Today, I propose we discuss an aspect that many aspiring authors stumble over. More precisely, I challenge you to examine a big misconception… The Perfect Moment to Write a Book. How much truth and how much exaggeration… not to mention blatant manipulation… is hidden in this myth?
Well… let’s find out together.
Many live under the illusion that writing a book is like climbing a tall mountain, an adventure reserved only for fully prepared and equipped people. In their minds, the image is clear: they stand at the mountain’s base, eyes fixed on a distant, cloud-covered peak, waiting for all conditions to be perfect. They picture themselves in this distant future, ready to embark, with a clear sky, the right tools, and an impeccable knowledge base that guarantees success.
However, the truth is that “absolute readiness” is a dangerous illusion, a mirage on the horizon of your desires that dissipates as you try to approach it.
Just think… how many people dream of writing a book and tell themselves that “one day” they will do it? But that “perfect day” never comes. The clouds always gather, the fog lingers, and the waiting slowly becomes a way to avoid stepping into the unknown.
The truth is… There’s No Perfect Moment to Start Writing Your Book
Exactly… there will never be a perfect moment. No matter how much you prepare, how many books you read about writing, or how many courses you take, there will always be a sense of uncertainty, a thought whispering that “you’re not ready enough.” Maybe… the fog will never fully lift. Nor will the clouds ever completely disperse.
And… if you keep waiting for that day when everything aligns perfectly… you risk missing the opportunity to share the light you already have within you.
What you have right now… your experiences, the emotions you’ve felt, the unique perspectives you’ve gained… are more than enough to begin.
You might not have all the answers, and you might not be confident that it will be easy, but your book doesn’t need to be a manifesto of perfection. It just needs to be a guiding light for someone who is searching for their own.
Imagine your book as a lantern. It doesn’t need to shine brightly, illuminating every corner of the world.
No, it doesn’t have to be a blinding source of light—just a small glow, visible enough to guide someone through their darkness. Sometimes, a single spark is enough to ignite a fire, and that fire can warm souls and open paths for those who need it.
If I could give you just one piece of advice, it would be this: think of your book not as a burden that must be perfect but as a journey. Maybe… reaching the mountain’s peak isn’t the real goal. Perhaps the entire journey—every step, every fall, every sunrise you witness along the way—is what truly matters.
Your book can be a testament to this climb, to the mistakes, the triumphs, and the discoveries that have shaped you and brought you to this moment.
You might wonder: “But what if I don’t have all the answers? What if I still have questions?”
The truth is that questions are an essential part of your writing journey. They are not obstacles but invitations to explore. What if… instead of giving up from the start… you embrace uncertainty and allow it to guide you?
Believe me… I’ve seen enough in my life… an authentic writer doesn’t write because they have all the answers but because they are willing to explore the questions.
Instead of standing still at the mountain’s base, dare to climb with your lantern illuminating each step along the way.
Alright, alright… maybe you want to ask me… how do you start your story?
Simple. No headaches. Start by gathering the sparks of ideas you have. They could be small memories, fragments of thoughts, or lessons you’ve learned.
Though seemingly small and insignificant, these sparks are the essence of your story.
Write them down, shape them, and bring them to life on paper. They don’t have to be grand; they must be authentic. As you begin to write, these small glimmers will grow, becoming campfires that illuminate your path and, ultimately, the path of your readers.
Jokingly or not… just like the September campfire we lit at the Writers’ Retreat – “Dating Your Muse.” By the way… you can find plenty of photos in the article “Back from the Writing Retreat,” including one with the UFO who visited us on our very first night.
Imagine lighting the first campfire on your journey. At first, the flames are small, flickering in the wind. But… as you add twigs—your thoughts, experiences, questions—the fire will grow stronger, illuminating your path. And not only that; it will also attract others, people seeking warmth, answers, and those looking for your story to guide them.
How do you turn your story into a light for others?
Now… I guess you already know… your book isn’t just about you. It’s also about those who need your story to find inspiration, courage, or understanding.
Think of those people waiting in the “darkness,” searching for a lantern, a sign that they are not alone. Your story could be that sign. Even if you don’t feel “ready” or “perfect,” remember that what you have now can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Don’t wait for perfection!!!
Or… even more directly… forget about perfection! Who needs that anyway?
Don’t let years of your life wait until “you’ll know everything.”
The truth is… we will never know everything, but what matters is the courage to begin, to show yourself to the world as you are.
I’ve really gotten carried away with this perfection thing…
I just remembered my motto for one of my Romanian books ”JADE Anthology – Journal of Harmony and Development on the Blue Planet.”
“If you want to live in a better world, this ‘imperfect’ book is for you. Because… the world doesn’t need perfection. It needs… people. Among people. For people.”
Mirela Carmen Stancu – Writer and Author Coach
The Perfect Time to Write a Book is Now. So… what can you do Today?
It’s true… it’s easy to get caught in the trap of perfectionism and wait for the ideal moment to start something.
Maybe you need more time to prepare or understand all the details of a writer’s life.
The secret is that the perfect moment will never come. The reality is that… the present is our only moment. What you do today, right now, has the power to change the course of your life story and, ultimately, to influence the lives of others.
To start down the path of writing a book, you don’t need a complete set of skills or all the resources in the world.
All you need is the courage to take the first step.
This step can be simple: grab a sheet of paper and write the first thought that comes to mind without judging or censoring yourself.
Just like we do in the Writing Sprint Program – Vintage Writers, we meet daily (yes, you read that right… every day, for almost two years now—at the time I’m writing this), each of us taking a sheet of paper (physical or virtual) and… we write. Now… relax… don’t be scared! The program is designed in 30-day chunks, so… no one would force you to commit for ten years if you decided to join.
But, back to the point…
The courage to start today lies in accepting that you are enough, just as you are, with all your uncertainty and vulnerability.
Take the first step and embrace this uncertainty.
We all know… the beginning is always difficult. There are plenty of thoughts that can hold you back:
What if I’m not good enough? What if I have nothing new to say in my book? What if what I write won’t matter to anyone? All these questions are natural, but they shouldn’t stop you from starting. When you write, you don’t need to start with the intention of changing the world all at once. The first step is to accept that you don’t have all the answers and… most importantly… that it’s okay to be imperfect. Remember what I mentioned earlier about the JADE Anthology motto.
(By the way… did you know that in 2025, we’re starting the OPAL Anthology? We’ll make official announcements soon, so don’t forget to enter the contest. If you’re already subscribed to the newsletter… you’ll receive the details directly in your inbox. If you just discovered my site and haven’t subscribed yet… now is the perfect time to do so. I guarantee you won’t regret it!)
Think of writing as a conversation between you and your reader. In this conversation, you don’t need to have all the answers. It’s enough to share what you know now, what you’ve lived and felt up to this point.
Courage doesn’t mean having certainties; courage means being willing to explore and discover the answers.
How do you prepare to Start Writing?
If you want to start today, an essential first step is to prepare your mind for the journey. Meditate for a few minutes on why you want to write. What do you want to convey through your words? What emotions do you hope to evoke in your readers? As I often explain in the courses and programs I teach… most of the time, simply clarifying your intentions can bring an enormous dose of motivation and inspiration.
Don’t focus on the book’s final form; focus on the joy of creating!
Forget about the perfect moment!
Allow yourself to explore and be playful in the process. It’s much more fun.
Writing is not a marathon you need to win; it’s more like a walk through an unknown landscape, where you discover new corners of your imagination.
Write down a few ideas or themes you want to explore on paper and let yourself be carried by them.
How to Create Your Writing Ritual
Well… I guess it’s no surprise to hear such a recommendation from someone who has been organizing daily writing sprints for at least two years.
Because… YES… with all sincerity, I tell you… I can’t imagine a writer’s life without a writing ritual.
And for that, you don’t need to fight any dragons.
Just think of a place where you feel calm and inspired—it can be a corner of your room, your favorite café, a park, or anywhere else that nurtures your soul.
Set a time of day when you will dedicate yourself to writing, and… honor this commitment as a gift you offer yourself. And, of course… if you feel the need for a support group… you’re warmly invited to our monthly writing sprints.
Rituals have the power to ground your mind in the present, creating a sacred space where you can connect with your story.
It doesn’t need to be complicated; it can be as simple as lighting a candle, playing an inspiring melody, or making a cup of tea.
What’s important is to create a space where you feel comfortable and where you can be authentic. And, if you’re unsure how to set up your writing space to attract the Muse, success, and prosperity… I invite you to read my first book… Feng Shui for Writers. I assure you… it’s one of a kind in the world. :-)))))
The Light You Give the World Through Your Story
Every paragraph you write is a personal victory, a triumph of your sincerity. At first, it might be difficult to find the right words or to express your thoughts clearly, but… remember that… every word you put on paper is a step forward
When you see writing as a gift you give yourself, it becomes a way to connect more deeply with yourself and the world around you.
Writing, even just a few lines, is an act of courage and self-love. It is your way of giving yourself the freedom to be vulnerable, to open up, and to let your emotions flow freely.
You can start by writing about the things that move you, about transformative moments in your life, your questions, and what you’re feeling right now. Writing is a window into your soul; through it, you can know yourself better.
But… there’s more. Something significant.
When you write, you are not only honoring your voice, but you are also giving the world a gift. Think of the people who might one day read your story. Perhaps… they will find comfort, inspiration, or answers to their questions in your words.
Can you imagine how much light you could bring into their lives through your honesty and vulnerability?
You don’t need to write to reach a high standard or become an expert. Write to create an authentic connection.
Write for those who need to hear that they are not alone in their struggles, that someone has gone through something similar and found a way forward.
Your light can change lives, no matter how small it may seem.
Feeling Overwhelmed About Writing a Book?
Indeed. You wouldn’t be the first or the last writer to “struggle” with these kinds of emotions.
Yes… You may feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing a book and the hardness of such a project.
But remember that… every book, no matter how big or complex, starts with a single word or page. You don’t need to reach perfection first.
Instead, allow yourself to start with what you have today: a thought, an emotion, an idea.
Think of writing as an act of living in the present.
Every word you write can bring you closer to your authenticity, to that inner voice that wants to be heard. Just as a sculptor shapes a piece of marble… step by step, you shape your story with… every line you write.
The Perfect Moment is Now.
Everything you’ve experienced up to this point has prepared you for this moment. You don’t need all the answers; you need the courage to begin. To take the first step and trust that as you move forward, the path will unfold before you.
Every paragraph written is a triumph of your sincerity, and your book will become a beacon for you and others.
Let your light shine because the world needs it!
And if… you’re unsure where to start, how to continue, or how to finish writing a nonfiction book that makes an impact—the kind of book that can change your readers’ lives—schedule a free meeting with me, and let’s see how we can work together so… your book sees the light of day. And touches your readers’ hearts.