Writing a book is a huge undertaking. I liken the process to through hiking the Appalachian Trail. Every year, about 4,000 hikers start in Springer Mountain, Georgia, or Mount Katahdin in Maine. The goal is to hike the 2,190 miles before dangerous winter weather strikes. The entire process can cost over $7,000 and take several months. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy estimates that only 1 of every 5 hikers actually completes the journey each year.
Did you know that only 3% of people who set out to write books actually finish the process? Like the Appalachian Trail, the writing wilderness can torment us with all kinds of obstacles.
- Imposter syndrome
- Excessive self-editing
- Lack of support
- Backburner mentality (leaving something important to you to the end of the exhausting day, thus never getting to it)
- Lack of direction or guidance/mentorship
- Fear of legal issues
- Fear of judgement/anger from family or friends
- Lack of clarity
- Confusion and overwhelm regarding the publishing industry
- Writer's block (a myth, in this girl's opinion)
Now, let's compare the two. Wouldn't you rather have the issues above verses blisters, broken bones, frostbite, hunger, lightning, falling trees, copperheads, spiders, cliffs, shelter mates with body odor, worn-out shoes, bug bites, ... need I continue?
All this is to say that if 20% of AT through hikers can make it, so can you!
If you HAVE finished a book, CONGRATULATIONS! Tell me what you love most about being an author. I will use your comment to not only promote you but also to encourage the 97% who want to be where you are.
Sometimes, we just need a little trail magic. For an AT hiker, that may be a soft drink and a bag of potato chips. For a writer, that may be encouragement from someone farther up the trail. If you haven't finished a book, let me know what's holding you back so I can help you. Schedule a "Next Steps" call with me by replying to this email or click this link: Schedule a Next Steps Call with Jody. Then make a list of questions, and let's get you moving up that trail!
xoxoxoxo
In this photo, I'm standing in the "blue smoke" of the Great Smoky Mountains on Rich Mountain Loop Trail. My friend Sally took the photo. She packs gourmet snacks and is a wonderfully encouraging hiking buddy. The Crippled Beagle Publishing team is excited and thankful to help you, no matter where you are on the path today. Schedule a Next Steps Call with Jody.
