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Writers@Work: Writing Lessons from a President

By Rochelle Melander

“Go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.”
― Jimmy Carter

Watching President Jimmy Carter’s funeral last week got me interested in his writing life. Carter was one of the most prolific presidents, penning 32 books. (Twenty of his books became New York Times bestsellers.) As far as I can tell from my internet research, only Theodore Roosevelt wrote more books than Carter, publishing 45 books. Only two presidents have written fiction, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.

Here are some lessons from President Carter the writer:


Write it yourself

Most presidents use ghostwriters. Not Carter. He was offered a ghostwriter to help with his first book. He declined. (He did buy a $12,000 word processor.) For the record, Carter also liked to write his own speeches—something presidents rarely do.

Write regularly

When Carter was writing a book, he wrote every morning. He’d get up at 5:15, have a glass of grapefruit juice, and start writing.

Study the genre

Before Carter wrote his inaugural address, he read the ones that preceded him. He was considering if he could contribute something unique to the genre. When he wanted to write a book of poetry, he asked for students at the University of Arkansas to tutor him.

Get help

When Carter wrote a book with his wife Rosalynn, it resulted in the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage.” That’s quite a statement from a man who mediated complicated political situations and won the Nobel Peace Prize! The two almost returned their advance—but the editor negotiated a truce: divide and conquer. They would split the disputed passages, write their own account, and add their initial. A brilliant solution.

Put writing in perspective

In President Ford’s eulogy for President Carter, he said: “Once asked if he really enjoyed writing, he replied with that familiar twinkle in his eye: ‘It beats picking cotton.’” Every writer has their own equivalent to picking cotton. For you it might be cleaning houses, making phone calls, or teaching teenagers. When you have a tough day of writing, remind yourself: It beats [YOUR CHORE HERE.]

Know your why

President Jimmy Carter lived life with an extraordinary sense of purpose. Ford said this, “Political defeat and writing can also be liberating, if it frees you to discuss topics that aren’t necessarily consistent with short-term political popularity.” Author Mark I. West said it this way, “So a book gave him the space to express his full range of ideas on the various topics that he decided to write about.” Books provided another important benefit for Carter: income.

Your turn

Okay, so you’re not a former president. You don’t have the academic, social, political, or street cred to have a huge following. So what? Neither did Emily Dickinson or Herman Melville. But they kept writing. Your writing matters. Keep going.

If you need accountability, try one of my writing accountability groups:

Writing Accountability Group: https://writenowcoach.com/writing-accountability-group/

Show Up and Write: https://writenowcoach.com/show-up-and-write-writing-circles/

Writing Goddess Group: https://writenowcoach.com/writing-goddess-group/

If you need coaching, schedule a consultation with me: : https://writenowcoach.com/consultation/

Sources

LA TIMES: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2024-12-30/jimmy-carter-americas-most-prolific-president

AP NEWS: https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-books-5b05fb1fe1133fe06aea3b29151951ce

PUBLIC RADIO: https://www.bpr.org/2025-01-06/another-side-of-jimmy-carter-was-his-rich-literary-legacy

rochelle melander

Write Now! Coach Rochelle Melander is an author and ADHD-trained professional certified coach. She’s helped hundreds of people write and publish books. If you’re struggling to start or finish a project, connect with Rochelle to create a personalized plan for overcoming procrastination, dealing with distraction, and staying focused. Book a private consultation: https://writenowcoach.com/consultation/

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