Six reasons why you won't write your book...
but should.
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You think no one will be interested in your story.
I can’t tell you how many people have said over the years that they should write a book when I mention that I’m a writer. They really, really want to — but as far as I know, very few have. They’re scared of rejection, critics, reviews and no one actually reading it. Why would I bother? they think. What’s the point? No one cares about my story.
That indeed is a fallacy because your story is as interesting as anyone else. It’s common for writers to believe that no one cares — but the only person who should care about your story is YOU. That’s where you begin.
Once you believe in your story — even if it’s a snapshot here, a crazy relationship there — I guarantee someone on this planet of 8 billion souls will say, Incredible! Her story sounds just like mine!
As for critics — meaning, the person in your circle who gives plenty of advice but has actually never published — try this response: Oh, is that how it worked for you when you wrote your book? Guaranteed you’ll never hear from them again.
As for reviews, that’s just part of the deal. You’ll have those who bomb your book because they didn’t like it for whatever reason or project their anger — it all comes with the job. If you write beautiful, compelling books, the majority of your readers will be lovely in their responses and be your grateful marketers.
One book or many — once your children have ventured into the world, they are out of your hands. That’s when you find another creative project or indulge in the movies and books you put on hold while writing, rather than obsess over reviews from strangers.
You spend too much time distracted by social media, TV and personal drama.
As I wrote in a previous post, I haven’t owned a cellphone for several years. I do have a couple of computers and a smart TV (which I rarely watch) but still struggle with distraction. There are just SO many cool interviews, shows, ridiculous commentary — and most are wonderful and interesting people who may even discuss books or their own stories. And of course, once you start writing a book, there are always closets to clean, windows to wash, the trip you wanted to take, text/calls with friends that you simply must do right at that moment.
That’s one minute or 200 hours away from the book you’ve yet to write — and it is time you will never get back in your limited and precious life span.
The simple and inerrant fact of writing is that you must remove yourself from people and distractions to write. Can’t be alone? Your book will never reach a Kindle.
Writing a book is hard and you do not have the discipline.
I’ve written several books over 15 years and every one of them was hard to begin. I have great ideas and amazing concepts. My world is one of constant imagination. I love to write but not one of those who show up every day. Nope. No Julia Cameron here. I can go years without writing a book and it’s only when I feel compelled to write — otherwise, it’s pressure that turns into a drag.
The hardest part after writing for hours/days and a notebook half-filled (always a legal yellow pad and Pilot G2 pens) is that I lose interest. Or get frustrated when it doesn’t roll as quickly off the page as I imagined. I hate “wasting time” on a book that will never be finished. My perfectionist nature turns against me.
I’ve learned that when I approach my unborn book with kindness — like, Hey! It’s so good to meet you. What a great title. It’s been such a long time since I’ve gotten into a story. I can’t wait to see where you take me — that’s when my book begins to roll out. I’ll say things like, It doesn’t matter if I write a page a day or skip. It doesn’t matter if this takes six months, 5 years or I do a Donna Tartt and wait 10. I don’t care. Whenever I want — and absolutely no pressure or deadlines.
It is the extremely rare author that has the voice of angels whispering in their ear and within days, has a completed manuscript. There is still no avoiding drafts, edits, a cover, grammar and marketing!
As for voices, I actually do hear them when I write — but it only turns difficult when I put them in a chokehold and give up in frustration.
You think you will become an instant millionaire by writing a book.
You won’t. The true test of a writer is putting aside dreams of grandeur to nurture the compulsion to write because you are an artist driven to create.
You are afraid of exposure that comes with fame.
This is a valid fear for artists of every genre — but it’s so unlikely with your book that I wouldn’t stress it. Since the average attention span is 14 seconds, I’d write for the rare readers who care about a great book and will respond with positive attention.
You care more about fame than creating beauty for this world.
Legacy is a wonderful concept and a complete illusion. No one will remember you in two to three generations outside of your family — even then, it’s questionable. Leaving a beautiful book that continues long past your memory — that is a legacy worth the pursuit.
Thank you Raven , perfect timing .