“If a story is in you,
it has to come out.” 
William Faulkner

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a number of people recently who have written manuscripts, or who plan to write something, and have questions about how to get their work published. I’ve met even more people, however, who have mentioned that they have a desire to write either their life story or a book about some of their life experiences, but who are convinced that they don’t possess the skill to do so. I encourage them all to just write. One cannot edit a blank page. One can, however, put one’s thoughts down on paper. One can, to the best of their ability, provide specific details about some of the unique situations and people they’ve encountered along their life journey. For them, the Nike slogan is perfect: Just do it!

The most challenging stage of any writing endeavor is getting started. Where do we begin? What do we say about ourselves? What do we write about other people? How much detail should we provide to make our story understandable, believable, interesting? These are all valid questions which can be answered later in the writing process. The important thing is to just get started. The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to get written.

I believe that everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has had numerous life experiences which have provided them with unique wisdom and perspective which could be beneficial to others. Sadly, many believe that they lack such experience and perspective on life. They discount their own experiences as being ordinary — too ordinary to write about. Who would want to read my story?

I get it. I felt the same way. When I started blogging on the topic of gratitude back in December 2006, the possibility of publishing my work was not on my radar. Who was I? What did I have to say which might be of interest to others? It’s easy for us to discredit our lives as being ordinary or mundane. 

Everyone has the opportunity to ask themselves a few motivating questions: What are some of the highlights of my life? What are some of the experience through which I’ve learned important life lessons? What unique experiences do I have to share with others? Who are some of the most influential people in my life? How have these experiences and individuals contributed to shaping me into the person I am today? How did these people and experiences affect my life journey? What have I learned along the way which was of value to me and might be of value to others, as well?

We don’t need exceptional writing skills to share our stories. What is needed is determination, courage, and a strong desire to make a positive difference in the lives of other people. Proofreaders and editors, whether they be professional or simply proficient, can help a person put their thoughts, ideas, memories, and perspectives into coherent form. The ease and affordability of self-publishing enables anyone to create a manuscript which might make a significant impact on the life of a reader.

A story is in you. Are you ready to share it?