You want to write a book? Have you been toying with the idea but never allowing any time for it? Is there more reason behind this than you are letting on? Want To Write A Book, But Something Stops You? Let’s look into why you should tell your story…
Why might someone not write a book..even if they want to
No time – kids, family, work life is too full on. It’s unrealistic to dedicate time to a project that might not lead to anything in the end…
Perfectionism – Maybe you start the project, but the book is not what you imagined it would be, and no matter how many times you re-write, it will never be good enough.
Self doubt – That negative small voice that usually stays in the shadows, now gets louder. It announces your insecurities, that the mere idea of sharing your work/thoughts/inner-soul makes you want to hide away.
Not sharing your story?
There are many reasons why someone can’t finish a project. But the sad thing here is many people want to tell their story, but don’t.
A recent survey in the USA showed more than half of Americans want to write a book.
So many don’t.
Why?
I get it, there’s not enough hours in the day to do everything. But if you find yourself thinking about writing, but have never made any time – then you will never write. That time needs to be created to allow space for your creative thoughts to come out of the shadows. It’s thought that if you’re really a writer, then you will write anywhere – well yes and no. Sometimes the situation needs to be suitable for writing. As I speak now, I had planned to write my new novel during my toddler’s nap, but let’s just say the naptime hasn’t started, and I’ve not been able to concentrate on writing.
Sometimes you can’t write, but you must try to create the environment for it.
Identify your block
What do you feel when you think about writing? Really monitor your thoughts and feelings. Do you have a physical reaction – your shoulders tense up and you panic? Or do you find yourself making excuses – ‘I don’t have the time’ ‘It’s been a crazy week, maybe another week” etc etc.
This attitude can create a lasting effect, with months and years of excuses.
Once you can identify what is behind your reluctance, only then can you address it and shift those persistent blocks.
Other creatives
Please note, this isn’t just for writing a book. I use this as an example due to the fact that so many people want to write, (they feel their life should be recorded or want to share their experiences to help others), but they don’t pursue it.
You may have a longing to start illustrating, painting, baking, journaling, pottery, – whatever that creative project is – you are not prioritising it. It’s about time you start. Starting something is the most important way to learn and grow as a creator. Doing nothing, and thinking ‘what if’s’ will put you on the road to regret.
Create your own ritual
Create your own space and allocate a time to your craft. If you are only just starting out then it may take time to get into the swing of what you actually want to do. For example, writing a book takes planning – so you may not write anything for a long time. You may need to simply sit down and allow space for your mind to wander, even if it might look to others that you are gazing into oblivion. Only then can you slot into place what you want to happen in the novel.
Don’t underestimate this time and feel you have to be ‘doing’ all the time. The brain needs to think outside your usual routines to consider other thoughts and feelings.
Remove comparison
It’s tempting to look at another author’s work and sigh at your own measley attempt at a draft. But those authors have likely been writers for many years, with several books under their belt…AND a team of people helping them with marketing and editing. Hell we can all look at Stephen King and think – what’s the point in even starting!
Your first book is for you. It’s about what matters to you now. Enjoy the act of learning to write. Feel your way through the process.
There’s no-one waiting to read your book…well maybe your mum and best friend – but you don’t have an audience waiting with baited breath for your new release. Perhaps that makes you feel deflated already thinking there’s no-one waiting to read it? But I believe it’s your chance to write what you want. You have the freedom without the pressures of other people’s expectations.
It’s down to you
Have fun.
What do you like to read? Is there something you love to read in books that you want to incorporate into your own? For me, I love plunging my character in a different setting and situation to what they’re used to, with the hope of starting a new life that they hadn’t thought possible. I’m a romantic, but I also know the most important thing is to love yourself before you can love anyone else. Quoting one of my favourite band’s Nada Surf: “To find someone you love, you got to be someone you love”. As corny as that may sound, I want to reflect that in my books as it means a lot to me.
So it’s time to get all self-reflectiony and dive into your own truths. What do you want to write about? You can do it.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it increasingly difficult to write that book? Have you been putting it off for years, never committing time to it? Comment below and let me know what’s stopping you.
If you enjoyed this, have a look at my previous posts such as – Don’t wait for your passion to grow – pick something now!
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