Everyone Wants to Write a Book

by: Denise N. Fyffe

There is a strange phenomenon I’ve observed over the years: almost everyone, at some point, declares that they want to write a book. It slips out casually, usually in the middle of a conversation about life, purpose, or dreams. “One day, I’m going to write a book,” they say, as if the sentence alone is enough to set the universe in motion. And I smile, because I’ve heard it so many times that I could probably buy a house if I collected a dollar for each declaration.

Not a penny, not a dime — a whole house. Things expensive nowadays.

But here’s the truth that many people don’t realize: writing a book is not for the faint of heart. It is not a whimsical decision. It is not a cute hobby. It is not something you stumble into by accident. Writing a book requires grit, discipline, and a level of commitment that most people underestimate.

The idea of being a writer is romantic; the reality of being a writer is work.

People often look at famous authors — Jane Austen, Herman Melville, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, J.R.R. Tolkien, Maya Angelou, J.K. Rowling, Paulo Coelho, Nicholas Sparks, Stephen King — and assume that success is easily attainable.

They imagine the accolades, the book tours, the movie deals, the fan letters.

They imagine the glory, not the grind.

What they don’t see are the years of rejection, the manuscripts that never made it to print, the long nights, the financial struggles, the self‑doubt, and the relentless discipline required to produce work consistently.

Some of the authors people idolize didn’t even taste success until after they died. Others endured countless rejection letters before a single publisher took a chance on them. And for working writers — copywriters, technical writers, content creators, editors — the competition is global.

You’re not just competing with writers in your city or your country. You’re competing with thousands of people across the world, many of whom are willing to work for pennies on the dollar. That reality alone is enough to humble anyone who thinks writing is an easy gig.

And let’s talk about clients for a moment. Some clients will try to underpay you simply because they can. I’ve had real estate agents, lawyers, doctors, and even acquaintances approach me with offers that were below minimum wage. Some wanted the work for free.

Free!

As if my bills could be paid with exposure or gratitude. As if my time, skill, and expertise were optional luxuries instead of the foundation of my livelihood. When I refused, they looked at me sideways, as if I was the unreasonable one. As if I should be grateful for the opportunity to starve.

Then there are the scammers — the ones who set up fake accounts, steal your work, or disappear the moment you submit the final draft. In this business, you must be as weary as an owl and as cunning as a fox. You must protect your work, your time, and your energy. You must learn to discern who is serious and who is simply fascinated by the idea of being a writer.

Because that’s the real issue: everyone wants to be a writer, but very few respect the craft. Very few understand what it takes. Very few are willing to sit down and do the work. And even fewer are willing to do it consistently.

If you are ready to commit and finally follow the path you have been dreaming about then take the first step. Get a copy of my books, How to Keep Writing and Write The Book Already! These will help to get you started and teach you the core skills to becoming the kind of writer you have always dreamed of becoming.

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About the writer:

For over 20 years, Denise N. Fyffe experience spanned education, IT, publishing, and ministry leadership. Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to empowering others through education & transformational resources. As Founder of Revealing the Christian Life Ministry, Academy and Foundation, she has built an international ministry that reaches tens of thousands of people annually across over 200+ countries.

She has also authored and published 100+ books (fiction & non-fiction). This also led to her work as a content editor & publisher. Moreover, Denise enjoys traveling, gardening, volunteering or coaching aspiring writers. As one of the board members of the Jamaica Writers Society, she is passionate about sharing her culture & progressing the cause of writers.