The Struggle of Authors
81%. Maybe you’ve heard this statistic before referenced on thousands of other websites that declare this very specific number. In an article published in 2002, The New York Times referenced a 2002 study. It claims that 81% of people want to write a book, and expresses that one should keep their dream book within them.
Regardless, this opinion piece is truly deflating for new authors who are already facing an uphill battle. What’s interesting is that this is a suggestion based off an author who, at the time, had 14 published works, and one upcoming publication. Instead of using their platform to encourage creative spirits, they instead seem determined to wallow in their struggles, highlighting the difficulties, suggesting that others avoid such a ‘time-consuming mistake.’
Thankfully, this hasn’t prevented thousands of new authors from emerging with their fantastic stories, thus proving that this classic opinion piece is just that - an opinion.
Writing a book is an ambition that many of us share. It goes without saying that from brain to paper, writing can seem mountainous. From concept to draft to the multiple rounds of edits, it can feel very much like an uphill battle. Then, when you consider external elements of self-doubt, criticism, publicity, marketing, people can begin to wonder if the work is even worth all the trouble.
The simple answer is yes. If you have an aptitude for words, if you have a story that’s screaming inside of you, if you’re interested in becoming an author, or if you have value to add to the bookish-verse, even if you can only identify with one of these reasons, then absolutely you should pursue this!
Truth is that in every endeavor, in every decision and every indecision, in everything you do, there is risk. If you let doubt encroach on your aspirations, then you’re not honouring a large part of yourself that craves that fulfillment.
When you push through the doubt and fears and accomplish your goals, the results feel magical. You’re telling the world that despite all the reasons why-not, you stood your ground, asserted yourself, and gave it all the reasons why you should. It’s a huge accomplishment! And that first feeling when you receive your book in its physical form, knowing that your voice is a permanent fixture in the world - it’s a validation like no other.
You deserve to have your voice heard. You deserve to have your story told. Yes, it will take hard work to get there, as with anything worthwhile. The point is - don’t allow external pressures or negativity influence your choices or motivations. In a world that offers you a thousand reasons why-not, you must find your own path and remind yourself the reasons why.
Why? Because you want to. Because you have a story that deserves to be honoured. Because the amount of support and positivity you receive vastly outweighs any potential negativity. Because you enjoy reading or writing and want to do something that reflects your interests or skills. Because you’re a human being who deserves to do something you’re passionate about.