I recently gave a talk to a group of coaches who’d invited me to speak to their creativity discussion group on how to “Bring Your Book to Life(R): 5 Steps to Get Started.”
Early on in my presentation, I asked participants, “Why do you want to write a book?” One participant shared, “I have a great idea.” Which is a good start, but when I dug deeper with him he said, “I want to revolutionize how coaching is done.” Wow. That’s a big idea! And a powerful motivator. What an impact that book might make! And how clarifying to dig to the deeper reasons for writing.
Questions to Ask Yourself for Clarity on “Why Write a Book?”
Another participant shared that she wanted her readers to understand her particular perspective and teachings. Okay, but why? What will they get out of it? How might it change their habits, beliefs, trajectories? How might it create transformations in their lives?
She’d shared earlier that she was in a state of transition in her career. Might the book be a bridge to this new work? Might it help guide her way? Might it help her establish herself and create opportunities in this new arena? What did she envision as the impact of her new work on the people she wanted to work with?
Ask yourself, “Why do I want to write a book?” Answer. And then go deeper. What about that _____? Why does that matter? What does it mean to me? Keep asking yourself questions that dig deeper and you’ll get to a more potent “Why?” that will help motivate you.
What to Do When You Feel Stuck
Your deeper why will motivate you when the going gets tough. When the passion gets diluted, or you hate what you’ve written, or you question whether anyone will buy this book. Because, no matter how excited you are at the beginning of the writing process, there will be times where your enthusiasm flags.
You might get busy. Tired. Hungry. Distracted. Doubtful. Distraught. Overwhelmed. Confused. Stuck.
Go back to your question: Why do I want to write this book? And continue to dig. Maybe some of your answers have changed. Maybe you’ll discover new reasons or insights. Maybe those reasons why might even suggest changes to the book–a new direction, a different structure, or more subtle shifts.
If you need help getting your book written, consider a book concept consultation (for clarity, direction, structure and for out-of-the-box ideas for an outstanding book. You can also check out my self-study programs and, if you need accountability and inspiration, join me for Get Your Writing Done!
Please share your reasons for writing a book below as a comment, so you can clarify your deeper why and we can cheer you on!
hello my name is Kelly Sullivan, I’ve been in the life span Newport press a few years back to tell my story( Kelly Sullivan Regains flexibly using Botox injections). there’s so much more to my life story that I would like to get more knowledge on how to get help writing a book about challenges and over coming life in a healthy positive way, want to write about how far I’ve come and worked very hard to climb up the latter. I hope I can get in touch with someone to get started ?
Hi Kelly. Thanks for reaching out. Are you thinking you’d write it as a memoir (life story only). or a combination of memoir and self-help/advice? My suggestions will depend upon the direction you are interested in.
Hello Lisa,
My name is Maisee and I came across your website on google as I was searching for ways to write and publish a book. I’ve had a passion for writing since I was a young girl and have been dreaming to write a book. I want to write a memoir and self-help combination book of my healing journey. My story of battling anxiety and losing myself, facing my demons, finding God and finding my voice. I’m just not quite sure how to lay out exactly where to begin. I’m hoping I can get some help on how to get started. Thank you I am looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Hi Maisee,
Firstly, congratulations. This is an exciting path you are on and one that can help others, as you know.
Here are some resources available to you to get started:
Books on memoir that I love: Mary Karr’s The Art of Memoir; Stephen King’s On Writing.
For a self help memoir, you might want to get started with my self study course Quick Start to Kick Start Your Book.
You can also join our writing community and join us once or twice a week for 1-2 hour sessions to get into a powerful state of flow and write. More here.
I was about to also suggest you join our private, free facebook group, but I see you’ve just done that! So I look forward to connecting within the group and any other way that resonates for you.