Why I Have to Love a Story Before I Start to Write

I have to love a story before I can write it.

After all, writing a book is a lot like climbing Denali or Everest. When you’re finished with the grueling task, a myriad of feelings wash over you.

Elation. Exhilaration. Relief. Exhaustion.

What It Takes to Write a Novel

It takes months of intense training for even the most seasoned climbers before they dare tackle climbs like Denali or Everest.

The same goes for writing a novel. Preparation can take days, weeks or even months as you work through the plot, build the world, breathe life to the characters, and pick just the right settings.

Then the real work begins.

Sure, there are days when the sky is clear and everything is almost too easy. But don’t worry, the storms will come. Still, you push through, and overcome what feels like insurmountable odds along the way.

Eventually you make the summit. You finish the book, but there were sacrifices.

There Is Real Sacrifice When You Write a Book

Time with your family. Sleep deprivation. The stress of deadlines. Pleasing your editor. Reviewers. The people who you hope buy the book. Maybe you’ve gained some weight because you’ve ignored exercise and stopped watching what you eat.

We’ve all been there. And that’s why it’s been five years since the release of my last book. I haven’t had a story that I’ve loved enough to face those demons.

Until today.

A Story I Finally Want to Tell

I finally have a story that I want to tell and I thought I’d walk you through my process so you can see how I write book—from the inspiration to the prep to the first draft and beyond. This is a true insider’s look into a professional writer who has absolutely no guarantee that his next book will get picked up by a publisher.

We’re going to learn a lot together.

It’s either going to be an unmitigated disaster or a glorious triumph, but regardless of whether or not this book gets picked up, I’m really going through this exercise to help you realize your dream of writing a book. Or getting published. Or becoming the next international bestselling author.

Let’s Go On This Journey Together

So, what do you think? Want to join me on this journey? Comment below with some of the things that you’d like to talk about when it comes to writing a book.