I get a bit nervous before any presentation, even to a small audience. The podcasts of the Buddhist meditation teacher, Tara Brach, are a powerful tonic that helps me control my nerves. She quotes the poet and author Mark Nepo, who expresses the idea of vulnerability with the scrumptious title of his book: The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life.
How vividly the word “exquisite” encompasses all the feelings you may have as you write: excitement, fear, aliveness, thrills. Exquisite means delicate, attractive, flawless, discerning, moving. What a word!
Writing a book is taking an exquisite risk. Admit your vulnerability to your reader. Tell the story in your book of your fears as you commit to taking this risk and putting your ideas out into the world. Don’t indulge. Just mention in passing any moments of trepidation that torture you. Genuine humility creates a connection with your readers. They will relate to it, and like you for it.