All of us remembers our “Firsts” – the first kiss (Morley Elementary - Tiarra Wright), first car (10th grade - Mazda 626), first job (11th grade - Chuck E. Cheese) and first time having sex (Still waiting - TBD). No matter what happens throughout the rest of our lives, we will always remember our firsts.
On last month, I wrote my first book as a published author, Hashtag Motivation: Feed Your Mind. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever write a book. Becoming an author was never on my radar. Sometimes I have to pinch myself just to make sure this is my reality. I thank God for making this happen and allowing me to share something special with the world.
As I prepare to write my second book, which will be releasing in October, I would like to give my two cents on why I believe everyone should write a book once in their lifetime. This ideology still applies to people who don’t like to read and/or hate writing. You too should still write a book. I’ll give you three reasons why and how writing a book will impact your life forever.
Reason #1: Actively write your own history
In a world where social media is king, writing books can be viewed as America’s pastime like baseball or listening to cassette tapes and CDs. Lately, nostalgia has been on the rise and at times it feels like we’re stuck inside a time capsule, for better or worse. With that being said, I feel there is no better time to write a book. If you had 10 different conversations with 10 different people, you would have 10 different books. We all have our own opinions and thoughts on different issues. Agree or disagree, it’s important to capture those opinions and thoughts because they are your opinions and thoughts - and someone out there will listen to you.
You shouldn’t let Instagram or Snapchat write your personal history. Life doesn’t come with a Drake or Gucci Mane filter. You can’t erase bad memories from your life timeline. Writing your thoughts into a physical book form takes courage, sacrifice and passion. These three things are inside all of us. Social media has its benefits but shouldn’t be mistaken for a textbook on life in 2016. Books are still valuable and teach people life lessons every day. Jump fearlessly into writing your own history and watch it pay off for you and others.
Reason #2: Provide the soundtrack to your story
Do you remember when movie soundtracks actually mattered back in the day? Some of my favorite movies of all-time (Mo’ Money, Strictly Business, Above The Rim and Boomerang) had AMAZING soundtracks. These particular soundtracks were better than most studio albums - these songs helped tell each storyline so gracefully. Toni Braxton’s “Love Shoulda Brought You Home” hit home when Angela (Halle Berry) slapped Marcus (Eddie Murphy). You felt that slap on screen but the song made you feel the aftermath of the slap - it was powerful.
So, I pose a few questions to you: who is producing your life soundtrack? Are you the narrator? Is your voice being heard? If you cannot answer each question with confidence, maybe you need a little motivation. Maybe you should write a book. It will most definitely give you the confidence to share your story with the masses. You will be the Morgan Freeman voice of your life, telling your story. No more letting other people dictate your existence and destiny. Use your voice to uplift yourself. Paint the picture that best describes you via writing a book. If people are going to watch the movie (your life), you might as well give them a worthy soundtrack (your voice).
Reason #3: Give your thoughts everlasting life
Call me a throwback cat like Bruno Mars or Anderson Paak, but it is what it is - I like original and classic things. Originals and classics are everlasting like Converse shoes and Ray-ban sunglasses. Writing a book follows the same suit. When you put the final words in print, they’re etched in stone forever. You can’t delete them like a text or email message you’re hiding from someone (no shade, Hillary lol). Words are powerful and can positively or negatively affect people. Just watch Donald Trump’s attempt at a Presidential campaign and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about (that was shade, y’all).
It doesn’t matter what type of book you write. Just write one. You already have the expertise you need to make it happen. Believe in yourself and your message. Make sure it’s authentic and real. Connect with your audience and watch your literary work go from idea to product. Now as a published author, I can truly say that I’m glad that I wrote a book. Not only was it worth it personally, I’ve already witnessed the impact the book has had on other people’s lives. I’m motivated to continue writing MORE books because of this reason. However, none of my future books will be “my first.”