Honor Your Calling: Why It’s Time To Start Writing Your Book

Do you often feel you have an important message to share with the world? Is there a calling inside you to tell your story in an attempt to encourage others? Maybe you’ve faced hardships or adversity and believe that by writing about them, you can help others overcome similar challenges.

As an author coach, I often work with people who feel this deep calling. Interestingly, many of them don’t see themselves as “writers.” This belief—that they aren’t trained or skilled enough—often holds them back from sharing their message. But here’s the truth: everyone has something valuable to contribute. If you’re alive, you’ve had experiences that others can relate to and learn from. By putting your story into words, you can reach others on the same path and help them through their own journeys. Sometimes, just knowing we’re not alone can make all the difference.

So, what stops us from answering this inner calling to write? In my experience, it often comes down to three main obstacles:

Self-Doubt: “Who am I to tell this story? It’s all been said before. What makes my story special?”

Fear: “What will my family think? I don’t want to upset anyone.”

Self-Sabotage: “It’s too painful to revisit the past,” or “I just don’t have the time.”

Let’s take a closer look at these, shall we?

Who Am I to Tell This Story?

It’s true that almost any topic you choose has probably been covered in books before. But does that mean you shouldn’t explore it further? Absolutely not! What you have that no one else does is your unique voice and experiences. No one else can tell your story the way you can, from your perspective. If you’ve overcome adversity or navigated a difficult time in your life, your story could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

I Don’t Want to Upset Anyone

This concern is common, and only you can decide how much you want to share about others in your story. While you may feel a responsibility to respect their privacy, remember that your experiences are yours to own. As Anne Lamott famously said, “You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”

While it’s important to be mindful of how you portray others, there are ways to protect yourself when sharing personal details. Avoid labeling or defaming someone’s character. For instance, instead of saying your brother was an addict, you might say he struggled with substance use. If in doubt, consider changing names or locations to protect privacy. But don’t let these concerns stop you from sharing your message.

I’m Not Good Enough

In my work, I often review manuscripts, and I never ask if the author is a trained or experienced writer. That’s not what matters to me. There are editors and writing coaches who can help you polish your work before it’s published. What I’m looking for is the underlying message. Those who feel a calling to share their truths don’t need to be professional writers to connect with readers and tell a compelling story. The best writing often comes when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, relive those experiences, and write with emotion.

My Story Is Too Painful to Write

If this is holding you back, it might be exactly why you should consider writing it. I recently saw a meme that said, “When you can share your story and it doesn’t make you cry, you know you’ve healed.” Whether or not that’s true for you, writing can be a powerful tool for processing emotions. When we journal about our feelings or write a book, we often have to revisit those emotions, which can lead to healing. This is why I believe writing is a therapeutic practice. Whether you keep a journal for yourself or write a memoir, sharing your story can help others—and it can help you, too.

Committing to the Calling: Write the Story Inside Your Heart

If you feel a deep calling to write a book, it's time to make a decision and take the steps to get started. The book idea that’s been placed inside your heart is there for a reason—it’s meant to be shared. The journey of writing a book is not just about putting words on paper; it’s about honoring that inner voice and committing to the message you’ve been entrusted with.

When you decide to answer this calling, you’re embarking on a transformative journey that can bring profound benefits. Writing a book allows you to process and heal from past experiences, connect with others who can learn from you, and leave a lasting impact on the world. Your words have the power to inspire, uplift, and guide others through their own challenges.

But it all starts with a commitment. Make the decision today and begin. Start by setting aside time to write, even if it’s just a little each day. Don’t worry about perfection—focus on getting your thoughts and experiences down on paper. Each word you write brings you closer to fulfilling your purpose.

Imagine the feeling of holding your finished book in your hands, knowing that you’ve answered the call to share your truth. The journey won’t always be easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. Your story matters, and by choosing to write it, you’re making a powerful decision to impact lives—including your own.

So, take that first step. Start writing today, and let the journey begin. The world is waiting to hear what you have to say.