Have you ever thought that it would be cool to write a book, but it feels presumptuous or weird or self-indulgent to do that? Well, that’s exactly what we are going to discuss on today’s episode of Indie Author Weekly. This is the podcast for indie authors, aspiring authors, and curious bookworms who want the inside scoop, tips and motivation, and behind-the-scenes journey of writing and self-publishing books.
Today's topic is inspired by a conversation I saw on Twitter last month, when someone said something along the lines of, “I like the idea of writing and publishing a book, but it feels presumptuous." There ended up being a thread of other people chiming in who agreed that they wanted to write and publish books, but they haven’t done it yet, because they felt like it would be conceited if they did it.
This line of thinking is SO COMMON. Honestly, sometimes, yeah, it feels weird to write a book! You might have imposter syndrome. You might think: "Who am I to write this book? Why would anyone care about what I have to say? This is too indulgent. This is narcissistic."
Does that sound familiar for you? You aren’t alone if you have self-doubts about it.
TUNE IN to this episode to find out how to deal with this!
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Hello and welcome back to Indie Author Weekly! I’m your host, romantic comedy novelist and productivity strategist Sagan Morrow, and this is the podcast for indie authors, aspiring authors, and curious bookworms who want the inside scoop, tips and motivation, and behind-the-scenes journey of writing and self-publishing books.
Now, have you ever thought that it would be cool to write a book, but it feels presumptuous or weird or self-indulgent to do that? Well, that’s exactly what we are going to discuss on today’s episode of Indie Author Weekly.
For our new and returning listeners, you can now get all Indie Author Weekly podcast episodes plus book and writing updates delivered directly to your inbox each week at SaganMorrow.com/behindthescenes—link is in the show notes.
Now let’s get into this episode of the Indie Author Weekly podcast. This is inspired by a conversation I saw on Twitter last month, when someone said something along the lines of, “I like the idea of writing and publishing a book, but it feels presumptuous." There ended up being a thread of other people chiming in who agreed that they wanted to write and publish books, but they haven’t done it yet, because they felt like it would be conceited if they did it.
This line of thinking is SO COMMON. Honestly, sometimes, yeah, it feels weird to write a book! You might have imposter syndrome. You might think: "Who am I to write this book? Why would anyone care about what I have to say? This is too indulgent. This is narcissistic."
Does that sound familiar for you? You aren’t alone if you have self-doubts about it.
But here's the thing... We are human beings. We need stories. Stories are how we communicate with one another. Stories are how we learn. Stories can inspire us, motivate us, spur us into action. Stories create a deeper connection between all of us. The voices of different storytellers share a breadth of emotion and values and principles and messages.
Stories are powerful *and* empowering.
What this means is that writing a book is not at all inherently presumptuous, or narcissistic, or indulgent. It is what we make of it. Writing a book—writing YOUR book—can be cathartic and empowering for you as the writer.
And consider this: If you're going to go through the trouble of writing a book, then why NOT let other people read it? You put all that time and effort into it. Why keep it only for yourself to enjoy? You never know who will enjoy it. Your book could help someone, empower someone, and even change someone’s life. They will never get that opportunity unless you DO write your book and publish it.
Let's look at it another way: your friends care what you think and what you have to say, right? Right. Of course they do. They love listening to your thoughts and ideas and stories! A book is an opportunity to share more of that, with more people. You are reaching out to friends you don't even have yet!
I love thinking of it that way. I mean, you, listening to this podcast right now, maybe you and I have never interacted in any way, besides you listening to this podcast. I would not be sharing the amount of stuff I share if I didn't think of you already as a friend, of a sort.
What do you think about that? Message me on Twitter and Instagram, @Saganlives, and let’s chat about it.
You know… If every author out there only ever thought about how writing a book is presumptuous, no one would ever publish.
Everyone has a story in them. I wish I could sit down with you, yes you, listening to this podcast right now, and convince you face-to-face that you need to write your story down.
If it feels presumptuous to write a book, and if you’re thinking to yourself that “no one will want to read my book,” then let me tell you this: I want to read your book. And hopefully, by listening to these Indie Author Weekly podcast episodes, you’re getting the tools and motivation and tips and encouragement you need to do exactly that. Definitely check out the archives at SaganMorrow.com/podcast to find the episode topics that you’re in need of at this point of your writing journey.
One final note, if you’re still not entirely convinced… I want you to answer these three questions:
- Do you want to write a book, yes or no?
- Do you have a story you want to tell, yes or no?
- Do you enjoy reading books, yes or no?
If you answered “yes,” to all three of those questions, then I have one final question for you… Why aren’t you writing your book and telling your story? What are you waiting for? What’s *really* stopping you from doing it?
There is probably a whole lot more under the surface that you aren’t dealing with. I want you to address that. To peel away the layers of doubts and objections. Understanding what you truly want from your life and overcoming all the blocks that are stopping you from achieving your dreams is something you learn how to do in my signature program, Productivity Powerhouse—get immediate access so you can start your author career at SaganMorrow.com/powerhouse.
So: Who are you to write a book? You are a human being. Your stories and the way you tell your stories are totally unique to you. You are someone who should write a book! The world is waiting to hear your stories.
Okay, my friend. That’s a wrap for today’s episode of Indie Author Weekly! Access the show notes for this episode, including all links and additional resources, at SaganMorrow.com/podcast.
Thank you so much for tuning in. Please take 2 minutes to rate and review Indie Author Weekly on Apple Podcasts—I really appreciate your support.
Until next week, this is Sagan Morrow, signing off the Indie Author Weekly podcast.