Whenever I talk about “Everything I Learned in New York,” someone tells me they want to write a book too. Launching this memoir was a dream coming true.

Making my dream come a reality was a process full of surprises. In the last two years, I’ve learned to organize ideas, describe feelings, handle the paperwork of launching a book, and much more.

In the past, I’ve been too ashamed to put my feelings on paper. Releasing a book of personal essays was unimaginable. Being judged by all the people who would read my book was my biggest nightmare; honestly, that thought held back my writing.

Find your dream

The problem is that I wanted to release a book. So I needed to come to terms with my shyness. I started reading all the “memoirs” that passed before me, even without knowing the authors. Especially if I didn’t know the writer. I pursued inspiration from other people and learned from their insecurities and lessons.

Reading is essential, but it wasn’t enough. I also took courses and committed to writing every day. Writing is rewriting. Like or dislike this idea. Every author has a process. You need to understand this from the bottom of your heart. You need to learn not to judge your process and respect your way of writing.

Believe in yourself

On the way to turning my dream into a book, I wrote things that I didn’t show to anyone. Some are not ready, and others are exercises to improve my craft. Only some things you write are meant to be printed. You need to know how to identify publishing from the learning material. This is how you gain confidence.

I showed the first version of my book to two people. I made adjustments, wrote, rewrote, and gradually turned my dream into reality. Editing is part of the writing process. It’s not my favorite part, but it’s indispensable.

You must learn to love and respect yourself to pass through this process, keep your truth, accept criticism and launch your book. It is a long way; you will only get to the finish line if you believe in yourself.