I’ve run into a lot of 20 something’s in the last couple of months that tell me they are aspiring writers and that they want to write a book. It got me thinking…I’m really glad I didn’t write a book in my 20s. Not that I don’t think there are some amazing millenials with a ton of talent and insight, but I’m really understanding in my mid-30s how far I’ve come from where I was in my early to mid-20s.
Spend your 20s absorbing information and experience like a sponge. Read everything you can…listen to thought leaders on the subjects you’re passionate about…become an expert in the field you want to engage with.
…then write your book.
I love the age we live in, where there have never been fewer barriers to entry for writers. But let’s remember that the goal is to be learners for the rest of our lives, and sometimes we need to slow our roll on writing from little to no experience. I’m still learning, and I too want to write a book…but only in the last couple of years do I believe I’ve gained some of the insight that I think might help others, only because I’ve lived it.
Maybe my 50 year old self will tell my mid-30s self that I’ve still got a lot to learn…I hope so!
Don’t be afraid to explore now for experience later.
All the Best!
-ABB