Lies That Keep People From Writing Their Book
Are you an aspiring author with an unfinished manuscript? Or have you dreamed about writing a book for years but haven’t been able to commit the time to make it happen? You’re not alone. Many people hear a little voice in their head whispering lies that keep them from pursuing their writing goals. It could be anything from “you don’t have enough time,” to “it won’t be good, so why bother?,” to “who are you to think you can write a book?” Let’s talk about how these lies can stop us dead in our tracks, and how we can confront them and move forward.
Lie #1: I don’t have anything new or important to say.
Hogwash. Everything you read, watch, and hear is based on something that came before it — something someone else wrote, produced, or said. So yes, it’s all been done before. Doesn’t matter. It hasn’t been done by someone with your life experiences, your worldview, your lens, your heart.
Lie #2: I don’t have time to write. I’ll do it when I retire.
First, you’ll never have time to write. You have to make time. Second, what have you ever put off and later said, “I’m so glad I put that off”? And third, none of us is promised tomorrow. So how do you feel about never writing the book you’ve always wanted to write? If that’s not acceptable to you, the time is now.
Lie #3: I’m too old. I’ll look foolish.
You’re not too old to write, but you’re too old to wait. And the fear of looking foolish, or worrying what other people will think when you tell them you’re writing a book? That’s just imposter syndrome. Besides, if we’re in midlife, aren’t we supposed to let that stuff go? (I’m asking for a friend. I struggle too.)
Lie #4: I’m not a good writer. I don’t know how to start.
You don’t have to be a good writer to write a book. You have to be a good learner. It’s a process and a skill. You can learn and improve. Be coachable. Hire someone to help you. Practice. And the starting point? Everyone — even the best — struggles with this. Helping you start is the best part of having a coach.
Lie #5: I can’t afford to work with a book coach.
When I was telling my best friend a lie like this about an investment I needed to make for myself and my business, she said, “If one of your kids needed something and it cost that much, you’d find the money. You’d find the money every time. Find the money now. Invest in you.” That’s great advice. Put your needs first. I’ve also structured my coaching so the investment can be done month-to-month to make it more accessible.
Lie #6: I’m not ready for a book coach. I need to get more of my manuscript (or outline, or ideas, or research) done first.
All lies. This is the exact right time to start working with a book coach. My clients who work with me from the beginning often need my help for shorter periods of time. There’s a lot to be said for bringing in a professional before you pour the foundation, and one of my superpowers is helping you get clarity on your idea. If you’ve read this far, you’re thinking about it. Email me and let’s get your questions answered.