Why Write (Part 1)?
Many people ask, “Why write my story?” I recognize their yearning, passion, hesitation, and even fear that overshadows a long-time goal. My first response on the surface may seem flippant: “Why not write?” On deeper reflection, the answer really is: “Why not write!!!!!” because with my experience, knowledge, passion for writing, and with today’s technology everyone who wants to write their story can and should be encouraged to do so.
The issue from my point of view is: Stop asking “WHY?” and start learning “HOW!” from an expert who knows the ins and outs of the writing world, like me, with the goal to sit down and start writing. That’s the point of this blog, to answer your HOW questions about the writing, (and eventually the marketing, and publishing) process for your book.
So, with that let’s get started. “Why write” the book idea you’re tossing around right now is a key question because it measures your passion, which translates directly into your doing what needs to get done so you end up holding a finished product. This is important because the writing process requires a passionate commitment of time and money. Which, by the way are among the top questions I get:
“How much time will it take to write/market/publish a book?”
“How much money do I need to write/market/publish a book?”
These are great questions with specific answers needed for the long term, but not now. These questions, at this point, without first defining your passion for your idea and the writing process are irrelevant. Why? You tell me. Is it true for you that the more passionate you are about something, the more time and money you allow it to consume? For example, if you’re given an unexpected “bucket list” opportunity, with a clear path that takes you 80 percent toward achieving this dream, will you make excuses about the lack of time and/or money or will you figure out how to move the rest of the way toward achieving the goal? Most people will see the value in figuring out HOW to navigate the rest of the way. Apply the same thinking to the passion for writing a book. If I teach you how to take steps to move further and further along the path toward getting your book written, won’t you do the rest? My experience and expertise gives me the faith and confidence that if you have passion for the project, you will!
Also, we are busy people who aren’t sitting around waiting for something to come along to fill up spare time. If you have minimal passion for any project, you’re not going to cut other more exciting endeavors out of your schedule to substitute this lesser one. Your book idea must drive you toward figuring out what things can take a back seat to writing, at least for a little while.
If thinking about writing this book makes you cry or break out in cold sweat, ask yourself why? Perhaps you’re focused on writing the wrong story for the wrong reasons? For example, I’ve met people with this dilemma because “the family” wants them to write a story they don’t have a passion for writing. The lack of passion feeds the lack of desire to do the necessary research, etc. Others are stuck due to lack of knowledge or skills, so they move no farther in the writing process. Or is it really the lack of passion that derails them? In most cases, I believe so.
Once you’ve determined the story you want to write will drive you to get up a little earlier in the mornings, inspires you to turn off the television or cut back on social media, then your passion for the writing project yields more time for writing. I’m not a morning person, but I know others who are, so for them getting up at 4:00 a.m. and spending two hours, five days a week writing before waking the family up is doable. Night people, like me, lock themselves in an office from 9:00 p.m. until midnight. Then there is the “every Saturday morning from 7:00 until noon” writer. The bottom line is, when there is passion for the project, that translates into “Whatever it takes to get it written!” Passion for the project drives a writer into become a published author!
Your assignment: What is your book idea?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how passionate are you about it? If it’s not close to a 10, what do you need to increase the passion level? Is it more writing skills, tools, or an accountability partner? Do you need to move on to the next idea? Either way, stay tuned or contact me for coaching: Arlene@BookWritingBusiness.com. #WednesdayWritingWisdom #BookWritingBusiness
I want to invite everyone to sign up for one of the upcoming FREE webinars – https://bookwritingbusiness.com/free-webinar/ or jump right in and learn more about working with Arlene to “Write Your Right Book Right Now” right here https://bookwritingbusiness.com/writing-services/
Final Note: If you know someone who wants to write a book, please send an email to introduce us: Arlene@BookWritingBusiness.com. I pay referral fees!