How & why I failed to write a book

[@aliabdaal]

Good luck man! Looking forward to seeing how future projects shape up :) I had similiar thoughts with mine - would've been easy to hire a Ghostwriter to do it but realised that I wouldn't want to promote it for 5+ years if I felt like it wasn't truly "my" work. Not knocking anyone who uses a ghostwriter, it definitely works for some people, but didn't vibe with me personally. Let's hang soon

[@AlexPresa]

Love seeing this

[@AlexPresa]

This is such a life hack, recording with rain in the background. One of the most calming videos I've watched in a long time.

[@billypilgrim1]

That's not a life hack...

[@fanatical56]

@@billypilgrim1😂😂😂

[@gaylemarkow]

Life is long, but it also goes by fast. I am 76 and just two minutes ago, I was 30. Seriously. I know you've heard that before but now that I've actually "arrived" in this old age cohort, I see what everyone has meant. You know "all these years" have passed and at the same time inside you are 20 or 30 or whatever. I've never written a book.. I write. poems, essays, attempts at chapters. I've never figured out how to take those hundreds or thousands of pages and shape them into one readable-length book.. I have "failed" at this. But I'm LOL "only" 76, so maybe there is still time. In the meantime, there's been all the joy of writing, of being in writer's workshops, of travelling to Esalen and Biarritz and Maui to write with some of my favorite authors and wonderful teachers. Life is truly a journey and not a brand, and not everything needs to be "monetized", though I understand people need money to have a home/apt, buy food, and in America, health care. But your value, as you intuit and speak so eloquently is not in your commercial successes. Staying close to your heart and ethical core and sense of wonder, and your ability to communicate so clearly, your drive toward creativity and collaboration, family, and community, makes you a treasure for me and I imagine others, but for yourself, staying true to yourself and hearing your own contemplations and honoring them is what will make you a treasure to you. Kudos, Nathaniel. I'm very grateful.

[@MeiJustMei]

Thank you for staying true to your values, I have always admired your integrity. This makes me look forward to your book even more knowing the lengths you went to to protect its authenticity

[@graysontaylornyc]

Writing a book is a transformational journey in and of itself. Even having written 8 novels, I still find each new one a unique challenge with lessons to be learned. My ninth novel has taken nearly 4 years to write-the path is rarely straightforward. But that's part of the fun of it. Best of luck with your writing!

[@ceciliapontes52]

I would read anything that you’d publish. It’s prooved to me that hearing your reflections on life match my own, or better, make me see them clearer. Go ahead man

[@Rossalia32]

Oh it was so calming that there was no background music. Just your pleasant voice and the rain. Amazing, please do this again 🙏

[@nobackupplan]

Thank you, I think I will!

[@Camsorcamille]

So interesting thanks for sharing

[@marcellmell0]

Hi Nathaniel, this video spoke to me as if I were having coffee with you. I've also had a dream like this since I was a child, of writing and being published. I just finished my first book and I am trying to get it published. So, we (thousands of viewers) are here for your content, for what you've been writing and saying for years. I honestly think you should look for a publisher that respects this, aiming to amplify your voice, and not turn you into a commercial champion at all costs. The approach is tremendously different, as you said. However, just like your channels, it will naturally be a commercial winner if you get your voice out there. I hope you go ahead. And I would definitely like to hear more from you about this process. See you soon in the books, luck!

[@tammyn]

Nathaniel, you're going to love it this time around. I wrote my book in 4 years. Every day, had the routine down, slipped into my "trance", and lived in that world each day for hours. Started in the middle - the best part - and wrote the beginning and end around it. It felt so decadent and fulfilling. And in the end - I didn't care if I published it at all. Because I finished it. Could I edit it endlessly? Of course (and that may be even better than writing it the first time - perfecting each thought)! Will I try and publish it? Maybe. But it doesn't matter anymore. It was for me.

[@bellaluce7088]

This warmed my heart about so much more than writing. I've turned down money, power, promotions, etc. to honor what feels right to me, and when I encounter other members of that tribe it feels so good. ❤Appreciate you so much, Nathaniel! I'm sure whatever book you end up publishing will be wonderful! 😀

[@alexandrabulac]

I wish I had seen this video sooner! :) I live in Bucharest and last year I published my first book, at age 28, after having a similar journey as yours. Ever since I was 12, writing has been the thing that I always returned to, year after year, the dream that I could never let go of. So hearing your thoughts on this really made me smile, because I resonate so much with that. It would have been so cool to meet and chat about it. :) Good luck with this project!

[@HigherSelfKorea]

You are very wise at an early age! Your uniqueness is authenticity, and I want to hear your honest thoughts. Maybe it doesn't sell that well, but at least you stay true yourself and we have more of YOU! Nevertheless, I think collaboration is key. I have written a book for 3 years, ended up 500+ pages, was the hardest thing that I've ever done. The publisher then re-edited A LOT without pre-warning. At first, I was so angry with them, but slowly I sat down, and rewrote it based on their feedback - we did that cycle 3 times, and in the end had a pure gem! It felt like mine AND was approved for sellability/readability. I have two other self-published books, and they're not nearly as good. So I learned that a diamond is made in the middle-ground pressure. The editing process hurts, but that's writing I guess :)

[@johandewit8418]

Thanks for your honest story about the lessons you learned in trying to write a book. And to be honest, since I'm following your videos and wonderful and inspiring insights, I'm hoping that you would write a book someday, so I'm really excited to hear that you are actually writing one and that you're well aware now of what you want and what not. It only makes me more excited to wait for that book! And as I don't know the topic yet, I'm promising you I will buy a copy to read it anyway, because I really love your insights on anything! So yeah! Oh, and while I'd say this rarely, but I'm really a huge fan of your work! So thanks for what you're working on!

[@cindycueva]

I absolutely love the way you think and see the world, I would definitely buy your book, just because I love how you express yourself and your ideas. I think it is so important that the things we do in our lives we do them because we are passionate about them, not just because we are chasing money. I firmly believe that if we do this this, good things and abundance will find their way into our lives. Thanks for sharing your process with us. I'm SO looking forward to see your future projects!

[@justonemorestitch]

I agree 💯 with this comment. I'd love to see a book from you

[@moeshaaaaa]

That’s what I’ve been saying for years! We don’t work for the money we do things because we actually like it and then the money is just a bonus for something we like originally. Your story just gives me hope.

[@vivnogueira]

It's always so refreshing to hear about your experiences, Nathaniel! I appreciate how open and real you are. Throughout the last 5 years I found myself constantly in similar situations as this one; and I always beat myself up for it. I like how patient and comprehensive you're being with yourself, because that's something I'm trying really hard to learn as well.

[@johnrogers8362]

My first book was published by a massive publisher - and it was a great experience. 10 years later I've just self-published the follow-up and that has also been an amazing experience (it's out-selling the first if that makes any difference). Sounds like you're on the right track and have learnt a valuable lesson. And self-publishing has never been easier with POD and platforms where you can procure the editing and design services you need. With your audience you'd have no trouble selling a healthy amount of books as well. Best of luck.

[@ritchiewong16]

Hey Nathaniel 👋, I think the biggest takeaway from your experience is to always remain in touch with the very reason you decided to write your book in the first place. It can be so easy to get caught up with the money and the relationships with the people you work with. But at the end of the day, it’s your authenticity and what you’ve learned along the way that matter even more. Best of luck to you on your second attempt on writing a book! I know I’ll be looking forward to any updates you have along the way. 😁 Sending you lots of love!!! ❤️❤️❤️🤗

[@elgueromeromero4277]

Really enjoyed following this story. I've had about a half-dozen books published (mostly by smaller presses, one by Audible Originals) and failed to write another dozen along the way for various reasons: I over-plotted with my agent and the story became stale, it worked as a concept but not an execution, the genre was on the cusp of being in the zenith but by the time I finished the books everyone had moved past that kind of book, and on and on. But every time, you bring something new to it that you learned from previous books. All of which is to say, it's hard to write a book, harder to sell one, and nearly impossible to predict whether it will be successful or not. That said, I think you have a distinct voice that people connect with, which means you're already ahead of the game. You also have a million-plus people who are already invested in your type of storytelling, which is something most authors would kill for. So to totally misquote Field of Dreams, if you write it, we will buy it.

[@nechipayite]

For the last couple of months, I watched every video silently, without distractions and multitasking. Because every video is a short film - the best film I've ever seen. That's why I can re-watch your videos again and again with the same feelings of novelty and curiosity. Does anyone resonate with these feelings and inner state?)) So, I've just imagined reading a book about your life, Nathaniel, and this thought gave me a goosebumps. I don't have any idea in what way you can write about your life and your personality, but anyway - this would be awesome work! Nevertheless, thank you for sharing this story. And thank you wholeheartedly for truly being who you are.

[@alexdecapri]

Your videos always resonate. Your FxF course was full of so much value. Everything you publish always makes me reflect on my own life. If you decide to do pre-orders, I’ll be first in line to order your future book. Thanks for putting so much into all that you make!

[@nobackupplan]

Thank you Alex!! That means a lot :)

[@gonzacece_2579]

I would be one of my favourite books. You saved my life once and I know for certain your words can heal and clarify others' lives. Keep it up. You'll get to it slowly.

[@vivaciousbutterfly_]

What an excellent video, Nathan. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt experience! Much love from Maine.

[@davinapickering1235]

This is One of my absolute favourite videos you have created & posted. I too have been waving on wanting to write a book for a few years. I love the sincerity of what you have shared & I feel a lot less pressure to create something that's close to "perfect". Enjoy the journey, creativity will nourish the soul of your words. Super excited to explore this journey along side you. Thank you for continuing to take the time to share your experiences flaws & all.

[@rubinagomes2950]

As a writer myself, I understand what you are going through and I am sending positive writing vibes your way.💕

[@EVScottFree]

In a year and a half I wrote a book that I published a little over a year ago. SO many lessons were learned from all of the inherent processes, which is the reason that I don't regret it. But, I probably shouldn't have published that book, for so many reasons that I couldn't have understood until I did it. It's like so much in life and in line with the overemphasis in our society on winning and success, the goal is rarely the gold, the journey is. I could write a book about everything that I learned in the process of writing and publishing a book, but yes, I see you, and I feel you. Thank you for continuing to create in the ways that resonate with and feel true to and for you in any given season.

[@gabierudyte9202]

Ah, Nathaniel, beautiful words and reflections and I so needed to hear this. Especially "What i'm focused on is just creating the highest quality and most heart-felt book that I can write. It is my belief that if I write something that is meaningful to me, the right people will find it." I've been wanting to write a book since I was a kid, too, and in November I met a publisher who wanted me to submit a book proposal. I'm currently working on the book proposal, with the help of a writing coach that is helping me with the structure and tone of voice. I'm so excited yet I'm terrified, wondering what is the best way to structure it so people want to read it, what sells... but at the end of the day, I want to write something that is meaningful to me. Thank you for this reminder. How timely that I watch this video 20 minutes before I meet with my book coach :)

[@artgoshow]

When and how much to compromise is definitely a balancing act of the creative… Journeying into the wild, without trampling so many leaves that the inspiration is no longer recognizable. Thanks, as always, for sharing your process! ❤

[@zchen1108]

i really appreciate your candid thoughts and words!!

[@AaliyahInspired]

I’m a year and a half into my book writing journey! I loved this video because it gave me a new perspective on the process of it all. I go through phases of doubt whenever I think about how well my book would do but eventually I have to remind myself that this process is ultimately for me and for the experience I’m having working on a long term project. It still is scary though when you’re putting all this work and all these hours when there’s a possibility that your work won’t go anywhere but like you said it’s all about doing something you’re passionate about. Please update us on your writing journey 💛

[@DomBloch]

What a beautiful journey, brother! I've been writing my books for the past 10 years. And it's not a walk in the park. But it's a process that I just love! Just like a kid playing soccer, nothing else matters; just the pure joy in playing soccer. So when you say that you are detached from the results, that's where freedom, joy and real happiness is! Thanks for sharing this adventure with us!

[@RobertCreating]

Thanks for sharing, dude! I love the colors of your videos these days

[@diogofernandesdarocha6880]

Hi Nathaniel! I've recently discovered your work and I have felt truly connected with your perspective about so many things. Currently, I'm a clinical geneticist trainee based in Oporto, Portugal but, as you, I always had the intention to write something that was immensely meaningful to me. I had this realization early on in my life and, for that reason, I decided to not follow a writer-based career and just write it down when I was feeling up to. That being said, I'm working almost ten years in what I intend to be my first poetry book. It has taking me more time than I initially thought so, but I'm adoring every step of it! The fact that I also work professionally as a medical doctor has been a bloody god damn struggle, but at the same time has giving me time to mature and be intencional with my work and my words. So, all of this comes down to: take your time, keep it steady and enjoy the journey! Because in the end, you'll feel in your heart when it's finished and if it's time to share it with the whole world. Keep giving!

[@innerauthority]

Fascinating insight into publishing, and I appreciate your recognition of alignment as foundation for whatever book you may end up writing. As a writer myself (not published) I would love to hear more about how the process goes!

[@silvialiberto7564]

Good job Nathaniel, best of luck in the process of writing your own book! Keep up being genuine and honest to yourself :) that will pay off in the long term!

[@ClarkeScott]

Some of the best business advice I ever received was: if it isn't fun and easy then it's not for you. I totally get the idea of "owning" the process as this is what makes something hard and boring, fun and easy. Put another way, what is fun and easy for one person might be a nightmare for another. Love these videos. And the openness.

[@beanbagtales]

Thank you for always being so transparent with us about your journey! It takes courage to talk about your perceived failures so openly 🙌

[@JackieRossLavender]

As a small content creator myself this really resonated how important it is, as a creative, to make projects that are meaningful and true to you. Thank you for that little push I needed today ❤

[@lailin4263]

Hi Nathaniel. I think it is important to stay true to yourself. Your lovely spirit will shine through this new book & take your time. Wishing you all the best!

[@andygilly14]

Good luck! I really hope you continue with it and even if the book doesn't get published, at least you prove yourself you can write a book. Looking foward to keep up with the process

[@1979France]

I love your positive attitude toward all this and your integrity. Maybe you will be able to reuse some of your original material in your new book project. Good luck; I can’t wait to read it.

[@marialedentsova9325]

Such a raw, honest video. Thank you. I'm looking forward to coming along on this journey❤️

[@corinasucodeque]

I also wrote a "failed" novel before going on to write one I really believe in. I realized when working on subsequent drafts of the first novel that it had no redeemable qualities - one dimensional characters, cliche major plot points, convoluted and unfocused structure, haughty symbolic intentions - and I knew I had to let it go. There was a grieving process over having spent years pouring the deepest parts of myself into something that ended up having no value to other potential readers, or even to myself. But about a month after letting myself go through that grieving process, I started working on a book that came so organically to me. It just poured out, whereas writing the first book was like pulling teeth. This time, rather than having complex and conceptual themes at the heart of the book, I was compelled by characters and a plot that I found so moving and captivating I had to bring it into existence. Whenever I read back my own writing, rather than cringing, I was genuinely entertained. I owe everything to the learning process of writing and discarding an unviable first book - every technical aspect of the craft of writing fiction, but also, my convictions about what makes for good fiction. If your main intention is to expound lofty intellectual ideas, write nonfiction. It will be far more effective. Fiction's special power is to make people feel, to transmit experiences and emotions. The intellectual ideas absolutely have a place in fiction, but they should manifest themselves organically, indirectly through characters and plot that are genuinely entertaining in their own right. If the characters are real and complex, thought-provoking questions will manifest through them, but they won't be reduced to a single idea. If the plot is compelling, tense, well-paced, and original, the reader will feel things, and that alone is a major feat, but when ideas and feelings intertwine, the strongest of convictions are born, and the strongest impressions are made.

[@syedraidarsalan4685]

I remember I first saw mention of a book back in a video of yours from November 2019. Perhaps it was "How I organize my thoughts: A simply guide". I've been waiting for this book since then, and as much as I'm disappointed that the project failed, I'm happy to hear it was you who pulled it off since you wanted it to be your original work and not be pushed and pulled by outside forces for commercial reasons. Will definitely buy a signed copy of your book once it's out, I'm really excited. Furthermore Nathan, I really love your content. been watching since I was 12 (2019), and all the way through, I myself wrote a really long novel. It was accepted by a big four but to the dismay of everyone I did not proceed for reasons similar to yours. My Girlfriend's Romanian ( I think you mentioned once that you're dating a Romanian too?), and she loves you content. Best Wishes man!!!

[@wissensagentur]

Writing a book has always been a dream of mine. Shortly before the pandemic started, I got a contract with a publisher. I wrote my first draft and submitted it. then the pandemic hit and my mom got Alzheimer's and died shortly after. The whole thing slowed down the process extremely and I wasn't able to edit the changes that came from my editor for a long time. After I answered this after a year's delay, the publisher replied that the contract would be cancelled. So I sat there and had nothing left. But one thought stuck with me because the editor kept telling me that I had too many repetitions, that it wasn't the way to sell a book and that always bothered me. and after your video, I was able to consolidate the important realization for myself that I want to write MY book and not the book that sells from a publisher's perspective. So I can't thank you enough for making this video and allowing me to benefit from your thoughts and insights.

[@romiopiopio]

thanks man, it's really inspiring! keep going, it helps

[@pnopliego4105]

Would love to have some updates on your book ! And I can already say to you that i'm going to buy it because of the work you produce in your videos that always learn me so much and your intention not to make a commercial book but rather an honest and personal book. Keep going Nathan, we grow with you ! Love from Lyon

[@JORDYRASTELLI]

This is my official Pre-Order comment. 👏🏼

[@sammyzaf]

Yo! This was a cool video. Frankly, I think lots of people our age look at you and think that everything must be awesome (living in Paris, full-time art, etc.). It's easy to assume that the grass would be greener in your shoes, but this helps underscore that you often run into just a new set of problems. I have written a book that I feel is a real representation of myself, but can't find an agent. I think, "If I just had an agent, I'd be happy," but this helps shed light on the fact that these things don't solve your problems--that there's always another frustration, challenge, mountain, etc. Have enjoyed all your videos and your podcasts over the years. I appreciate how you don't bow to the algorithm and do things you're proud of. I still think you have the vision and ability to capture the Paris of the 2020s, your crew, and all the different emerging artists and creators in the city...sort of A Moveable Feast of KZbinrs lol. Plus, the world loves Paris content.

[@rmccor7065]

I love that you chose to stay true to your heart and stick with your intentions. You’re a fabulous storyteller, and I’m sure your skills will translate well into the written form with time. Writing is hard. To paraphrase the musician Ren Gill-focus on the process, not the outcome. Your passion will show through.

[@MikeBlissett]

Your video resonates, and I salute your honesty, Nathan. I wrote my first book (original title, Focus, Achieve and Be Happy) in 2005, which attracted a major literary agent and publishing deal, but along the journey of working with editors and the marketing team, finished up with a book with a different title I was advised would be more commercially viable (it became, Get Motivated, 7 Steps To The Life You Want). The book was published and did make money, BUT it has never felt like my book, or a book I’m proud to have written (I didn’t work with a ghost writer). As creators, we all have our journey, and seldom is it without knocks, which you rightly see as opportunities to learn. I’m wishing you well with your next book, whenever or however it is published. Writing something you’re ultimately proud of is worth more than a six figure book deal you feel divorced from. Keep writing!

[@thatcreative]

I love hearing this and it's timly insight for me. I'm working on finishing my manuscript I've been working on for 8 years. A life goal of mine and a story, that in my mind, feels like it needs to be written. Sometimes you have to trust in the timeing of it all when you feel compelled to do something. And for me, as of this month, I have an editior I'm working with and an author mentor. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create.

[@AlyLourim]

love this video, great lessons shared. I have a few friends in the literary world I've learned a lot from, and as someone else writing her first fantasy novel 👋 I agree, doing it for YOU is so important. I have come to terms I might be self publishing and im more than happy with that. Also, many self published books end up doing well and getting picked up by a big publisher. the point is, you never know what will come from it and doing it for you, is so so key! I cant wait to hear more about your journey on writing this book. writing my book has been such a magical experience and I love everything I've learned along then way and all the trenches I still have yet to go through :) as always, I love your videos as they are so insightful!

[@toobwatcher500]

These are my favorite kinds of videos of yours

[@ricguers]

Very brave and honest testimony! You were honest with yourself and with all your prospect readers. I have already tried to write books, both fiction and nonfiction. I haven't officially quit, but I haven't written in a long time. Basically, I didn't think my writing measured up to the writers I'm used to reading. If that's the criteria I should go by, not sure. Maybe I'll keep writing my lastest attempt, a short story I didn't know how to finish. We'll see. Doris Lessing said she would only put on paper the books that were already written inside of her... I've got lotsof them in here lol

[@jeffwest2037]

Nathaniel, what a refreshing video! None of the tedious strategies, employed by your 'fellow' KZbinrs: trying to be funny, trying to impress, trying sell a product or service, but, in the end, selling only their souls ... Although your agent and ghostwriter were probably right, your decision was 'writer.' This video demonstrates that you have a unique perspective, a clear voice, and a compelling story to share ... I look forward to reading you! PS: Say 'Hi' to Butter for me.

[@AustinGirl09]

Not a failure at ALL! Just a bump in the road on your journey. Great video!

[@katiemintle]

such a beautiful shot and aesthetic. never got old. and and inspiring story. thank you 🙏

[@JustWojtek]

This comes at an interesting time. Thank you for summarising and sharing your experience.

[@collin6885]

I have hopes to write myself in the future, a lot of my thinking is in the same "genre" as yours so please keep us updated on how your process goes, I would love to hear more about it.

[@marieb3089]

Yeah!! Send updates please, this is a very interesting journey, I really like the way you described all the phases you went through. I think you decided to face your fears and he unknown. That is a great way to go through life, the best way to learn about yourself and discover who you are or aren't and what you really want or don't want. Life is surprising and one can only discover what's best for oneself by trying . It is great that you are sharing all this process with us. I relate to this process very much , not by writing a book but choosing the place where I want to live and the professional life I want to have in the near future.As we say in France M....!! :)

[@MrMartinBigger]

Soo nice to hear. After a few years I'm about to send my first draft to an editor in the coming months. And also haven't been focused on commercial viability.

[@Sofia-dh3mu]

I think the most important thing about being an artist is to be true to yourself. So go ahead! 💪🏻 I’m also on the path to writing and illustrating my first children's book.

[@HealthAtAnyCost]

I have three books going. Onnnn-going. For. Five. Years. Every year, I say, "By the end of _this_ year, one of them will be finished." Yet, the years pass. This year, I decided to set them all aside and I feel free for the first time in a very long time. Free to work on other passion projects. Free to do my work without always being angry at myself for not writing _again_ . Your words were wonderful and validating for me. Thank you.

[@thealitsios1829]

Glad to see your insights. The truth is with a large social media following you have a great advantage in sales. Good luck.

[@wendywilson-fall3973]

I liked this video a lot. As an academic, I have little experience in writing a 'trade' book but I am now working on a memoire. It is a learning experience! I'm on the the 4th draft. As you mentioned, the marketing aspect is daunting. If I think too much about having to do youtubes, insta, and interviews and answer hostile voices to the ideas I introduce in the memoire, I have second thoughts. I agree with you, you can't take it lightly!

[@Peeetteeee]

Wise words that life is long enough to pursue the projects that are meaningful to us. Thank you!

[@anja-karinapahl]

I can't believe your publishers said that your book wouldn't sell. You have millions of subscribers who love your style and everything you talk about. Are they mad? Love your honest way of speaking about it now.

[@mindiwilhelm4322]

Life is at least long enough to work slowly and intentionally on the projects that are important to you. - excellent insight. Thank you.

[@SophieMcCool-cv1sj]

Good for you, for sticking to your guns and not being pressured into something that didn't align with your soul and values. As someone who has loved watching your videos for years and listening to the myriad of ideas and thoughts that you have managed to explore and articulate, I would absolutely buy and read your book. Wishing you all the best with whatever you choose to work on next! 😊

[@burgesssam]

I'd been eagerly anticipating your book since you first spoke of it on here. A shame it hasn't become whole, but it definitely sounds like the way it panned out was for the best! Would love to hear about your new book when you get to developing it. I'm on the same page (ha), it's all about the personal for me. I have to be in the words for me to be proud of it.

[@bshaliii]

I didn't realize that it was my first dream to write a book until you mentioned it!! But I'm not concerned about making it happen until like my late 30s/early 40s. My favorite work has a feeling of density to it, as if it's been thought and mulled over for a while. I'm certain that any stories or lessons I have to tell now will gain added layers of dimension as I age, so my book can wait til later. Thank you for sharing your story though, I hope you and Ioana hang out while you're in Bucharest!!

[@abc-cg9zq]

Hey, Nathaniel. Your video reminded me of my experience with my book. I had been having difficulty in writing my last book. I had a story to say but the words were just not right. I kept writing it again and again but still it was all over the place. I felt discouraged and decided to hire an editor. I was clear from the beginning that I did not want a ghost writer but an actual editor. I knew that I would need to make certain changes and that some of them would cause a certain degree of uneasiness but I was generally open to them if they were going to be for the sake of the book. Progressively, though, the lines became burred and the dynamic became strange. She was starting to act as if it was her book, having a strong say even in the content, not just the structure. What I realized from the process was that freedom is far more important than the technical part. Maybe you were not a good match, if you still know why you wanted to write the book in the first place, don't give up on it.

[@sandram5790]

It's about staying true to ourselves.. Go on with your passion. There is a lot of people who want to read your book. Authenticity is what matters and not easily digestible information because I believe what makes us human is the rawness, sometimes the sharp edges and that doesn't make the journey unappealing, it just enrich the whole experience.. So whatever story you want to say, we are all ears..

[@bekindfox]

I had the same dream since I was a kid and then - being unemployed - I took the chance and wrote one. And then a second one, on a completely different topic. In my opinion both of them are of interest for many people, but when I sent the manuscripts to a list of editors, I (in case I received an answer) was told that the topics were not selling. And as you, my point was not money, it was about sharing and caring. I admit I am still mourning a bit, but maybe I will try the path of self-editing, for now there is no energy pointing in that direction. I made my dream come true - writing - and this was the important part. Let's see if I will do the second step. Good luck and lots of muses to you for your new book!

[@guadalajaralanguage8766]

You will get there! You have sooooooooo many stories. You could write a series of books. Yes, don't rush the next one. Take your time. Many of your videos would render wonderful chapters in a book about being human. In a world that is becoming more and more impersonal and robotized, YOUR BOOK might be the "humanity" that heals many souls who are looking for a deeper connection with life. In many ways...your book is already done. You just need to get it on paper from video.

[@SuperSayandas]

Writing what will be my debut someday soon for the last 10 years... Its nearing completion or so I think. You are on the right path from what I learnt on my Creative Writing degree.

[@absurdism101]

I work as a ghostwriter, and it's frankly refreshing that you had this perspective. Many clients I work with couldn't care less about the finished project. Stick to what you're passionate about, and you'll find a way through the publishing bureaucracy one day!

[@trishmnz]

good luck, Nathan! i'll be one of your supporters in this new journey you'll embark. and once that comes out, i'll make sure to grab a copy! so, please make it available here in the Philippines 😂 this video also came out timely. my friends have been telling me to write a book about my experiences because i have all these "crazy" stories. i never thought of myself as writing a memoir of some sort. when i was a kid, i thought if i was going to write a book, it'd be fiction. but now, i'm thinking more about writing that book. still feeling at least 60-70% about it but yeah 😅 this video gave me some perspective, so thank you!

[@BrettCSteinberg]

Updates would be fantastic! Can't wait to read your future book. ;)

[@TOBuhrer]

I relate so much with how you feel (today) about writing a book. Do it for yourself.

[@Brahmananda]

Great video Nathaniel

[@marionkoch5374]

Wauw, how did you learn to speak so well! Your communication/story telling skills are really good.

[@simonreckford]

You told a good story. And this is what you want.

[@lauradobb8819]

Thank you for this. I wrote almost an entire non-fiction manuscript early last year and have not had time to return to it. I want to do it RIGHT. I run a social enterprise called the SLOW DOG MOVEMENT, and as we are part of the movimento lento, your video helped to clarify why integrity is so important in heartfelt and passionate projects.

[@elliotemery5526]

A really interesting story. I self published my first book and now working on a second- a collection of short stories. I'm going to see whether I can get traditionally published this time but, for me, authenticity comes before commerciality

[@vladm.6859]

great video, nice to see you in Bucharest!🙌

[@devonphillips3934]

Maybe you’ve heard of it- you may enjoy reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. It is a funny, real, book on how to get through the tough parts of writing… and life. Love hearing from you as always Nathaniel!

[@SpaceCityTuan]

I found this to be interesting as a video as I was thinking about the process of writing a book. My motivation however was a bit different. I wanted to write a book of advice for my child so that they would be able to come back to know me in a way that would be hard for them to conceptualize to know me in my 28-year-old brain. The idea is to give them real information that could help them and maybe even allow them to feel close to me when I am gone. I'm not sure how to explain some points but this has given me the motivation to carry on.

[@AJ-fr6ig]

This is your passion project. Take your time and enjoy it 😊

[@lizalmeida5809]

What I learned in writing my poetry books is to kill your ego in it. Write the thing you want to write. I think commercial success can really ruin the process of writing a book. Writing is such an intimate experience, and money makes it less so. It's like you are doing it for "them" and not you. My approach is always write the thing you want or need to write. Having a clear idea for what you want out of it is so key. Keeping that idea as a way to center your writing. Something to go back to as you are hundreds of pages in. Or even explore different types of publishing methods. Self publishing has been so fulfilling for me. I know this has been some unsolicited advise. But I hope you're able to get this new book into a form you are happy about. We all write differently but it is important to write passionately!

[@cestycinou]

Thank you for sharing, Nathaniel. I have written two books; one was a bestseller in my country, Slovakia, and the second is going to be published in a few months. I am also a co-owner of a small publishing house. My father started this company, and he has written more than 30 books. My mother has written about ten books, and we also publish books from other authors. So I am speaking from experience. It seems there was a huge misunderstanding between you and your agent, which you, of course, understand. However, don't rush to the other extreme by working on a book alone. Writing a book is not a solo job. At least, good books are not. You need people to help you; you just have to make some rules. My parents taught me how to write, and I have been writing a blog for 15 years. I have also translated a book before writing my own. I wanted the experience of sitting for months behind a computer and working on one project. However, when I started to write my first book, my mom, who was my editor, completely changed my book in the beginning. She did not write it for me, but she did give me notes that made me rewrite a lot of it. After finishing my first draft, I had two more editors read the book, and in the end, I had a proofreader, of course. It was my book, and I am very proud of it, but it was not a solo work. So I just want to tell you, do not feel discouraged working closely with a publisher and other people. Right now, you are clear about what you want and what you don't want, so the collaboration process will be much more efficient. Perhaps a smaller publishing house would be even better for you, and your book could also greatly benefit a smaller publisher. Just look for a small publisher with books that resonate with you and work with them. You could help someone build a successful company. With publishing houses, it's similar to KZbin channels. Sometimes all it takes is one successful book for a company to be born. Also, it is a good decision not to use a ghostwriter. You are a writer; you just need to unlock this new medium. But you have unlocked the writer inside of you a long time ago. I have been watching your videos for years, and you have a writer's soul. A ghostwriter would hurt it, or even kill it. Good luck with YOUR work; I will definitely buy it and read it. :)

[@DeeaComan]

Thank you. ❤

[@christelwellekens9919]

Yes! Damn good video and information! Thank you ❤

[@apastrucio2]

I've been on a similar experience but with Partnerships. I have an English school in Brazil, and 2 guys came very excited with the project, but they wanted to turn my school into something profitable and tradicional. It wasn't the success for most people point of view, but I leaned a lot with them, especially about this commercial aspect of things, can most of the times keep the projects alive!

[@ericispublius]

I'm starting on laying out a manuscript of a poetry book that I've written this quarter. Writing a book is overwhelming. Here's to all of our ventures!

[@Kaplanova]

"Life is long".....oh that surprisingly hit me, I will be 30 this year and I am often being stuck in a fear of not progressing fast enough with carreer, relationship, settling down, other "projects" etc. So it is a great reminder that nothing really good should and can be rushed.

[@vcab5319]

Around 10-11 years ago i tried writing my first novel. "Failed terribly", never kept up again with that original idea. Looking back at it, it wasn't even good. But it helped me learned a decade later how certain things aren't meant to happen when one decides, it's up to life's timing in the end. So again, not sure if it's right to count is a failure but rather a prep for eventual success in different more light-hearted terms :)

[@LoCaRaAFi]

I work in the book world. I've seen self-published books that are much more succesful and qualitative than many of the books published at the most prestigious publishing houses. I think you are in a unique position to be able to do this too. With the big benefit of keeping control over every step of the way.

[@antidrastic-element9307]

Sounds like the plot twist that makes the story (and will make the book) better. 🙂