Logical wisdom among counselors is, “Do what you love. Follow your passion.” But America’s prisons are full of people who did exactly that. People who say “Follow your passion” assume that passion is the bridge to commitment, success, and happiness. But experience teaches us precisely the opposite; passion does not lead to commitment. Commitment leads to passion. Experience says, “Whatever you do, do it with all your strength and will and determination, regardless of your feelings. Don’t follow your passion. Let your passion follow you.”

Logical wisdom among authors is that you should, “Write about what you know.” But experience teaches us that this recipe creates books that rarely sell. Look at the great authors and the voice of experience will say, “Take the reader with you on an adventure into the unknown and unfamiliar. This is the plot of every book that captivates the masses.”