Why Write a Book?

By Rochelle Melander

In my first grown-up job, I regularly worked 70 hours a week. But no matter how many hours I put in, it was never enough. My employers always wanted me to work more. I didn’t have time to cook, wash clothes, or clean the house let alone take care of myself. As a result, I felt frustrated and got sick frequently.

When I left that job, I had a mission: to help people find a balance between work and play. So, my husband and I wrote a book: The Spiritual Leader’s Guide to Self Care. Through that book, we’ve helped hundreds of leaders practice self-care and live better lives.

What about you? Do you have a vision for a better world? My hunch is that you’re working hard to make an impact on the world through your work, business, or life. Maybe you:

+Help women see their inner value and find balance in their lives

+Teach entrepreneurs how to market their work

+Show people how they can protect the earth

Imagine what it would be like to take your ideas and reach even more people! A book could help you do that. Here’s why I think that people who have a mission need to write books.

The writing that works (inspires, entertains, or educates a reader) often serves a purpose. Sometimes it serves a greater purpose. According to the authors of The Power of Full Engagement, purpose “fuels focus, direction, passion, and perseverance.” These authors define healthy purpose as something that is a challenge, internally motivated, and serves a greater purpose.

Writing that serves a purpose supports the reader in some way. It might be writing that entertains, informs, helps, humors, inspires, consoles, connects, gives hope, provides direction, or engages!

Writing that serves a greater purpose does something to better a life, a family, or the world. This writing might raise money for a cause, raise awareness for an important political or cultural issue, or educate readers about a danger or an opportunity.

Most of the people I meet want to write a book that will help people transform their lives.

Is that you?

Here’s the thing. You can coach people. You can teach. But you cannot be everywhere at once. When you write a book, you can get your message into the hands of even more people.

Write your book and change more lives.

But maybe you worry you can’t do it. Here are the most common excuses I hear from people who want to write a book.

I don’t have time to write.

Do you have time to watch Netflix? Hang out on Facebook or LinkedIn? Play Candy Crush? Then you have time to write. Steal 30 minutes a day from any one of these activities and write.

I don’t know which project will sell.

No one does. Choose the book you’re most passionate about right now and work on it. You’ll get to the others in time.

It’s not the right time.

It never is. You may be busy building a business, raising a family or earning money. Carve out a few minutes a day to write. When it is the right time, you’ll have a big head start!

On February 12, I am teaching a class that will help you overcome all of your doubts and fears. In Surprisingly Simple Ways to Write Your Book you’ll learn:

+How to discover your why

+How to know what topic works for you

+How to complete a book AND write a newsletter article, blog post, or social media post each week.

 If you’ve been dreaming about writing a book but haven’t found the time or confidence, this is your moment. (The workshop is only $10—so you can afford it!)

Writing and ADHD Workshops