The book inside you (and the 4 F’s!)

What’s the reason you want to write it? [The Writer’ s Life]( December 23, 2022 "Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way." – Ray Bradbury Hi {NAME}, I once asked AWAI writers if they wanted to write a book … and if so, why … My assumption was money. After all, that's why most writers come to AWAI in the first place. So, I also assumed the conversation would simply move to the copywriting opportunity … and the 75+ ways they could make great money with it. But while money was part of the reason for many, it wasn't the only one. What about you, {NAME}? Is there a book inside you? There's definitely one (or five) in me … So today, Barefoot Writer Managing Editor, Mindy McHorse, takes a deeper look at four reasons why you might want to write a book. By understanding your motivation and ultimate goal, you'll take a big step toward getting that book underway. It's a goal many of our members have in common. There's a book inside of them … and they want to get it out! If that's you, we've asked award-winning novelist Donna Baier Stein to help out … She's created a comprehensive step-by-step program for AWAI to help you get your first-ever story, novel, or memoir written. It has everything you need to know — from where to get ideas … to editing your story … even getting it published. [And today, you get to grab it at a massive discount here.]( AND to motivate you to get it done once and for all in 2023 … When you're done writing your book, let us know. We'll celebrate your success by plugging it to over 250,000 AWAI members! Now all you need to do is write the book … So, let's take that first step, shall we? Over to you, Mindy! To your success, [Rebecca Matter’ s signature] Rebecca --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi there — Mindy McHorse, here! 👋 If you and I and all the other readers of this newsletter were sitting in a room together, and I asked, "How many of you want to write a book?" Tens of thousands of hands would shoot up — mine included. Because writing a book is like the holy grail of life as a writer. It's what writers do. It's what most non-book-writing writers aspire to do. Right? But have you ever stopped to consider why you want to write a book? It's an important question … Because if you take the time to articulate your reason for achieving a big goal, you're much more likely to succeed at that goal. It also puts distance between goals you feel obligated to achieve versus goals you're deeply driven to achieve. That's why I want to share the four most common reasons writers write books. Use this list to pinpoint your own driving reason for writing your book. Because once you've defined it, your reason why will serve as powerful motivation to help you follow through on your goal. Here they are — the "4-Fs" behind wanting to write a book: Reason #1: FAME Life as an author means instant recognition, both from the writing and reading community. Depending on how your book does, it could mean recognition from the world at large. It's the ultimate approach to building clout as a creative person. It's also an established way to let others know you can take on something big and follow it through. It elevates you from average to expert and from ordinary to exceptional. Above all, it offers instant proof of your ability to write — even if you're talking to someone who's never read your book. Just imagine being on the receiving end of this conversation … "Oh, you write for a living? Have you written any books? Really? Wow. Impressive … " Reason #2: FORTUNE Not everyone who writes a book will get rich … but a lot of people who write books make money. And if you're skilled as a persuasive writer and know the basics of copywriting, you can really elevate your earnings. So it's worth acknowledging that books can pay the bills. Writing a book can bring you a passive income stream. It can make it possible to leave your full-time job, pad your retirement account, or save up for something big. And that's important. After all, money buys freedom. A steady income can help you take control of your life. It's a way to purchase your independence. Reason #3: FAMILY Maybe your ultimate goal as an author is to build a legacy. Maybe you want your story to live on long after you've left this earth, or you want people you love to have something to remember you by. Perhaps you want to write a book with someone close to you, so you create a memory together. Or do you want to leave those memories to be tended by future generations of your family? And whether you want to tell your own story … share the captivating tales of your ancestors … or simply spread a message dear to your heart … The overarching goal is to mentor, impact others, and give your life a sense of completion. After all, nobody else on this earth will ever experience the life stories you've experienced, which makes your message captivatingly unique. Reason #4: FIRE If stories constantly play out in your head … If voices hash out a conversation in the background of your thoughts … If you want to provoke a certain feeling in others, be it inspiration or thrills or appreciation or resolution … If you tremble with the thrill of creating new worlds … If you'd like to change the current world through the art of your words … And if you feel empty at the thought of not writing a book … Then you, my friend, are fueled by fire. It's this fire that compels you to write a book, to the point where you must write a book for your own peace of mind. It ties you to craving that elusive sense of accomplishment as a published author, knowing you've helped others in some way through the power of your words, and that you've entertained, or made somebody laugh, or helped the world grow smarter or safer or healthier or happier thanks to what you put on the page. Which Is It for You? Given those four motivations … which is your driving reason for writing a book? Or is it a combination of the four? Or even all of them? Read through this list a couple of times till you really feel clear on your big reason why. Just make sure it's your reason for writing your book, not the reasons someone else thinks you should do it. And remember, being clear with your goals is the only way to reach them. In this case, it's one of the most important steps forward in your journey to life as a wildly successful and satisfied author. So why DO you want to write a book? Legacy? Money? Something else? [Please share your writing dreams in the comments here.]( No judgments … just a push forward. To your success, Mindy Editor's Note: If there's a book in you, we'd like to help you write and publish it. [Click here to learn more.]( Last Chance: Free Access to AMAZING Perks Through Writing Discover how to get everything for FREE, from weekend getaways to five-star meals to home improvement … Using ONLY your writing skills! The benefits that come with this kind of writing are limitless. You'll learn why this is and how to get these bonuses yourself in our special report, 130 Amazing Perks and Freebies for Barefoot Writers — yours FREE when you subscribe to Barefoot Writer. (Hurry — discount expires tonight!) [Save Now — Click Before Midnight]( What's Hot at AWAI … 😄 FLASH SALE: [Write Your First Novel or Memoir Now program for just $$497 $97!]( 🤔 What are some benefits of being a solopreneur? [Watch this to find out!]( 😬 [How to face your insecurities as a writer.]( 🤩 [Car restorer shifts gears, and boosts personal happiness through copywriting.]( So close to full time! [Social media post about almost becoming a full-time copywriter] Ben, you clearly have been doing the work and putting your skills into action. Congratulations on your success. Keep us posted when you go FULL full time so we can celebrate with you!! Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! TODAY! Get all this for $1 … [PWA Product Spread] The Professional Writers' Alliance (PWA) takes the stress out of running your writing business. With ready-to-use business forms, templates, and checklists … VIP job board access … networking opportunities … and a mountain of tips, tactics, and "been there, done that" advice from working freelance writers … You'll minimize the "unbillable" hours you spend working on your business and maximize your time writing — and getting paid. 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