Is it Time to Write Your Book? by Rochelle Melander

Note From Rochelle

Dear Writers,

I’ve been frustrated this winter—with the kids home most of the time and a full work schedule, I haven’t had time to write. Maybe you are struggling with the same thing?

Instead of complaining or worrying, I decided to host my own Write-A-Thon. During Lent this year, I plan to write a book. And starting February 18, I’ll be leading a Write-A-Thon accountability group. You can check out the details here.

To help us get ready, I’m teaching a very special Write Now! Mastermind class on how to overcome your most common writing obstacles. If you have a writing obstacle you’d like me to address during the class, let me know.

Today’s tip talks about how to know if you need to write a book! Enjoy!

Happy Writing! Rochelle, the Write Now! Coach

 

“You should write a book,” Ron told Hermione as he cut up his potatoes, “translating mad things girls do so boys can understand them.”

— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Last week at the library, I had the young people write about their nighttime dreams. After they sketched out the bare bones of a dream, I invited them to use those characters, events and images to create a story. Each one brought something unique to their story, and it occurred to me that each of them had the raw material for a book.

I have that thought nearly every time I talk to someone. Maybe it’s because I’m a writer and avid reader, and I tend to think in books (instead of inventions or movies). I don’t have the time to talk to every one of you before the winter Write-A-Thon group begins, but I’d be willing to bet that you are also holding onto a book idea.

Am I right? Or maybe you’re not sure. For those of you on the fence, I’ve grabbed three of the best reasons for writing a book from my book, Write-A-Thon. See if any of them fit you:

1.         You have IMPORTANT, life-changing INFO to share. You’re constantly thinking about how you could change the world and, more specifically, the lives of those you love, if only you could tell them what you know. Perhaps you’ve developed a tool that could support others in working smarter or living better. Stop thinking about how this great stuff could help others and write a book. You can’t be everywhere at once, but your book can. It will save you time and help a lot of people.

2.         You want to promote your work or business. Maybe you offer a unique service to individuals and businesses—but no one knows it. Your goal is to get people to work with your company, buy your product, or hire you to consult, coach, or speak to them. You have a web site—but you can’t exactly hand it out when you speak. You need something more portable to help people know you and your work. A book that offers your clients and potential customers real value can teach them about you and help them see the worth of buying your products or services.

3.         You make up stories. Some people—like your boss, parents, or significant other—might call it lying, but you know the truth. You have been making up stories since you were old enough to talk (and maybe before). Your beloved grandfather with the twirly mustache was secretly a spy. The woman who sat in front of you on the subway yesterday—the one who was crying and rubbing the tattoo on her arm that said Arnold—you spent the whole ride debating whether Arnold broke up with her or died in a tragic accident. Stop wondering aimlessly. Put your stories into a book that we all can enjoy!

So? Do one of those reasons fit you? If so, you might want to enroll in my winter Write-A-Thon group. In the course of 40 days, you’ll write like crazy with the support and help of a coach and the accountability of a regular group meeting. Sound like something you’d like to try? Click here to learn more.