Why everyone should write a book in their lifetime
Have you heard the saying, 'Everyone's got a book in them'?
I actually googled the phrase when I was writing my ebook, Deep Roots, and found that the majority of articles popping up in response were all about why not everyone should write a book, which was disappointing because I totally disagree.
Whether you consider yourself a writer or not, whether you have experience writing fiction or an ambition or none whatsoever to become a published author - I think the act of writing a novel has a multitude of benefits to offer.
Personally, writing my first book was my first taste of creative writing since leaving school. In spite of hating it as a teenager (mostly down to the way it left me feeling exposed and self-conscious), I've always loved reading, and I couldn't shake that feeling of curiosity when it came to potentially writing a book of my own. I jumped into the project headfirst, with no plan, when I spontaneously joined in with NaNoWriMo.
I loved it. Something just clicked for me over the course of that first novel, and it didn't matter how bad it was (it was really bad), because I felt like I'd really found my thing after years of dabbling in and quitting multiple creative disciplines and hobbies.
Here's what I think the process of writing a novel has to offer, whatever your experience or ambition:
It teaches you about yourself. Undertaking a long term project of any kind is a great way to understand yourself better. You'll learn about your creative energy - what fuels it, what drains it; your ability to solve problems as you untangle plot holes; and all about what motivates you to keep going when the words are slow. These are all amazing skills with lots of applications elsewhere in your life and career.
You'll develop confidence in your communication. Writing regularly is essential for completing a project like a novel, and nurturing this habit is something that really builds skill and confidence with words. Not only that, but it hones a sense of value and worth in your in own voice and ideas, which is a really positive in all kinds of communication, written or otherwise.
It's interesting - writing a book (or having written one) is a great conversation starter, and makes for a fun fact if you find yourself in an ice-breaker situation. Think about how many people dream wistfully of writing a book 'one day', then imagine being able to casually drop into conversation that you're writing one! It also gives you a whole new perspective on consuming other books and stories. There's nothing like getting stuck into the writing process for uncovering all sorts of behind-the-scenes magic in other peoples words. It makes you a better, more observant and active reader.
It's fulfilling. Finishing a big project like a novel, watching it grow with all the time and care you pour into it is so satisfying. As a creative hobby or passion project it's one that leaves you with something really tangible at the end.
It's great fun! Making things up, getting lost in something mindful and absorbing, spending time on a creative passion project - are all tremendously life enriching and rewarding (not to mention, good for stress relief).
Ultimately, if you feel like it's something you'd like to explore, writing a book really does offer a wonderful creative project for everyone to get stuck into. Why not give it a go?
