“I’m not really a writer. I’m just writing this for fun.”
“I won’t get published. I just want to write it so I can say I wrote a book.”
“I’ve been working on this for 11 years. It probably won’t get published.”
Those are all things writers have said to me when they first started working with me.
Every one of those is a story the writer is telling themself.
And it’s just that. A story.
A story that arises from self-doubt.
If you’ve ever said anything remotely similar, this is for you!
Here’s an exercise that should take no more than an hour to write the first draft.
It’s a powerful exercise that will shift your mindset from “I’m trying to write a book,” TO “I’m a writer who will get published and become an author.”
The exercise is:Your Author Story.
Writing your author story will not only put a hop in your step and help you feel more confident, it’ll help enforce the thinking: I’m working on this book UNTIL I’m published, instead of thinking, “if I ever get published…”
Writing your author story will help you feel like the author you are actively working on becoming.
Your author story is your brand. It’s how you want your audience to see you, and it will help you connect with your readers and generate more book sales once you’re published.
Some tips for writing your author story:
Ask yourself why you write.
Who are your readers?
What about your life story and writing story do you want your readers to know?
Give your story a hook/beginning, middle, and end (it’s a story!).
Be honest. Be yourself.
Write the first draft, then revise several days later.
Post your author story on your website and on your Amazon author page when you’re ready.
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10 thoughts on “YOUR STORY”
Dearest Ann, you my dear have faithfully been sending me emails and I’m finally ready to move forward on an adventure in writing, I couldn’t be more thrilled than I am right now!
I can’t wait to learn more about you!
You friend Cynthia
Cynthia, Congrats on moving forward with your writing!
This is just what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you very much.
Glad this helped you, Daniel! 🙂
I support this great advice as I am writing my manuscript with the intent to get it published. It’s near completion.
Fantastic, Linda, that you’re almost done. Write your author story!
Hi Anne,
I am currently working on my memoir, though I am stuck at the moment. I don’t think it’s writer’s block. I think I’m having problems because I am depressed. I was writing 5,000 words at a time, no problem, then something happened in my already difficult life, to sidetrack me from being able to write freely. I think I lost my muse, and I didn’t even realize that’s what was happening. I’m trying to get back on track now, however, I can’t find the motivation to get going again. I’m mourning the loss of so many people in my life. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I like the idea of your group, though I’m already involved in two writing programs, and I need to focus on those, before I get involved in something else. The timing isn’t right at the moment. Thank you for your continued helpful advice. You seem like a wonderful woman to work with.
Kindest regards,
Siobhan
Sorry you’ve had a hard time, Siobhan. Try writing something shorter and take the pressure off yourself. Write for only a few minutes. Have fun with it. Write outside your memoir. Once you’re enjoying the process again, go back to your memoir. Hope this helps. 🙂
Thank you, Anne!
You are indeed the consummate expert on how to get going and not leave yourself behind. I appreciate all you have done to inspire me.
Ruthie
Awww, thanks Ruth! Love to hear you’ve been inspired. 🙂