A separate journal devoted strictly to people, places and things, that you love, may seem like a waste of space at first. Why not just toss it in our regular journal. You might be thinking, "How can I fill up a whole book?" I shared this sentiment for years. After making choice, one pre-Valentine day ten years ago in a bookstore, it became easy. A richer life began emerging because of it over time.

As all things, it begins by purchasing a journal for that specific purpose. This is perfect time of year to buy that such journal. Book and gift stores provide a stack of choices this time of year. When I sat down and opened my new love journal, cover, with its typical red cover and hearts, changed my voice but pages were still stark white. For days, I sat staring at those blank pages every evening and occasionally a few mornings. This was a strange sensation since it’s harder for me to end than to begin.

My original thought, why I purchased this teenage-like journal, was to honor my mother’s memories. She passed, at time ten years earlier, and our memories were waning. Many times it took pictures to see her face again. Here are some ways that I learned over years to fill my love journals. What once started with a cautionary purchase turned into a regular yearly purchase. Of course, this time of year because of wide selection in stores.

Let Me Count Ways

Lists are a great way to begin when sentences or thought seems vague. Lists suggest expansiveness and release pressure of saying it just right. Focus on one person and make a list of a particular moment. It doesn't matter whether it is recent or somewhere in past. Memory triggering is a trained skill and takes practice.

Love Letters

"Love letters fulfill a need to confide, to testify and to articulate what is ordinarily left unspoken," says Cathy Davidson in, "The Book of Love: Writers and Their Love Letters." Expressing your love, whether shared or not, fulfills an internal need, a desire of a deep connection. Whether love is only one way, a fantasy, or just a dream. Memorable writing, whether it is a list, letter, poem, story or essay, comes deeply from soul of writer. It is their way of having their say.

Generally speaking, you need an agent (though there are literary lawyers and others out there who would disagree with me.) I've had four agents, some fine, one useless, and one downright criminal (though eminently likeable.)

Here are some tips I can pass along that will help your search for this important part of your team.

*Make sure you're selling something marketable. It could be you're only person out there who wants to read about your Aunt Tillie's days as a pickle packer. Before you approach an agent, find out what problem your book solves and who it will appeal to. Research similar titles on Amazon.com and look for gaps in marketplace. Go to bookstores and see what's hot (and what's not.) What's not is on remainder shelf; what's hot is placed up front and center, with massive piles of book in sight. Give an agent a good reason UP FRONT to get excited (before they even read your mss)

*Make sure your book idea or manuscript is in top shape. There is no substitute for excellence… it helps! You've got to have an awesome concept, and an even better title.

*Make your book proposal as professional possible. (Book proposals are only for non-fiction books, those other than novels.) You'll want to include a lot more than just what book's about. You'll need to include any market research you've done on who'd buy book, ideas for unusual places books could be sold, or ways to tie it in with 'special sales' (that's pub-speak for big wholesale orders) to certain industries, or connections with your workshops, speaking gigs, web site, etc.. You'll also want to include an impressive bio, merchandising ideas, a sketch of competitive marketplace and publicity ideas. (If this sounds daunting, worry not. See my blurb at bottom.)

*Establish your credibility. If you're writing fiction, let them know you've either had unique life experiences that will make your book especially interesting to media. (If you're writing about your white water rafting exploits, did you have a great experience related to this you could spin on air?) If you're writing non-fiction, are you a PhD or do you have a masters, or lots of great professional experience? It's tougher to sell a great book written by someone who's got no credentials in field to back them up … but it can be done.

*Hook up with a star. Can you get a celebrity endorsement, or a testimonial or foreword from a highly placed industry star? This will help an agent feel they can sell your work.

*Find niche no one has explored. They're out there, even in your chosen field. This is especially true for non-fiction, though niches apply to both genres. The best niche comes from your own passions and interests… what's really You?