Why do you write?

My PR person recently asked me to create a blog about why I write for a magazine article, and I’d love to ask you the same. Whether it’s for a blog, book or a newsletter, I’d like to know your motivation and why you write.

Which of these 7 reasons is why you write?

Through talking with my clients, there are various reasons why they write and here are some of them.

1. They know that they have wisdom, knowledge and expertise to share.

Some of my clients have been through a particular experience and the reason they are writing their book is to help others who are going through a similar situation. As they have knowledge and expertise in that area, they can share the mistakes they’ve made and how to avoid them, they can tell people what has worked for them, and give strategies and tips that work.

2. They want to make a difference.

One of the reasons why many of my clients set up their business in the first place is to make a difference. I know that this was one of my drivers when I started. When you decide to write a book, it allows you to change more lives than you can do on a one-to-one basis and make a bigger difference.

3. They want to reach more people and grow their business.

I’m sure that you can see that most people in the entrepreneurial arena write their books to grow their business, and if you agree with this statement, you probably agree with some of the other reasons in this blog too. It is a great way to reach more people across the world, to get noticed, stand out, and build your credibility.

4. To leave a legacy.

I was talking with a new client recently and his motivation for writing is to leave a legacy. To put it bluntly, he doesn’t want to leave this world without having shared all of his knowledge and expertise down on paper.  Wouldn’t it be a waste if that happened? I’m wondering if you have a legacy to leave behind after you’ve gone?

5. To tell the truth. 

You may want to write a book to challenge the status quo, tell the truth or be controversial. There’s not much point in being the same as everyone else, so your book can make you stand out by being different. You may also find it cathartic to write and telling your truth is a great way to get your message out there.

6. They know they are good at it. 

This is a great reason to write, when you love to put words on paper, other people love it and you find it’s a really great way to reach your ideal clients if writing is your thing.

7. To be recognised as an expert or thought leader.

When you write a brilliant expert book I guarantee that it will put you and your book on the map. I’ve had clients who have been published in national magazines and newspapers, commissioned to run events all over the UK and are sought after speakers as a result of writing and publishing their books. Their books have also helped them to attract more clients and been recognised as an expert due to their books.

Ellen’s story

Ellen Watts has been doing the 10,000 Word Summer Challenge this August and has been very successful – her second book is almost complete. I asked her why she writes and this is what she told me.

“I write for 4 reasons –

1)  Legacy – to capture all the knowledge, lessons, breakthroughs I’ve had while I’m here – so they’ll help people now and long after I’m gone – I want to make a huge difference in the world and speaking and workshops and coaching help people now – a book, videos, recordings etc  will go on helping people after I’ve gone.

2) Leverage – I want to help more people than my time will allow – this way I can help people any hour, anywhere in the world and I don’t need to ‘be there in person’ – I was ‘with them’ when I wrote the book but they can decant me any time they like – as many times as they like.

3) Affordability – I want to help people who can’t afford to come on my training or have coaching with me. Like most of us – I still earn a living with my training, speaking and coaching and altruistic as I would like to be there is a limit what I can offer in terms of my time at low or no cost to people in challenging financial circumstances  – but I don’t want to exclude those people – who often are the ones that need it the most from my insights – a book is such an affordable way to have access to the information.  I was thinking about this only yesterday – this book will have taken me approx. 60 hours to write – sitting and handwriting as if I was coaching someone one to one – 60 hours’ worth of personal coaching with me would be thousands of pounds – all for £14.99.

4) This one’s for me  – I will earn money while I sleep and it’s another step towards building the location independent business and lifestyle I’m looking forward to enjoying.”

You can back Ellen’s project and support her book ‘Get it Sorted – for Once, for All, For Good’ on her Crowdfunding page – just go to this link before Tuesday 1 September at 10pm.

Why do you write?

I’d love to know why you write or would like to write an expert book, the one that allows you to build your credibility and get noticed, and ultimately allows you to reach more clients and grow your business. Do you resonate with any of these or do you have your own reason for writing? I’d love your comments below.

Are you ready to get your book out into the world?

Drop me a line to find out how I can help you!