Is There a Book in You?
Do you have a book in you? I’ve been blessed to meet a lot of people because of my book, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers. Quite a few are closet writers who open up when they discover my work has been published. This phenomenon has brought me to a significant realization…
I believe everyone, young and old, has at least one book in them. Why do I believe this? Because we all have a story . We are all affected by the lives of others and our existence impacts those around us. In writing terms, isn’t that basically what a life is… a collection of chapters that build into a story, which other people read?
Do you have a book in you? Perhaps it’s a cookbook or a suspense novel or one made up of technical diagrams. Maybe a children’s story… or a rough street epic… or melodic-style poetry… Mmm… let me see… How does the human experience live in you?
However it comes - those things close to your heart - life experiences lived or imagined - why not begin working on your story… now? I recently told this to a friend and they responded, "I don’t know if I’m expressive enough." I know people can think of reasons why they can’t write… but that’s why there are editors. Every book you love to read was compiled by the author and EDITED by an editor. Some authors even hired professional writers to transform their notes into a work of literary art. So don’t let excuses stop you.
Is there a story in you? Begin by jotting down what you think that story is. Use broad strokes and then write down points you feel are important. Think of a moment that changed your life. Don’t look at it as a "major writing assignment" just yet. This is not a test. It’s more like "connecting the dots" right now - so slowly work your way to a more comprehensive document; form and fashion will come later. Take it as far as you can go and then get someone else to help take your story to the next level. You could even make time to take a writing course to work on the areas where you are weak and to enhance the areas where you are strong. You do have options to help ensure the story within you sees the light of day. You have the potential to impact many lives for the better.
While many only dream about writing and becoming an author - others are busy BECOMING authors. Will the path be difficult? Yes. It took me ten years to complete my book. (Yours may not take that long.) There were plenty of times when I wanted to give up - I even threw my manuscript in the closet for six months because I was frustrated - but God placed opportunities around me: people who encouraged my dream to become an author. I took advantage of those moments and even though it has been a long, hard road… it has been worth the effort. So keep pressing! You have a story in you.
A lot of people allow their fear of writing etiquette and rules keep them from starting the process. START THE PROCESS! The law of inertia tells us that more energy is needed to start an object than to keep it moving. Start writing and after some time, things will become easier. (And if you happen to have already begun a book that has yet to be finished - only to find the manuscript sitting in a solitary place… it’s time to pick it back up. ) Once you get the story out of your mind and into manuscript form, then you can begin to look for publishing options. Let me tell you - there are quite a few choices out there! When your story is in book form, then comes the adventure of re-purposing it into other formats to reach a larger audience, but that’s a conversation for another time.
So whether you write about the audacity of hope or the futility of dreams, an honest story is always worth reading. Is there a Book in You? I believe there is…
-Allen Paul Weaver III-
Tagged with: Book Publishing • Creativity • writing
Filed under: Book Publishing • Creativity • Risks and Opportunities • Writer Resources
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5 comments
NICE!!!!!!!
“The audacity of hope or the futility of dreams.” That’s a great line, and I fully enjoy both. I hope many people read your posting here, as I believe the best writings die within people who didn’t have enough of your aforementioned quote. Thanks Allen.
Thanks, Allen.
I love to write and actually do for many people through a company called Sincerely Yours. However, more to this point, people have always said to me that I should write a book. I use to reply by asking them,\”What would I write about?\” Now, I have 3 specific topics that I\’m very interested in writing about. One is a collection of letters to biblical figures addressed to contemporary issues (I actually have about 9 completed), the second is a collection of essays about today\’s college students from a professor\’s vantage point, and the third is about being raised in fatherless homes. I found \”Is There A Book In You\” very inspirational. I sincerely appreciate your encouragement and find myself smiling at what a remarkable human being you have always been. We are indeed diamonds in the rough. I loved your question, \”How does the human experience live in you?\”
I love you both. Take good care.
Dr. McFadden
Thank you for the message it is for me also.
God Bless
I was compelled to write this piece as it swelled up within me yesterday morning. I couldn\’t get away from it until it was written. Evidently, there are individuals who need to hear it. For that, I am grateful.
Dr. McFadden, I am excited to hear about your writing projects and look forward to reading your books when they are complete. If I can be of assistance in any way, let me know. I am the one now smiling, as you press forward. Be encouraged… yes we are indeed diamonds in the rough. Our prayers are with you in all of your endeavors.
Kevin, you struck the nail on the head. Many of us die with unrealized dreams lying dormant within us… which leads to lives not touched - not to mention our own destiny not being fully realized. May we all learn how to bring out, those gifts and talents God has placed within us… and then may we press ahead, even when discouraged and afraid, to make the invisible - reality.