A Book Inside You
The saying goes, “There’s a book inside all of us.”
I recently attended a local primary school's Career Fair for 10- and 11-year-olds. The students were all fabulous and asked lots of questions about being an author, including many questions I had not actually thought about myself.
Here are a few that got me thinking…
1. What skills and/or qualifications do you need, to be an author?
I hadn’t considered this before this session, which I find strange given my background in teaching. I didn’t want to discourage any budding authors in the group and it made me wonder just what skills and qualifications you did need.
To embark on your author’s journey, the most crucial prerequisites are a burning passion and a vivid imagination. While a solid understanding of the English language is important, editors can assist in refining your work. Remember, it's your passion and commitment that will drive you to excel. If you're unsure about the book hidden within you, I encourage you to identify your passions and let them guide your creative process. Everything else can be learned along the way or through collaboration with others.
The most crucial prerequisites to start your author's journey are a burning passion and a vivid imagination.
2. What inspired you to be an author?
For me, my inspiration stemmed from my experiences as a teacher and my desire to help young people. My own children, as well as the countless students I had the privilege of teaching, played a significant role in sparking my creativity.
I was a secondary teacher, working on a project with a friend to help students to identify what they wanted to do when they were older, including acknowledging their strengths. Something that many teens struggle with. After a session on that project, my first picture book flew out of my fingers onto the paper. I wanted a way to help others to be their best selves and belief that they can achieve what they desire.
If you're seeking inspiration, reflect on what drives you and evokes strong emotions. Look at the world around you and consider how your unique perspective can contribute to positive change. Your book idea has the power to make a lasting impact, so join me on my quest to change the world one book at a time, whether on an individual level or a global scale.
3. What do you enjoy about being an author?
As an author, I love the freedom to express myself, share my stories, and impart knowledge to readers worldwide. The ability to make a difference in someone's life through my words brings immeasurable joy. Whether it's through entertaining fiction or empowering non-fiction, the opportunity to touch hearts and inspire minds is an extraordinary privilege. The fulfilment derived from seeing your book resonate with readers and knowing you've made a positive impact is incomparable.
4. What do you dislike most about being an author?
While being an author is immensely rewarding, it's important to acknowledge the challenges. Negative reviews may be disheartening, but they provide an opportunity for growth. Embrace constructive criticism as a chance to refine your craft and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Negative reviews may be disheartening, but they provide an opportunity for growth.
They also asked which was my favourite book. When most of your books are named after and inspired by your family, that is literally like asking you to choose your favourite child. Each book, like each child, brings something special to the mix and they are all a favourite of mine for different reasons.
If you've reached this point in the blog, it's evident that the desire to write resides within you. Don't let anything hold you back! Take the first step toward fulfilling your writing dreams by booking a call with me. As an author and book coach, I am dedicated to helping you translate your passion onto paper and sharing it with readers around the world. Together, we can make a difference—one book at a time.
A one-on-one session with a book coach can help translate your passion onto paper.
Remember, the world is waiting to hear your story. Start your journey as an author today!