May 11th, 2018

Why Should You Write?

​If any given person were to be asked why they haven't written a book, most wouldn't have an answer. Honestly how do you answer something like that when it's never been a thought in your mind that you could potentially do something like that? May be you have been thinking about, maybe not. But if you have thought about this, is your answer to the above question that it would be too hard? You don't have what it takes? 

You aren't wrong. I really don't think anyone has what it takes to be a writer or that it is easy.

Writing is hard work. Truly. It is quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever done. You sweat. You cry. You pull you hair out. You feel like a failure. Alcohol might even become your new best friend. It is hard. And it's not always for everyone.

So why should you write then?

Let me tell you a story.
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When you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard you are going to feel lost, confused even. You'll stop and ask yourself why the hell you are even doing this. It's pointless. Nothing will ever come of it. But you are very wrong, my friend. Very. This is normal. That first sentence is always the hardest. Always. There is no getting around this. At this point, though, it doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be there. 

The moment you write that first daunting sentence you are going to feel it. You'll feel that power running through your veins. 100 words will fly by, then 500, then 1,000, and with each passing word it will click. You will know it was meant to be. This is what you are supposed to do. 

The wonderment will over wash you and make you ask yourself why you've never done this before. 

The End. Those words will be written and your book will be done. Then you get the joys of editing your book. Doubt will creep its way right back in. the words will begin to read as if a kindergartner sat down with you and wrote your book. It happens to the best of us. It happens to Stephen King and any other famous writer, this I am sure of. This too shall pass. Trust me, it will. 

You'll publish your book and sit back biting your nails while the reviews start coming in. The thought of reading one is unbearable. So don't do it. Don't read the reviews. There is no written rule that saws you have to read every single review that comes through. They say you can learn from your reviews, which you can, but for your sanity and well being of your mind, tread lightly with reviews. Because you are a badass who wrote a book! That's an accomplishment that not many have notch off their list. 

Then a new day rolls in and a reader you didn't even know you had contacts you. They tell you that your book has gotten them through some of the roughest times. How your book made them laugh when they didn't want to. How your book allowed them to escape to another place, if only for temporarily. You will cry at this moment... okay, maybe that part is just me, but you will feel an emotion. It can be overwhelming. But so, so, so worth it. 
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It's hard work, like I said. But just think about this for a moment. After you are dead and gone, your words will still be living in this world. 30, 50, 100 years later your books will still be on this earth for people to read. Now isn't that a realization. You may never make a bestselling list, or win a literary award, but the accomplishment of writing a book on your own is still unbelievably worth it.

So when you think you aren't capable of writing a book, I want you to just try it. Just to see if the shoe fits. Don't let doubt swallow you whole, don't quit. We need your words. 

I hope somewhere in my words, I have given you the encouragement you needed or maybe even got the thought rolling around in your brain. It's start, right? 

Good luck and if you need a shoulder to cry on, my links are below and I will always have time to chat and help you through your weakest times. I am also here if you have any questions along the way. Any and all questions will be answered to the best of my knowledge.