3 Ways to HUG Your Book Idea
Book ideas have a way of interrupting the normal routine. It was a usual weekday night. Dinner was eaten. Dishes were cleaned and put away. The kitchen floor was swept. I was on my
couch sitting in quiet. Quiet re-energizes me.
I was not thinking about anything important or specific, but without an invitation, the doorbell in my brain ding-donged. And, of course, I answered; I am curious like that. It was a topic, a phrase. “Hmmm…,” I thought, “That’s interesting.”
Then, the phrase spun out like a spiderweb and caught people, places, and things into its silky threads. All the while, my brain is nodding yes to each presentation. Until there it was: “That would be a great book!”
Then, excitement. “Wow, this will help so many people!” “I gotta write this book!” “Oh, cool! I’m going to be an author!” “I can do workshops and seminars!” “I can mentor and coach people.” “Oh, maybe I can do a workbook with the book, too.”
What a rush! It’s like the growing anticipation and momentum of riding a roller coaster and escalating to the first drop-off … but then we drop off …
Book Idea Blues
Ironically, the thrill of getting on the book publishing roller coaster diminishes, and strangely, we begin resisting the book idea out of stress, doubt, and fear. Some reactions are the following:
- Invoke the “silent treatment” by not thinking about it
- Deny the book idea ever showed up
- Rebuke the book idea
While these reactions are normal, as well as the emotions behind them, they do not get you any closer to writing and publishing your book. I am all too familiar with these responses, and I held my book idea in a four-year hiatus! Thank God for His merciful love, which gave me the comforting HUG I needed to reduce those negative feelings, return back to the excitement, and see the book through His eyes.
Book Idea Breakthroughs
Because God hugged me, I could now HUG my book idea. Here’s 3 ways to embrace your book idea:
H – Have patience with yourself and the book idea. You have not written a book before so refuse to become overwhelmed. Instead reach out for help from a writers’ group or writing coach. Also, give your book idea a break. It is not fully matured yet. The idea will continue to develop into its intended form, but it will not be overnight.
U – Use an idea journal. I discuss recording your ideas in my ebook The Holy Ghost Writing Process. Logging your thoughts about the book idea will help the idea to develop and form. Futhermore, you are less likely to become distressed about writing your book.
G – Glorify God! Thank your heavenly Father for partnering with you to write a book. First Corinthians 3:9 states, “For we are labourers together with God.” You are not alone or by yourself. The Creator of the Universe is with you, and He will teach and guide you.
Hugs always make me feel better. Mmm… I love a good hug! Studies indicate hugs melt away stress, insecurities, and fear and fill us with comfort, confidence, and faith. As God hugs you, grab onto your book idea and give it a good squeeze. You are on amazing ride with the Author of your faith; hold on tight!
Leave a Reply