My father loved to read.
He was also a wonderful storyteller.
One of his dreams was to write down some of his stories. Many times I offered to help him, but something always held him back.
He never saw himself as a writer.
When he passed away in 2022, all of his untold stories died with him.
Many of my book coaching clients are people who are uncomfortable being called “writers,” though they feel compelled to write and share very personal stories.
Often, our initial consult involves them outlining their dreams for their book. They then ask my advice on the viability of them, a non-writer, undertaking such a project.
What they really want to know is whether or not a project that they are crazy about has merit.
Here, in a nutshell, is the gist of what I suggest...
I firmly believe that the most important thing for any book, movie, or other undertaking is a passion to see it through to completion. That must drive every project. With it, every project has a chance of success. Without it, every project—no matter how valid or potentially interesting—is doomed.
If you hope to write a successful book or screenplay, you must have a real passion for it. If it is a non-fiction project, you must want to share your experience with others in the hope that you can benefit those who identify with you and who share your experiences. If you have such a passion, then I would encourage you to follow this project through. (If not, drop it. Now.)
The only thing that makes a person a “writer” is that the person writes. Spelling well has nothing to do with writing well. You don’t need to be a fast typist or an eloquent speaker. If you have a great story to tell, I believe that you owe it to people who could benefit from that story to tell it.
Client Kudos!
Speaking of having stories to tell…
Several of my clients’ books are in the final stages of publication!
Career strategy coach, Kristina Green, who is currently writing her first book-length project, contributed to the anthology “By the Light of the Moon,” released on June 4. #1 in its genre! W00t!
In her essay, Kristina shares how she nearly allowed feelings of inadequacy and fear to overwhelm her, curbing her education and stunting her plans for her future. Instead, she finds strength in an unlikely source and discovers the courage and resilience to persevere toward what she knows is a worthy goal. I am SO proud of her!
Tempest. V. Everett recently released “The Grimoire,” her middle-grade fantasy about an orphan outcast who discovers a disturbing truth about her magical roots that threatens everything and everyone in her world.
And “The Deep End of the Pool,” Dave Edwards’ biography of his father, who fought with the Draft Board for Conscientious Objector status through two wars, is coming soon. Edwards’ book odyssey began when he discovered copies of his father’s FBI files while clearing out attic space. His research into those early years of his father’s has resulted in a fascinating historical adventure.
Recently Read
Some of the titles I’ve recently read and enjoyed:
Boy Friends — Scottish poet Michael Pedersen uses his remarkable facility with language to capture the anguish he feels upon losing his best friend to suicide. It’s a good book. A good book. But so many of the reviews talk about how funny it is. Spoiler alert: it’s not. It’s gutting. (Nonfiction)
The Truth and Thief of Time — At any given moment, I’m reading or re-reading a Terry Pratchett book. They never fail to entertain and illuminate. Each one is good for at least one laugh-out-loud moment every 10 pages or so. These two Discworld novels are no different. Millennium hand and shrimp! (Fiction / Fantasy / Satire)
Maybe a Note Would Help — You’ll hear more from me in later posts about Kristen Tremonti’s charming debut in which she extols the joys of handwriting personal notes. It’s not yet released, but it will be soon. One of the favorite manuscripts I’ve read recently…
The God Particle — Nobel Laureate Leon Lederman’s book tracing the theoretical and experimental evolution of our understanding of quantum physics and the make-up of the universe is one of my favorites. I re-read it every few years. It’s endlessly engrossing, though neither Finn nor I understand the math…
What about you?
What stories are YOU reading — or telling — lately?