“Is this normal?” That’s the most common question I get asked by my clients as they work on writing through their books. And the question comes in many forms:
“Is my book at a similar standard to others who are at this stage of the process?”
“Does everyone struggle with self-doubt?”
“Am I the only one who cannot clarify their ideas?”
Writing a book is one of the most public of acts. Our ideas are on display, like toy ducks at a fairground shooting range, where others can take pot-shots at them. Let’s face it. Writing a book – like any creative act – is a comparison game. Others will judge and they will judge against others.
STOP! Before you duck (pun intended) for cover and tear up your book, do this:
Stress test your ideas
I work with experienced coaches, speakers and trainers. But, in writing, they forget their experience. I remind them. Why would your clients pay you and come back if your ideas did not work for them? Your ideas work. All you must do is write them down.
Readers are your superpower
In business, you know your product or service serves some people (not all). Not everyone likes Apple iPhones (OMG). Not everyone likes apple pies! So why do authors fall into the trap of thinking their book must appeal to everyone? Your book does NOT have to make you a global celebrity to make you a go-to authority.
Stick to a process.
Writing is full of rabbit holes. In my Brain to Book program, everyone follows a process. It is step-by-step. The hardest part is sticking to it. But it works. It really does. Start with a first draft. “Every great writer writes a terrible first draft,” writes Anne La Mott in her book, ‘Bird by Bird”. Your terrible 1st draft becomes a much better 2nd draft and that becomes a 100% brilliant book. Done.
Comparison is inevitable when you write a book. To stop comparison from becoming crippling, stick to a process.