Let’s get one thing straight: if you’ve ever had a dream of writing a book, you need to stop putting it off and just do it. Seriously. WRITE THE DAMN BOOK.

I know what you’re thinking. “But I don’t have time!” or “What if no one likes it?” or “I can’t even spell ‘definitely’ without Googling it!” Trust me, I’ve been there. We all have. The truth is, the world is filled with excuses that can keep us from pursuing our passions. But here’s the kicker: at the end of the day, this journey is about you and your dreams, not about what anyone else thinks.

Imagine this: you finally finish that manuscript. You type those glorious two words—“The End”—and suddenly, a wave of euphoria washes over you. It’s like standing on top of a mountain after a grueling hike, arms raised in victory, feeling like you could conquer the world. You did it! You took that leap and wrote your heart out.

Now, let’s be real for a second. Writing a book is not all rainbows and butterflies. There will be days when the words flow like molasses in January, and you’ll wonder if your characters are secretly plotting against you. There will be moments when you question your sanity for thinking you could ever write anything worth reading. But guess what? That’s part of the process! Embrace the chaos, because every word you write brings you one step closer to your goal.

And here’s where it gets even better: if people happen to love your book along the way? That’s just icing on the cake! Sure, it feels amazing to receive praise and accolades (who doesn’t love a good compliment?), but the real victory lies in knowing that you did this for yourself. You poured your soul onto the page, and that is something no one can ever take away from you.

So why not make today the day? Grab that notebook or open up your laptop and start typing. Write about that quirky character who keeps popping into your head at 2 AM or that fantastical world where unicorns roam free (or whatever floats your boat). Let your imagination run wild!

And when doubt creeps in—because it will—just remember: every bestselling author started out as an aspiring writer with a dream. They faced rejection, criticism, and self-doubt just like you. But they pushed through because they believed in their story.

So go ahead—write the damn book! Pour your heart into those pages and let your voice be heard. Because at the end of the day, this journey is yours alone, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than achieving something you’ve always wanted to do.

Now go forth and create! Your story deserves to be told.

ASHLEY FARRIS

Bound Souls