Why fictional self-development?

I'm in the process of shaping up my second book, fitting in the fictional self-development genre (just like the first one ??).

While my fingertips are crying their misery due to the speed of me typing my ideas (just to make sure I don't lose any important detail), one thought popped into my mind and won't let me rest. Thus, I had to step back from my story for a short while and write this article.

I'm not sure what's the percentage of authors that chose this genre, however this one seems to fit my style the best. Is it new? For sure it is not (see Paulo Coelho's & the early 1900s Hermann Hesse's work, to mention just a few). What I know for a fact is that one of Hermann Hesse's books ("Siddhartha") was actually the trigger of my writing adventure. And I also know this: whenever I let my mind wander freely in the world of magic, that's the type of stories I come up with.

Many people might immediately think of science-fiction at hearing the "f" word ("fiction"). I admit - I've been guilty of that myself before I had my first book published (which, guess what, was a fiction story. Without the "science" word). Today, when I see the word "fiction", my first thought goes to a story that unveils facts that are not real, but could be inspired by reality; it has made-up names and the scenario can be real, but these names cover the actual facts (to protect someone); it has hidden lessons, put in such a way so that the audience gets immersed into the story and overlook the teachings; or, on the flip side, the reader might love a line, a phrase, a paragraph, a chapter or the entire book so much that they start considering those lessons and look within. And that wouldn't make me happier, as the latter is actually what my writing revolves around.

What's the use of fictional self-development stories?

Well, if you're still wondering about this after reading the previous paragraph, let me bring some clarity.

1. Some people love fiction genre. Period.

They don't actually care what the story is about, but they love the fact that nothing is real, from beginning to end.

That is one of the strongest reasons why, in my eyes, self-development writers should also look at adding fiction to their style.

2. Some people love self-development genre only

And they would barely lift their eyes up from a book to look at some other genre.

Eh, this might be a bit tricky, as these people are truth seekers. Nonetheless, the point you need to stress out when talking about your fictional self-development book should be the lessons they can learn from your write-up. You'll be amazed!

3. Some people love both genres

Jackpot!

There may not be so many (yet), however the ones who are the fans of both will definitely adore a book that makes these 2 parallel worlds meet in the same point.

What can I say? This gives me wings to keep on doing my thing.

If you ask me, the people in the last category are truth seekers with creative minds. Which means that, most of the time, they have hard times obeying some rules they don't agree with. Which leads to the sweet spot of it all - they can escape the real world for as long as the book lasts, while still getting some valuable life lessons delivered.

Tell me, isn't this simply amazing?

Yours truly fits (if labels would ever be accepted by her mind) in the last category.

Box?

Come on, let's not stretch the rope so much! ??

OK, going back to being serious (damn, that's hard!) this article outlines - in fact - a few reasons why the "fiction" + "self-development" combo will gain traction in the near future. I just know it. You may not take my words for granted, it's OK to wait any see. My second book is coming out soon (check out #7padlocks series). ??

Why should people consider (writing) this genre?

Here are a few of my reasons:

1. You will not find yourself bound to all the studies that show up each day, after several years of research

Your personal experience is enough. And if you are a genuine truth seeker, that experience will fill tons of cups.

Did I say cups?

No, I meant trucks.

And, from a writer's perspective, that equals to many more pages than you might have ever imagined.

2. You don't need a degree

OK, this doesn't mean that if you have one or several degrees this genre is not for you. It is. If you can also write in an appealing manner, then you've got yourself a winning ticket. However, life experience is the one that speaks volumes to any seeker. Ask any of them and you'll understand what I mean.

3. The tone and style of writing are completely up to you

Yes!!! Party time! ??

Your mind is allowed to come up with weird word associations (e.g. metaphors no-one heard of before), unusual characters, names or situations, any colors' combination... You got the point.

4. The story may be real, but who will ever know (except the author)?

I have a book in my drawer since about 2 years. It is still patiently waiting for a closure and to see the light of a printing centre (or just get born in e-book format). That story is real, but no-one will know unless I mention that, somewhere in the book. Or outside of it.

Oh, wait! I might have done that by the ending pages of the story. Did I? ?? I need to double check.

5. The lessons characters pass along to the reader may also be real or may be created by a rebel mind

Some readers will make the difference. However, the journey of self-development has unique types of impact on each individual, thus there is plenty of room for research and improvement here. Under all aspects.

Which takes me to the text paragraph.

Other readers will try to find an explanation to what they read. And, who knows, you - the writer - may actually become a trend-setter. Do you know that we store loads of information in the back of our minds, which we may never uncover until a trigger shows up? I'm sure you've come across this along your existence, at least once.

6. No-one understands it better than you do

But your pen will be the tool to shape everything your way. I mean, yeah, I already said that in the previous points, but this is where you understand why.

You experience something and, in time, that fact will shape you into who you become. However, most of the times, we overlook the power we have over a certain situation and we throw it somewhere, deeply hidden from the rest of the world. Even from ourselves, sometimes. Most people do this, before they find self-development. Nonetheless, some of them keep on doing the same even years after practicing all those techniques that help. Regardless, the most inexpensive tool will always be this - writing down your thoughts.

Why?

Because it gives you that chance to really know yourself. Learning information but not internalizing it is like picking up strawberries and just gazing at them, without tasting or smelling them. On the other hand, sharing your experience with someone else might help a person going through the exact same happening but not having a voice or the courage to admit it to themselves.

If you want to transfer everything you learned in a different manner, without appearing as giving unsolicited advice, write a fictional self-development book. The lines you create for your characters will remain stuck to the retinas of some readers. That's one proven fact, on my own skin.

Go back to the first part of this article and you will now get a better understanding of it all.

7. You may find a prolific writer within yourself

Nope, I'm not kissing your bottom (trust me, it's never been my style - ask anyone who knows me for a while now ??). I'm just talking about another thing I experienced myself. If I never started writing, I would have never known what talent was stuck in chains within my veins.

Of course, different people have different styles, but you will find yours, eventually. And if fictional self-development is for you, than just go for it. I'm here to cheer you up on the way!

8. People are looking for uplifting material, every day more

In the last two years of my constant interaction on LinkedIn, this is a clearly visible "trend" and can be found everywhere you turn your head. Also, off-line interactions (a.k.a real life) have given me plenty of reasons to make my statement. From CEOs to students or to people without a chance to continue their studies, we all want to find a pillar for our lives. And for some people, such a fictional self-development book may become the pillar they were seeking, as its impact might be crucial. You never know who might come across your writing and for what reasons.

9. You can inspire people to take action, if you offer clear reasons and if you love what you do

You, the one reading this, might have never thought about writing down your life experience. Not once in your existence, until today. Irrespective of that, as per points 4-6 above, fiction gives you the real chance to experiment. Or to simply recount your story, without anyone knowing if it's yours or a completely fabricated one. So, here you go, your ticket to the freedom train is here.

Moreover, by you doing so, on the way you will find people who will feel empowered by your action. By your courage. And they might desire to try it themselves.

10. There's nothing better than an explosive combination which knows no limitations

It's your mind, your life, your book. Everything is YOUR creation. And you get the opportunity to leave a significant legacy behind. If you enjoy the process of creating the first book, there's a real chance for you to get addicted. Believe me, this is the most beneficial addiction I ever learned about (and experienced myself). But that's not just me. There will be a large number of writers to agree to my statement. Because it heals wounds you never knew you carried with you. Or you knew, but you were never aware of their depth. ??

Drawing the line

Just think about this for a second: the fashion the information is brought to all of us in always matters. And, from several points of view, the merge of fiction and self-development genres makes everything easier to grasp. Doesn't it?

So, take off your pen and write. Let yourself carried away by the tide. I promise you won't regret it, regardless of what you come up with; irrespective of your decision of publishing it or not.

Nonetheless, if you decide to publish what you write, make sure to let me know of your adventure, so that I can support you on the way. You might need some help - here and there - and I'd be happy to do that for you. ?

May fiction meet self-development more often!

I would love to learn your opinion. Both from a writer's and a reader's standpoint. Writers grow through feedback, right? But guess what? On a human level it's just the same. ?

In any way, before you make your next move, remember this:

Smile at life and life will smile right back at you! ??

Much love,

A.

??? ??

*****

About the author:

Andrada Anitei is a passionate writer & editor, using self-development as cornerstone for everything she does. She started her writing adventure as a manner of coping with life and healing older wounds and she fell in love with this craft.

She has been blessed with an extraordinary passion, curiosity, eagerness to understand, fast learning abilities and interest in various areas, active listening skills and lots of love for people. She believes in the beauty of souls, despite nowadays trends. In fact, she embraces the "weirdo" within, while giving her inner child full permission to play.

Being a stubborn believer in beauty and magic, she has looked for and learned plenty of life stories in 2018, as she interviewed over 50 people in 6 months (you can find all the interviews by browsing through articles here on Linkedin) and she is carrying on this adventure via her podcast show called Impact By Choice, which can be listened to here.

Her first book "The Man, the Moon and the Casquette" can be found on Amazon, both as e-book and in paperback format.

#7Padlocks - the book - is planned to be out by the end of 2019.