As I prepare for the launch of my latest book, Write On Purpose: Authoring Your Legacy in the Second Half of Your Life, which will be released next Wednesday, June 19th, on National Writing Day, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought this project to life. The idea for this book began to take shape around the start of the year, inspired by over three decades of coaching and writing experience. Today, I'd like to share the story behind the story, providing a glimpse into the creative process and the intentions behind this work.
The Genesis of Write On Purpose
The concept for Write On Purpose emerged from a desire to compile my extensive coaching experience into a resource specifically tailored for aspiring authors, particularly those in the second half of their lives. Over the past five-plus years, I've had the privilege of working with many individuals who dream of writing and publishing their own books. My goal was to create a guide that would not only provide practical writing advice but also delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of the writing journey while inspiring readers to embark on their own hero's journey toward becoming published authors.
Framing the Journey with Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey
One of the pivotal decisions in writing this book was to frame it within the structure of Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. This framework, which has been used to tell countless stories across different cultures, provides a powerful metaphor for the writing process. The Hero's Journey involves stages such as the Call to Adventure, the Refusal of the Call, Meeting the Mentor, and Crossing the Threshold—each of which parallels the experiences of an aspiring author.
For example, the Call to Adventure in the context of writing might be the initial spark of inspiration or the deep-seated desire to share one's story. The Refusal of the Call represents the self-doubt and fear that often accompany the decision to start writing. Meeting the Mentor involves finding guidance and support, whether through a coach, a writing community, or a trusted friend. And believe me, my fellow authors, I faced each of these legs of the hero journey in the process of writing this book.
The Call to Adventure and Overcoming Resistance
In Write On Purpose, I emphasize the importance of recognizing and answering the Call to Adventure. Many aspiring authors struggle with the Inner Villain—a term I use to describe the self-doubt, fear of failure, and societal expectations that can hold them back. By confronting and overcoming these internal obstacles, writers can embrace their Inner Hero, the part of themselves that dreams of creating and sharing their work.
The Role of Coaching and New Distinctions
Throughout the book, I draw on my experiences as a Write On Purpose Coach to offer practical advice and inspirational insights. One of the most rewarding aspects of writing this book was the opportunity to develop new coaching tools and distinctions, such as the concepts of Legacy-Worthy Author and Legacy-Worthy Books. These distinctions help authors focus on creating works that leave a lasting impact and contribute meaningfully to their legacy. I devote a couple of chapters to this mental mind shift, and once again, found myself inspired by my own coaching distinction.
Personal Growth Through Coaching
As I’ve said, writing this book also facilitated my own growth, both as a writer and as a coach. Developing these new tools and insights not only enhanced my ability to support my clients but also deepened my understanding of the transformative power of writing. The process reinforced my belief that writing with purpose can significantly enrich one's life, providing a sense of fulfillment and a tangible way to share one's wisdom and experiences, and all that can occur before even the first copy of the book is sold. How cool is that?
Inspiring Aspiring Authors to Embark on Their Journey
My vision as a Write On Purpose Coach is to support aspiring authors, especially those in the second half of life (but really authors of any age), in transitioning from aspiring to actual authors. Write On Purpose is designed to guide readers through this hero journey, helping them navigate the challenges of writing and publishing a book that will become part of their legacy. By framing the writing process as a hero's journey, I aim to inspire readers to view their quest to write and publish a book as a significant and transformative adventure. It certainly has been for me. This will have been the 33rd time I’ve enjoyed taking such a journey, each one unique, each one transformative.
Now: The Perfect Time to Start Your Journey
As the release date approaches, I couldn't be more excited to share this labor of love with you. Write On Purpose: Authoring Your Legacy in the Second Half of Your Life is more than just a book; it's an invitation to join a movement of aspiring authors who refuse to be silenced by societal expectations and are determined to leave an indelible mark on the world.
Inside, you'll find strategies to overcome common barriers such as fear of failure and imposter syndrome, techniques to harness your life's stories and turn them into compelling narratives, insights into creating a writing routine that respects your time and pace, exercises to tap into your creative wellspring, and guidance on making your book profoundly impactful and legacy-worthy.
And here's the best part: when you preorder the book before its release on June 19th, you'll not only receive a 50% discount off the retail price, but you'll also unlock exclusive bonuses, including a free eBook and audiobook of my previous work, Life On Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life, and double entry into my Write On Purpose Coaching Giveaway, where you could win one-on-one coaching sessions with me.
So, if you're ready to embark on a transformative journey that will unleash your inner author and empower you to leave a lasting legacy, head over to Amazon and preorder your copy of Write On Purpose: Authoring Your Legacy in the Second Half of Your Life today. Your story matters, and the world is waiting to hear it.
Happy writing, and I can't wait to guide you on your hero's journey to becoming a legacy-worthy author!
Sincerely,
Brad
W. Bradford Swift, YourWrite On Purpose Coach
P.S. You gotta know how much I enjoy hearing from you, my loyal and dedicated readers, so why not take just a moment and click the comment button below. Share with me the idea that you’ve had locked up inside you that could be the seed that could be grown into your own legacy-worthy book. Go on, stretch just a little and share your dream with me.
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