Writing a book. It sounds so glamorous, even magical.  We’ve seen the movies about authors holed up in a cabin deep in the woods banging out their memoirs on a typewriter. We’ve seen the stories where the writer starts the book at the beginning of the movie and two hours later, their book is published. I guess it happens like that for some people, that’s not been my experience.

I wrote the first words of my first book over three years ago. I was excited and even affirmed my decision to write by calling myself an author. I thought that would give me the encouragement I needed to start my book and finish. I started, I just haven’t finished. I read somewhere (I’m sure while I was procrastinating) that 97% of writers never finish their novels. I guess I’m in good company.

I could tell you every reason I haven’t finished my book yet. Things like; I work and haven’t had time, writing is hard for me so it takes me longer than most people, and let’s not forget COVID-19. (I’m not sure what the pandemic has to do with me not completing my book but it sounds good) The truth is, writing a book is not glamorous or magical and it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s lonely and grueling and I’m sure I’m not the only writer who is just plain old sick of their own words. Writing a book is not that much fun.

But here I am. I’ve got 50,000 words down on paper and the first draft of my manuscript set in Times New Roman 12-point type with 1 inch margins ready to send to my editor for developmental editing. You’d think I’d be feeling really accomplished and close to the finish line, but I have a feeling this is just the beginning. I think this is where the 97% get stuck.

I’m writing today to do something I’ve taught thousands of people to do over the years…go public and get some accountability on board. I WILL be in the 3 %. I WILL complete and publish my book in 2021. I WILL.

I feel stronger already!

I could be one of the 97% and no one would care or even know I had a book I never completed. But I’d know and that would bother me. Over the last few years I’ve attending conferences, read inspiring books and been prompted to journal and a repeat question kept popping up; “What will be your biggest regret if you don’t complete it?” The answer was always “my book.”

I’m not finishing this book to become a New York Times best seller or even to add “author” to my resume. I’m writing this book to share my story and myself with you. I’m writing to tell the story of heartache and healing, rejection and redemption…It’s an epic story, it’s mine and I’m the only one who can tell it. I’m finishing this book because I don’t want to live with regret.

So watch for my book but don’t hold your breath. After all, I’ve got 12 months to make it happen in 2021! I’ll keep you posted as I move through the editing stage. I’m sure I’ll need your accountability during this stage more than ever.

Letha, aspiring published author