Write the book
If I got a dollar every time someone told me they’re writing a book, I’d have $73…!
Joking aside, when people find out I’m a writer I get one of two responses:
“I’m a really bad writer, my spelling is atrocious.”
“I’m writing a book.”
Number one is a weird response—for example, if I find out that someone is a lawyer I never say, “Oh my goodness I’m really bad at keeping the law!” It’s as though the label “writer” brings shame on people and they feel like they should confess their sinful spelling. It shouldn’t be like that. My usual response is, “Oh I’m not an amazing speller—I really struggle with the word curriculum.” (Yes, I used autocorrect’s assistance for that). I guess there’s an assumption that because I write for a living, that I’m perfect at it. Not so. I’m still learning. In fact, I sent one of my clients a press release with six spelling mistakes. 6! That’s bad.
The number two comment—I’m usually very enthusiastic. But after a few questions I often learn that they are “thinking” about writing a book. And my heart sinks a little. Truthfully, I leave the conversation hearing, “I’m talking about writing a book.”
Here’s the thing friends:
Thinking is not going to write the book.
Talking is not going to write the book.
Last week three words resounded in my mind when I woke up one morning. “Write the book.” Over and over, “Write the book, write the book. Write the book, write the book…” And they have echoed in me the past week.
We’re in a unique time in our history. How we are living is changing daily, but there is one advantage—it’s as though we have been given the gift of time. So friend, use it well. Use it wisely and write the book, write the book, write the book. Very simply—begin, because writing is going to write the book.
I’ll share some tips in the coming days that I hope will help you begin.
Cheering you on,
SB
PS Tell me what you’re writing or creating in the comments section below. And let’s cheer each other on.
