What I Learn't from Writing my First Book
Writing is literally everywhere you look!
It is more than an art and has become the world's preferred mode of communication. From our smartphones to instruction manuals to newspapers, your eyes don't need to look far to see some form of writing. With my first book The Authority For Prosperity published, I want to share with you the 9 lessons I learn't from writing it.
1. Write from the heart:
Authenticity stems from your heart. By writing from your heart you are being true to yourself because you are writing in what you believe in. The world respects honesty and originality, mainly because there's not much of it around. Additionally your aim should be to write for the younger version of you; when you never thought you could become an author.
Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart - William Wordsworth
2. Enjoy it:
Enjoying something doesn't mean it's easy. It means you take pleasure in doing it. For me it also means that I appreciate both the good and bad days that I spend writing. The challenge of writing is like no other. The most effective way I enjoyed this challenge is by concentrating on how helpful I want my book to be for anyone who reads it.
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game - Michael Jordan
3. Get it out there:
Zig Ziglar once said "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great". There were times I would struggle to finish off a chapter or a sentence. Most of the time that chapter or sentence couldn't be nit-picked anymore however I felt that it was simply 'not good enough'. Don't worry about not being good enough, as long as you're doing your best - you are good enough.
4. Your words will always be around:
Classics like Think and Grow Rich, How to Win Friends and Influence People and even The Bible have stood the test of time and continue to be devoured by millions. Your book might not have the exact impact but you will be surprised at how many people your words can help. Your physical book may lose it's shape but your words will live forever.
The world is governed by the words people have spoken - Michael Demadema
5. Brace yourself:
Brace yourself for the whirlwind, the painstaking attention to detail and the frustrating times when you can't think of what next to write. I soon understood that it's all apart of the process that every true writer has to go through. For example; a professional basketball player who's recently suffered a major injury acknowledges that he has to brace himself for what's to come. To come back stronger and better than ever he knows that the probable surgery, rehabilitation and workouts are all part of the process. Similarly in your life, if you aim for something noteworthy, you need to brace yourself to go through the process. Once you have navigated through the whirlwinds of adversity, brace yourself for success!
Do whatever it takes to turn the pain into gain - Michael Demadema
6. Pay the price:
The best way to pay the price is to sacrifice. In other words I asked myself; what's standing in the way for me to write my book? The question eventually led me to some the things I had to sacrifice, for instance sleep! However often-times the things we need to overcome are enemies like fear, worry or even a lack of confidence. These evils stop us from doing something today that will make our tomorrows brighter. If you vanquish the worry and fear you will be in a better position to pay the price.
For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience love, self sacrifice - no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service - John Burroughs
7. Give yourself as much time as possible:
Writing a book is a serious endeavour. Yes you should have deadlines and targets but when it comes to writing I learnt that creativity shouldn't have a time limit. Your best effort needs to be performed stress-free. Give yourself the time to grow and learn whilst you are writing. Become strategic with your writing by dedicating as much time as you can, but never underestimate the impact of resting from time to time.
8. Make it memorable:
When people hear you've written a book, its bound to stir up curiosity. However you need to step it up a notch! From the title to the artwork, your book has to be the embodiment of memorability. It needs to pique their thirst for knowledge.
So become controversial for the right intentions. If something has to be written make sure it is. Becoming memorable is about creating something people will want to tell other's about. Do this by asking yourself - "How do I want people to feel?" Personally I want people to feel inspired when they read my book.
Memorability is all about your ability to remain in the memories of others - Michael Demadema
9. There is no better feeling:
A lot of people claim to want to write a book, yet very few actually go through with it. Personally I value my book above my degree because my degree might lose value over time but my words won't. The feeling of becoming an author has empowered me to improve my talent and of course write a second book! Greater things are yet to come!
Final thoughts:
Writing and publishing your own book is as easy as ever. Most of my 8 lessons can be applied to other areas in life.
If you truly feel that your calling in life is to write then I recommend looking at improving your craft and other's lives through writing your very own book, You won't regret it!
Michael Demadema
P.S. Grab yourself a copy of The Authority For Prosperity today!