On a mission to diversify publishing by helping underrepresented voices write, edit, publish, and market your books. 📚 Tap into your creative spirit, let go of perfectionism, and build writing rituals that fit into your busy life. 🌈 Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look into my journey of publishing my bestselling novel and making six-figures as a storyteller.
The #1 reason people don't finish their books (and how to fix it)
|
Hey Reader, I've been in the publishing and storytelling industry for over 20 years, and in that time I've talked with thousands of aspiring authors about the process of trying to write their book. You know what the #1 thing I've seen over and over again that stops people from writing their books? It's not lack of talent. It's not lack of inspiration. It's not even lack of time. The #1 reason people don't finish their books is because they try to do it alone. Does this sound familiar: You get excited about your book idea. You sit down to write. You get a few pages in and think, "Is this any good? Am I doing this right? Should I start over? Maybe that other book idea will sell better? Will my family judge me for this story? Can I even do this?!" I know, I've been down that spiral MANY times. As cheesy as it sounds, it is absolutely true: having values-aligned, supportive, and collaborative friends is the key to success. Without a supportive group of people, I never would have gotten my novel Because Fat Girl written, more or less persevered through publishing to get it into every bookstore and airport in the USA. And the same goes for my nonfiction books Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body and The Writer's Career Guide: How to Build a Sustainable Creative Life on Your Terms. None of my success – professionally or personally – would have been possible without a supportive group of people cheering me on. But more than the ego boost of seeing my book read across the world, the JOY of the creative process is exponentially increased when you try to not do it alone. The Science Behind Camaraderie and Finishing a ProjectAccording to the American Society of Training and Development, you are 65% more likely to complete a goal if you commit to someone. And you are 95% more likely to complete it if you have a specific accountability appointment with a person you've committed to. Want to learn to speak Spanish? You're more likely to do it if you have a friend going to classes with you and practicing together daily. Same goes with writing a book. That's why we have three kinds of camaraderie built into my Write Your Friggin' Book Already® program.Cheerleaders – or Queerleaders as we call them in WYFBA This is the core of our camaraderie group! Our Queerleaders host the writing sessions, check in via text, and make sure you know you're not alone. Fellow members of WYFBA, they know what it's like to be on that journey. Accountability Partners – or your WYFBAES These people don't care what you're writing, they just care that you're sitting your butt in the chair and doing the damn thing. In WYFBA, we have two optional writing sessions each week – on Saturday morning and Monday evening – and a What's App group to support you in writing in between. If we haven't heard from you in awhile, we're going to reach out! This is why writing sprints work so much better than writing alone – there’s energy and commitment in doing it together. Feedback Providers – aka Beta Readers WYFBA comes with beta-reading – a wonderful way to get feedback from your peers on your writing. You new friends can tell you “yes, this is working” or “maybe try this instead.” Not your overly positive friend who thinks everything you write is brilliant, nor your inner critic who thinks everything sucks. It's people who understand writing a book is hard work and can give you honest, helpful guidance. WYFBA isn't just a course – it's a powerfully supportive community.Yes, you get the step-by-step process. Yes, you get the coaching calls and the resources. But what actually gets your book finished is showing up to writing sprints with people who are cheering you on, having other writers to text when you're stuck, and being part of something bigger than just you and your blank page. The magic isn't in the writing. The magic is in not writing alone.If you've tried to write a book before and didn't finish, it wasn't because you're not cut out for it. You absolutely can write a book! You were just missing the most important ingredient: community. Want to learn more about the WYFBA Community, check out all of our testimonials – including videos – here. Ready to find your writing besties?Join a diverse group of supportive writers who will happily cheer you on as you Write Your Friggin' Book Already®! Our annual enrollment closes August 22, but if you join before July 1 you ge the early-bird special of a free one-on-one coaching call with me!
Whether you join WYFBA or not, I hope this email encourages you to go out and find a group of fun people to help hold you accountable to your writing goals. Because the world needs your story now more than ever.™ With excitement to see you in WYFBA! Lauren P.S. I'm here to answer any questions you have about the program, the community, or the writing process. Just hit reply and we can hop on a call! Don't want to write a book? Click here and I won't send you any more promotional emails for WYFBA in 2025. Don't want to get any more emails about Write Your Friggin' Book Already®? Click here and I won't send you another one for a year. |
School for Writers®
On a mission to diversify publishing by helping underrepresented voices write, edit, publish, and market your books. 📚 Tap into your creative spirit, let go of perfectionism, and build writing rituals that fit into your busy life. 🌈 Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look into my journey of publishing my bestselling novel and making six-figures as a storyteller.
Hey Reader, There are only 2 weeks left to enroll in Write Your Friggin' Book Already®! So if you've been on the fence about joining, now is the time! I think a lot about today's topic: Why so many people start writing books but so few actually finish them. I've been helping people write books for over 20 years, and I can tell you it's not what most people think. It's not lack of talent. It's not lack of time. It's not even lack of good ideas. The real reason most people don't finish their...
Hey Reader, Let’s talk about something some of my writing colleagues find controversial: You can start making money from your book before it’s even published. This is controversial for two reasons: Some people believe you’re supposed to write for the love of it, not for money. And yes, passion matters. But you know what also matters? Being able to pay your bills while you pursue your creative dreams. It can distract you from finishing the actual book. But with a coaching program like Write...
Hey Reader, There are literally thousands of writing coaches and programs out there – how do you know which one is right for you? In my 20+ years as a professional writer, I've been through dozens of writing programs – including a bachelors in screenwriting – but never found the one that worked right for me. That's why I built Write Your Friggin' Book Already® to be centered around what I needed: Collaboration over competition Diverse and supportive community with inclusive values Coaching,...