Finding Purpose for my Book - A Lucky Break

"Happy New Year, Nikki!" I received in my inbox. "We're thrilled to let you know that you're the winner of WriteWorks package B giveaway. Your book idea, about the friendships you've made as a breast cancer survivor, is a story of inspiration, hope, and connection that is much needed in this world!"

I'm used to being lucky, I'm decent on the black jack table, won a trip to Turks & Caicos on national TV, and consider not dying from breast cancer a huge win, but it was a total shock to me that I won just what I needed at this time in life - a comprehensive, yearlong, book coaching contract.

Because I've written professionally for 15-ish years, my stories have always had a deadline and dollar amount attached to them. And rarely have I written more than 2,500 words for a finished product. I have that formula in the bag. But to write for myself, to tell the stories that propel me personally, and ache to be released from the pockets of my soul, that is an entirely different type of writing. And one that is more or less terrifying. So to have accountability and guidance over the course of a year is a literal godsend, and to win it, while I'm over-the-moon grateful, may not be so shocking after all. As we will learn together through writing my book, this is not my first encounter with divine intervention, especially as it relates to breast cancer.

My new coach, Tracey Love, recently gave me my first 'guiding question' (sounds suspiciously like homework to me), she asked: Simply, what is your purpose for writing this book?

I'm not sure using my blog is the best approach to getting this sussed out, but considering the minute number of people who even know this blog exists (I'll try not to use self-deprecating humor as my only humor, but it's such low-hanging fruit!), I figure why not?

So, here it is. My purpose for my un-named book is: Connection. In its simplest form, storytelling can help someone feel less alone. In it's most powerful form, it can be life-changing. I will be satisfied if my words fall anywhere on that spectrum for the reader.