I’ve written six books. I’ve also been hired to ghostwrite dozens of books for clients. And I’ve helped hundreds of people to write books of their own through The Tiny Book Course and other programs, too.
While every person’s journey is different, it is fascinating how the same blocks tend to arise, over and over.
Here are a few of the most common blocks that stop people from writing a book, and my suggestions for each one.
I’m so busy. I don’t have time to write a huge, long book.
Then don’t. Write a tiny book instead. A short book that’s around 30 to 70 pages long. A simple, realistic project that doesn’t take forever and ever to create.
A short book can be incredibly powerful. Big ideas in a small package. Brief and inspirational. Tiny books can make a big difference in peoples’ lives.
I’ve tried to write a book in the past, but I got overwhelmed. I gave up. I never finished. I feel like I failed. I am scared that will happen again. So I am scared to try again.
You probably got overwhelmed, because you tried to write a really overwhelming book.
If you’ve never written a book before, and then you attempt to write a massive 300-page book on a very complex topic, then yeah, you’re going to feel like you’re drowning.
That’s like trying to go from “no exercise routine” to “running a marathon” overnight. For most people, that’s just too much.
My advice is to start small. Keep it simple. Choose a book concept that feels doable. Maybe instead of writing a 300-page book on the history of voter suppression in America, perhaps you can write a very short book with an inspiring list of 30 ways to be an activist, use your voice, and build a better world.
Start with a smaller book. Get it done. Feel the pride of accomplishment. You can always write a bigger book later, if you want to.
I feel like I have nothing to say. Everything I’ve ever wanted to say about <topic> has already been said by other authors, and they’ve said it better. Who wants to listen to me? I am not famous. I am nobody.
You are somebody. You are a human being. You have life experiences, stories, and good ideas just like the authors you admire. You have something to add to the conversation.
If a friend told you, “I am nobody. I have nothing to contribute.” What would you say to your friend? You’d say, “That is completely untrue. You are smart! You are creative! You can do this!” Say those same words to yourself.
Also, just because a message or topic has been covered in the past, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be covered again.
Thousands of songs about falling in love have already been written. Does that mean we don’t need any more love songs? "Everybody, stop writing love songs because the docket is full, we’ve got plenty already"? No. Art doesn’t work like that. There is always room for more.
I worry that nobody will read my book. It will be a flop. A waste of my time.
Maybe it’s time to take some pressure off yourself.
Instead of obsessing about making your book a #1 bestseller, focus on writing, enjoying the process, and helping one reader.
If your book helps one human being to feel less pain, feel more hope, or have a better day, then that is a big deal. Helping one human being is always a big deal.
While writing I often repeat to myself, "If this helps one human being, that is enough. If this helps thousands or millions of people, that is a delightful bonus surprise. Either way, I feel proud of myself. Because I said I would do this. And I'm doing it."
. . .
Whatever is stopping you from writing a book, I’d love to help you clear those blocks outta the way.
Let’s bring your book into the world.
-Alex