What's the difference between those who dream of writing a book and those who actually do?

Have you ever been told you should write a book? Well, apparently, something like 81% of people dream about writing one, but only 3% of them actually do. Writing a book is a transformational experience that requires you to dig deep and let go of what you thought your book should be about. In this article, my recent podcast guest, Kim O'Hara, reveals what it takes to make the leap from dreaming to doing.

Kim O'Hara is an experienced and highly sought-after book coach, working with authors to help high achievers write bestselling books. Kim has a unique background, having transitioned from a career in Hollywood movie producing and screenwriting to her current role as a book coach. Her passion for storytelling and characters, plus her empathy has allowed her to excel in this field. Kim is a firm believer that anyone with a story has the potential to write a successful book, and she works with her clients to help them uncover the depths of their story and share it with the world.

According to Kim, these are the steps you need to follow to gain authority, visibility, and credibility:

1. Acknowledge the need for a transformation: Writing a book requires a transformation of your identity.
2. Identify the challenge: Many people don’t understand why they should write a book or what the divide is between those who say they want to write a book and those who actually do.
3. Focus on the benefits: Writing a book can give you visibility, credibility, and authority.
4. Develop a plan: Work with a book coach who can help you strip away all the layers of emotion and uncover the deeper truths of your story.
5. Let go: Let go of what you thought your book should be about and be open to unexpected turns.
6. Take action: Set aside adequate time, either daily or in big writing blocks and put them on your calendar as a non-negotiable.

Let's go deeper into each of the steps

Acknowledging the need for transformation of one's identity

It is a process of discovering oneself, from the depths of one's subconscious and the depths of one's experiences. It is a process of learning to listen, to the words and stories that are buried within each of us. It is a process of letting go of the preconceived notions of what a book should be about, and learning to be open to the journey that comes with writing. It is a process of discovering a new level of magic, one that requires courage and vulnerability. It is a process of finding one's voice and allowing it to be heard in a way that it never has been before. Writing a book is a transformative experience, one that requires a transformation of identity in order to be successful.

Kim shared how she went through the same stages she now takes her clients through when she became a book coach and wrote her own book. When I asked her how she decided to change careers and become a book coach, Kim explained that there was nothing really special about her time in the movie industry, and she was literally pounding the pavement trying to get people to listen to her pitch her scripts. It wasn't until an unexpected job at Trader Joe's that she experienced divine intervention, leading her to a business coaching event, where she was told that she would become a book coach.

After going through a divorce and facing single parenthood with two small children, Kim realized that she needed a shock to her ego. She continued to work at Trader Joe's for six months before she got her first book-coaching client and knew it was time to take her new path seriously. Kim then explains that she had read mostly non-fiction when she was a kid, and the transition from fiction to non-fiction was a fascinating re-do. She had to learn to be a container for the stories of her clients and tap into her empathy and intuition to help them bring their books into the world.

Identify the challenge of writing a transformational book

Many people don’t understand why they should write a book or what the difference is between those who say they want to write a book and those who actually do. To begin to address this challenge, it is important to understand the motivations behind why people want to write a book. When Kim discussed her own transition from filmmaking to book coaching, she mentioned how it was a “divine intervention” and that she needed something to “shock her ego”. This reflects the idea that people may want to write a book as a way to prove their worth and solidify their identity. Additionally, it is important to recognize that many people may not have the knowledge or skills to write a book or the experience of writing beyond sales or academic writing.

Kim also explains that when people feel they have a book in them, they may not realize the depths of the material they have to offer. Writing a book is more than just spewing out ideas, and requires a transformation of identity as the writer must be willing to let go of what they thought the book should be about, and be open to where the words will lead them. It is difficult to tap into the subconscious material, but this is where the real magic lies. Writing a book is about more than just getting a finished product, it is about the journey of discovering the depths of oneself.

Focus on the benefits of visibility, credibility, and authority that writing a book can give you

Identifying the benefits of writing a book is a crucial step in the process of becoming an author. Writing a book can open up many opportunities to help you build your personal brand, as it is a calling card for potential customers and clients. It can also give you a sense of accomplishment and pride, as you have created something tangible that will live on long after you. When trying to identify the benefits of writing a book, it is important to think beyond just the tangible results. Writing a book can also help you grow as a person, as it requires you to dig deep and uncover new aspects of yourself. It can also be an incredibly healing experience, as it allows you to explore your identity and life story in a way that is not possible through any other medium. Writing a book also gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with others, creating a legacy that can potentially last for generations.

Develop a plan by working with a book coach who can help you strip away all the layers of emotion and uncover the deeper truths of your story

The first step in developing a plan to work with a book coach is to identify the goals of the project. Ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by writing a book. Are you looking to raise your profile as a business leader, share your expertise, or tell a personal story? Once you have identified your goals, it's important to find a book coach who is a good fit for your project. You want to work with someone who understands your vision and can help you achieve your goals. This process can be intimidating and uncomfortable, but it is essential for writing a book that resonates with readers. Your book coach can help you to identify and articulate your core message, craft a compelling narrative, and make sure your story is told in an engaging and compelling way.

Finally, it’s important to ensure that you have a plan in place for the process of writing, editing, and publishing your book. Your book coach can help you to create a timeline and set realistic goals, as well as provide guidance on the technical aspects of self-publishing. With the right plan in place and a great book coach by your side, you can write a bestselling book that will captivate your readers and change their lives, as well as yours.

Let go of what you thought your book should be about and be open to the unexpected

Letting go of what you thought your book should be about is a critical step in the process of writing a bestselling book. It can be a scary step, as it requires you to open yourself up to the unexpected and trust the process of writing. It is important to recognize that allowing yourself to let go of what you thought your book should be about is a process of transformation. You must be willing to take a leap of faith, to take a left turn or a right turn, and to recognize that the words will lead you to the next level of magic.

The first step in letting go is to recognize that you must go deeper than the surface level of your story. When writing a book, it is not enough to just have one idea or to produce a quick article. You must be willing to tap into the subconscious material that is hidden in the back of your brain, the material that is often overlooked or blocked by the ‘show and glow’ that goes along with being a public speaker or a podcaster. You must be willing to write the story down and listen to what is really going on in your head. Finally, it is important to recognize that it is okay to take your time and trust your process. It is not necessary to produce 8 hours of gold in one writing session. You may find that it takes 8 hours to write an hour of pure gold, and that is okay.

Set aside adequate time and schedule it

Writing a book requires focus and dedication, and setting aside adequate time can help to ensure that you are not only able to make progress but also that you are able to stay motivated and on track with your project. Depending on what your schedule looks like, it may be helpful to set aside a specific block of time each day that you can dedicate to writing. This could be an hour in the morning, an hour in the evening, or whatever works best for you. Additionally, it may help to set aside a specific day or days of the week to devote entirely to writing, so that you can really focus on the task at hand. You need to discover what works for you and stick with it. Having a dedicated space to write can also be beneficial, as it can help to create an atmosphere conducive to creativity and productivity.

Writing a book is a transformative experience. With the right guidance and a plan in place, you can uncover the depths of your story, capture your readers with a captivating narrative, and make your book a success. With the right mindset and commitment to the process, you can make your book a reality. Don't let fear hold you back; if you have been dreaming of writing a book, why not take the plunge and trust that you can become a bestseller?

Want to listen in on my conversation with Kim O"Hara? Here's a link to the podcast interview: https://bit.ly/3XT1kWQ