In chapter two of my book, Every Journalist Should Write a Book, I wrote the following: “In 2002, Joseph Epstein, an American writer, wrote an article entitled “Think You Have a Book in You? Think Again” for The New York Times.

“In the piece, he claimed that a survey conducted by a Michigan-based newspaper showed that 81 per cent of respondents wanted to write a book. Although Epstein, a former journalist, was working on his fifteenth book at the time he wrote the article, he nevertheless advised everyday people to perish the idea.”

In Epstein’s opinion, most of the people who contemplate writing books shouldn’t do it because too many stories are ordinary and not as special as those who own them imagine. He also opines that writing is an unbearably difficult task that most people do not have the discipline to see through, that the world already has too many forgettable books, and that only a select few possess the talent required to write successful ones. So, he advised those dreaming of writing books to “think again!”

But I believe Epstein reached these conclusions based on personal assumptions that do not necessarily reflect the motivations of millions of people worldwide. I will attempt to address his observations as follows.

A Book’s Value Is Not Always in Its Mass Appeal

While Epstein argues that too many ordinary stories do not resonate with people, the truth is that the value of a book does not need necessarily lie in its mass appeal or commercial success. The importance of a book is in its purpose as determined by the author.

Books can serve several purposes. They can validate lived experiences, help people heal, preserve history or memory, or transfer knowledge and wisdom to future generations. So, they already have value, make an impact, and contribute meaningfully to changing someone’s life, even if not the entire world.

Some Ordinary Lives Hold Extraordinary Lessons

He also suggests that many stories are too ordinary. That may be too, but ordinary stories from ordinary lives can share extraordinary lessons that may transform others’ lives. The stories that resonate most with readers are those simple, ordinary ones that feel true. Stories that reflect the lives of real people, their real challenges and triumphs are often the most successful. Such stories do not need any sophistication or extraordinary flair.

Just think about the books that have made the most impact on your life and what stories they tell. The truth is that readers search for themselves in books, and if you are willing to tell your story with honesty, readers will most certainly find themselves in it.

Being Hard Makes Writing Worth It

Epstein says writing is hard, and he is absolutely correct! Writing a book is not easy. But come to think of it, what exactly is easy? Isn’t life itself a complex field of nuts that we battle to crack daily?
We deal with difficult things every day — growing up, pursuing education, getting married, raising children, building careers, starting businesses, and so on. Do we really find many of these easily? And do we quit any of these endeavours or obligations because they are difficult? Doesn’t the evidence of our hard work in these areas enhance our results and prepare us for bigger challenges? I therefore submit that the challenging nature of writing actually adds to the value of completing it.

Talent is Only One Thing, Skills Can Be Learnt, and Voice Is Personal and Internal

Again, Epstein is right when he says talent is not common. But talent is only one of the ingredients needed to write. If the most untalented person invests in developing their skills, they can get good at it and even outshine the lazy, talented person.
Besides, the uneven distribution of talent is also why book coaches and ghostwriters exist, so, there are different ways to get the job done. However, writing generally improves with practice, guidance, accountability, and feedback and so with dedication and hard work, everyone can become great at it. In addition to that, every person has a unique voice, and that is essential for whatever you want to write.

Books Aren’t Just Products — They Can Be Legacies

The idea of “too many books” trivialises the issue, in my opinion. It reduces books to mere products but books are usually more than that. Some books didn’t start selling in the millions until after their authors’ deaths-so what do we say about that? It shows that books are legacies. They can keep a family lineage alive, cement a leader’s authority or influence, bring healing to people through the writer’s personal pain, or pass down knowledge. More importantly, books can be everlasting. They outlive the author and are a timeless gift, not just to readers but to generations!

For example, in 2012, almost 150 years after the death of Charles Dickens, author of Oliver Twist, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) published a report claiming that his works contribute about £280 million to the United Kingdom’s economy each year.

According to the report: “Dickens’ books continue to sell, bringing in almost £3m a year from sales in shops, online or as e-books. Adaptations of his work for TV and film, such as the recent BBC adaptation of Great Expectations, bring in £34m, and theatrical adaptations of his stories rake in £64m…” What else can I say?

So, if you feel that faint desire to write a book, it may be a signal, a stirring towards a responsibility. You only need to prepare yourself for it and plan! The hard truth is I believe is that everyone has a book inside them but not everyone will dare to write it.

So, do you have a book inside you? The answer is yes. And that’s not because it will necessarily become a bestseller or that everyone will praise it. It’s because the book matters, it might help someone, leave a mark, and be part of your very purpose in life.

If you think you do have a book inside you but can’t exactly quite figure it out, I’m here to help. Hit the reply button and let’s talk about it. I look forward to your message.

Have a great week!

Niran Adedokun,

Writer | Communications Strategist | Book Strategist | Author of “Every Journalist Should Write a Book”