7 False Beliefs That Keep You from Writing Your Book

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

I went from struggling with fear of failure, discouragement and guilt—to being the author of 12 books, with others in the works. 

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. I want to encourage you: Don’t dismiss that dream!

Here’s what I discovered: At the root of all of these symptoms of procrastination are false beliefs that we think are true.

Here are some of the most common false beliefs would-be writers often believe about writing a book:

#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!

#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 jot down thoughts as they come to you.

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.

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

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

#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 do it. Your book may be just the thing they need to get a breakthrough.

#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 things).

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.

#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 his 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!

#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, a lot of new books are going to be written and published. 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 give you insights on how to publish and promote your book, including how to publish on Kindle.

#7: “I don’t know where to begin.”

The root of this statement is often procrastination.

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

Truth: You can start at any point in your book. The key is to get the thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Just start writing as thoughts or words come to you and then it can be organized later.

But if you really do feel stuck or get writer’s block when you try to write, I have a free gift for you. I’ve put together a free video with 5 tips to help you get started. Get access to it here. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll be much closer than you are now because it helps to break things down into smaller, simple tasks. 

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

Blessings, 

Doug Addison
DougAddison.com

Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast and blog. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts, 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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    • Vera Lee
    • March 23, 2021
    Reply

    Hi PROPHET DOUG! !I AM WRITTING NOW ONE OF MY BOOKS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN APRIL 2O21 AN I HAVE ALREADY WRITTEN 4 OTHERS BOOKS!!I HAD FEEL THAT I WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO WRITE A BOOK BUT WITH HELP OF GOD I DIDN’T GIVE UP I HAVE MANY MORE BOOKS THAT I NEED TO BE BIRTH SO PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS AN THANK YOU FOR YOU KNOWLEDGE AN INSPIRATION IT TRUELY HELPS ..MAY GOD ALWAY SEASONS YOU AN FAVOR YOU IN ALL THST YOUR LABOR OF HANDS DO FOR JESUS CHRIST I PROPHESY MANY DOORS SHALL OPEN FOR YOU PROPHET DOUG …

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • March 23, 2021
      Reply

      Awesome! That is wonderful! Blessing you!!

    • Tamara Erisman
    • October 23, 2019
    Reply

    Just finished “How to Write a Book Quickly”. The Lord told me to read that book in order to write the one He told me to write. My book is a little harder to start as I’m writing about the journey of the last three years surviving the death of our daughter. I know who my audience is but not sure how to get started on such a personal and difficult subject as grief. Ideas?

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • October 24, 2019
      Reply

      Hey Tamara, I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. I can’t even imagine what you have been through. Doug has a self-guided writing course that could be helpful for you, https://dougaddison.store/product/write-your-book-now/. Praying for you.

    • Willy
    • July 3, 2019
    Reply

    Amen, very clear, simple and practical for everyone to understand.

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • July 9, 2019
      Reply

      Awesome Willy! I am glad you enjoyed it!

    • Marvin Smith
    • June 29, 2019
    Reply

    Hi Doug ,I received a prophetic word that I would write a book.I know that there is one or more in me ,but I don’t know how to get started.

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • July 1, 2019
      Reply

      Bless you Marvin! I hope those tips help you as well as the other resources Doug has!

    • Sensational
    • June 28, 2019
    Reply

    I wrote 4 books and started on the 5th and 6 th.I want to publish them but it’s very expensive.Please share any advice thanks zoeyandlisa@gmail.com

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      Doug put his publishing advice in these two products Write Your Book Now and Write a Book Quickly.
      Either of those resources are a great help for answering questions you might have on publishing.

    • Eloise Greeves
    • June 27, 2019
    Reply

    Hi Doug. Thank you for sharing. I have written and published one book so far, but I know I need to write a book about my life. My biggest problem is I don’t know how to start. Do you have any advice for me.

    • Deborah
    • June 27, 2019
    Reply

    Is this course only for writing your own story? What about children’s books.

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      You can try the mini course for free, so give it a whirl! 🙂

      Doug does not specialize in writing children books but his course is designed to help you write any book :).

    • Michell Greeff
    • June 27, 2019
    Reply

    Hi there, thank you for the article. I’ve been putting it off for too long. My main reason is that I don’t want to shame my husband as the book is about our 6 year, 9 month separation. It’s the journey of fighting for my marriage, so I will be mentioning my mistakes and lessons learnt but also some of his that are necessary to the story. He’s a very private person and I don’t want to dishonor him and remind him of his past sins.. If I write under a pseudonym this challenge is overcome but what if it becomes a ministry and I’m asked to speak at Women’s Events. Please pray for wisdom and courage.

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      Hey Michell! We are unable to give counsel on this topic. Praying for the Lord to show you!

    • Penny
    • June 27, 2019
    Reply

    Bless you for such a wonderful motivation,
    you have inspired me to start without delay.

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      Awesome Penny! Bless you!

    • Jen
    • June 27, 2019
    Reply

    Thank you

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      Bless you Jen!

    • Gloria Murphy
    • June 27, 2019
    Reply

    Thank you for your labor of love. You are a true blessing! God bless you in all your coming and going and everything you put your hand to do for His kingdom. 🙏🏼

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      God bless you Gloria!

    • Michele Hance
    • June 27, 2019
    Reply

    Hi Doug,
    My book is written l, just need a publishing agent.
    Michele

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      Great Michele!

  1. Reply

    Thank you Doug! I’m guilty of almost every single one of these points. I’ll listen to the video and if there are other resources let me know. Thank you for your obedience to our God!

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      I’m glad this was helpful for you! God bless you!

    • Carol Goble
    • June 27, 2019
    Reply

    Thank you!

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • June 28, 2019
      Reply

      God bless you Carol!

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