Hey there, internet surfer!
If you’re “here” it’s because either you know me as a humor blogger, or you heard about my thriller on Amazon and you’re checking me out before downloading chapter 1. (I don’t blame you. I always stalk authors before I purchase their books.)
Or maybe you’re here because the word “ghostwriter” caught your eye, and you have a story to tell. That takes courage, so high fives to you! Yet as we all know, not everyone has the skills – or patience – to write an entire book about their experience.
This is where ghostwriters come in.
But how can someone write another person’s story?
That’s a great question and the only way I can answer it is with another question.
How can Stephen King write about vampires if he’s never actually met one? (Speculating over here.)
Or to bring this closer to home, how can I write from a serial killer’s perspective if I’ve never actually… well, killed anyone?
Although both these question-answers are about fiction (I promise), the same principle applies to ghostwriting.
Writing someone else’s story is about having compassion for the human experience. This applies to both the person that you’re writing for AND the reader’s thirst for story and meaning. As a ghostwriter, I keep both in mind throughout the interview and writing processes.
When I wrote Leave Nothing to Chance for two industry leaders (I can share this one because my name is on the cover), the process was simple. Each week I would have separate one-hour phone conversations with my clients. Having planned the topics in advance, my notes from these conversations would then become my “material” for writing the chapters.
What I loved about writing Leave Nothing to Chance was how honest my co-authors were. They both went through heart-breaking life experiences and yet that was an important part of what they wanted to share with their readers. There’s a lot of beauty in the rawness of our humanity and if you have a story or message to share, the most important thing I can tell you is this:
Never underestimate the power of your truth. This is what your readers will resonate with.
If you have questions on how I can help you write your book, I invite you to reach out. (Emailing me is completely free!)
And if you’re only starting to THINK about writing your book, you can read this blog post that shares more information on the writing process, including what to include in your book proposal.
Happy writing!
Fascinating, Mona! I salute you!
Thank you so much, Diane!