What does you getting your book published have to do with me going on a 10-day cleanse and fast (no food)?
Everything…
If you want to get your book published (or if you want to lose weight, detox your body, boost your immune system, etc.) read this article. Just be patient. This article isn’t long, but it will take a moment for you to see how it’s going to help you get published.
* * *
Lemonade, Anyone?
Over the last two weeks, Ingrid (my wife and business partner) and I completed a 10-day fast called the Master Cleanse or Lemonade Diet. I know it sounds insane to go without food for ten days, but don’t worry… this cleanse/diet is well known and it’s been around since 1940. It’s safe (although, of course, you should consult with your doctor before you try it). By the way, it isn’t mostly about losing weight (although I lost 15 pounds); it’s about getting any and all toxins out of your body that accumulate over time. It’s also about “resetting” your immune system and overall health. There are a few minor variations on the cleanse/diet, but here’s how it basically works…
Day 1-10: No food whatsoever. Instead, you drink a tall glass of salt water first thing in the morning (this flushes your system). Then you drink 6-12 glasses of a special, healthy lemonade each day. It’s a combination of spring water, fresh squeezed organic lemons, a couple tablespoons of organic maple syrup, and a bit of cayenne pepper. This unique cocktail is low-calorie, suppresses your appetite, gives you energy, and increases your metabolism. You also need to drink a cup of special herbal tea before you go to bed each night (laxative). And you can drink water.
Day 11: Again, no food. Instead, you get to drink fresh-squeezed orange juice all day. And you can drink water. So, technically, it’s 11 days without food!
Day 12: Orange juice for breakfast. Fruit or vegetable broth for lunch. Vegetable soup (with vegetables) for dinner.
Day 13 and beyond: Normal healthy eating.
Now, you’re probably wondering three things: 1) Why would you torture myself like that? 2) How did you manage to finish the fast without cheating or losing your mind? and 3) What in the world does this have to do with me getting my book published?
I’m glad you asked…
* * *
A Lesson In Motivation
If you want to get your book published, you probably need to change some bad habits first. I had to face up to that fact before I started the fast/cleanse. Since I have background in behavior modification, I started by making a motivation list. If you don’t have a powerful reason WHY you want to accomplish something, you probably won’t achieve it. Make that SEVERAL reasons. Do you have a list written down somewhere? Not hiding in a journal or drawer, but prominently displayed so you can’t forget it?
Here’s the list I came up with for my fast/cleanse:
- I Want to Fit Into My Pants: I don’t think I’m vain, but I like looking good and feeling good. Who doesn’t? So, I wasn’t about to start buying 34” waist pants when I know I’m really a 32”. But that’s where things were headed. When I had to replace the button on my favorite pair of jeans, I literally “broke through” my denial. Spending a lot (most) of my time working on my laptop, reclining in a nice leather chair, is great for my business… not so good for my physique.
- Recent Health Scares: The last few years, I’ve had a few bouts with some type of walking pneumonia (a couple times lasting 3-4 months). It seemed like my immune system was low or something. Now that I’m in my forties, I don’t want to take my health for granted. Life is good, so I’d like to stick around and enjoy it as long as possible.
- I Want My Wife to Continue Viewing Me As a Sex Magnet: Ingrid says she’ll love me no matter what… but seriously. If I gross myself out because I’m not taking care of myself, how can I expect her to get excited when she sees me (especially since Ingrid takes care of herself)?
- Self-Mastery: I don’t like feeling out of control, but that’s how I was feeling. I also knew there could only be two reasons for it: 1) Lack of education, and/or 2) Lack of discipline. Since Ingrid has given me 13 years of healthy eating education (me protesting all the way), I knew it wasn’t that. No, I was just being a slacker. Put it this way, I was so out of shape I pulled a pectoral (chest) muscle opening a window a few weeks ago. Pathetic. Time to go to the gym, flabby boy. You can’t just sit around all day reading books and writing query letters!
- I Wanted to Write this Article: I know it’s twisted, but I also used YOU as motivation during my fast/cleanse. I figured if I actually completed the whole eleven days, it would make a great article. I thought it might inspire you to do what you need to do… to get your book completed and/or out to literary agents. Hey, if I could go without food for eleven days… surely you can cut a few things out of your life that are getting in the way of you getting published. Right?
* * *
What Do You Need to Cut Out?
Now we’ve arrived at the heart of the matter. I want you to do more than just read this article. I want you to take action so you can get the results you want. And it all starts with you figuring out what you need to cut out of your life so you can be more likely to get your book published.
For example:
- Toxic beliefs, thoughts, attitudes
- Toxic or distracting activities
- Toxic or distracting people
Yes, you might be the next J.K. Rowling, John Grisham, or Stephanie Meyer. You might have that type of talent. But you probably won’t get published unless you remove the “toxins” from your life. Toxic thinking. Toxic and/or distracting activities. And, toxic and/or distracting people (that aren’t moving you closer to your goals).
Here are some examples of things I’m cutting out of my life,
to achieve my new health/fitness goals:
- Unhealthy Food: Burger King. Taco Bell. Pizza Hut meat-lover’s pizza with chicken wings (that’s a good way to gain 5 pounds in five minutes). Then there’s the occasional big breakfast burrito run. Worst of all are the non-so-healthy snacks throughout the day while working in my office… or in the evening after dinner. By the way, I’m not just cutting these things out of my life. I’m replacing them with healthier alternatives that taste just as good. That makes any behavior change a LOT easier.
- Thoughts About Unhealthy Food As a Reward: I used to think of junk food as a treat or reward (another formula for failure). Now that I’m getting more educated about food, it’s easier. I watched Food, Inc. last weekend and Forks Over Knives before that. Ingrid was amazed when she found out how little I knew about healthy eating. I told her that I didn’t want to know. Hey, I’m honest. Now I do want to know.
- Inactivity: No more sitting on my butt all day. More walks. Time to start using that gym membership I paid for.
- Lame Excuses: I’m just as busy as anyone. I run my own business and another business (coaching entrepreneurs) with my wife (I’ll tell you more about that another day). So it’s easy to justify not going to the gym. There’s always more work to be done for my clients or another proposal that needs to be written for a prospective client. But I won’t be able to do any of those things, if I’m not well.
So, what do YOU need to cut out of your life, to get your book published… or published faster? Please share below. I really do want to know. You’ll inspire everyone else who reads this blog. And, it will help you hold yourself accountable (I don’t think I would have made it through the whole fast/cleanse if I wasn’t doing it with Ingrid – having an accountability partner really helps). That’s the other reason I just wrote this article (to hold myself accountable).
Looking forward to your thoughts.
– Mark
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
Love this post! I actually posted to my fellow Christian friends how to properly fast. Of course mine is for more spiritual reasons, and to day I found a video that answered my questions. Seems like my questions get answered for me :^) And you make a lot of good points here.
Hi Dale, detoxing the heart and mind and spirit is part of the process for us as well. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience. Like everything else in life, it’s easier to do things that are difficult (like fasting) when you know there are other people out there doing the same thing. Have a great weekend! Mark
I really like the idea of listing the reasons you want to lose weight — and then posting it somewhere like the refrigerator. It places the emphasis on what you do want, not on what you can’t have. Likewise, I’m going to make a list of why I believe my book is worth publishing, rather than focusing on how many agents say “it’s not right for me.”
Hi Betty, I like that idea as well. Both of them, actually. It’s so easy to forgot what’s important if we don’t have things written out where we can see them. Thanks for taking time to read my post and say hello. Have a happy Friday and weekend and I hope to see you again soon. Mark
Hi Mark
I know about unhealthy eating, lack of discipline and procrastinating. I do all these every day and that’s why I have ballooned in my weight and wasted more than two weeks doing other distracting stuff instead of re-writing my memoir. I keep telling myself to get back to at least six hours of editing a day. But it’s good to know the cause so you can solve the problem. The only thing is to make the effort. I’m still trying to lose weight and getting more work done
Hi SawLian, I admire your honesty. Everyone does those things in their own way, it’s just that you and I are okay talking about it! That’s one of the reasons I appreciate you. Motivation often comes in waves, so don’t worry… your momentum will shift in the other direction soon enough. And when it comes to your writing, I’ve gotten the impression that you’re a good writer with a good work ethic. So don’t be too hard on yourself! Mark
Dear Mark,
Fantastic.There comes a time, usually in our forties, when us men have to be accountable for our health. De-toxing sounds like a great idea, I may try it myself very soon.
What I like even more is that you set your self a challenge! Wow, not eating for 11 days. That’s going to take some self discipline, well done.
You’re an e.g. of how we all need to push & challenge ourselves in life, but more importantly, with things that are good for us. Getting fit and health are top of the list!
Hi Bryce, would love to see you try it and hear how it goes. I’m amazed how easy it was. Not saying it was easy, but it was a LOT easier than I thought it would be. If anyone can do it, I know you can. Now I don’t have to be self-conscious when Ingrid and I go to the hot tub in our hotel after those VIP days coming up. 😉 Thanks for always being so positive AND having such a good work ethic. You are truly a dream to work with. Talk soon. Mark
Hi Mark, what an awesome thing to do for your mental, physical and emotional health. I love to fast and have noticed my writing seems easier & clearer when I am on a vegetable juice fast. I have been on a raw food diet for 2 months and feel great & energized. Just want to put a plug in for David Wolfe; a well known leader in raw foods who has updated the Master Cleanse. For more information check out www.longevitywarehouse.com and under search put in “Master Cleanse Bundle and enjoy the videos.
Hi Gwenne, thanks for sharing this. I’m going to check it out. Didn’t talk about this I don’t think but we’re now doing a mostly raw diet now as well. Thirty days ago I couldn’t have even told you what it meant! Anyway, thanks for reading and taking time to comment. And thanks again for the other info. Mark
I ain’t a-gona do the food diet thing. But the parallel diet/reduction of toxic activities is wondrous.
Hi Ken, saying it out loud now… that I didn’t eat one bite of food for 11 days… is hard to believe for even me. But it was totally worth it. Not right for everyone though, that’s for sure! Thanks for reading and taking time to post! Mark
Hi Mark,
Great going for you and Ingrid. I have cut gluten out of my diet and lost 15 pounds. I totally believe that taking control of your body leads to taking control of your life.
I darn near did the body cleanse a few years ago when my appendicitis ruptured, You get ice chips only for four days.
As for the immune system, I try to boost mine since I have Fibromyalgia and RA. Little things can take me down quickly.
I hope you do well with the new Mark.
Take care and God Bless,
Jan
Hi Jan, I don’t know anything about gluten yet… but it’s on my long list of food/diet questions for Ingrid. Talking about this stuff is a bit like talking about makeup. Ingrid has to explain something to me six times before it sticks. So it’s slow going. Kind of like me trying to explain American football to her. By the way, I think I like the lemonade diet better than your ice chip diet. 😉 Thanks for posting, and here’s to good health! Mark
Your post made me want to eat Twinkies!
You are too funny. By the way, my latest unhealthy food substitution is raw nacho cheese flavored kale (sounds nasty, but it’s great) for chips.;) Mark
Congratulation Mark. I know about this cleanse — even have the book, I think. Someday soon may even do it. . . . What I appreciated most about the article was just getting to know you a little better. Talk to you soon. I’ve finally made an appointment.
Hi Ellen, let me know how it goes if you try it. I enjoy knowing I’m not the only one! Thanks for posting and have a great week. I’ll respond to your other email ASAP. Looking forward to catching up with you, and helping you get your book out there. Mark
OK, you’re hilarious 🙂 Thanks for reminding me of this brilliant cleanse! I used to use it years ago and always felt great afterward. So as I read your tale, I kept thinking, “Oh, right…oh yeah, that’s true…hmmm, 15 pounds, eh?” Let’s see, how many upcoming dinners with friends do I have to cancel?
The tie-in between detoxing the body and detoxing the mind is just plain smart. Great post!
Hi Sabriga, love your sense of humor. Here’s the secret, by the way. If you don’t have much of a social life and don’t get out much because you work a lot… it’s MUCH easier to do this cleanse. 😉 Thanks for posting and being so kind with your comments. Here’s to detoxing the mind, the body, and everything else in our lives. Have a great weekend and I hope to see you again soon! Mark
Mark,
Touche, Lori & I did this cleans, incorporated better food choices, lost 35 lbs and feel great. Recently we have viewed Food Inc, and Forks over Knives and agree they are eye openers and changed our lives, added simple walking and light weight training at home, we are doing better than ever. We just had to reset our thinking: “These are Healthy Changes We Must Do so that we have a better Quality of Life as we speed from 51 to 100 years and beyond?
Positive Motivation Is Key
Hi Kenny, I loved seeing your comment. What are the odds? You’re the first person to say that you’ve done this cleanse as well, and the fact that you’ve seen the same movies/documentaries… nice. I have another 30 days of eating mostly raw foods and losing a few more pounds, then I’m going to get back in the gym… starting slow. Here’s to living to be 100+. Thanks for sharing your experience and your positive spirit. Have a great weekend. Mark
That kind of fast scares me — but I’m glad it worked for you (said the technically obese — by only 2 pounds — older guy). You look great, but I think Ingrid looks a little TOO thin. Take her out for a milk shake.
Hi Harold, it terrified me… until I did it. Then I was wondering why I made it such a big deal. The scary unknown, I guess. And yes, I looked okay as long as I wasn’t trying to tuck my shirts in (or button my best-fitting pair of pants). Ha ha ha. Now I’m good to go again. When it comes to Ingrid, she’s healthier than all of us… and probably the #1 reason (if not the only reason) I’m not eating fast food three or more days a week. 😉 Have a great weekend. Mark
Wow! I really appreciate the honesty in this article. It was very candid…in a way that was almost intimate. Just about everyone who read it will have been able to identify with what you were saying. (I suppose that is also something to keep in mind when trying to write a valid book. Can others identify with it? Fiction, or not, can people identify….?). Anyway, I am getting side tracked here. Just want to say thanks for that article, and…good for you!
Hi Kishe, thank you and I’m glad you liked it. I especially appreciate the fact that you pointed out the connection about creating intimacy in all kinds of writing. It’s something that we all need to strive for, if we want people to read our work, feel something, and trust us. I know that every topic and format doesn’t lend itself to that, but it’s good to be aware. Thanks for taking time out of your busy life to post, and have a great weekend. Mark
Great role modeling!
I would like to hear more about the added support you gave your system to assist in the cleansing, organ cleansing, organ support, and tissue rebuilding. Excellent discipline thought.
Great question about what I need to “cut out of my life”?
1. Probably not talking so much about the book I have written
2. Spending less time at work and more time with my son as his brain heals
3. Cutting back on my Cacao consumption
Hi Mardell, we’re not that sophisticated. This was just the cleanse. Doing mostly raw food now for the next thirty days, but not all. I’ll learn more after looking at your book. 😉 I like your list of things to cut out, especially since you were one of the few to list any. Have a great weekend and talk soon. Mark
Well, I admire you in this day and age when everything is all about food and more food. Did you know that even our elementary schools plus everywhere else is putting in the AED (automated electrical device) to help when children are having a heart attack from being obese among other reasons? Thanks for getting into the boat with us on all this writing. We know there are toxins in us as writers that need to be purged so we can be better writers in the future. It’s good to know you’re out there.
Hi Penny, I had to Google it to learn more. Turns out 7,000 young people sudden die each year of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)… many of them athlete, but not all. My father died of a heart attack as well, so here’s to being healthy! With our writing habit… and in life. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by my blog say hello. Mark
Outstanding posting, Mark. I’m right in the middle of a sugar-detox program and can sympathize with the restraints involved with trying to do something good for ourselves. My energy level is returning (thankfully) and I’ve been doing a lot of editing and adding new material before submitting my manuscript anyplace.
Thank you for the superb info you always provide, and for the motivation you give us to continue our efforts in moving ahead. It’s appreciated very much!
Hi Rhymster, glad you liked it… was worried that I took too long to get to the point and readers would check out before realizing how my story could help them. Thanks for sharing about your sugar detox. Glad to know I’m not the only one suffering. 🙂 Thanks for always being so supportive, and keep doing what your doing… which sounds like all the right things. Have a great weekend and see you around soon. Mark
You’re diabolically evil. Laying on all that guilty to motivate us to be better. No wonder I like you so much! :p
Everything you said is true. Everyone has habits and things they could change to make what they want easier to obtain – we just don’t want to. LOL
Sweet. Two guilt trips sandwiched into one article. How cool is that, right? Guilt tripping about writing AND diet. Too fun. Hey, I figured I tortured myself for 12 days so there was part of me that wanted to share the pain. Ha ha ha. And success. Funny how those two things often go together. I still want to have some of your BBQ sometime. Have a great weekend. 😉 Mark
Yeah. Now I feel fat and lazy. THANKS! LOL
I think I used ground sirloin when I made the meatloaf in the fire, so you’d be good. Worst case, use ground turkey or chicken – still yummy! 😉
Yeah, I’ll probably lose a few subscribers just for bringing up the word diet. By the way, I’m okay with you feeling fat and lazy because we’ve all felt that way at some point. And that’s how I was feeling two weeks ago when I got mad at myself and decided to torture myself with the fast to jump-start my health/fitness goals. Now I’m on my way to having the perfect bod. Well, maybe that’s a stretch. But at least my pants fit again. Meatloaf sounds delicious. 😉 Mark
It’s okay. But, even though I feel fat and lazy, I know I’m not as lazy as I feel (we won’t talk about the fat part). I finished getting my short story collection done ON TIME, when I was really behind. I worked hard on it and I should have it live today or tomorrow. Making my own deadline is a good feeling. 🙂
It’s often just in our heads. And it’s all relative, anyway. I definitely know you’re not lazy, so I hope you know that. That’s one of the reasons I believe in you so much. Happy Friday! Mark
Aw, thanks for the faith!
Have a great weekend. 😉
You’re right, Mark. There are no excuses for not getting the work done. I need to get toxic and distracting activities and people out of my life right now. There will be time for distraction later after the novel and self-help books become bestsellers!
Hi Jalynn, you are absolutely right. Life is too short. Let your genius express itself and get your work out there. Thanks for posting and know that I’m proud to be part of your journey. Have a great weekend and see you again soon. Mark
I agree that toxic people can be the greater hold back. I have several in my life but am trying, daily, to lose them or figure out a way to see less of them. Toxic people make you think in a negative ways and I think cause a person to become depressed, tired and angry. Don’t think all these emotions don’t figure into your writing!! They do!!! Lose the losers, idiots and trouble-makers!! Your writing will improve!!!!!
Hi Sandra, good for you. Not only can those people influence your writing, they can stop you from writing altogether. So dump those enthusiasm suckers and do what you’re hear to do… finish your book and get it out into the world. 😉 Mark