Why People Think They Can’t Write a Book

I grew up reading Shakespeare, Milton, Susan Sontag, Margaret Atwood, Maya Angelou, Sue Grafton… all writers I considered at the top of their game. For a long time, I thought I couldn’t possibly do what they had done. But then I realized that at some point in their lives, they weren’t writers, they weren’t famous, they didn’t have critics who praised their work, or crowds of people who read their books. They were no different than me.

When I hear others come up with some of the same excuses I’ve used over the years, I want to sit them down and explain that they are avoiding something that they may be good at, get pleasure out of, or at the very least use as a way to better deal with their life issues.

For all those potential writers out there, who believe:

I am an unknown commodity; no one wants to read what I have to say.

You may not be known worldwide or even nationally, but if you’re in business or active in your community, you are known to some people, and they are interested in what you are doing. Plus, they have friends, acquaintances and family members who are also potential readers.

I’m not an expert.

We tend to underrate our talents and capabilities. We all have circles of influence who know what we can do and how valuable it is. Sharing your writing has the potential to increase that circle. Ask your family, friends and customers what draws them to you.

Writing can’t be taught.

For many people, it can be. You have to have a general command of the English language and a willingness to invest the time involved.

It has to be perfect, or I can’t do it.

Margaret Atwood said, “If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” We believe that all the stars must be aligned before we take on a project. The first time you do anything is scary; failure is a possibility. However, that’s what helps you grow and take risks in your life. Please don’t run from these opportunities; embrace them!

I don’t have the time.

It’s funny, we find time to do errands, go to the doctors’ appointments and to complete other tasks, but when it comes to fulfilling our passions, we can’t seem to fit them in. True, it takes time to write a book, but that’s all part of creating space in your schedule.

People who have written books have found that it can:

• Increase your credibility
• Broaden your audience
• Make connections with like-minded people
• Create a forum to exhibit your talents, knowledge, or strengths

Why should you invest the time, money and effort to write a book? The individuals I have worked with want to:

• Pass knowledge on to others.
• Be seen as the expert in their field.
• Enrich the lives of others.
• Forewarn others of a behavior, circumstance, or relationship that will create unwanted challenges in their lives.
• Promote a business idea, a new product, or a one-of-a-kind idea.

I’m aware that authoring a book is not for everyone. However, I do believe we all have a unique story to tell.  To expand upon your stories, contact me and ask about my Author Your Book Workshops.

I can be reached at Robin Kellogg Associates by phone or text at 818-631-6848 and by email at robin@yourwritingresource.com.

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