Forewords

Long ago in 2011 when Ten Thousand Prosperities finally
appeared in print.

Anwar Fazal is remarkable. A font of various ideas and wisdom. Other than indulging in so many worthwhile causes, he has the time to write forewords for books. 

When I wrote Ten Thousand Prosperities two years ago, I had asked him to contribute a foreword to my book, which he readily did. The bonus was that he even gave me a copy of his own book with the aptly named title of Moving Forewords. Inside was a collection of 30 forewords of his. Old forewords of his but all still relevant in terms of the subject matters.

Writing a foreword can be fun if the foreword writer is given free rein to let his thoughts wander. While the writer can also write things that are totally irrelevant to the book's content, it is more prudent to follow traditional guidelines, such as these below. But of course, they can be totally ignored too:

1. 
   Understand the purpose: A foreword introduces the book and its author to readers. It's typically written by someone other than the author, such as an expert or a well-known individual in the field. 
2. Read the book. If not possible, maybe an excerpt or even a chapter: Familiarise yourself with the content, themes and style, taking note of the author's main ideas and unique perspectives. 
3. Start with a warm greeting: Address the readers and express your enthusiasm for writing the foreword. You can also mention your relationship with the author if it's relevant. 
4. Share your perspective: Discuss why you believe the book is important and how it contributes to the field or genre. Highlight the author's qualifications, expertise or notable achievements. 
5. Personalise it: Connect with the readers by sharing your personal experiences or anecdotes related to the book's topic or the author. Explain how the book impacted you or influenced your own work. 
6. Summarise the book: Provide a concise summary of the book's main ideas and themes. Avoid giving away all the details or spoilers, as the foreword should intrigue readers to explore the content themselves. 
7. Emphasise the value: Discuss the potential benefits or insights readers can gain from reading the book. Highlight any unique features, research or perspectives that set it apart. 
8. Conclude with a positive note: Encourage readers to dive into the book and express your confidence that they will find it valuable. You can also mention your admiration for the author's work or express gratitude for being involved. 
9. Revise and edit: Review your foreword for clarity, coherence and grammar. Ensure it flows smoothly and engages the readers. Consider seeking feedback from the author or other trusted individuals. 
10. Finalise and submit: Once you are satisfied with the foreword, submit it to the publisher or the book's editor for inclusion in the final publication.

Remember, a foreword should be concise and captivating, providing readers with an intriguing preview of the book and establishing your credibility as the writer of the foreword.