Who Are You to Write a Book?

It’s the question that stops many writers in their tracks. The sheer hubris of it, right? The audacity to believe that your story matters enough to put it on paper. I know that question well because I’ve asked it myself.

When I was in college, I kept notes. Little fragments of life, snapshots of moments, ideas for a memoir I planned to write someday. One day, I told my roommate’s girlfriend about my plans. “Who would want to read your memoir?” she asked. A little rude, perhaps, but fair. It’s the same question most writers wrestle with at some point.

Whether you’re writing a memoir, an autobiography, or fiction, the work is always informed by your life. In some way, shape, or form, you’re almost always writing about yourself. You can’t really write meaningfully about anything else. If you’re not bringing something uniquely you to the story—if it’s not a story that only you can tell—then it’s probably not a story worth telling.

Not because you’re not worthy of telling a story, but because it’s the wrong story for you to tell.

When I reread my own novel, reflecting on how it was all about me, I still had the question: why would anyone care? I’m not so special. I’m not extraordinary.

And then it hit me: that’s exactly why they will care.

Because I’m not special. Because I’m just like everyone else. That’s what makes my story relatable. People will care about the parts where they see themselves. The universal truths that come out of the deeply personal moments.

That’s the power of storytelling. It’s not about showing off how great you are; it’s about putting into words the things we all feel but rarely articulate. It’s about being honest enough to say, This is who I am. Do you see yourself here, too?

So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Who am I to write a book?” let me offer this answer: You’re the only one who can tell your story. And somewhere out there, someone is waiting for it—not because you’re extraordinary, but because you’re human. That’s enough.

Write your story. Someone out there needs it.

Javier

© 2025 Chapelle Dorée Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. This content may not be reproduced, distributed, or modified without permission.