The 7 Reasons You Aren’t Writing Your Book, And How to Overcome Them

The 7 Reasons You Aren’t Writing Your Book, And How to Overcome Them

Writing a book is a dream shared by many aspiring authors. It’s a creative outlet, a platform to share knowledge, and a gateway to new opportunities.

However, despite this desire, many individuals never pursue their dream.

An amazing book idea strikes — or maybe multiple book ideas — and your imagination takes you to the finish line:

A finished book, available on bookshelves across the globe, and a community of supporters deeply impacted by your words.

It all sounds so great, but then that imagination bubble pops and you’re left standing with nothing but your idea.

Now it’s time to get started with that idea. And this is where the momentum comes to a halt.

Common objections shoot to the surface at this point — roadblocks begin to pop up on the path you must take.

We’ll explore those roadblocks here and, more importantly, provide ways to leap over these hurdles without breaking stride, getting closer to your overall goal of authorship.

Lack of Time

Time constraints are a perennial challenge for early-stage entrepreneurs and ambitious individuals. Balancing work responsibilities, personal commitments, and writing can be overwhelming.

And in your first few years, you’re doing everything — wearing every hat inside your business.

Time is not abundant.

However, finding time for your book is possible.

As with your (many) other tasks, careful planning can help set aside the necessary time to write your book.

Strategies to consider:

  • Set specific writing goals: Allocate dedicated time slots for writing and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
  • Break it down: Instead of aiming for long writing sessions, focus on smaller, consistent efforts. Even 15 minutes a day can make a significant impact over time.
  • Prioritize and delegate: Evaluate your daily tasks and identify non-essential activities that can be delegated (ChatGPT is a great writing assistant!) or eliminated to free up time for writing.

Fear of Rejection

The fear of rejection is a powerful force that can paralyze aspiring authors.

“Who will read my book? Nobody cares about what I have to say.”

We hear it all the time.

The possibility of criticism — or the fear that nobody will read your book — can be daunting.

But think about the many books you have read. Did the authors of those books know with complete certainty that their books would be read and appreciated?

Of course not.

Those authors had imposter syndrome, too. Yet without their book, your (and every other reader’s) life couldn’t be impacted.

So push through that rejection and take a leap of faith.

Strategies to consider:

  • Embrace vulnerability: Recognize that vulnerability is an inherent part of the creative process. Understand that not everyone will resonate with your work, and that’s okay. Focus on the audience who will appreciate your unique voice and message.
  • Seek support: Connect with fellow writers, join writing communities, or seek guidance from mentors who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback.
  • Reframe rejection as growth: View rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve. Each rejection brings you closer to finding the right publishing avenue or refining your work.
  • Don’t think about a wide audience. Think of the one person this book can help and write your book for them. The mass appeal for your book will come later.

Perfectionism

Famed writer Ernest Hemingway once said, “The first draft of anything is sh*t.”

And he was right.

Think about anything you’ve done in life. Did you get it right the first time?

Of course not. Nobody does.

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword for aspiring authors. While striving for excellence is admirable, fixating on perfection can hinder progress.

With writing, perfection comes in the editing phase — with many, many rounds of editing.

Strategies to consider:

  • Embrace the rough draft: Give yourself permission to write imperfectly. Remember, the first draft is just the beginning, and the real magic happens during the editing and revision process.
  • Set realistic expectations: Understand that writing is an iterative process. Focus on progress rather than striving for flawless writing from the start.
  • Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that writing is a journey. Celebrate your achievements along the way and allow yourself to learn and grow.

Uncertainty about Publishing

Navigating the publishing landscape can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the world of authorship.

Which path is the right path for you?

Today, the self-publshing path is quickest, easiest, and gets you the same high-quality book you would expect from a traditional publishing house.

However, it isn’t the right option for everybody. Your goals will determine which path is best.

Strategies to consider:

  • Educate yourself: Research the different publishing options available, such as traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid models. Understand their pros, cons, and requirements to make an informed decision.
  • Seek professional guidance: Consider working with a publishing consultant who can provide expertise and guidance throughout the publishing process.
  • Connect with authors: Attend writing conferences, workshops, or join online communities to connect with experienced authors who can share insights and advice.

Lack of Writing Experience

Writing a book can be a lot of work.

That is, unless you use artificial intelligence to help you structure your book and write the first draft.

(But only let it help you with the first draft. Remember what Hemingway said about the first draft of anything?)

Writing is more difficult for some than it is for others.

But you do have resources for support.

Inexperience in writing can lead to self-doubt and hinder progress. But it can be overcome.

Strategies to consider:

  • Read and study: Immerse yourself in books within your genre to gain a deeper understanding of writing techniques, narrative structures, and storytelling approaches.
  • Practice regularly: Treat writing as a skill that improves with practice. Set aside dedicated time for writing exercises, journaling, or short story creation to hone your craft.
  • Seek feedback: Share your work with trusted friends, writing groups, or beta readers who can provide constructive feedback to help you grow as a writer.

Overwhelm and Lack of Direction

The enormity of writing a book, from conceptualizing ideas to organizing content, can be overwhelming.

Writing projects can last for many months — or sometimes years — if no clear direction is set.

You need to plan your project before starting.

Want to write a book but don’t think you can stay on track? We’ve got a cost-effective solution for that.

How can you plan your project?

Strategies to consider:

  • Outline your book: Create a high-level outline or a chapter-by-chapter plan to provide a clear roadmap for your writing journey. (Here’s a template for you.)
  • Set milestones: Divide your writing process into smaller milestones and celebrate each achievement along the way. It will help you stay motivated and maintain momentum.
  • Find your writing process: Experiment with different writing routines, environments, and tools to discover what works best for you. Some writers thrive with daily word count goals, while others prefer more flexible approaches. Adapt your process to suit your needs.

Financial Concerns

Time and talent.

These are two things we must pay experts for in life.

But sometimes the cost is too high.

With publishing your book, the price range is as wide as the Pacific Ocean.

It starts with I can find all the info I need for free on YouTube

…and goes all the way to I’m sorry, did you say the ghostwriter for Prince Harry’s book was paid $1 million?!

(Yes, that’s really what his ghostwriter was paid.)

Financial considerations can deter aspiring authors from pursuing their writing goals.

But there are options for both sides of the spectrum — both those who want a low-cost option and those who want to pay a premium to a trusted expert.

Strategies to consider:

  • Budget and prioritize: Plan your expenses related to editing, cover design, and marketing. Prioritize based on your resources and allocate funds accordingly.
  • Embrace self-publishing: Self-publishing platforms offer more accessible options for authors with limited budgets. Research and understand the self-publishing process to make an informed decision.
  • Leverage free resources: Utilize free writing resources, such as writing software, online communities, and writing podcasts, to enhance your skills without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Overcoming the barriers to writing a book requires determination, perseverance, and a proactive mindset.

By recognizing and addressing the reasons holding you back, you can take meaningful steps towards realizing your authorship dreams.

Embrace your creativity, seek support from like-minded individuals, and remember that your voice and story matter.

Start writing today and unlock the doors to a world of possibilities.

Remember, the world is waiting for your book.

Don’t let the inevitable roadblocks stop you from creating it for them.