Book Coach - a new title

“Did you really need yet another title on your resume?”

If you’ve read my About page, you know that my top Clifton Strength is Learner. So, of course, I needed another course ;-). No, just kidding—though, it looks pretty on my CV that was not the reason at all.

New dream to chase

I turned 50 last year. Not that I’m particurlarly upset about getting older (the alternative is worse, after all), but approaching that corner made me consider what I want from life.

I’ve had several dreams over the years: becoming a scientist, earning a PhD, helping patients as part of a fantastic research group, being part of the leadership of said group—and they have all come true.

Another dream was being writing a book and getting published.

I love having “colleagues”

Creativity as a stress reliever

First and foremost, I love the creativity of writing. It's a thrill to conjure entire worlds, populate them with complex characters, and weave intricate plots that keep readers turning pages. It's like being a master puppeteer, orchestrating a grand performance where every word counts and every clue matters.

Legacy

I also write because I want to leave something behind.

I’m a big fan of the podcast “The Creative Penn.” This podcast is all about self-publishing, and Joanna Penn (the podcaster) is so inspiring. She has a quote that really speaks to me: “I measure my life by what I create.” I completely stand by that. Each book I write is a piece of myself that I leave behind. My novels will hopefully still be here long after I’m gone, waiting to be discovered by new generations of readers. It's a humbling and inspiring thought that keeps me typing away, even on the toughest days.

Making a difference

Through my stories, I can explore complex themes, illuminate chosen issues, and perhaps even change a reader's perspective. Novels aren't just whodunits, fantasy tales, or rom-coms; they're a lens through which we can examine the human condition, challenge assumptions, and inspire empathy. I like this quote by Epictetus (Greek Stoic philosopher): "Books are the training weights of the mind." Reading is my favorite kind of training!

Love of storytelling

Of course, it's not all lofty goals and deep meanings. I write because I'm utterly in love with the storytelling process. There's magic in watching a narrative unfold, in experiencing those moments when characters take on lives of their own and the plot twists in unexpected ways. It's a journey of discovery.

Words are my jam

Then there's the simple fact that words are my jam. I relish the challenge of finding the perfect phrase, of crafting sentences that sing and paragraphs that resonate. Language is a playground, and as a writer, I get to swing on the monkey bars of metaphor and slide down the alliteration slide daily.

Entertainment

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I write to entertain. There's no greater joy than knowing that my words have provided an escape, a thrill, or a moment of pure enjoyment for someone else.

So there you have it—the reasons behind my writing addiction. It's a complex cocktail of creativity, legacy, impact, storytelling passion, word-love, and the desire to entertain. These threads bind me to my craft, push me through writer's block, and propel me toward that satisfying moment when I type "The End."

What drives you in your pursuits? I'd love to hear your thoughts. After all, every life is a mystery waiting to be written, and we're all authors of our own stories.

Book coaching

Help storytellers write their book.

(Photography: Mac computer with a notebook on top).