At the close of 2014, I was so happy to hear the news that three of my friends had completed their books. Also, I was honored to have been involved in their writing processes. Each completed their book writing goal in their own unique manner. Friend A finished her book within one year by adhering to writing deadlines and holding herself accountable to a team of close friends. Friend B finished her book within two years by submitting herself to several rewrites. Friend C also finished her book within two years by welcoming professional and personal feedback and shutting off distractions.
Witnessing their progressive determination to reach their writing goal rose questions within myself: Is all of this really worth it? Is writing a book the best use of my talent? However, each announcement of “I finished my book!” confirmed within myself that “Yes, writing a book is worth it.” It is especially worth it when you know firsthand that the book will change lives for the better.
Watching my friends’ progress also showed me that persistence is as unique as snowflakes. Each friend, now author, got to her writing goal in her own way. In looking at my past writing goals, I noticed that I usually observe another author’s goals and structure and try to fit myself into the same mold. Clearly, that has not worked for me. There is nothing wrong with adopting a method or tactic, but it is probably best to assess my own personality and work ethic and maximize techniques to my own taste. Like my friends did.