By BookBaby author Janna Lopez

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

As a writer, book coach, and Writing retreat leader, I’ve heard every form of resistance bubble to the surface: There’s never enough time, I don’t know where to begin, what I’m writing has no value, I’m not really a “writer,” no one will care, the effort isn’t worth it…

They may use different words, but the sentiment is the same: I’ll finish that book later.

These sentiments break my heart. Why? Because I believe in the power of people’s stories. I believe that Self-expression, through writing, is one of the most important gifts you can give your Self. I believe that finishing a book is one of life’s greatest achievements. Yet, for every hundred people who have that dream, approximately four will actually achieve it.

Find your “why”

While I’m happy for the four who will know the glorious feeling of fulfilling that dream, 96 will allow their words — and ultimately their unique wisdom and insights — to literally or metaphorically die with them. What if Dr. Seuss felt he had no time? What if Stephen King believed that he wasn’t really a writer?

I’m not using them as examples because their books sold millions of copies, but rather because of the impact they, and their expressions, have made upon humanity. They’ve made a difference in the world just by being who they are and the distinct ways their imaginations were set free.

My work as a book coach is less about telling people what to do and more about helping people unravel and unlearn frozen beliefs about writing, helping them release what keeps them stuck, and guiding them towards clarity about their purpose for writing in the first place. I call this their “why.”

This is your moment!

Here are six reasons why now is your moment, not later, and why knowing them can help get you to finish your book or whatever writing project you’re hung up on.

1. We’re human

We always think we’ll have more time. Being human, it’s inevitable that we don’t. I was working with a friend who had great interest in sharing her life story with her three kids. She struggled with various illnesses and had guilt over the way her life turned out. When she was capable of showing up for our scheduled sessions, her writing was brilliant. She’d made grand progress.

One day, this past August, I got the call. Robin had died. I can’t begin to explain the sense of loss I felt on so many levels. Of course, I miss my friend. I’m also devastated that, although we had started to make it happen, she was unable to fulfill her dream and finish her book. Her words, her stories for her kids, have literally died with her.

I have so many people who tell me how important it is that they share their words as a legacy, for their children or grandchildren. Apologies for the bluntness, but all I can say is that today is your now — “later” could be “never.”

2. Momentum can get you to the finish line

The more time passes, the harder it is to come back to the process, story momentum, and connection to your written work. I hear this one all the time, too. People started a book five or ten years ago. They truly want to come back around to finishing it, which is a worthy pursuit, but a lot of time has passed.

It’s a struggle to put ourselves back into the mindset or headspace we were in a decade ago. It’s like asking us to fit into high schools’ size-six jeans after we’ve had a few kids, gained and lost a few pounds, and inhabit a new body. It’s an unrealistic expectation to ask ourselves to be who we once were.

I’m not saying that old work can’t be revisited and completed. Of course it can — it just can be a lot harder, and the harder it is, the less likely we are to stick with it. When it comes to writing, creative momentum offers threads of contextual and conceptual continuity. We remain connected to the meaning and texture of words.

3. Self-judgment’s a bitch

Procrastination yields self-judgement and doubt. The passage of time lets negative talk fester, which hinders and is no inspiration for writing. Related to point two, the longer we flounder, the longer we will flounder. The more we say we want to write, and the less we write, the less we want to write. All that space, distance and time become a vacuum for thoughts related to self-doubt and judgement.

For myriad reasons, most people I work with have an easier time berating themselves than they do praising themselves. The biggest criticism I hear? “I should be writing; I haven’t written in days/weeks/years…”

4. Writing can be liberating

The writing process doesn’t get easier or materially change when we shovel it away into some random projected time in the future. Whatever content, concept, or context elements that are being grappled with, or that have you snagged, will remain.

Figure out what you need to figure out now, so you can move on. Get to writing! Writing doesn’t have to mean suffering. Writing can be liberating and eminently enjoyable, and it can endow an empowered sense of Self beyond what you’ve imagined. Get to the core of your internal traps now. Set them free.

5. Your creative energy needs a home

It’s likely the idea of writing or finishing a book gnaws at you. My clients share how much mental space and energy the thought of writing a book takes. All those spinning mind-wheels could be transmuted by actually doing it, and that energy of wonder and worry that fills the mental cavern could be reallocated to other creative areas and explorations.

6. You deserve to be heard

Many people put themselves last. We all have busy lives, obligations, responsibilities, emergencies, crises, and things we have to manage. That’s life, and life will not stop moving forward. How are you truly going to be with the circumstances of your life, the schedule of your life? How are you going to squeak in a few minutes or few hours to take care of you, in this way?

You and your creativity are worth seeing through. Your vision, expression, and creativity deserve your time and attention now, not later. You have wisdom. You have a unique point of view, an individual expression that belongs only to you. Let the progress or completion of your book be the ultimate declaration of Self-love and Self-designation. You deserve creative freedom. You are worth you NOW. Your life, and your fleeting time, are your now.

Related Posts
It’s Time To Unlearn What You Know About The Writing Process
Procrastination and Writing: Four Snares That Stop the Flow
How to Write a Book (and avoid distractions)
Build Creative Momentum By Setting Micro-Goals For Your Writing
Writing as Invitation, Not Expectation

This BookBaby blog article If Not Now, When? 6 Reasons to Finish Your Book Now. appeared first on and was stolen from BookBaby Blog .