Why Write A Book?

By Eve Brownstone, LCPC

Why write a book?  We all have a story to tell. Doubts come in.  Do I have a story to tell? I will bore people. I am not a writer. So we convince ourselves that we don’t have a story to tell and we push down our creative energy. I realize not everyone is going to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, but I believe everyone has a heartfelt story to tell and that writing it would help the writer feel more alive.

My first book was a very personal story about being a twin. It started as a Master’s Thesis and evolved into a nonfiction book.  Almost thirty years later, I self-published the ebook version Born In Relationship. I felt proud of myself for putting the story of what it is like to be a twin in the world.  This boosted my confidence.

I also wrote a romance novel. I didn’t publish this one. I didn’t finish it partly, because I got a big dose of constructive criticism from a friend who was a writer I respected. I was filled with self- doubt and just stopped writing it. I wish I hadn’t stopped.  I still have the sense the main characters Liz and Ed are still waiting for me to tell their story.  I see them on their front porch with a pitcher of lemonade smiling and waving for me to come closer.:-) I want to join them soon and tell their story. Who can relate to this? 

I did write and publish another book called I Got This!. This one was about developing self-love and self-empowerment.  During a challenging time, I focused on the many faces of love and started writing a blog about Love. Almost every day, I showed up to my word press blog to focus on the positive. I tried to look for gold in my life.  At one-hundred and fifty blog posts, I decided to turn my blog posts into a book. I worked with a friend who was a writer and editor. We met over dinner after work to structure the book. I learned how to create a book that I would publish on Amazon in paperback and ebook format.  I gave myself some self-compassion and told myself that my book was good enough to publish.  I actually liked the process and book. I felt more confident and more myself. I could say I am a writer. Yeah! 

What are some of the benefits of writing a book?

• You get to tell your story.
• You may boost your internal creative energy (Great Coping Skill)
• You may change your focus to more positivity.
• You may learn more about yourself.
• You may let go of self-doubt and boost your confidence.
• You will learn the process of writing and publishing.

You can go the route of self-publishing like I did and or take a traditional route-finding an agent and then a publisher.  These days,  there are many ways to get started and get your book out there.  I do recommend starting with a blog, either on blogger.com or wordpress.com  If you have doubts just start writing “I have doubts” and see what comes from that. It is a good practice to show up for yourself every day and writing is a creative way to do just that. I say go for it!  Tell your story and enjoy the process.

Eve Brownstone is a Licensed Psychotherapist with Symmetry Counseling.  You can contact Eve at ebrownstone@symmetrycounseling or call 312- 768-8762  for more info or to schedule a session.