Have you ever thought you wanted to write a book but for some reason you didn’t think you were good enough?
You aren’t alone.
When I started journaling and thought I might have the beginnings of a book, I was actually stopped in my tracks by a couple of myths. Stupid, common myths about what it took to write a book or to be an author.
I can’t tell you how many other people I have heard say these things when encouraged to write a book or share their story in written word.
I am here to tell you. The myths are NOT true so let’s go through them
The 5 Common Myths to Writing a Book
1. I had to be great in school to be a writer.
I was a nerd in school. Shocked, I know.
However, I have a confession to make. Despite getting all those A’s and getting published in an academic journal, I have never considered myself a good writer. I could write a paper on any topic, but it was only one that my teacher or professor would love. Not the general public.
The truth is all writing is about telling a story. One that readers can relate and connect with. Spoiler alert! No one cares how you did in school!!
All anyone cares about is what you have to say now and how it relates to them. If you can tell a good story and put it on paper, you are a writer. With something important to say.
How you were as a student has nothing to do with now.
2. Everything has already been written. What do I possibly have to add?
You have a lot to add!
Your perspective. Your insight. Your wisdom. Your creativity.
If you haven’t shared whatever story is inside you, then everything has NOT been written.
Plain and simple.
3. It is really hard to write a book.
I have heard this one a LOT.
‘I could never do it because it is so hard.’
I won’t lie. There are moments that are challenging. A lot of it had to be with believing in myself and trusting my narrative. It can be hard to stick to something that isn’t complete yet and you know will be judged.
That’s part of any life.
Other than committing to writing on a daily basis, it is all about getting your story out. Just put those words on paper. It is the first and often hardest part of writing. Not limiting yourself before you even get started.
If the idea of writing a whole book is overwhelming, there are some great resources!
1. Start by being a contributing author so you don’t have to carry the weight of writing a whole book on your own. I highly recommend partnering with Inspired World Publishing, I chose this organization because of the book topics and the amount of author support provided. It was a great way to dip my toe into the writing & publishing world without feeling too overwhelmed.
2. Join a writing group! I have been a member of the Intuitive Writing School community for a couple of years now. It has a collective of all kinds of writers who show up for each other. They help provide accountability, feedback and, most importantly, moral support. This is SO important when you start to doubt yourself. Because you will.
4. I need a publishing agent.
Growing up, all legitimate writers were published through the big publishing houses. We’ve all seen the movies with writers and their agents setting up book signings.
People who self-published were super amateur and the products were poor quality.
Times have changed.
Truth is, self-publishing can still result in some poorer quality products, but that depends on the author. I am self publishing. I also hired an industry editor and designer to ensure the work I put into the world was of quality. The publishing options allow me the chance (and freedom) to get my work published on my terms.
Nothing wrong with waiting and working to go the traditional route. Just know the writing and publishing world is much broader than you could imagine.
5. What if no one reads it? Or worse, what if they hate it?
Ah. The fear of rejection. It is real and rears it’s head on a regular basis. I am not going to lie about this.
So, here’s how I battle these 2 ideas.
1. Someone will read it. I mean, at least my parents and my best friend will read it. It isn’t about the number. It is about my story being worth telling and hopefully changing lives.
2. Not everyone is going to love what I write just like I am not everyone’s cup of tea in person. It isn’t necessarily about me either. It could be that they have their own stuff going on and this just isn’t the right time for my story to be in their life.
What matters is how you set yourself up for success. Create your support system. These will include your beta and advance readers (See, more people reading your book right there!). If you choose the right people, they will give you honest and actionable feedback to make whatever you are writing better.
Do you have a story in you? Are any of these myths keeping you from writing a book and sharing your story?
If so, let me know.
We all have something important to share and I want to be a part of busting these myths so we can all benefit from the brilliance of each other.
