Why writing your book doesn’t have to be scary

I am delighted to feature a guest post today from my friend and fellow coach, bestselling author Debbie Rieber. Debbie is in the business of helping people get the books in their heads written, sold, and out into the world. As someone who is writing a book now, I know that we authors need all the help we can get!

In this post, she helps to disprove some of the myths that keep us stuck and afraid to write. Enjoy!

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to strengthen your platform or someone with a body of research, a story, or a unique point of view you feel compelled to share, writing a book seems to be one of those “I-want-to-do-it-before-I-die” kind of things for many people.

But despite a deep desire to write a book, many would-be writers never make it past page one, the process of writing a book too shrouded in myth and mystery to take the risk.

I’ve talked with many people who know they want to write a book but struggle to commit to the goal and asked them, What exactly is getting in your way?

Through their answers, I discovered many people subscribe to the same core myths:

It’s too hard (or the variation, I’m not smart enough).

I have nothing of value to say (or the variation, Why would anyone care about what I have to say?).

I don’t know how to do it.

People will judge me (or the variation, No one will take me seriously).

What if no one likes it?

I’ll never finish it, so why start?

Those myths sound familiar? They do to me. I’ve obsessed on pretty much all of them at one point or another during the writing of my first few books.

But as it turns out, like most myths and unhelpful beliefs, none of them are actually true. When you look beyond the myths, it turns out writing a book doesn’t have to be scary after all. (So what are you waiting for?)

Myth: It’s too hard (or I’m not smart enough).

Reality: Writing a book is no harder than any other skill or craft. It’s simply using written language to express a collection of ideas in a coherent way. When you break it down, use the resources available (of which there are many), and commit to the mastering the craft, it becomes a doable achievement worth pursuing. Challenging? Sure. But too hard? Definitely not.

Myth: I have nothing of value to say (or Why would anyone care about what I have to say?)

Reality: If you feel a pull to write a book, then you have something to say. And when you honor your creative muse by allowing it to be expressed in an authentic, intentional way, your people – your audience – will respond to your creation. Remember: no one else has the capability to write the book you would write.

Myth: I don’t know how to do it.

Reality: Take a class. Buy a book on book writing. Research online. Talk to other writers. Practice your craft. No one was born knowing how to write a book.

Myth: People will judge me (or No one will take me seriously).

Reality: This is lizard brain thinking at its best. Worrying about what others will think about you and your book puts you in the unfortunate position of letting others determine your value. The question is, what do you think about yourself? When you take yourself seriously, others will too. Step into your role as an author and do it for yourself.

Myth: What if no one likes it?

Reality: Let’s be clear: There will be people who don’t like what you write. There are people who don’t like Shakespeare and Tolstoy. And that’s okay.  Because there will also be people who will like your book (and I’m not just talking about your parents). Get out of the habit of worrying about what “everyone” will think and put your energy into writing for yourself and for your intended audience.

Myth: I’ll never finish it, so why bother starting?

Reality: If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: If you don’t start, you definitely won’t finish. In fact, starting may just about be the most important part of the equation. Set the goal, pick a start date, stick to it, and take the writing one day, one word, and one page at a time.

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Debbie Reber is a bestselling author, speaker, and life coach whose passion is supporting writers, creative entrepreneurs, and teen girls in creating whatever they want in their life with confidence. Debbie is the author of more than a dozen books, including her most recent book for young women, Chill: Stress-Reducing Techniques for a More Balanced, Peaceful You. She is currently enrolling writers for her 12-week teleclass, Write Your Irresistible Book Proposal (http://www.debbiereber.com/wyibp-2013).