune time is while traveling. Air travel, particularly overseas, provides
optimal time with fewer distractions. One of my favorite destinations, as you know, is California. From Chicago that gives me four hours in the air both ways, which is enough time to put a good dent into a chapter. At the hotel in Mill Valley I have a
view of the
San Francisco Bay. The room is bright and I've found that to be helpful in stirring my creative juices.
But then there are other, less convenient times. I have two teen daughters and my wife. That's three women and me, which means, prep times often mean delays in leaving for functions. I've stolen several of those moments, defusing the brewing frustration and used them to write. And then there are writing trips. These are times that I take, most often days at a time, to steal away at a hotel or resort and just write. One of my regular
destinations is the
Omni Hotel in Indianapolis. I go there for several reasons. One, my
dear friend Pastor Steven Thompson is there and we always look for reasons to hang out and eat. I
really hate admitting the eating part. The trip is about a three hours drive from my house, which is just below my drive-time-limit. The drive gives me just enough time to unwind. I love the staff at the
Omni Indianapolis, they always take care of me. The hotel is an vintage hotel with lots of character. But it's not creepy like some older hotels can be. It has a variety of room layouts, from the normal hotel box, to two level suites with balconies and is loaded with amenities. Its directly connected to the
Circle Centre Mall downtown Indy via the
Skywalk and is walking distance from lots of attractions.
Here is a list of places where Leadership Essentials was written that I had thought to include in the book but didn't. Hope this inspires you to write.
Starbucks 75
th Street,
Naperville, Illinois
Starbucks Route 59 at 127
th,
Plainfield, Illinois
To and From
Los Angeles on United Airlines
My Basement, Bedroom and Library
America West Flight 450 to Phoenix
The Abbey, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Omni Hotel, Indianapolis, IndianaMarriott Renaissance, Chicago
As with my first project, Mobilization of the Church, my latest project, Leadership Essentials is taking me on the road again. This week I will be in St. Louis at the National Baptist Congress of Education convention. I'll be book signing at the Gospel Rack Booth #630. If you're there, please drop by and say hello. My calendar is quickly filling up through the fall with leadership workshops and opportunities to share on the Kingdom of God. This August I'll be returning to Abuja, Nigeria with Global Advance, an incredible missions organization out of Dallas, Texas that equips front line leaders worldwide. I covet your prayers in this season of great expanse.
