I’m writing a book about overcoming criticism. With a topic like this, I’m relying mostly on my personal experiences for the content. And what that translates to is about 20,000 words about myself.
Here’s my struggle: How do I proceed writing this book without it becoming an exercise in narcissism? How do I translate my personal experiences to the reader without it becoming a long list of words about myself?
I started into one book today and couldn’t continue. The book was exactly what I didn’t want my book to become. It was paragraphs and paragraphs of me me me me me me me. How exhausting to read!
Obviously this can be done. Authors have successfully written books after books about their personal experience. And I think the difference between theirs and this author is the focus.
The good authors are the ones who translate their experiences to the readers. They tell a story so the reader can relate. It’s less about the author, and more about the reader. That’s what makes a good book—stories that aren’t just about the storyteller.
Guess what. Your story is not about yourself. Everything that happens to you; it’s about something bigger than just you. Your life story was meant first of all to bring glory to God. Secondly, your life story was meant to help others in their own stories.
Do you want your life to be interesting? To be something others want to read about? You can’t just live for yourself. You have to share your life with others. You have to give to them from their perspective.
Your life isn’t just about consuming it on yourself. Give it away.