#27: Why You Might Never Publish A Book (Even If You Want To)

Ever dreamt of seeing your name etched in gold on a hard cover?

To read your very words on cream-colored pages and think to yourself, “I wrote these?”

I see you. I'm exactly like you.

The problem is I'm nowhere near that goal. And do you know why?

Because I don't like writing about what I don't know.

Many experts preach about “writing what you know,” but when you feel like a fraud all the time (hello imposter syndrome) and it feels like you barely know anything even after studying a subject for years, that advice could convince you to NEVER write until you're ready.

And you'll never feel ready...unless you begin putting pen to paper.

We truly and only learn when we start thinking by writing.

Below is an apt excerpt from one of W. K. Clifford's short stories. It's about three siblings who wanted to write a book.

“I have never known any fairies," she said, "except in books; but, of course, it would not do to put one book inside another—anyone could do that."

"I shall not begin to-day," the little one said, "for I must know a few kings and queens before I write about them, or I may say something foolish."

"I shall write about the pig, and the pony, and the white rabbit," said the brother; "but first I must think a bit. It would never do to write a book without thinking.”

—  W. K. Clifford, Very Short Stories and Verses For Children

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Hi, and thanks for reading! I'm Kishly, a cheerleader of creatives and copywriter turned marketing strategist. Bookmark this blog to read my daily atomic essays on marketing, compassionate productivity, creative living, and lifelong learning. Or subscribe to Process, my weekly-ish newsletter for young adults (and the young at heart) in pursuit of wisdom and wonder. ✨