Since I was a four-year-old drawing comics with crayons, I have been writing stories. Even after 28 years of putting words to paper (uh… word docs) and publishing two books, it is still enjoyable and fulfilling. To add to that, it has improved my life in several unexpected ways.
Here’s the top five ways that writing and publishing books have improved my life.
It helped me at my day job
Writing has still not delivered the million dollar royalty cheque that will save me from the tedium of a day job. However, it has helped me perform better at the said job.
I have become better at drafting emails and reports, can deliver engaging presentations and articulate complex ideas. These are on top of the less tangible benefits of being more creative because of having exercised my right brain consistently. The days I write, I feel more focused at work and less anxious too. It might be because of how it mimics the practice of morning pages and journalling which has proven benefits for mental health and focus.
At my first job, I converted a snooze-inducing presentation about Master Data Management (I know) into a session that the entire office remembered me by. (Also got me an unfortunate nickname… if you know you know.)
I learnt useful skills in research
Whether it’s how servers manipulate you into paying higher tips or how layering clothes can make you look better (would have been helpful when I was a bachelor), I have learnt a lot researching for my novels.
Every novel requires me to research an eclectic mix of subjects and teaches me about multiple disciplines that I would not have explored on my own. For instance, researching on Born to be King taught me how to greet tigers. I didn’t use that in my book, but used that to say hello to a tiger at a zoo once. He responded too. I am not joking and I was not high.
Pro tip: Be careful to hide your search history to avoid attention from law enforcement and nosy spouses.
I enjoy other stories more
I have learnt a lot about the craft of storytelling and how difficult it is to convey a good story. So now I have greater appreciation for amazing books, movies and TV shows. I am also better able to recognize the subtexts and themes that eluded me in the past.
When I watched Breaking Bad for a second time after finishing two books, it amazed me when I realised that the first time Walter White describes chemistry: “it’s the study of change” he foreshadows the theme of the entire series. And how the first episode itself was a condensed sample of the overall series in terms of plot and character arc. Greatest TV show of all time!
I found new and old friends
Many have reached out to me after reading my books. Writing also forced me to be proactive and get in touch with other writers for their advice. Vice versa, that I have finished and published books piques the curiosity of many who plan on writing books.
This has led to new friendships and rekindled connections with old acquaintances. My introverted ass would have stuck to just scrolling reels on Instagram if it weren’t for the books.
It improved my personal brand
Your personal brand is how those outside of your friends and family perceive you. Several factors, including your education, your job, and your perfume, can improve this.
Writing books has really boosted my personal brand. Whether it’s at job interviews or at parties, the mention of my books immediately draws attention. A completed book is a shorthand that conveys expertise, discipline and dedication. And also helps gloss over my pathetic CGPA.
Conclusion
Telling stories is my passion and I would do it irrespective of any other benefits. But the pickle on the biryani is that it has given me benefits in other aspects of my life as well. And it only goes to show that doing what you love will always reward you: most times with hidden benefits and sometimes with truckloads of movie deal cash. I am looking at you J K Rowling and GRR Martin.
If you want to get started, maybe this post’ll help you. It’s about how I wrote my first novel.
