The Truth About Writing: Why It's OK If Not Everyone Likes Your Book
One of the biggest obstacles for anyone writing a book is the fear that no one will like it. Fear and blockages like this stop many people from writing the book they felt compelled to write.
It doesn't matter what reason you're writing for:
· As a coach to, expand your reach, and amplify your voice.
· As a consultant, to gain corporate consulting opportunities.
· To build awareness.
· To gain speaking opportunities, from podcast appearances to Ted Talks.
· Because you have a story that needs to be told.
As you start to think about your book, perhaps you're in the drafting stage, and that voice of negativity starts to speak.
"Hey, what are you doing? No one is going to like the book. No one is going to read it. You're wasting your time."
Is it really true that no one is going to like your writing?
It's 100% likely that there will be people who don't like what you write. You're not writing for everyone. You're writing to the people who want to read your words, hear your opinion, or take your advice.
You are writing for a narrow niche. A specific person. If you are trying to write a book that EVERYONE will like, you will never succeed. Just like your business where you narrowed down who you work with - the same goes for your book.
The power of the written word evokes change. Books get banned. Books get read by millions. Others have their own cult following. It doesn't matter if everyone likes your book.
How do you overcome this fear of your book not being liked?
Here are several writing tips I coach my clients and mentees through when we start working on their books. It's also something I do. I know these methods work for every type of writer and book.
First: Discover your WHY.
Why are you writing? It needs to be clear and visible. You're why is only for you. It's for no one else. It can be as simple as you want to reach more clients to you have an idea that needs to be shared. It could be you want to leave a legacy. Your WHY matters. It's personal. It's yours.
Second: WHO are you writing for? Who do you want to read your book? The message you're crafting is going to change lives. Visualize the person you imagine reading the book.
I encourage my writers and mentees to write down a description of the person they are writing for. What do they like? What question do they have that you are answering? Where do they live? What's their education level.
This may sound like a lot of work. But, in reality, the more you know about WHO you're writing for, the more you can deliver a message that makes an impact. This is the person who is going to LIKE your book.
If you're writing to be liked by everyone, your message will be watered down. It will have no impact. No reach. No change. No growth.
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. Albert Einstein
Pro-Writer's Tip: Do not judge yourself while you're writing. It's a process of surrendering yourself to the process, not trying to control it. This goes for ALL writing genres. If you go into this with the mindset of negativity (all the things you're not or that could go wrong), you're setting yourself up for a painful process.
It is a good idea to have a mentor text. This is the example you want to aim for. But don't ever judge yourself and your writing. Doing so will create blocks, and your writing style will not be authentic. Trust me, your reader knows when you're not being truthful with them.
"The creative process is a process of surrender, not control." ― Julia Cameron
Need help discovering your WHY and/or your WHO? Book a FREE 30-Minute Get Your Book Done Strategy Session with me. Or leave me a comment and I'll connect with you.
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