Whenever I’m asked about my job at dinner parties or other gatherings, one or more people will tell me that they have been thinking of writing a book, sometimes for years. Most of us feel a need to be heard.

 

The desire to write a book usually comes quietly: the seed of an idea pops into the writer’s head and gradually takes root. In most cases, the contours of this idea remains vague, sometimes for months or years. But even if ill-formed, it is persistent. It keeps recurring and occupies prime real estate in your brain. What if?…

 

The reality is that many people will silence the demanding voice in their head and never write their book. But it’s never too late to start. The world needs good books written by thoughtful people who want to make a positive impact.

 

So, how can you nurture a wish to write a book and actually get started? At times, your core idea may feel buried too deep in your head to be easily retrieved. It is entangled with other thoughts and you can’t grab the thread. You have a vision but it seems blurred.

 

Here is the good news! Your book concept is already within you, even if overwhelm prevents you from accessing it.

 

I’ve experienced this feeling too and I understand the frustration. I also know you can gain the clarity you seek.

 

If you’re sitting on the fence about committing to a book project, wondering whether you should follow the call to write or just ignore it, why don’t you ask yourself a couple of questions?

 

Rather than thinking about what to include in your book and what leave out – this can come later – consider the overall project and what it means to you.

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What is your objective?

 

Have you wondered why you want to write a book? Why does it matter to you? What do you want to achieve? How will you feel when your book is released into the world? What impact will it have on your life?

 

Your motivation matters because there are many reasons to want to write a book. All of them are valid but knowing your why will affect how you frame your book and approach the writing.

 

• Are you writing a memoir to leave a legacy for future generations?

• Are you writing a “how-to” or self-help book to educate, motivate and inspire others?

• Is your book meant to establish your authority as a thought leader, and create opportunities for speaking engagements and consulting services?

• Do you want to inspire positive change and make an impact highlighting a burning social issue or advocating for a cause?

• Do you want to share your valuable knowledge and expertise in a specific topic with a broad audience?

• Is writing a book mainly part of a journey of self-discovery and reflection?

 

Identifying your why will provide the fuel you need to get started and keep going. Focusing on your end goal will also help you select and organize the content of your book.

Write it down and keep it near your desk, so you can stare at it and remember what drove you when doubt creeps in or the going gets tough.

 

• What is your core message?

 

Closely associated with your objective is the point you’re trying to make with your book. All nonfiction books are expected to affect their readers and cause a transformation.

Transform may seem a big word. But a book that delivers impact will subtly add something to the life of those who read it, whether it imparts new information that gives them a new understanding, challenges their way of thinking, delivers an emotional charge, or provides clear how-to steps toward a goal they seek.

 

Can you summarize the point of your book in a short sentence? What do you want your readers to take away after reading your book?

 

Take the time to dig deep and gain clarity about your motivation. Why does writing this book mean so much to you, and what you want readers to gain from it?

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Keep in mind that there is never a perfect time to write a book. Writing will always compete with the demands of every day life. It’s a matter of priorities. Why not give it a try and join the ranks of people who actually write their book.

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Your voice matters!

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