On Writing and Finishing My Second Book

Exactly 5 years ago (May 13, 2015), I signed my first book deal. That book (I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual) was published on September 13, 2016. It hit the New York Times bestselling list instantly and changed my life. Over 100,000 copies sold so far. ⁣

It’s wild, because it took me 9 years after I had started blogging and writing and making impact with my words before I called myself a “writer” because I was afraid of what came with that title. I didn’t think I measured up to it, because folks like Toni Morrison are writers. How dare I put myself in their same category?⁣ ⁣

⁣I was afraid because I didn’t see the example of a writer like me, but I became that example for myself. I am a writer.⁣

And this writer, just turned in the first draft of her second book!!! 83,000 words, written in 6 months. This 2nd book (The Fear-Fighter Manual) is the one I needed 10 years ago when I was afraid to call myself a writer. It’s the one I need now when I have to remind myself that being a professional troublemaker often has consequences but I’m committed to living a life of “Oh well” instead of “What if?” ⁣
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I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK (comes out in 2021), and I am so geeked for draft 1 to be out of my hands.

I celebrated by taking the weekend off to be utterly useless. The work really begins when that’s done.

I was able to complete my book about FEAR in the middle of a pandemic that has me scared shitless about what is next, what is now. So I’m really proud of myself. And taking the time to pat myself on the back. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK (comes out in 2021)!

If you’re currently trying to write a book, I offer one tip: give draft 1 permission to be rough. LET IT BE ROUGH. It’s job is to exist. Don’t edit. Write.