As an author and book coach, the most significant piece of advice I give to new writers is this: Start before you’re ready.
That sounds all wrong, doesn’t it? Let me explain why.
First, there are the three biggest fears new writers have. And, hey – those of us who’ve been writing for a while still have these fears. What makes us different is that we have figured out how to overcome them.
"I don’t know enough to write."
"What if I’m not good enough?"
"I need to figure out everything first."
I want to acknowledge these are three very valid fears. But it’s these fears that stop you from feeling READY to start writing. The blank page can be terrifying. If you wait for all of the planets to line up, the right words to appear, or to feel like you have the perfect opening line – you’ll never start. You’ll never be ready.
My first book, I started with an idea. It was vague. It was also a challenge. Someone told me I should be a writer. It was a writer who said this – so I thought, what the heck, I’ll try it. I’ve always loved books. I loved creative writing in school. I didn’t let my fear of not knowing anything about the craft or the publishing industry stop me. I went in like a little child, open to learning.
It was actually my second book that all my fears started. I realized after the first draft of my first book I knew nothing. I wasn’t good enough, and the writing idea was dumb. I couldn’t kick the bug to write, though. So I kept on. Here’s what I learned through the process.
Clarity Comes Through Action: Writing is the best way to uncover your ideas, style, and voice. Waiting for the “perfect” idea or moment only delays your progress.
"I have never started a poem yet whose end I knew. Writing a poem is discovering." - Robert Frost
First Drafts Don’t Need to Be Perfect: The first draft is for getting thoughts on the page, not creating a masterpiece. The first draft is an exercise in thought and creativity for you.
"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story." - Terry Pratchett
Writing Is a Skill, Not a Gift: Writing improves through practice. Just like anything worthwhile, the more you practice, the better you get. Think of an athlete. They didn’t get to the winning medal stage of their sport the first time they tried. It took practice and dedication to hone their skills.
Everyone Has a Story Worth Sharing: Everyone has a story. And everyone has a unique way of telling it. You’ll never be good enough if you compare yourself to others. Imposter syndrome is real. Take the time to recall why you're writing, and why your voice is unique.
What is your takeaway from this? Just start writing. You have your story and your idea – just write. If you wait for the perfect moment, it’s never going to happen. As you write, you will notice some crappy writing. That’s okay. You can fix crappy writing. What you can’t fix is a blank page.
"You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page" - Jodi Picoult
I encourage you to start by writing fifteen minutes a day. No judgment on yourself, no plan. What's your next step?
I also suggest that you reach out to a coach like myself, and get expert help. My first book took me a long time to write, so did my second. You need your book to boost your business, amplify your voice and secure speaking engagements - time is of the essence.
Did you know I have FREE Get Your Book Done - 30 Minute Strategy Sessions? They're geared toward people like you who are serious about writing their book, but need a little help from a pro. Just click below to schedule a time.
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