What do you have to say? Why do you have to say it?
This can be daunting, maybe not for all but for most. For as long as there have been writers there has been talk about voice, authority, authenticity, and now platform. These are all different sides of the same coin.
The coin: Who are you to be writing this book?
Your inner critic will ask this question again and again. I’ve heard so many prolific authors talk about the paralysis that can come with each new book. Fear cannot be avoided but it can be overcome.
Perhaps there is a hierarchy of reasons. And the reasons get stronger as you go.
The Hierarchy:
You are writing this book because you want to.
You are writing this book because you need to.
You are writing this book because you have to.
Regardless of where you are you have to know why you are writing the book and what you want the book to say. If you don’t necessarily know what you want the book to say but you know why you are writing the book sometimes this is enough, albeit a much longer process.
If you don’t know either of these things that your other wants (if you are lucky enough to have them) and/or the wants of others (these will never leave whether real or perceived) will win out in the end. If you let them win the book will never be born if you haven’t started it. And if you have started it the book is guaranteed to die.
(Next Post – The Hierarchy of Reasons)
Comments