The Truth Behind the Book

Hi everyone, 

So, here we are, a month away from the book coming out. The party poppers are on order, there’s champagne to be drinking. It’s definitely the time for celebration, taking the time to step back and enjoy the fruits of all the hard work (sprinkled with a topping of release-day nerves). From the outside looking in, I could be giving the impression that it all came together easily, and that the process of creating a book proposal, writing the actual book, getting a publisher, editing the numerous drafts and then publicising the release is no biggie. 

But here’s the truth. Some days were genuinely great. Like the day Elizabeth telephoned me to say that DK wanted to offer me a contract. Like the days when I could write two thousand words and words simply flowed. Like the days when fresh ideas, angles and inspiration came to me like a gift. 

 But other days were not so great. Some days I sat at my laptop and wrote ten words. There was the day I realised I had accidentally deleted all my (painstakingly detailed) references. This is an actual text message conversation with my husband from that day.

There were days where I questioned why I was doing this, did I actually have anything to say worth reading and would anyone even read this. Full existential crisis. There were the early starts, late nights, days spent in my dressing gown surrounded by bits of paper. Trying to fit in my actual job, being with family, dealing with the loss, let alone the regular stuff of life like doing the washing and ironing.

And that’s the full truth. Any worthwhile endeavour, whether that’s a creative project, a degree, raising a family, has huge highs and large lows. And, I know you know this, for yourself, at least. But sometimes we look on at other people’s lives and see the highlight reels and successes. We don’t see the days where we question what we are doing or whether it’s worth it.

In this week’s podcast, we take this conversation around the writing of the book even deeper. 

It’s made even better because Laura joins me, and asks me all the questions that you wanted to have answered, to really lift the lid on the book writing process, what I’m feeling, the moments of philosophical meltdown, self-sabotaging behaviours, our favourite bits of the book, and what I really want for you as the reader. 

So, if you’re questioning what the point is, or whether you have what it takes, now is a good time to come back to purpose.

In the harder moments, purpose doesn’t always feel loud or certain. Sometimes it’s quiet - a whisper that keeps you moving when you can’t quite see the finish line. It’s found in showing up, again and again, even when it’s so flipping hard, inconvenient and uncomfortable. And if that’s where you are right now - keeping on showing up even when you’re unsure - then you’re already doing the brave work. You’re already in it.

So take a moment, remember why you began, and keep going. The champagne moment will come. And when it does, it’ll mean all the more because of the journey that brought you there.

With love,

Hannah x

P.S. If you’d like to explore this concept of purpose a little more, or you know someone who could really benefit from a pep talk that actually includes practical strategies that work - then please pre-order the book! Out on 4th December - so soon now! 

“Wisdom and GPS all at once. This book helps you uncover what gives your life meaning and gives you the tools you need to live in step with it. I wish I could have had a copy on my shelf across my whole career as a psychologist."

Pippa Grange, performance psychologist and author