There’s something wonderful about writing a book. Whether it’s fiction (I’ve only written one so far), nonfiction, children’s literature (I tried a couple of these), or a deep dive into a specialized subject (True Crime), writing a book is more than just putting words on a page. It’s about sharing your voice, your knowledge, and your vision with the world.
I have always believed that anyone with a story, idea, or message can become an author. Did you know that publishing a book ranks number four on the average person’s bucket list? Even ahead of learning a new language, falling in love, getting married, and swimming with dolphins. The great part is, you don’t need to have a PhD, a massive following, or a literary agent. What you do need is a clear goal, a commitment to the process, and the willingness to keep going even when the words don’t flow. (Some of my books have taken years and others, months, to write)
Writing a book often starts with a simple spark: a “what if” question, a personal experience, a passion, or even a frustration you want to help others overcome. That spark becomes a concept, which then becomes a structure. From there, you build it, page by page and chapter by chapter.
It’s not always easy. Some days, writing will feel like pulling teeth. Other days, you’ll surprise yourself by knocking out 2,000 words before lunch. The key is consistency and the understanding that your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s what editing is for.
But here’s the truth. Writing a book will change you. It teaches discipline, patience, and clarity. It forces you to organize your thoughts, commit to your vision, and follow through. And when it’s finally done and you are holding your book in your hands for the first time or see it live on Amazon, there’s no feeling quite like it.
So, if you’ve been thinking about writing a book, now is the time to start. Set a small goal today. Outline a chapter, write the first paragraph, or brainstorm your main idea. You don’t have to write it all at once. You just have to begin.
Remember: Your story matters. Your voice deserves to be heard. And your book could be exactly what someone out there needs.
Happy writing.
Alan