"I want to share my story, but I don't want anyone to know my business."
Blank stare...
If this thought has crossed your mind, then I can say with certainty, that you are NOT ready to publish your autobiography. Being an author is about vulnerability. There are millions of books published each year. And autobiographies are included in that count.
Let's pause for a second... What is an autobiography? Biography? Memoir?
1. Autobiography: a book written by the author about their own life experiences.
2. Biography: a book written by someone else about another person's life.
3. Memoir: a book written about a specific time in an author's life.
Everyone has a story to tell. But, everyone won't tell their story. And you know what? That's okay! Publishing your life's story is not mandatory.
While you don't have to share your story, this post is dedicated to those who have a desire to help others. We've all been through hard times in life. YES! All of us! Some people are just better at hiding it. Comedians ring a bell?
An author is ready to share his/her story when there is peace. What does that mean? It means, no matter how painful the story is, the author has reached a place where he/she is brave enough to share without feeling shame.
Example: A person may choose to write about the abuse they experienced from ages 5-15. That author, having healed from the ordeal, decides to pen and publish his/her story at age 22.
Note: There is no specific time period for publishing your story. You just have to be ready for all that comes with sharing that part of yourself: the good, bad, ugly, and every thing in between.
Ultimately, the choice is yours.
To those who feel that call to share your story, go for it! Don't worry about sales (yes, I know that's a big factor for many upcoming authors)... Even if your story resonates with one person, you've done a great job as an author.
ARE YOU READY?
~Theastarr Valerie
