This morning, I pondered life, the Universe, how to write a book (another one) and what I would need to make a cake. I have deliberately not purchased anything gluten-free and sweet, but I want cake, so it occupies my mind. I have procrastinated over making one for some time. Perhaps this weekend, I will make one…
Today, I have been journaling about things that have made me feel like I am flirting with vulnerability. I’m toying with a novel, and honestly, it’s only getting written in dribs and drabs. When I looked at my beliefs around this, it reminded me why some people who have a massive desire to write a book never do and I include myself in this.
To be honest with you, I have written many nonfiction books that I will not publish. They were written as healing journeys and need to stay this way. It feels the right thing to do. However, the knowledge I have gained from them is useful in transformational journals, hence the self-love collection I am working on.
But even knowing this doesn’t take away the fact that I wanted to change the world, or at least someone’s world, when I started these books. But I think we need to accept what we write as naked dances, and what we want to publish will often be different.
One of my distant dreams is to write on a screenwriting team with someone like Lily Tomlin in Grace and Frankie. I am sure I have missed the boat on this one, but as I reminisced I realised this was because I wanted to learn how to write in a fun way and, of course, hang out with two amazing ladies. How I love that program.
So, dreams aside, I made some notes about why some people can’t or won’t write a book, and here they are.
You Need To Heal Some More Of Your Stuff
I often find that people want to write, start and give up because they are still in the story. The story has not been resolved, and they need more healing. In this case, I would use the book outline to look for healing themes, consider if leaving out the story would be helpful, and publish a transformational journal instead. If you decide to publish your story later, you will have a much better book and can serve your clients from a stronger position.
You Are Unclear Of Your Direction
So many times, I hear someone say that I want to write a book about this for my business. However, when we explore, you can feel that the energy of the book is not there. Something doesn’t add up.
When the conversation opens, it is revealed that the aspiring author wants to do something else but is fearful. Often, this is because they are unclear about their direction. Something else is calling to their hearts.
In this case, I would suggest getting a journal and starting to explore with an IKIGAI exercise. This is where you look at what you love doing, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. There’s a key to doing this, so you don’t just write ‘coaching’ in every box. You could also explore your zone of brilliance, which will also give you your why.
After this, it’s about noticing what comes up and recording it in your journal.
You Are At A Crossroads
This is like looking into the void and wondering what to do next. It’s not always about direction. You may feel that you have something life-changing that you are navigating. You may even fancy packing a rucksack and running away to run a bar in the sun.
Crossroads can be tricky but also full of opportunity. This could be the perfect time to do something different and not write what you originally thought you might.
I remember being at a crossroads, and a decision was made for me. I discovered something my then-husband was doing (it would make a great novel), and six weeks later, I moved country and started a new life. My journal once again saved my life and helped me to focus on loving myself—hence my other work around self-love. My suggestion would be to take a step back, journal, and when you are ready, ask for support.
The book idea may change. It could be about what you did in your crossroads period. All lessons learned are usually the things we teach. Plus, a transformational journal is the perfect way to share your transformation, providing it is something you feel called to do.
You Have Lost Focus, And It Feels Overwhelming
When there is no focus, everything feels overwhelming. Your energy is scattered, nothing makes sense, and if you are anything like me, you may even shed a few tears. That’s great. Get that journal out, write, and use journaling prompts if you feel stuck. Give yourself space. Ideas come in the spaces because that’s where opportunities lurk.
Now that I have changed my focus to transformational journals, I have lost the overwhelm and find it far easier to focus on a shorter book.
Perhaps outline a journal and see how that feels.
You Are Scared To Share
I get this. It can feel vulnerable sharing your stuff, but if you don’t, it will die in you, and you will not have served the people who need your support and need to hear your message. Here’s the thing: you do not have to write a book right now. Hold that intention. Instead, map out the outline and create a transformational journal. As you do this, you will get used to the writing process, find your writer’s voice, and get feedback. Best of all, your confidence will grow.
Have faith and take baby steps. Your journal can morph into a book later.
You Have Other Fears
We all have stuff bubbling beneath the surface. We may suppress it or be unaware of how it holds us back. You may not even know that you have a particular fear or fears that limit you in combination.
You know what I am going to say: talk to someone and journal. It is in the reflection when we are being truly honest with ourselves that the shit rises. I like the layers of the onion I peel daily. They don’t always feel good, but I know uncovering stuff, forgiving, being grateful and letting go are important.
When you have walked through the fire and written your words, you can think about which book, why, and when you should read it. As I keep saying, a transformational journal is easier to write and will help you overcome obstacles.
Writing Journeys
If you are stuck with anything and want to journal, 101 Days Of Being Me is a daily reflective prompt that will get you thinking, writing, and reflecting. 101 Questions To Ask Before Writing A Book will help you clarify all aspects of your book journey. You can get these here.
Whatever you do, make it work for you.
