Seven Myths About Writing a Book

Writing a book can be a daunting task, and it’s easy to fall prey to common myths about the writing process. But fear not, my friends! In this blog post, we will debunk these myths and give you the knowledge and tools you need to tackle writing a book with confidence. It’s time to banish the belief that writing is a solitary and painful process, or that you need to be a natural-born writer to succeed. We believe that anyone can be a writer with practice, patience, and a willingness to learn. So, let’s dive in and discover the truth behind these myths. Remember, you have a story to tell, and there’s no time like the present to start putting it on paper!

Myth 1: You need to be a writer to write a book.

Many think that in order to write a book, they need to be an author. Well, what if I told you that most of our authors are publishing their very first book? Anyone with an idea can be the creator of their own book. We are all authors of our own stories. All you need is paper and a pen, or a journal, or a laptop..the list can go on and on. The opportunities are endless.

With a single idea, you can create an entire world-wrapped cover to cover, with the power to influence a reader’s feelings, thoughts, and perspective. One idea, one voice, can have the power to change the hearts and minds of many.

Myth 2: You should edit as you go.

If you think you should edit as you go, know that is indeed a myth. Waiting until the end may be the best option to give you clarity on the full picture. Our CEO Jessica learned a valuable lesson in a college writing class; write your heart out. Drain your brain. write everything you think until it’s all written or typed down in front of you. The writer doesn’t also have to be the editor, in fact, at IWP they won’t be. When everything is written, and you’re ready to go through and fine-tune your book, an editor will give you unbiased feedback. This can help sift through the details that need to be kept, or discarded.

Myth 3: You can’t write if you have writer's block.

Writer’s block is so common, but one way to navigate your way through the blockade is to go straight through it. Artists do not stop creating when they run out of ideas. They start small, and eventually, small seeds blossom into beautiful pieces of work that will show you your pathway through your work. If you catch yourself struggling to think of the right words to say, don’t give up. It’s in those times of darkness that the light shines the brightest, and sometimes we are given some of our most creative ideas. Try changing up your writing space, or write at a local coffee shop or quiet, peaceful place, and write every single day. That breakthrough will come.

Myth 4: Authors write because it's easy for them

There’s a conceived notion that writing comes easily to anyone, but in reality, everyone struggles at some point. A novice writer that’s just beginning their journey can struggle just as much as an accomplished author. This struggle to write is within everyone and does not discriminate. Persistence is key, always.

Myth 5: You need to know exactly what you want to write before writing.

You may think that from the very start, you need to know all of the details that you will be writing and exactly what you are going to write about, and when. In reality, a general idea is all you need, if that. Many authors find the story along the journey. All you need to do is start.

Myth 6: Thinking your voice, or story doesn't matter

Every author has at some point questioned if the story they’re writing matters. Maybe they’re questioning if it matters enough to share it. Maybe they are unsure if it will pull readers in and entice them enough to make a difference. Have you ever had a teacher tell the class that no question is dumb because if one person is wondering about one thing, there is probably someone else in the classroom wondering the same thing? This idea stands for writing as well. No matter what you’re going to be writing about, there is always someone out there who doesn’t even know they are waiting to read your words.

Sometimes our inner monologue of doubts can get in the way, but what we should be focused on is all of the possible tens, hundreds, and even thousands of people it could influence. The possible one life that needed to hear your story just to know they are not alone in the world, that their struggles and pain are shared with someone else. No matter the plot, everyone matters, no matter what.

Myth 7: Writers are born, not made.

Writers are not born, they are formed and created. Anyone can be a writer. It is a skill and not a characteristic or personality trait we are born with or without. Every author who has published a book has been where you are today, so why not take the leap, and start creating something that might change the world, shall we?