By Brett Oliver Parson, author of the award-winning book, The Twelve Hats of Christmas, and creator of the children's book series, The StoryBook Kids Explorers Club.
With so many people wanting to be an author, which if you're reading this article it includes you, too, why haven't you written your book yet? What's holding you back from writing YOUR story? If you're like, well . . . pretty much everyone . . . it's difficult to do and so we procrastinate. Or we might feel judged because once the story has been written, it's in front of all the world to see and this makes some feel a bit hesitant to share, and so again, we put it off. Believe me, I know! I have dozens of stories in my hand-written notebook that I'm agonizing over pursuing or completing . . . all the while the clock keeps turning . . .
If this sounds like you, then you're not alone. According to writer Joseph Epstein, “81 percent of Americans feel that they have a book in them – and should write it,” which is about 200 million people! WOW! So then how do we write our books?
“THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT: YOU SIT DOWN AT THE KEYBOARD AND YOU PUT ONE WORD AFTER ANOTHER UNTIL IT’S DONE. IT’S THAT EASY, AND THAT HARD.” - NEIL GAIMAN
See, I told you it was easy :) But this is only the opinion of just ONE author. No other authors could be saying the same thing, right?
“YOU HAVE TO ACTUALLY WRITE. DAYDREAMING ABOUT THE BOOK YOU’RE GOING TO WRITE SOMEDAY ISN’T WRITING. IT’S DAYDREAMING.” - ANDY WEIR
Ok, so we "actually need to write" but how? Author Isabel Allende, who has sold over 70 million book copies and translated into 35 different languages had the following to say:
“SHOW UP, SHOW UP, SHOW UP, AND AFTER A WHILE THE MUSE SHOWS UP, TOO.” - ISABEL ALLENDE
Well, there you have it. To sum it all up, all we need to do is stop "daydreaming about the book" and "show up" and then "put one word after another until it's done." And I tried to put this to the test and surprisingly it works!
When I printed my first book, The Twelve Hats of Christmas, I was a nervous wreck because I had spent so many hours, weeks, months, and even years writing it. I didn't know how people would react. Was it good? Was it bad? I became more insecure than I had ever been in my 40 years on earth. BUT I had to tell my story so I put it all out there for the world to read and judge, and fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised what people had to say:)
“This book is wonderful! I am very picky about the stories I read to my kids and have in my home. I want them to be beautiful, engaging, uplifting, fun, and this book met all those expectations and more. This story is endearing and fun to read! The illustrations are vibrant! My children loved reading this book!”
Andi
This book is a MUST HAVE for your Christmas collection! It has a beautiful message of kindness and selflessness that is perfect for the season.
Malia K.
“I am a firm believer that board books should have simple, clear pictures and limited text. This book is perfect and he enjoys looking at it and having it read to him over and over!”
Kristen A.
I've since written 5 more books in the children's book series, The Storybook Kids Adventures Club and I'm receiving similar reviews from happy customers, which I AM SO GRATEFUL to hear! I promise to keep it going and create books that are enjoyed by children and families for years to come!
Brett Oliver Parson