7 Lies That Keep You From Writing Your Book

Female hands holding a yellow book.

When I got the idea for my first book, it took me 3 years before I even started writing it. Then once I started, I wrote the manuscript in 3 weeks!

I went from struggling with fear of failure, discouragement and guilt to now being the author of 10 books, with several more in the works.

But before God gave me a strategy to write (more on that below), I lived in the land of procrastination. I had many good reasons/excuses for not being able to write so I experienced many of these symptoms:

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Not knowing how to get started
• Doubting myself
• Being afraid of actually writing it and sharing it with people
• Having a hard time disciplining myself to write
• Experiencing writer’s block and staring at an empty page

Maybe you can relate, too. In fact, I know you’re not alone.

I know that many of you have felt called to write a book or you’re still sitting on an idea and I want to encourage you: Don’t dismiss that dream.

Because here’s what I discovered: At the root of all of these symptoms and procrastination are lies we believe.

For example, here are some of the most common lies would-be writers often believe about writing a book:

Lie #1: There are already so many books out there, so I don’t need to write mine.

Truth: Don’t be discouraged by the number of books out there—there are none like yours!

[Tweet “Don’t be discouraged by the number of books out there—there are none like yours!”]

Lie #2: I don’t have time to write.

While it’s true that some seasons of our lives are busier than others, you are never too busy to capture ideas and thoughts as they come to you.

Bonus Tip: Keep a notebook or use a note app on your mobile device so you can keep all your thoughts and information and things that God gives you all in one place. This way you will be “writing” your book as you go.

Truth: You do not have to strive. God is outside of time so you only need to ask Him to show you how to make time for the things that are important to you.

You may even need to set some new boundaries in your life in this season so you can make time for the new things that God is calling you to do.

Ask yourself: What is one simple thing I can do today so I can get one step closer to writing my book?

Lie #3: My story/book idea isn’t good enough.

Truth: If you have a story or experience that could benefit other people, then you need to share it when God calls you to. Your book may be just the thing they need to get a breakthrough.

[Tweet “Your book may be just the thing someone out there needs to get a breakthrough.”]

Lie #4: I’m not a good writer.

I have struggled with ADD and dyslexia, so I know what it’s like to overcome obstacles to writing. But I’m convinced that anyone who wants to write a book can do it—you just need to think outside of your current situation and tap into God’s creative Spirit.

For example, are you better at speaking than writing? Then consider recording the things you want to say. Tell your story to a friend or group of people who will listen and record it. Then you can transcribe and edit it later (or pay someone to do those parts).

Truth: There are many creative ways to get your ideas and message in book form. There is no rule that says you have to do the typing and editing yourself.

Lie #5: I’m too old to write a book.

I didn’t publish my first book until I was 46 years old. J.R.R. Tolkien was 62 years old when he first published The Lord of the Rings series.

Truth: Whether you are in your 20s or 80s, you are never too old (or too young) to write. Who knows? Your bestseller could be something you write even 10 or 20 years from now!

Lie #6: I don’t think my book will get published.

God is releasing so much new revelation from Heaven right now. Over the next few years, there is going to be a lot of new books coming out and being written. And your book can be one of them.

Truth: With the Internet and the ease of self-publishing, there has never been an opportunity like we have right now to get new books out there.

In Write Your Book Now! I also give you insights on how to publish and promote your book (including how to publish on Kindle).

Lie #7: I don’t know where to begin.

If you find yourself putting things off, the root of this is often procrastination.

Procrastination is the lie that says putting something off will bring a greater reward than doing it.

But if you really do feel stuck or get writer’s block when you try to write, I have a solution for you.

I am now sharing with you the strategies God gave me to write my books by creating an all-inclusive online training for you. If you want to get your book written, or you know someone who does, then check out Write Your Book Now!

I’m excited to help more people just like you find their life’s message and get their books written and published in this upcoming year!

Blessings,

doug-sig

Doug Addison
DougAddison.com

Doug Addison is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast, and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and having fun reaches people around the world! His powerfully, positively funny style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their destiny and experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California, where he is impacting the arts and entertainment and media industries.

Doug Addison

Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is best known for his Daily Prophetic Words and Spirit Connection podcast and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and acceptance reaches people around the world! His powerful, lighthearted style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their spiritual identity and personal destiny as they experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts and entertainment and media industries.

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    • Daniel Smith
    • December 10, 2016
    Reply

    I was waiting for the time that was just right to begin writing, and the Lord told me to just write.

    • Ellen Chinzi
    • November 17, 2016
    Reply

    Thank you Doug for your great insight. I put off writing my first book for years until I was so prompted by the Holy Spirit that I decided to start it. It took me about 3 months to write it. It was amazing how the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance the things I needed just at the right place. My book is 13 chapters. The problem I have run into is the editing. One person was editing for me when they decided they needed twice the amount of money I had been paying them. I couldn’t’ afford that amount. So my book has been on hold for months because most editors are way out of my price range. I have gone back over all 13 chapters with a fine tooth comb. So I am praying for an editor I can afford. I know it’s all in God’s timing when this all gets done and the book published. I have had people say to me that I don’t even know, say, you have written a book, I want a copy when it comes out. It has been an amazing journey. I said all the things you listed to myself before I had ever said yes, OK I will do it Lord. Thank you again Doug, you are such a blessing and encourager. God bless you. Ellen Chinzi.

    .

    • Amy
    • November 17, 2016
    Reply

    Hey Doug

    I am not sure if you will read this but thank you for your article and your resources. I have bought ‘write your book now’ and still have struggled but I have had prophetic confirmation it is now time to write Gods books. I think what often hold me back is fear of how do I know if I must self publish. How will anyone find my book in the sea of literary materials. Lastly finances. But I have decided I will go through your book again and just put my head down and trust God for the rest. You are a great encourager. God bless you and your team and my he continue to give you greater revelations

    • Vicki Stephens
    • November 17, 2016
    Reply

    Thanks Doug
    This has given me insight to why I am finally able to admit to procrastination in other areas of my life.

    Feeling overwhelmed by the task and delaying it
    Until it becomes critical. The manic stress is on one or two days instead of little by little achieving in a
    timely fashion. With no manic stress. Thanks you
    Doug again. God does speak to us in all ways
    and He has just used you again

  1. Reply

    Amen! Thank you for sharing Mr. Addison!

    • Dawn Arendsen
    • November 17, 2016
    Reply

    Thank you Doug I whole heartedly and sincerely agreeand relate to your testimony this is just me and I am about to begin writing my books ,there are many and I am aware of it now because the HolySpirit has Ben dealing with me on this Its just to get started feels like I’m being held back.Please pray for me that I will get that release to begin again and that whatever is hindering me will leave in Jesus name.Thank you.bless you amen.Dawn.

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