A Reader for Every Book

Last weekend, I had the absolute joy of meeting YA author, Nadine Brandes. She is the author of the dystopian "Out of Time" series as well as two historical fantasy novels, "Fawkes" and "Romanov". 

Having been to a couple writing workshops, I've interacted with a handful of authors, but this was the first time I had the honor of meeting a long-time favorite author of mine. 

(Cue fangirling noises in 3... 2... 1...)

IT WAS AMAZING!
SHE WAS AMAZING!!
HER BOOKS ARE AMAZING!!!

 *ahem* Sorry about that...

 Nadine talked about her books as well as her writing process.  She took the time to get to know everyone who came AND she signed the three books I had brought. (AMAZING, right???)

(Just as a side note... go read her books now. I promise it’ll be worth it. This message has been brought to you by K.J. For Nadine’s Books.)

Nadine Brandes also addressed a lot of questions with some really fantastic answers. I wish I could communicate to you every tidbit of wisdom and encouragement that she shared. But I can't, sorry. She shared so much that my brain just couldn't quite hold it all.

But today, I will impart a little piece that involves you and that book you're writing.

I asked Nadine Brandes about dealing with insecurity as a writer. I don’t know about you, but every time I sit down to write, I battle questions floating around my head like:

No one's going to read this.
But what if they do and everyone hates it?
Maybe I should never show this to anyone...
Or maybe I should just stop writing.
My writing will never be good enough for someone to read anyway.


Thoughts like these suppress my ability to write and create. I start doubting the story I want to tell and then it doesn’t get told at all. 

But Nadine Brandes shared one sentence that really stuck with me.

“Not every book is for every reader, but there’s a reader for every book.”

Take a minute and read that sentence again.
Say it out loud.
Write it on a sticky note where you can see it.
Make it your computer wallpaper.
Tattoo it on your bicep. (Okay, maybe not that.)
Plant it in the flower garden of your mind and allow it to bloom.

Now let's break it down. 

Not Every Book is for Every Reader...

I have not liked every single book I've read. There are lots of books I don't intend to read. But that doesn't necessarily make them bad. There are books that you like that I won't and  vice versa. 


Not every person will read or like every book out there. Google estimates that there are roughly 130 million books currently published in the entire world. That's a lot of books to like and not like. Don't feel down if you get a negative comment about your story. Your book may not be for that reader.

And even though it doesn't feel like it, that story you are writing will have readers.

...But There's a Reader for Every Book 

I'm browsing through my local Barnes and Noble, coffee beverage in hand. I stroll through aisle after aisle of bookshelves, scanning the stacks for nothing in particular but for something that catches my eye.

I go through titles and titles of books that I've seen before, read before, or simply never been interested in. But all of a sudden, I stop short and pick up the thick book on the lowest shelf. The cover is gorgeous, the blurb on the back is thrilling. The money in my pocket is burning.

I'm going to buy this book and take it home. 

And believe it or not, it's yours. That book you've spent years shaping and creating. 

I cannot wait to read it.

Insecurity can creep in as we form and write our stories. Doubt can tarnish the carefully chosen words and patiently crafted worlds.

But there are readers out there who are looking for a story just like the one you are writing.

Stop letting your insecurities stop you from writing the story you've been gifted to write! There is a reason you are writing this book. Don’t give it up for fear that you won’t have readers. You will. And you will touch their lives with your writing.

Sure you may not be the absolute best writer out there. But who said you needed to be the best?

You do YOUR best and let your book go. Then watch as your readers fall in love with your writing.

Writing = vulnerability. And that can be scary to share with others. The truth is some will like it, some will not. Others won't even finish it. But the rest will adore it.

So to wrap up today's post... You're not writing for everybody. You're writing for your readers. Don't give up. There is a reader for your book. 

(Also, Nadine Brandes is really cool.)

Thanks for spending your Tuesday with me and letting me fangirl ;)

What are you currently writing? 
Tell me about it! I’d love to know :)

~ K.J. Haakenson