William Martin: Don’t Worry About Publication, Praise, or Productivity

William Martin is the author of many books that explore the applications of Taoist thought to modern life, including the popular The Parent’s Tao Te Ching and A Path and a Practice. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and of Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. In his own words he describes his path as “a winding one that has led me to explore science, spirituality, and nature through careers in research, teaching, counseling, and writing. For more than 40 years, I have translated, written about, taught, and pondered the wisdom and beauty of the Tao Te Ching.” Bill can be reached through his website WilliamMartin.org.

In this interview, William discusses returning to a five-decades practice with his new book, The Daily Tao, his advice for writers, and more.

Name: William Martin
Literary agent: Ted Weinstein, Weinstein Literary Management
Book title: The Daily Tao
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Release date: December 3, 2024
Genre/category: Body, Mind, Spirit
Previous titles: The Parent’s Tao Te Ching, The Couple’s Tao Te Ching, The Sage’s Tao Te Ching, The Activist’s Tao Te Ching, The Caregiver’s Tao Te Ching, A Path and a Practice, The Tao of Forgiveness
Elevator pitch: This is a book that takes the ancient wisdom of The Tao Te Ching, and translates it from beautiful but somewhat enigmatic poetry into the realm of practical daily guidance and support for navigating this chaotic modern life.

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What prompted you to write this book?

I was approached by Hachette Book Group and asked to write 365 daily meditations based on my book A Path and a Practice. I have been writing about and teaching from Tao Te Ching for five decades and I really thought I was done, that I had nothing more to say. The more I thought about it, however, the more I was fascinated by the idea. I agreed to take it on, and I am delighted that I did.

How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?

The book emerged fairly quickly once we agreed on publication, perhaps six months to finish the manuscript and another year to go through the process leading to publication. The concept of the book remained stable as it was linked to the verses of the Tao Te Ching. As I continued to write daily thoughts, the writing process became more focused, more personal, and more enjoyable.

Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?

I’ve been through the publishing process many times with several different publishers. This time through was surprisingly smooth and professional, thanks to the people at Hachette and the Grand Central Publishing imprint. The editing process was painless and always gently encouraging.

Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?

The Tao Te Ching is an amazing book. Its wisdom is timeless, and it reveals itself anew with each reread. As I mentioned, I thought I was finished with writing about the Tao, but as I worked daily with the text I was delighted and amazed at how much it informed, supported, and continued to transform my life. I now realize that I will never be finished exploring and enjoying the Tao Te Ching and its wondrous gift. There may even be (gulp) yet another book awaiting.

What do you hope readers will get out of your book?

I hope they will find daily practical support for life from this ancient, yet so relevant, source. The peace, serenity, and acceptance that permeates the Tao Te Ching is hauntingly appropriate in today’s chaotic culture. Its message has survived and thrived for over two millennia and remains perhaps the most essential message for the modern world to understand.

If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?

If an internal voice is nagging at you saying, “You must get down to writing!” ignore it. It has been around all your life, and it is not your friend. It never has been. Don’t worry about publication, praise, or productivity. Relax and find the courage to let go, trust the process, and let yourself enjoy the simple act of writing in each ordinary moment. That’s all there is.