The following is my first time sharing a portion of my current work-in-progress book with the working title, Write On Purpose: Authoring Your Legacy in the Second Half of Your Life. While it will appear towards the end of the book, I feel it’s the perfect way to introduce the book that also encapsulates my purpose and intention in writing it. (It’s also my first attempt at podcasting through Substack. Gulp!)
This labor of love is scheduled be released to the world on June 19th, National Writing Day (at least in the U.K. I’m hoping it will catch on in the U. S. as well). It will be available on Amazon for pre-order soon. So, with my Inner Villain screaming in my ear, “Don’t do it! You’re not ready to go public with this,” here goes.
In the world of writing and publishing, the prevailing focus often revolves around the pursuit of bestseller status. Authors are encouraged to chase sales figures, marketing strategies, and profit margins, as if these were the ultimate measures of success. But what if we were to redefine success as an author? What if, instead of striving to be a bestselling author, we set our sights on becoming a legacy-worthy author?
The distinction between these two goals is profound. A bestselling book may enjoy a fleeting moment of popularity, but a legacy-worthy book endures. It transcends trends and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of readers. A legacy-worthy book is not just a product to be sold, but a gift to be shared—a timeless story or message that continues to inspire, challenge, and transform long after its initial publication.
So, what makes a book legacy-worthy? At its core, a legacy-worthy book possesses a set of distinct qualities and attributes. It is written with an authentic voice, one that reflects the author's unique perspective and life experiences. It carries a timeless message or theme that resonates deeply with readers, tapping into the universal human experience. A legacy-worthy book is marked by exceptional craftsmanship in writing, editing, and production, reflecting the author's commitment to creating an enduring work of art.
But perhaps most importantly, a legacy-worthy book has a transformative impact on readers. It challenges assumptions, offers fresh perspectives, and encourages personal growth and transformation. It forges a deep emotional connection, evoking laughter, tears, or powerful "aha" moments that linger long in readers' memories. A legacy-worthy book becomes a touchstone for understanding and discussing the defining ideas and events of an era, leaving a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape.
The pursuit of writing a legacy-worthy book is a noble and transformative journey, one that requires a deep commitment to authenticity, vulnerability, and personal growth. As we explore the qualities that make a book truly enduring, it's important to reflect on the stories that have left an indelible mark on our own lives.
For me, books like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee stand out as legacy-worthy works. These books possess a timeless wisdom and a profound understanding of the human experience that transcends cultural and generational boundaries. They speak to universal truths and emotions, inviting readers to examine their own lives and values through the lens of the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Throughout my own reading life, I've encountered books that embody the qualities of legacy-worthy writing. One such book is The Overstory by Richard Powers. This sweeping, multigenerational novel explores the complex relationship between humans and trees, weaving together multiple storylines and perspectives to create a profound meditation on the interconnectedness of all life. When I first read The Overstory, I was so deeply moved and transformed by its message that I immediately read it again, immersing myself in its lush prose and powerful insights.
Another book that has left an indelible mark on me is Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon. This coming-of-age story, set in the American South of the 1960s, is a masterful blend of mystery, magic, and nostalgia. McCammon's vivid, poetic writing captures the wonder and terror of childhood with such authenticity and emotional resonance that I've returned to this book again and again over the years, each time discovering new layers of meaning and beauty.
So, how can aspiring authors cultivate the mindset and skills necessary to create such impactful works? It begins with a willingness to dive deep within ourselves, to confront our own fears, doubts, and vulnerabilities, and to bring those raw, authentic experiences to the page. When we write from a place of genuine emotion and hard-won insight, we create stories that resonate on a soul level with our readers.
This is where the power of vulnerability comes into play. By sharing our own struggles, failures, and moments of transformation, we give our readers permission to do the same. We create a sense of connection and empathy that goes beyond the surface level of plot and character, forging a bond that can last a lifetime.
As authors, shifting our focus from bestselling to legacy-worthy requires a fundamental change in mindset. It means moving beyond the allure of quick success or external validation and instead focusing on the deeper meaning and impact of our work. It means writing with empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the world. It means embracing the idea of writing as a form of service, offering something of value to readers that can enrich their lives or expand their understanding of the world.
This shift in mindset is not always easy. It requires us to confront our own Inner Villains – the voices of self-doubt, fear, and resistance that can hold us back from truly pouring our hearts and souls into our writing. But by tapping into our Inner Heroes—the voices of courage, compassion, and purpose that inspire us to create something meaningful and enduring—we can rise to the challenge of crafting a legacy-worthy book.
So, how can you overcome your own Inner Villains and harness the power of your Inner Heroes to write a book that will stand the test of time and leave a lasting impact on your readers?
Of course, writing a legacy-worthy book is not without its challenges. Fear and resistance can be constant companions on the journey, whispering doubts in our ears and tempting us to play it safe. In these moments, it's essential to have strategies in place to stay motivated and committed to our vision.
One such strategy is to seek out mentors and writing communities who can offer guidance, support, and accountability along the way. Surrounding ourselves with others who share our passion for meaningful storytelling can provide a source of inspiration and encouragement when the road gets tough.
Another key aspect of writing a legacy-worthy book is understanding our target audience and crafting our message with empathy and intention. We must ask ourselves: Who are the readers who will most benefit from this story? What are their deepest needs, fears, and desires? By writing with our audience in mind, we can ensure that our book reaches the hearts and minds of those who need it most.
It's also important to recognize that writing a legacy-worthy book is not just about the end product, but about the personal growth and transformation that occurs along the way. As we pour our hearts and souls into our writing, we are inevitably changed by the process. We gain new insights, face our own demons, and emerge on the other side with a greater sense of purpose and clarity.
This growth mindset is essential for navigating the practical realities of the publishing industry and the challenges of marketing and promoting our work. While the path of the legacy-worthy author may not be the easiest or most straightforward, it is ultimately the most rewarding.
As authors, we may not know when we set out to write a book whether it will become a bestseller or a legacy-worthy work. But by embracing the intention to create something meaningful and enduring, we open ourselves up to a higher purpose in our writing. We create a bigger game for ourselves, one that challenges us to dig deeper, to be more authentic and vulnerable, to strive for excellence and craftsmanship in every aspect of our work.
So, dear aspiring author, I invite you to embrace the journey of writing a legacy-worthy book with courage, authenticity, and an open heart. Trust in the power of your own unique voice and experiences to create something truly meaningful and enduring.
And remember, the concept of legacy-worthy writing extends beyond just books. Every article, essay, or social media post we create has the potential to touch lives and leave a lasting impact. By approaching all of our writing with the same level of intention, craftsmanship, and heart, we can build a body of work that speaks to the best in ourselves and in our readers.
The path of the legacy-worthy author is not for the faint of heart. It requires a willingness to face our fears, to be vulnerable and authentic, and to persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks. But for those who are willing to embrace the challenge, the rewards are immeasurable.
So, dear reader, I invite you to consider: What kind of author do you want to be? Are you content to chase fleeting success and external validation, or are you ready to embark on the journey of creating a legacy-worthy book? Are you willing to confront your Inner Villains and tap into your Inner Heroes, to write with purpose and meaning, to offer something of enduring value to the world?
The choice is yours. But know this: The path of the legacy-worthy author is not an easy one. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to grow and evolve as a writer and a human being. But it is also a path of profound rewards—the satisfaction of knowing that your words have touched lives, shaped minds, and left a lasting impact on the world.
So, are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? Are you ready to create a book that will stand the test of time and leave a lasting legacy of wisdom, hope, and inspiration?
The blank page awaits, my friend. Let's begin. And I, for one, can't wait to see where it takes you.
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