Start!
![The Tiny Books Universe [Detail]](/assets/tiny-books-universe.png)
I’m sorry to admit that after unveiling the Tiny Books web site at Hybridconf, Dublin in August, 2015 – four long months ago – I’ve made very little progress.
In part this was due to some staffing issues at the Belfast School of Art (where I’m a team member down), but there’s no escaping it, most of the delays were down to my wilful procrastination.
I’ll hold my hands up: This is entirely my fault. I made promises too soon. I didn’t deliver. Lesson learned.
I might fall flat on my face, but there’s no point in procrastinating any more. I’ve promised to share the first fruits of my Tiny Books labour at Breaking Borders, with a book – ready in some form – to share.
I’m aiming to complete Start! in early 2016 and I’m literally working around the clock to complete it (on top of my teaching, which is – helpfully – forcing me to focus my mind).
My all-encompassing plans – to create, “a universe that combines content of varying lengths, designed to fit together” – were, with the benefit of hindsight, a little too ambitious. What I really need to deliver is a book. A small win.
I’m scaling back.
As Sugru founder, Jane Ni Dhulchaointigh, puts it: “Start small and make it good.” If there’s a lesson to be learned here, it’s that over-ambitious and grandiose plans are worthless if you never ship. You need to get something finished, laying firm foundations on which you can build.
I’m delighted to announce that Cara – my wife – who is far more organised than me, has taken on the role of Tiny Books Project Manager. With her at the helm – she’s a firm, but fair taskmaster – Tiny Books will (I have no doubt) see the light of day.
I’m a firm believer in sharing the ups and the downs. Consider this short update a mea culpa. Focus on what you can realistically achieve, to promise otherwise is to disappoint your audience.