How to Write a Book Even if You Aren’t a Writer
“Every role we choose to take on is a stewardship of sorts — and that’s a divine calling.” – Danét Palmer
Over 35 years ago, Danét Palmer’s mentor suggested that she make a date with God first thing every morning. And she hasn’t missed an appointment with the divine ever since.
Out of this new routine came “Coffee with the Divine: A Yummy Guide To Daily Miracles,” which Danét — now a metaphysical minister, podcast host, author, and inspirational pragmatic coach — discussed with me on the latest episode of “Authors Who Lead.”
Out of our conversation, what I realized is that writing a book is really about deciding that you have a message worth sharing — and that you’re worthy enough to share it.
It’s not about being ready. In fact, you may never be ready to write a book. You just have to do it anyway.
Pushing Through the Fear of Writing, and Living
When you feel like that message is calling, you have an inclination and want to take a stab at writing a book, don’t take it lightly. You were meant to write the book — or it wouldn’t have called you.
During her mornings with divinity, Danét learned how to push aside her belief systems about herself and the world — most rooted in fear. Every day, she had tried to pass for “normal,” until the moment she decided not to anymore. She signed up for “A Course in Miracles,” and in time, she became someone who lived them.
“I just started getting all these downloads,” she said. “And the first thing was, you know, picturing yourself at a keyboard, and I just did. I just started typing.”
About 800,000 words and a year later, she had her first book. She didn’t write it to be published. It was her “thank you” note to God, to miracles, and to herself.
If you’re able to be present for yourself in the moment, like Danét was, you realize that every role we choose is a stewardship of sorts – and that’s the divine calling. Don’t turn writing into an overwhelming thing. Just start doing it.
And don’t put any pressure on yourself to write a best-selling book. That will only constrict your creativity.
Writing Is Not a Science, It’s an Art
Aspiring writers, always remember: Being an author is not a science, it’s an art.
You can’t be certain you know where you’re going. When you’re thinking you’re writing one book, but you may realize you’re actually writing another – and that can be extremely jarring. But if you’re actually doing artistic work, you have to just take the step.
In reflection, I think one of the best things you can do is just start writing. That’s what Danét would tell you, too. That’s the only way you can know what the book is supposed to be.
And so, I leave you with my greatest takeaways from this episode:
- Writing your book starts with you making the decision to do it. And you don’t have to know where you’re going in order to start.
- Sometimes you get a book that downloads from above — it just comes down — and other times, you have to work at it. Both paths are okay.
- Always show back up for yourself. Even if you don’t think you have something else to write, the book will come. Show up as you tell your truth, and just hope that the truth will help both you and other people.
What was your biggest takeaway from the episode? And in the comments, tell me about moments in your life when you felt that calling to write a book. How did you respond to it?
That’s all for this week. If you have a message inside of you that needs to be written, today is the day to start. Don’t delay — your next big step is just a few words away.
Episode Resources:
Website: https://theyummyway.com
Twitter: @YummyWayDanet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danet.love.5
Instagram: theyummyway_parker_danet
FB Divine Coffee Date private group Link
https://m.facebook.com/#!/groups/3515168795264785/?ref=group_browse
The Yummy Way — With Parker & Danét
https://theyummyway.buzzsprout.com/
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