This post is part of the Story Quest series on how to take your book idea and transform it into your first rough draft. If you missed post one on Mind-Mapping, don’t forget to check it out.

Has someone ever asked you,

“Why do you want to write a book?”

This question may be easy for you to answer and it may not. 

The answers vary for each individual. Some have had a story burning in their hearts for years and they’re finally giving themselves permission to pursue it.

Others find themselves led from an early age to the art of story craft. 

Some people have no idea, but it sounds fun.

Any of this sound like you?

While you may have an answer ready, I want you to think about this question in some new ways. When we rephrase it differently, your answers may change, helping you to discover the deeper meaning as to why you want to write a book.

The first question I want you to ask yourself is:

What is it about that story that makes you want to write it? 

What parts excite you? What scenes or scenarios have been on your mind?

The second question you should ask:

Is it a story worth telling? 

Have you asked people if they would like to hear a story about xyz? Does the story teach something? Is it uplifting? What about your story idea is worth sharing?

The final question I want you to ask:

Is it worthy of your time?

Novels take months to write, edit, and publish. Is this idea worthy enough of your time to sit down and write, and edit for that amount of time? Really dig deep and ask yourself, “Am I committed to this idea?”

If the answer is no, you might need to rethink your story idea, or whether this season of life will allow you to pursue this dream of writing a book. 

If your answer is “yes!” to the above questions, you are well on your way to developing your WHY for writing a book.

You may ask, “Why do I need to have a why for writing a book? I just want to!” 

However, in order to finish your book, your why must be strong enough to get you out of bed early to get words in before work or kids get up in the morning. Your why must compel you to cut out unnecessary things in your life so you can make the time to pursue this.

Otherwise, the harsh reality is that you’ll give up before you’re even halfway through.

While you’re thinking about your answers, I want to advise you of one thing. 

Your why for writing a book cannot come from someone else. It can’t be dad’s dream, it can’t be a suggestion from your English teacher. The answer to these questions must come from within you. 

No one else can give you that answer, and if you find it hard to write something down, I want you to meditate on it until you can.

Getting clear on your “Why” will make all the difference on those days where you don’t feel like writing. Or those days where it seems like the world is against you. Your “Why” will be the backbone for your entire writing career.

If you find that your “Why” is hard to pin down, try this exercise.

Begin a practice of self-awareness.

Think about who you are. What do you want in life? What inspires you? Likes and dislikes?

Get to know yourself on a deeper level. Write all these thoughts down.

Next, I want you to keep a daily journal and reflect on what you write over the week. See what you can discover about yourself.

You aren’t taking the beaten path. You shouldn’t!

It’s so much more fun and energizing to take the road that leads you to your best and most fulfilled self. And I can guarantee it won’t be on the road that everyone else is taking.

Take a five minute deep dive into your why and see how far you can go. (Think of it as having a conversation with a very persistent child. :))

Example of a Deep Dive Why

I want to write a book

• Why?
• Because I enjoy writing.
  • Why?
  • It allows me to write clean fantasy stories for young adults.
    • Why?
    • Because there aren’t a lot of mainstream books that are exciting to read without explicit content.
      • Why?
      • Because I believe mainstream media tries to expose children to pornography as young as possible.
        • Why?
        • It’s addictive and it sells.
          • Why does that matter?
          • Because children, teens, adults, parents, grandparents all deserve better than to be enslaved to something that will only degrade their relationships and self-esteem.
            • Why?
            • Because stories are meant to be teaching tools, to entertain and uplift, to encourage us to be better human beings, to help us connect better with others, and learn empathy.

This deep-dive is my “Why” for writing books. This is the compass that guides me as I continue to put out stories and why I advocate for the things that I do.

For me, this is why I get out of bed every day and pursue this dream of writing. I love to write words and create stories. But I love have a deep reason of creating empathy and building relationships with those who read my books.

What’s your why?