27 Reasons to Write a Book and How to Finally Make it Happen

By Lisa Tener

Do you want to write a book? How long have you wanted to write it? Will you be crying in your pajamas on Dec. 31, 2022 if it doesn’t happen?

Okay, then, let’s do our very best to get that book written and keep your PJ’s dry come New Years. 

How? One crucial ingredient to success is to consistently empower and inspire yourself with the reason for writing your book. Or the many reasons. 

27 Reasons to Write a Book

Here are 27 reasons to write a book—some for fiction, some nonfiction.

Which ones will help you stay inspired to get it done?

1. Create change in the world.
2. Grow confidence.
3. Enjoy my creativity.
4. Create new worlds.
5. Share my story so others know they’re not alone.
6. Get to know my (inner) characters.
7. Share my wisdom and expertise with more people.
8. Surprise myself.
9. Surprise my mom/dad/sister/brother who doesn’t quite believe I can do this.
10. Honor my gifts.
11. Create a new source of income.
12. Make a bigger impact.
13. Start a speaking career.
14. Don’t let my stories die inside me.
15. Do something novel—or even scary. Push myself.
16. Take my business or career to the next level.
17. Leverage my current skills for a career pivot.
18. Finally upstage my _________ (fill in the blank).
19. Get clear about what I think about this topic.
20. Create a program for change for my readers.
21. Organize my ideas around this topic.
22. Learn about a subject that intrigues me.
23. Interview amazing people.
24. Demonstrate the skill set and expertise to attract new opportunities such as being invited to serve on a corporate or nonprofit board.
25. Help people heal.
26. Start a new business with a powerful credibility builder.
27. Be seen as a thought leader or expert or muse by others.

How to Get Your Book Written

Make your inspiring list of reasons to write your book. Add a few more. Stick them on a large index card or a giant vision board. Post it somewhere you’ll see it. Add pictures if you want!

This list will not only help you write the book and stick with it when self-doubt creeps in. This list will help you in making choices that align with your desired outcome. Maybe you have several book ideas. This list will help you choose the right one to start with.

So, now you’re motivated. How do you write the damn thing?

First, make a list of what’s getting in the way and offer yourself a solution or strategy for each challenge:

• I don’t know my subject well enough. (Research is your cure. Or interview experts. Or maybe you know more than you think.)
• I don’t have time to write a book. (Darling, no one has time to write a book. Take something BIG off your plate. Or several somethings big.)
• I don’t know how to write a book. (There are plenty of resources out there—great books about how to write a novel, memoir, self help book, business book, etc.; there are editors, coaches and classes to help you. Find your support.)
• I get distracted. (Just about everyone needs accountability. Who—or what—will help hold you accountable and how? A friend, a class, a book coach, an app?)
• I start but never finish. (Accountability, again.)
• I’m not a good enough writer. (How can you get better at writing? Ask your friends for their favorite writing craft books, take a class with a mentor of author crush or hire an editor to teach you to write better, or don’t. Save that for later. Just get it on paper for now, knowing you can get professional help later.)
• I’m not sure anyone will read it. (Nothing’s sure in this world, but my experience is that when you trust your dreams, you will discover there is a reason for them. They will fulfill one or more beautiful purposes. And your readers—those who read your book—will find it.)
• What if what I write hurts someone? (Tell yourself that you can always take out hurtful details or disguise someone. For now, promise yourself to just write your truth, knowing you’ll give yourself time later to disguise it. Keep it real in the beginning. The writing will be more powerful. Before you publish, you can make those changes to protect someone. Or perhaps choose not to. That’s a decision for much later!)

You may face other challenges. Write ‘em all down and find strategies to overcome them. If you can’t come up with a response, as a trusted friend for help. Get clear how you’ll get beyond the challenge. 

We love comments: share your reason for writing a book, your challenges and solutions to making it happen, your commitment for the new year and/or any questions you have.

Now, write that book!

Lisa Tener is an award-winning book coach, speaker and author of the book The Joy of Writing Journal: Spark Your Creativity in 8 Minutes a Day. Lisa has helped thousands of aspiring writers and authors access their creativity, find their voice and write and publish groundbreaking books through her coaching services and courses. Dozens of her clients have won prestigious book awards and/or signed five- and six- figure deals with major publishing houses. For over a decade, Lisa served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School’s CME publishing course, helping doctors, therapists, and other healing professionals bring their books to life. Find out more at LisaTener.com.

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