Many people feel a need to write a book. They feel in their hearts they have something to say, something to tell, something to teach. In my coaching of many first-time authors, I’ve noticed something that has happened to each of them — and to me, to.

The book becomes a mirror, an externalization of thoughts and feelings. The author learns things about herself that she did not know. Feelings that were vague become clear. Perceptions become sharpened: “Now I understand!” is a frequent comment.

So the book becomes an important part of the author’s journey. It takes shape as the author provides meaning, and the shape is often surprising, unanticipated.

Even my BookProgram™ approach, which emphasizes the creation of a structural framework before doing the actual writing, works this way. In fact, my experience is that its discoveries are even more potent than those of the usual writing process. Somehow, focusing on structure requires us to confront the need for meaning and consistency more directly.

Have you written a book? Are you writing one? Does this resonate with your experience?