You live in Peru? You must be bilingual.”

Well…sometimes.

It depends on the day. On my mood. On the lighting.

I used to think being bilingual was a finish line I would one day cross. But now I see it as more as a moving target. It’s more like being “happy” or “healthy.”

Are you happy? Are you healthy? How do you answer that in one word?

*

Believe it or not, this is also true re: writing a book.

Many first-time authors go into writing thinking about how good it’ll feel to finish their book.

They imagine holding it in their hands, gushing with joy and achievement.

But then they write. By the end of the first draft, they’ve begun to doubt everything.

“I don’t know if it’s ready yet.” “How do I know when it’s done?” “Should I hire one more dev editor?” “I don’t know…”

Most authors I know don’t feel much sense of “finishing” when they finish a book. (Even after getting a book deal, even after seeing their book on the shelf at Barnes & Noble.)

That’s because there’s no real finish line.

*

I know, this is a terrible pep talk. Not motivating at all.

But I suppose this isn’t meant to be motivational. I’m not trying to get you to write a book; I’m more interested in making an observation that may or may not ring true, either now or later.

If it does, I hope it makes you feel validated and less alone. That’s why a lot of us write, isn’t it?

*

Also, at the end of the day, writing a book DOES result in a finished book – even if that sense of accomplishment doesn’t fill you with joy the way you thought it would.

We often need to be intentional about celebrating our wins.

We need to choose to cultivate a sense of achievement—because it doesn’t always happen on its own.

If we want to cross a finish line…we often have to draw it ourselves.

*

Have you ever experienced this? Whether in writing a book, or any other accomplishment that didn’t feel the way you thought it would?

​If you’re looking for feedback, accountability, guidance, structure, and/or encouragement as you write your book, you may want to work with a book coach.

Or, if you want a book with your name on it but hate actually writing, it sounds like you need a ghostwriter.